Yahiko Shrine
Echigo Ichinomiya has a history of over 2,400 years. It is said to have originated that Amenokagoyamanomikoto, who was a great-grandson of Amaterasuomikami, was buried in Mt. Yahiko after him cultivated the country of Koshi and people built a shrine there to worship him.
After walking along the approach lined with ancient giant trees, you'll reach the shrine grounds. This is definitely a must-visit spot when touring Niigata!
Niigata “Food” Experiment Restaurant armonia
Step inside for an Italian food experience that celebrates native Niigata ingredients, served in a rustic setting true to the Furomachi streetscape that’s complete with old-Edo look and feel. The restaurant itself sits in a renovated Taisho-era traditional house.
Every dish made with local ingredients was delicious! The carefully chosen tableware and beautiful presentation made the meal a feast for the eyes as well. The overall atmosphere of the dining area was great, so you can enjoy more than just the taste. I definitely want to come back next time I visit Niigata!
Wakkanai Station
Wakkanai Station is the famed, northernmost railway station in Japan, located on the JR Soya Main Line. It sits just a 20-minute drive up from Wakkanai Airport, a 2-minute drive from the ferry terminal, and a 40-minute drive to Cape Soya, Japan's northernmost point. Swing by here for a smattering of different sightseeing delights, a bus terminal just off the front doorstep for routes to get you going, intercity buses to Sapporo, and regular sightseeing buses. For an added perk, check out Roadside Station Wakkanai just next door, the northernmost roadside station in Japan.
The northernmost station in Japan! And the northernmost railway tracks! If you're in Wakkanai, this is definitely a must-visit spot. There's also a roadside station attached, so you can shop for souvenirs and have some fun!
Venus Line
"Venus Line" is a plateau driving course in Nagano Prefecture with a total length of about 76km and an average altitude of 1400m. It is a mountain road that runs through the plateau of Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Park.
This place is a biker's paradise! Absolutely perfect for touring!
Hotel Floracion Nasu
A resort hotel nestled in the lush highlands, Hotel Floracion Nasu exudes elegance with its Northern Italian-inspired exterior, a lobby adorned with luxurious chandeliers, and a courtyard fountain that enhances the sophisticated atmosphere.
I stayed here at the end of the year! It was super cold outside, but the rooms were really comfortable, and the buffet-style meals were delicious!!
JR Tadami Line
The JR Tadami Line runs for 135,2km between Aizuwakamatsu Station in Fukushima and Koide Station in Niigata. It runs through the Tadami River valley in the deep mountains, providing beautiful seasonal scenery from the train windows, including cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.
I stopped by Tadami Station during a motorcycle tour. Since there are only a few trains each day, I couldn't see any trains this time, which was a bit disappointing. The Tadami Line runs through some really remote and rugged areas between Fukushima and Niigata—it's impressive they managed to build a railway here!
Michi-no-Eki Irihirose
The Michi-no-Eki Irihirose (Roadside Station Irihirose), situated along National Route 252 between Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures in the former Irihirose district of Uonuma City, also known as the "Mountain Vegetable Republic."
There's a big pond next to this roadside station, making it a relaxing spot. The sasa dango I bought as a souvenir was delicious too! As expected from Uonuma, Niigata, famous for its rice.
TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)
Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
I took photos of Tokyo Skytree from along the Sumida River during cherry blossom season. The colors change so often that I couldn't stop snapping pictures!
Lake Hibara
Formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai, Lake Hibara is the largest lake in the Urabandai region, with a circumference of about 31 kilometers. A scenic road encircles the lake, making it a popular driving route where visitors can enjoy the area’s changing landscapes throughout the four seasons. Sightseeing boats and motorboats operate on the lake, offering the chance to admire the majestic view of Mount Bandai from the water.
Went on a motorcycle tour around Urabandai during the fresh green season. The beautiful color of Lake Hibara and Mount Bandai in the background made me feel like I was inside a painting!
Nishi Azuma Sky Valley
Located between the northern shore of Lake Hibara in Ura-Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, and the famous hot springs of Shirabu Onsen in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, this approximately 17.8 km tourist road runs through the mountains of Tohoku, surrounded by lush natural beauty, providing a thrilling and scenic driving experience. The autumn foliage along this road is particularly stunning, with a tapestry of red, yellow, and deep green creating picturesque landscapes that unfold beyond the car windows.
This is a comfortable road that crosses the border between Fukushima and Yamagata. On sunny days, the views are fantastic, and you can see Mt. Bandai and the lakes from near the pass!