The two quiet cities meet more than just the eye
Accessed within two hours by bullet train from Tokyo station, Niigata Prefecture's Tsubame and Sanjo cities are famous for their metalworking, commanded by the region's dedicated artisans.
The industry's beginnings can be traced back to a time of the Edo period (1603-1867), when Wakugi (a Japanese-style nail) was first produced by its pioneering craftsmen. Fast forward to today, Tsubame-Sanjo continues to manufacture metal crafts of sorts, infusing traditional techinques such as using cutting tools under hot fires in hopes of keeping its origins of metalworking alive.
We witnessed some of the labour-intensive processes behind crafted items, tour through factories and revel in Japan's natural bounty during our stay.
Photo: Source
Luxuriate in various onsens
No trip to Japan will be complete if you have not visited their famous onsens.
Hidden among lush trees along a crystal-clear stream in the mountains, the Rankeisou Inn beckons you to their luxurious sodium mineral spring baths that overlook the Ikarashi River and Cape Yagi. The inn offers two kinds of private open-air onsen (hot springs). The first kind, called “ishi-yu”, is constructed out of stones collected from the Igarashi River. The second kind, the 130cm-deep “fuka-yu”, is an unusual style of hot spring in which you bathe standing up. Offered as a set with a sake called “roten de ippai”, you can enjoy the view of the mountain streams while relaxing with a drink in the open-air hot spring.
Another onsen to check out is at Minoya that located right in front of the sacred Yahiko shrine. The 300-year old Japanese-style inn offers outdoor baths on the top floor, where you can observe Mt. Yahiko in all of its glory. Plus the water of its bath is said to leave your skin beautiful and smooth.
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