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
Visit Yahiko Shrine
You’ll be alerted by a twinkle of gold on approach to Yahiko Shrine, which stands at the foot of the sacred Mt. Yahiko. Legend has said that the shrine was erected with the enshrinement of the god Ameno-Kaguyama-no-Mikoto who imparted life skills such as fishing, rice cultivation, salt production and other farming activities. The shrine is visited by many in hopes of getting their wishes granted. Nearby attractions worthy to check out are the Tama-no-Hashi Bridge – a 30m scared bridge of the Gods, Hi-no-Tama Ishi – a prayer spot where you lift the rock while making a wish, and Gojinbyo – a shrine at the top of Mt.Yahiko that has jointly enshrined Amanokaguyama-no-mikoto and the goddess Umashihoyahime-no-mikoto to provide good luck in love and matchmaking.
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