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.
Taste possibly the best rice in Japan
The majestic mountains that surround Niigata Prefecture are the reason why its region is said to have the best rice in the country. During winter, exquisite snowfields gather on the mountainous peaks, before turning into snowmelt when the season of renewal arrives. Laden with leaf mold nutrients from fallen leaves, pure snow waters flow downstream and irrigates the rice paddy fields. With optimal climate, the fertile soil of the Echigo Plain, and the pristine melting snow that feeds into the rice paddies, the exquisite flavours of Niigata’s rice can very well be attributed to the entirely natural environment. Referred to as Koshihkari rice, the superior-quality grains, while commonly eaten on its own, are brewed into potent sakes and made into addictive rice crackers.
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