Company Trip in Niigata
Cyber Bunny takes 7 employees from Tsugami America for a wild adventure of a lifetime in Niigata!
I usually guide tours in Tokyo area, so this was the first time touring out of prefecture. This has literally been a breathe of fresh air for me! I got to see, eat, do things that I normally wouldn’t do. Also, it was my first time in Niigata, so I was just happy for that alone.
Check out the vlog on Youtube here (coming soon).
Sake Tasting at Tamagawa Brewery
Kiyotsu Gorge
The Best Soba and Tempura for Lunch
Yahiko Shrine
Who is Tsugami America?
Check their official website here
Their main headquarters is located in Nagaoka, Niigata. Tsugami America is the North American branch and there are several branches worldwide. Every June, there is a conference in Nagaoka where employees and representatives around the world come together.
The day after their conference, they spent their “free day” with me!
Sake Tasting at Tamagawa Sake Brewery| 玉川酒造 越後ゆきくら館
You can get your hands on the highest quality sake brewed using 100% Yamada Nishiki from Niigata prefecture. With numerous awards, this small brewery is well known nationally.
“It is a sake brewery with a history of 340 years. The sake made with the traditional secret technique of the brewer and the melted snow water that springs from the middle of the back mountain is exceptionally delicious.” (Official website)
(left) is easier to drink, it tastes like fancy snow. (right) has Jumai daiginjo. It has more sake flavor. Good for the heavy drinkers.
We booked a free 30-minute tour of the sake brewery, and they let us sample 10 types of sake. (Yes, sample as much as you can handle!)
I bought these two bottles for my family back home. They are not sold in Tokyo. My uncle loves sake and his face lit up when he saw this (right bottle). It is a rare item.
“Unwritten Rule #47: Never pour your own drink for the first round!”
Btw, just noticed we are all matching in pink :) How did Mike get the memo??
I’m glad we started off with the sake tasting because the group got “fun.”
Best Soba and Tempura Ever
The portions were generous, even some of these North Americans couldn’t finish it all.
You can’t beat the prices, portions and quality in the country side. This is one of the best meals I’ve had in my life!
The meal was only 1500 yen?? ($10 usd). I ordered their first round of draft beers just because. My treat! :)
My favorite Japanese food is soba and tempura, so this was a dream come true!
Kiyotsu Gorge| 清津峡
I can’t believe I manifested this…
A year ago, I had an opportunity to promote a hotel in Sado Island which is a small island off the coast, and I wanted to stop by Kiyotsu Gorge. However, the deal fell through so I gave up on Kiyotsu Gorge. Now, I can't believe I am here! Patience is key I guess, timing is everything.
Took some epic shots
PRO TIP: Head to the last platform first if you’re in a hurry… it’s the best one! It’s a very far walk, so wear comfortable walking shoes you don’t mind getting wet. I came prepared.
That’s a bathroom… which Josh used.
It was clean of course.
Tickets can be bought at the entrance. 1000 yen per person. Cash at the window. Credit card at the machine.
If you’re coming at a busy time of the year (check website), you will have to reserve online.
It was a super cool experience and worth the trip! You can get plenty of cool pics.
Yahiko Shrine| 彌彦神社
One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Echigo, known for its blessings of marriage.
Generally, you bow x2, clap x2, bow x1 when praying at a shrine.
For Yahiko Shrine, it’s different: bow x2, clap x 4, and bow x1
How lucky are we to cross paths with this!
This large grass ring “chinowa kuguri” 茅の輪くぐり, is placed at the end of June and December. In the final days of June, it is said to dispel any bad luck that’s following you and bring good luck for the rest of the year.
How to do:
Pass through the circle three times in a Figure 8. First left, then right, then left and straight.
Keep this in mind as you pass through: The first time is for dispelling any evil, the second for purification, the third for protection and the last time for happiness.
The gang explored around the grounds awed in its beauty. Thousands of locals from all over Japan come to visit this shrine during the New Year. We stopped by as the office was closing, but it was nice and peaceful that we had the whole place to ourselves, just before sunset. It was magical.
There was so much good energy and everyone had a giggly time during the road trip. Much like a summer fun camp… but for adults! and the bunny was their camp leader LOL.
Thank you to Tsugami America for booking Cyber Bunny Tours! What an unforgettable trip!
For my complete Google Maps list of recommended spots during my stay there: Cyber Bunny Niigata Guide List
