X marks the spot in Niigata
Something told Rose to head toward Niigata because that’s where the two lines crossed.
Hi! If you are new here, my name is Cyber Bunny. I am a social media content creator and private tour guide based in Tokyo. I give travelers overseas assistance in their trip planning. My accounts will show you all the cool things Japanese has to offer from hotels to food to lifestyle to cultural practices in Japan.
Rose is my past tour guest in September 2024. Please check out the previous article where we spent a day in Asakusa together. This article explains where she she stayed at in Niigata.
People from Texas love the road trip and the open roads, so Rose rented a car and drove to Niigata prefecture from her quaint charming rental house in Ibaraki prefecture.
Typhoon cancelled her yacht tour in Okayama
Rose was bummed that she couldn’t make a trip to southern Japan this time around. Although nothing serious happened that weekend, everyone was prepared for a big disaster after the massive earthquake that happened a few weeks before. The cancellation was no surprise as Rose would’ve headed toward danger. She was safe in the northern part of Japan.
I think she is quite adventurous for it being her first time in Japan. Navigating across the country without any knowledge of the language and relying on the pocket translator that worked when it wanted to haha. Most people would stick around Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka for their first trip.
I loved Roses’s positive free roaming spirit. She is a strong woman who can handle her own.
Hotel
A day before heading to Niigata, Rose found an accommodation she wanted to stay at that had all her spa needs.
I booked it for her and made a few calls to reserve a private 45-minute session at the onsen where she had the whole place to herself for one night.
Yumotoya Ryokan Niigata
Nestled near the mountains in Niigata, Rose enjoyed her stay here. This place had parking and free rental yukata.
Rose stayed at the "Japanese Style Standard Room" with a Mountain View. The booking was last minute, so we snagged the last room that weekend!
I’m assuming this is her first time sleeping on a futon.
Meals
She stayed for two nights and breakfast and dinner were included on both days. I’m very happy to hear that she tried everything and loved it.
Rose would only eat hot foods back in the U.S. She decided to give cold foods a try and loved it!
She even told me sushi from the supermarket was delicious! The local in me is screaming because I do not trust supermarket sushi haha!
The portion size looks just right. Niigata has the best fresh produce and meat. It is known for their fresh snowy water.
She chopped this big juicy melon in half with her Santoku knife she got in Kappabashi, Asakusa.
Kasugayama Shrine
Kenshin Uesugi, the strongest warlord of the samurai army during the Sengoku period was enshrined here. Built in 1901.
His relics and materials are displayed in the shrine. He was treated as if many thought he was the reincarnation of Bishamonten, one of the four heavenly kings of Buddhism.
It is said that visitors come here to “toughen up” to survive what life throws at you.
Opening hours: 9:30～16:30
Address: 1743 Daizu, Joetsu, Niigata (40 minutes from Kasugayama Station)
Admission: Adults 200 yen & Elementary/Middle School Students: 100 yen
Kenshin is also referred to as "The Dragon of Echigo" (越後の龍) because of his Kakarimidareryuu (懸かり亂れ龍) ensign displayed on the battlefield. (Wikipedia)
At the top of Mt. Kasuga to look over the city of Joetsu.
Many say it's an easy hike that passes through the important castle ruins.
Rinsenji Temple is where Kenshin studied and trained in military arts.
I’m glad everything worked out in the end! Sometimes, you can plan all you want, but it’s best to let nature take you for a ride.
