Stop just going to Tokyo and Osaka! A niche travel guide to Niigata

Friends, today I'm sharing a hidden gem of a travel destination in Japan—Niigata✨. It's the "Snow Country" from Kawabata Yasunari's novel, with stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural customs. It's both off the beaten path and incredibly photogenic, so save this post now! 🏞️Sightseeing Check-in - Kiyotsu Gorge: One of Japan's three great gorges, with cliffs on both sides and the Kiyotsu River flowing through it. The panoramic view from the end of the tunnel is incredibly beautiful for photos, and the winter snowscape is like a fairy tale. Take the express bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station towards Mori-Miyanohara, get off at the Kiyotsu Gorge entrance bus stop (about 25 minutes), and walk for another 30 minutes. Tickets are ¥1000 for adults and ¥400 for children. - Hoshitoge Rice Terraces: Selected as one of the "100 Best Villages in Japan." You might encounter a sea of clouds in the early morning, and the water-filled rice paddies are like mirrors, breathtakingly beautiful! - Yahiko Shrine: Located at the foot of Mount Yahiko, it's quiet and spiritual, famous for its beautiful torii gates and main hall. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Yahiko for a panoramic view. 🍱Food Recommendations - Red snow crab: The red snow crab from the Sea of Japan is of excellent quality, with sweet and tender meat. You can indulge in crab at "Kaniya Yokocho" (Crab Alley) at affordable prices, and pair it with crab soup, scallops, and other snacks. - Seaweed soba: Soba noodles made with seaweed called "funori," served in "hegi" bowls. They have a unique and chewy texture. - Sake: Niigata is an important sake-producing region in Japan. "Ponshukan," inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station, offers over 100 kinds of sake. For ¥500, you get 5 coins to sample different sakes, many of which are limited editions. 🏨Accommodation Options - Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Myoko: Features rooms with cloud-sea terraces and exceptional views. The facilities are comprehensive, and the service is attentive, making it suitable for a relaxing vacation, though the price is on the higher side. - APA Hotel Niigata-Ekimae: The top choice for value. It's a 3-minute walk from the JR station, offers free ski equipment storage, and is conveniently located. 🚗Transportation Guide - From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen, which takes about 2 hours to reach Niigata. You can enjoy the scenery along the way. - For local transportation, you can choose buses or JR lines. If you want to explore more freely, renting a car is also a good option. 🎈Travel Tips 1. Niigata gets a lot of snow in winter, so remember to bring warm clothes and non-slip shoes. 2. Some attractions and activities require advance booking, so it's recommended to plan your itinerary in advance. Everyone, come experience this unique Japanese romance in Niigata💖