Day Trip from Nagoya to Niigata
Nagoya - Niigata - Shibata - Nagaoka - Ojiya - Niigata
* Morning in Nagoya and transfer to Nagoya Airport 08:00~09:00
After freshening up and reviewing the first day's itinerary, I take an additional 2-3 hours of rest before starting the day. It's a rainy morning in Nagoya. Guests staying on the Espacio Floor receive special benefits.
The hotel is connected to a separate building, resembling a ryokan annex with an open-air bath. It takes about 4-5 minutes to navigate through maze-like corridors and stairs that are sheltered but slippery due to the rain. Guests must wear the provided activity wear and high-heeled slippers resembling Crocs from the room. Using the room key, I pass through three security zones to reach the spa, sauna, and fitness area on the 3rd floor. The 4th floor seems to have an indoor pool, and massages on the 2nd floor are available for an additional fee.
Everything is equipped with top-notch facilities. The hinoki aroma in the sauna is particularly refreshing. Although the sauna opens at 7 AM, the gym is accessible 24/7. After light exercise and a spa session, I feel rejuvenated.
At 7:30 AM, I check out and have breakfast. I order Hida beef oden and omelet rice, and enjoy unagi fried rice as well. Then, I head to Nagoya Station and take the limousine bus to Nagoya Airport. Note that IC cards are not accepted; payment must be made in cash or contactless.
I get off at Toyoyama Town Hall, one stop before the airport, to collect a manhole card. Nagoya Airport, also known as Komaki Airport, is actually located in Toyoyama Town. Military aircraft from the Self-Defense Forces frequently fly overhead.
* Exploring Nagoya Airport and transfer to Niigata Airport 09:00~11:00
Nagoya Airport is primarily used by FDA as a hub. Without a proper apron, passengers board the aircraft directly from the tarmac after ticketing. Mobile boarding passes are not available, so tickets must be printed at a machine. There are over 10 types of aircraft in operation.
I prepare my own in-flight meal with a chiffon cream cake from Rokkatei purchased the previous day and a carrot juice from the hotel minibar. From the observation deck, I enjoy a front-row view of the Self-Defense Forces' air show, featuring helicopters and fighter jets. Despite being a military zone, Japan is welcoming to aviation enthusiasts.
After a 40-minute flight, I land at Niigata Airport. At 11:15 AM, I take a direct bus to Niigata Station for 470 yen. Both direct and local buses alternate, and Suica cards are accepted. Japan's payment systems are straightforward and efficient.
Using Eki-Net, I book Shinkansen tickets as e-tickets. For destinations not supported by e-tickets, I exchange for paper tickets. I also exchange tickets for today's and tomorrow's limited express unreserved seats at a machine. Coin lockers are all occupied.
With about 7 minutes to spare, I take a bus to the hotel for the second day, drop off my luggage, and check in. Upon returning, I only need to collect the key. At Kaninsama Hotel, they don't even ask for a passport and quickly assign me a room on the top floor.
* Check-in at Niigata Hotel 11:00~12:00
With a Starbucks in hand, I head to Shibata Station. Six years ago, I briefly explored the area around the station during a trip to Yamagata. This time, I revisit to collect manhole cards and see Shibata Castle. Within 45 minutes, I manage to collect two cards and capture photos of the castle's keep and Ninomaru.
I then take the Inaho train and transfer to the Shinkansen to Nagaoka. During the 7-minute transfer window, I grab an ekiben and Niigata Classic beer, swiftly moving between the local and Shinkansen platforms. Successfully securing an unreserved seat, I enjoy a feast of sea urchin, crab, shrimp, vinegared mackerel, salmon roe, and sake.
Niigata Classic beer, a Sapporo Brewery limited edition, is available here. It tastes similar to Sapporo Classic but with a softer and fresher flavor. I enjoy it thoroughly. I arrive in Nagaoka around 3 PM.
* Shibata Castle Tour 12:00~14:00
I quickly collect three manhole cards and adjust my schedule ahead of time. I then head to Ojiya City by bus and JR train. Known as one of Japan's top three koi cities, the entire town is adorned with koi motifs. Even the Pokémon manholes feature koi designs.
I collect two manhole cards and skip the paid koi exhibit, opting to see the free koi instead. Japan reveals its charm the more you explore. By saving over an hour, I return to Niigata earlier than planned and visit the Toki Messe Tower for a free night view.
* Nagaoka and Ojiya Sightseeing 14:00~18:00
Below the tower, a free illumination display along the river rivals Nabana no Sato. It's a beautiful night. I also participate in an afternoon tea for two, which includes pasta and roast beef as main dishes during the dinner high tea session.
To avoid wasting food, I request only one serving of the main dish and dessert parfait. This is my way of showing gratitude for accommodating a single reservation and practicing environmental consciousness. The food is delicious, and I add a luxurious Hotel Nama dessert. Hotel Nama is incredibly smooth, as if refined ten times over.
* Niigata Night View and Afternoon Tea 18:00~22:00
I discover an Aeon Style store in the city center, with an Aeon supermarket in the basement. Here, I find Sapporo Classic and Orion Brewery's 75th-anniversary limited edition beer from Okinawa. It's becoming easier to find regional specialties across Japan.
I collect my key and return to my room. Compared to Niigata Classic, Sapporo Classic has a richer flavor, while Orion Beer offers a subtle and deep taste, making it my favorite among the three. All are excellent beers. This concludes the second day. Thank you.
* Niigata Hotel Rest 22:00~06:00