Joetsu Region Guide

BMX track - Next to Kanaya San (mountain) this national BMX track is open in good weather during the summers. Bike and equipment rental is 200 yen for 1 hour.

Kanaya San - The mountain itself is a popular spot for BBQ’s, families and sports during the summer. It has a toboggan run and chairlift giving good views over the city. It is also a good spot to see hotaru (fire flies) during the summer. There is also a ski museum dedicated to Major Lerch (that’s a real name) who introduced skiing to Japan The mountain (well, to be honest it’s more of a hill) is a 5-minute drive North of the station and is quite visible from most of Joetsu.

J-max cinema - Near Jusco this multiplex cinema has the latest movies both dubbed and with sub-titles (make sure you go to the right one).

Ice Skating - Only available in winter this can be done at the Region Plaza, which is near Jusco, close to the river. It’s 800 yen for adults.

Public Bath - The new sento located next to Jusco is 600 yen and has a variety of different baths (with mineral, electricity etc) a steam room and a ‘stadium sauna’. The towel set is an extra 200 yen.

Aquarium - In Naoetsu by the sea, this has all the usual suspects and a good dolphin show. It costs 900 yen and is open from 9 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Swimming - In the Region Plaza this pool has slides, zoom and a deep diving pool where you can swim down into a little pocket of air. Very cool. Adults are 400 yen. It’s open 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. - 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and national holidays. Admission is 400 yen for adults.

Cheamy - On Joetsu Odori this place has internet, video games, print club and pool tables.

Naoetsu Peace Park - Not far from Jusco this peace park used to be an Australian Prisoner of War Camp and contains a memorial to the 63 Australians who died during their internment. Although small, the museum comprehensively documents the efforts made by the Japan-Australia society to establish the park ad the problems they encountered. A quiet and thought-provoking place, it is well worth a visit. The Japanese caretaker of the small museum will be happy to provide you with an English video explaining the site’s history. The park sits on the same side of the river as Naoetsu Port just under the rail line where the Sekikawa and Hokuragawa rivers converge.

Shopping:

Joetsu Odori (the main shopping street running parallel to the rail lines) has a variety of shops selling a range of traditional and modern Japanese products. Jusco has a dedicated omiyage shop (next to Mr Donuts) where a variety of traditional and not-so traditional presents can be bought and gift-wrapped.

Restaurants:

Tommyzushi - The best (and most expensive) sushi in Joetsu. The lunch menus are the best value. To get there take a right from Takada station onto Nakamachi and its on your left about 50 metres into the street.

Kappa Sushi - Infamous chain sushi store with all plates at 100 yen. Good options include the ebiten (fried shrimp) and tonkatsu (battered pork) sushi. It’s on Joetsu Odori next to the KFC, close to the Shimin Plaza

Butchers – Who’s have thought it? A killer steak restaurant in the middle of Joetsu. They have good steak sandwiches and the Nikuyama or ‘beef mountain’ is good value at 1666 yen. Again it’s on Joetsu Odori, the other side of the road to Kappa sushi and a little closer to Joetsu.

Funaei - A great and lively izakaya with friendly staff. The imosteaki is (basically a large block of mashed potato covered in cheese) is good. It’s at the beginning of Nakamachi on your right in the same building as PTA.

Komatchi - A cheap udon self-service restaurant with prices starting at about 200 yen. It’s near Jusco across the road from Cannery Row.

Wara Wara - A new and funky izakaya with a good chilled atmosphere. There’s often a 10 or 15 minute wait in the evenings. It’s on Honcho street opposite Shirokiya (they all have massive red signs). Wara wara is on the bottom floor.

Oasis - On the 6th floor of a department store on the corner of Honcho this cheap restaurant has a good range of Japanese food with nice views across Joetsu.

Cultural Events:

The Takada and Naoetsu areas of Joetsu City have separate summer festivals over a number of days at the end of July. Events include fireworks in Takada on 23rd July, and traditional dancing in yukata (lightweight cotton kimono) in Takada on 25th July and in Naoetsu on 28th July. There are parades in both areas on 26th July and a firework display in Naoetsu.

Hidden Jewels:

Every Spring the Cherry Blossoms in Takada Park attract people from all over Japan. The actual time that the blossoms appear varies from year to year but they usually bloom around the 7th - 10th of April. The week surrounding the Cherry blossoms sees a variety of stalls and hanami (or ‘Cherry Blossom Viewing’) parties. Check out the attractions section of this website to find out when the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party will be held.

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Municipality: Yoshikawa Author: Simon Widdowson

Yoshikawa is a peaceful little town of about 5,000 people. It lies between Kashiwazaki and Joetsu at the foot of Mt. Yoneyama. Legend has it that during a fierce storm the god of Mt. Yoneyama plucked a great rice laden ship from the Sea of Japan to safety. Lots of rice fell from the ship onto the surrounding land hence the fact that Yoshikawa is a sprawling mass of verdant rice fields. You never know I guess!

Things to do and see:

Hiking- There are two mountains in Yoshikawa, Yoneyama (just under 1000m) and Okami dake (just under 800m). Yoneyama is well worth hiking up, there's a shrine and a mountain hut at the peak, which is nearly empty and a funny place to spend a spooky night with some friends! You can drive nearly all the way to the top of Okami dake and on your way you'll find a paragliding school. It's 6,000 yen for a ten minute tandem flight, they also offer full training (025) 547-2066. (Japanese only but I'll be happy to arrange it for you).

Onsen- There are three onsens in Yoshikawa. The best is Yutarinosato, if you turn off Route 8 onto the 30 towards Arai it's on the right hand side opposite the first 7-11 you see. There is also Marutaki onsen and Okami onsen up in the mountains.

Rice Museum- You can learn all you wanted to ever know about rice at the Rice and Sake Museum opposite Yutarinosato onsen. (very tasty ice cream sold here)

Shopping:

The only shop other than convenience stores to be found in Yosh is at Yutarinosato where you can buy the usual omiyage.

Restaurants:

Same applies for restaurants too. Yutarinosato has a good Japanese restaurant, sansai soba is a particularly cheeky little number (good ice cream here too). There is also a van that drives around town selling ramen on Wednesdays.... if you happen to be in town on a Wednesday and hankering for a spot of ramen that is.

Cultural Events:

Yutarinosato Sake Festival- Usually on the first weekend of August, free sake tasting and local dancing.

Hidden Jewels:

It's got to be the Wednesday night ramen van!

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Municipality: Oshima Author: Brooke Mitchell

Things to do and see:

If you are up for a beautiful weekend in the mountains this is the place to go. Shobu Kogen (the highest point in Oshima, take 253 to 13, there are signs in Romanji) is especially beautiful in the summer with a cute bell house and superb view. You can picnic and camp there...and of course there's always mountain biking if you are up for a challenge. There is also the Niibori Guitar school here...a cute little red roof school with a clock tower off 253 where you can take lessons and supposedly build a guitar. The mascot of Oshima is the lightening bug, hotaru in Japanese, is celebrated in Oshima and many locations are named and/or decorated with pictures of them including "Hotaru Road" and "Hotaru Park" to which you get to by crossing the very quaint covered bridge "Hotaru Bashi."

If you can read Japanese you can pick up a color flier with a map of Oshima at the Hoku Hoku Oshima station by taking the Hokuhoku line or driving to it on road 13. The fare from Naoetsu station is 530yen and it takes just a little over 20minutes. Within close driving (or possibly biking distance from the station are 2 onsens, Asahi-so and Yuami. Asahi-so is very small and friendly with only 2 baths and view of the mountains while Yuami is larger with a big wooden dinosaur sculpture and ice cream shop. Both are located on road 253.

Shopping:

Ao Zora Ichiba is known for its unique country omiyage. You might find anything from snakes in bottles of sake (supposed to make the drinker powerful, but rumored to be smelly), yamagasas (those little umbrella straw hats), snow shoes, bags of tea of all sorts including sobacha, preserved and fresh veggies such as really yummy shiitake depending on season. It is also a restaurant with ramen, udon, onigiri and such. The store is located on road 253.

Tokoroten sells that jellied seaweed and can be found on road 13 just a little before the JHS.

Restaurants:

Tokutto is the main restaurant in Oshima that you can just walk into and order italian or ramen or donburi dishes...table or tatami, located on road 253.

Cafe Cloud is located at the station and is supposed to have some cookies and sandwiches and coffee but the hours are short as it is closed by 5pm.

Ao Zora Ichiba (see Shopping).

Cultural Events:

Natsu Matsuri is a fun event with vendors, dancers, sports events, bingo and a raffle. Last weekend of July.

Around the same time the Oshima Continue Arts Project is underway where university students from Tokyo come and do installation pieces in an old house and school, paint portraits and give art lessons in both adult and kids classes. It's super cheap to do and you can try your hand at watercolor, oil or acrylic paints. Information and classes can be found at the arts center on 253 just beside the huge sports center and the supermarket. Ongoing during August.

Yuki Matsuri offers fireworks, traditional music and dancers, hot food vendors huge snow sculptures, candle lit roads, and most fun of all kamakura (snow houses) where you can sit with friends and enjoy udon and conversation. Yasazuka's festival is held on the same day so you can taking a driving tour of both very easily. Last weekend of February.

Hotaru Matsuri is mainly a concert on June 25.

Hidden Jewels:

While there are many shrines throughout the mountains here, there is one amazing one in particular. It can be found by driving on 253 towards Matsudai and then turning left onto 13. When you see a blue sign before a crossroad that says you will go to Oguni if you keep going straight, turn right. Park in the parking lot beside a small white restroom building and a drink machine. Go down the ramp or stairs nearby. There you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of huge pines, a stream, a waterfall and a semi-cave full of carved stones in a semicircle around a shrine with many colorful origami cranes.

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Municipality: Ogata Author: Jehanne Burns

Things to do and see:

Set in the picturesque landscape of Niigata-ken one can enjoy the many wonders that are Ogata! Visit the famous “Unohama” onsen with a sunset ocean view. To get there just follow the arch off of route 8. Also take in seasonal camping by the beach and romp in the fun but dangerous (maybe that’s why its fun) “Challenge” park. Just follow the signs!

Shopping:

The required purchase from a visit to Ogata is Niigata’s famous sake. It’s available everywhere! And you can also enjoy shopping the vast selection of goods available at the brand-new NARUS! Just look for it on route 8.

Restaurants:

There are a few hidden treasures here I am sure, unfortunately I am not much of a treasure hunter. However, if you follow route 8 there are several restaurants that may attract your attention from Italian to traditional Japanese.

Cultural Events:

Enjoy all the fun and sun that Japanese festivals offer at the “Kappa” (Japanese sea monster) festival held the first weekend in June. It includes all regular Japanese festivities such as food stands, concerts, taiko drumming, and fireworks. But the highlight of this festival is watching adults dressed in Kappa costumes. Come and enjoy! Just follow the signs to the beach.

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Municipality: Sanwa Author: Heather Jolly

Things to do and see:

My Paradise- Sake Museum and shop selling great local produce and omiyage. Ramen shop. Onsen with great view over the countryside.

Shopping:

Can buy sanwa rice and the famous Sechubai sake (green bottle with cherry blossom, comes in a red box) which is from Sanwa.

Restaurants:

Ramen restaurant with brilliant view over the countryside. Under 1000yen for a bowl. Easy to find, part of the 'My Paradise' complex.

Hidden Jewels:

Great onsen which is part of the Naturelling Hotel but open to everyone. You can sit in a bath overlooking the countryside as its high in the mountains. Great place for watching a sunset. Also has a sauna.

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Municipality: Yasuzuka Author: Melanie Robinson

This area of Joetsu City, formally known as Yasuzuka-machi, has a population of around 3500 people. It is on the far southeastern edge of Joetsu city. Its mascot is a sickeningly cute fiberglass snowman, which is everywhere you go.

Things to do and see:

Cupid Valley

This is the only real reason to make a trip to the town. It's smaller and quieter than many of the resorts in Myoko and the Muikamachi area, but it still offers a number of different lifts and runs. Its quietness means that you rarely have to wait to get on the gondola which will take you to the top of the longest 4km run in comfort. They also have a half pipe and some jumps.

A full day pass is 3800yen, from 8:00-17:00. Half-day passes are available. Night skiing is also available from 16:30-21:00, it's 1800 yen but only the smallest lift is open. You can hire a full set of gear for a reasonable price, including the downright dangerous snow scooters!

The resort offers cheap season passes. They are particularly cheap if you are a couple (hence the name Cupid Valley). Be warned this means that the place is full of cute and cool snowboarding couples!! A couple's season pass is 40,000 yen before the season starts. Individual and group passes are available. Enquire before the season starts for details. Rental passes are available for 10,000 yen per person.

To get there by car: take the 253 which is the road which runs between Joetsu and Tokamachi. Turn off onto the 405. It is signposted as Yasuzuka and Yukidaruma Kogen. Follow the signs and the snowmen to Cupid Valley.

To get there without a car, take the Hokuhoku line to Mushigawaoosugi station, then the free shuttle bus to the slopes.

If you can read Japanese, check out http://www.yukidaruma.or.jp for more details.

Yuki Daruma Onsen

Just next to Cupid Valley, soak away the aches and pains of the day's snowboarding with a slightly noxious smelling onsen. The outdoor part has nice views over the ski resort and the restaurant is better than your average onsen fare, with a specials menu.

Other

Outside of the skiing season it is possible to climb the various mountains in the area. In the warmer months it is a beautiful area, well worth a drive and a picnic.

Restaurants:

There are a couple of ramen shops in the town, and the restaurants at the onsen and Cupid Valley. In addition, on route 253 on the way to Yasuzuka from central Joetsu (in Uragawara ku) there is a steak house called, originally enough called, ステーキハウス (suteeki hausu), which gets good reports. Look out for the large yellow sign.

Cultural Events:

There is a snow festival in late February. This is on a relatively small scale due to the town's size, but definitely an enjoyable way to spend and evening. The main attraction is the '

Candle Road

', where the town's main roads are lit by candles in lamps made of snow. Each area of the town makes sculptures and has food stalls. The evening is rounded off by fireworks at Cupid Valley. It is better to go by car, however there is a tour bus that will take you round. You need to book this in advance. See the promotional posters (look out for that snowman!) for maps and details.

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Municipality: Kubiki Author: Maria Trujillo

Things to do and see:

As of January 2005 Kubiki-mura has become part of the new mega Joetsu City. Kubiki is a small village where 85% of it's total land is flat and mainly used for rice farming. Therefore, there is very little to see or do. However, there are a few hidden treasures here and there and since there is already a guide on Joetsu I will make my best effort to let you all know about Kubiki.

Utopia Kubiki: Also known as the Kibokan (the name means "hall of hope") by the locals. The Kibokan is basically Kubiki's community center and a very nice one at that. It has an array of facilities inside the main building, including a very nice performance space, a library with computers equipped with internet access, a cooking room, and various other multi-purpose rooms. Adjacent to the main building is a beautiful Japanese garden, baseball diamond, athletic field, tennis courts and swimming pool. The Kibokan offers a wide-range of classes to the community including dance, craftwork, cooking and even yoga (every other Wednesday night).

B&G: Across the street from Utopia Kubiki is the B&G. B&G serves as Kubiki's sports facility. It has a weight room and cardio room for working out. It also has various other areas for playing your favorite in-door sport.

Ooike Ikoi-no-Mori: Rough translation of this place is "Big Pond Relaxation Forest". This is the nature area for Kubiki and has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in all of Niigata. So, obviously it is a pretty nice place to go hang out. The area has many walking trails, 4 big campgrounds, facilities for bird watching, canoeing and a challenging ropes course. The Japan Natural Education and Training Center is also located here, which is an environmental preservation project. All in all it is a great place to get away from the city and spend some time amongst nature.

Sakaguchi Memorial Hall: This is a museum dedicated to the late Dr. Kinichiro Sakaguchi who was an authority on applied microbiology. The hall also showcases the work of local sake brewers and explains the process of sake making.

Shopping:

As for shopping there is not a lot going on. There are a few small supermarkets in the area and other random stores but nothing to write home about. However, there are a few things that Kubiki is known for and are great as omiyage or to try yourself. These specialties include pressed sushi in the traditional Kubiki style, Kubiki mochi (rice cakes) and miso (soy paste). You of course should also get your hands on some tasty Kubiki rice. You might even get a chance to taste some rice that was specially planted by fellow ALTs.

Restaurants:

There are several restaurants in Kubiki that I have had the chance to visit through various enkais (drinking parties) hosted by the school or village and more that I haven't been to. However, I don't know any of the names and have never gone to any of these places on my own mainly due to my lack of Japanese. I will say, that all the restaurants I have been to were quite good. So, if you are up for exploring and your Japanese is far better than my own - you should definitely go around town and check them out.

Cultural Events:

There are several flower festivals throughout the summer and many other festivals I am sure I don't know about. There is a festival on August 9th each year that presents a performance of bugaku (court dancing and music) at the Hakusan shrine. I went to this event before and had a wonderful time learning the dance steps and meeting people in the village. I highly recommend attending this event.

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Itoigawa City: Oumi area Itoigawa area Nou area

Municipality: Itoigawa Author: Zeshan Sattar

Things to do and see:

Fossa Magna Museum tells you all about the fault line from Itoigawa to Shizuoka. To get there, head south on Route 148 and follow the signs. It is inside Miyama Park, which has tennis courts, a track field, and a baseball field.

Hisui Gorge is one of the places where jade naturally occurs. The gorgeous landscape is perfect if you want to contemplate in peaceful surroundings or take in breathtaking beauty in the company of friends and family. South on Route 148 - follow the signs.

Shopping:

The most well known delicacies are Yama No Homere (Crunchy biscuits) and Hisui Do Fu (A cake sandwiched together with red/green jam).

Jade - This is what this town is famous for, but it is rather expensive.

Restaurants:

Kin Shichi - A soba restaurant which is very reasonably priced. About \1000+ for a (big) set meal. From the station walk straight, heading towards the sea. The restaurant is about half way down the street, on your right.

Naojiro’s - This bar has an English speaking owner, who has a vast range of traditional and seasonal Japanese dishes (\480+). When walking from the station, turn left at the 7-11, it is about 3/4 down the street on the left.

Toku Saiko - The most up-market bar in town. The food is nice, and the drinks menu is extensive. From the station, turn right and follow the path around. It's on your right and it takes 3 minutes to get there.

10-4 Pizza - A pizza and pasta takeaway. It also does deliveries. Located in Yokomachi, opposite Lupin video rental, about a 10minute walk from the teacher's apartment block.

JD Heaven - If you're a fan of cocktails, then you must visit this place. This place has a fantastic range of cocktails and a varied food menu. To get there, walk past Kin Shichi (the above soba restaurant), and it will be on your right. The doorway has a sign that reads "surfer girls only".

Cultural Events:

Kenka Matsuri - The annual fighting festival has two teams trying to destroy each other's mikoshi (portable shrine). The event takes place on the second Sunday in April.

Hidden Jewels:

Dr. Nagano is an English speaking dentist. 025-552-1259. When walking south on Gangi street (aka Arigataya street), turn right at the Daishi Bank, and then take the next left. It's on your right.

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Municipality: Oumi Author: Laura Hawkins

Before Oumi-machi merged with Itoigawa-shi and Nou-machi, Oumi was a small town of less than 10,000. Oumi is snuggly placed between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Oumi is also sometimes spelt Omi.

Things to do and see:

Oyashirasu, Pier Park is where you can marvel at the world's largest statue of a sea turtle. You can also buy some food and enjoy the seaside. Drive south on Route 8, to the Pier Park exit.

Suzawa Beach has great views of mountains and sunsets. The interlocking-brick trail is excellent for running and/or for "long walks on the beach". There is a (very small) skateboard and in-line skating loop, outdoor basketball net, soccer field, and picnic area. Beach campfires are legal (apparently).

Ichibury Beach is the beach most southern, clearest, and safest for swimming. It is south past Pier Park

Shopping:

There is an omiyage sweet shop beside A-coop near the teachers' apartments.

Cultural Events:

Oumi Matsuri is a two-day long firework festival held the first weekend in August. Located at Oumi Beach (Lavender Beach).

Community Taiko Festival is held in early October at Kirara Hall. About 500 people gather to watch local and imported talent of all ages. It's an excellent show and worth a trip down to Omi for.

Take-no-karakai is Oumi's festival where everyone paints their face (police officers included), eats mochi, and pulls apart two bamboo trees that have been nailed together. Near Oumi Station. January 15th.

Sangaku Marathon is a "Steep Mountain Run" with distances of 3, 5, 10, 18 and 30 kilometers. It's held annually on the third Sunday in June. Entrance forms are available from Kirara Hall.

Hidden Jewels:

Fukushi Centre Gym and Public Bath is located in Suzawa on the main road beside the Himekawa River. It is a very small gym, but has good treadmills. Look for the tennis courts on the left as you drive towards the sea.

Sun Dream Oumi Swimming Pool (25 meters) located beside Oumi JHS.

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Myoko City: Myoko area Myoko-kogen area Arai area

Municipality: Myoko-kogen Author: David Bolwell

Things to do and see:

There is Mt Myoko one of Japans 100 famous mountains. In summer and autumn you can climb Myoko. In winter there are 3 Ski resorts, so if you are into boarding or skiing then this is a good place to visit. There are also quite a few onsens around the village.

Shopping:

Err...There are lots of places to buy omiyage if you go up to Akakura.

Restaurants:

Mainly traditional Japanese type restaurants offering sushi, ramen, soba, yakiniku all that kind of stuff. Some of then tend be a little expensive.

Cultural Events:

In summer there is festival where they set the mountain on fire. They burn a large kanji on to the mountain. During this time they close down the roads and there are various stalls and food.

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Municipality: Arai Author: Karmen Hvalec

Arai city lies on the west coast of Japan in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. In other words, a short 10 to 15 minutes drive from Joetsu towards Nagano by Route 18 or from Takada by Route 292.

Historical Arai has a lot to offer with its traditional industries such as rice cultivations and rice wine production, 40,000 citizens, beautiful surroundings and four distinctive seasons. As of April 1st, 2005, Arai has merged with Myoko Highland and Myoko Village under the name of Myoko City.

Things to do and see:

Once the mountains and fields turn white, the life with snow begins. For me, the snow has always represented purity and time for winter sports, such as skiing, cross country, ice-skating and just recently taken up and totally been taken by it, the one and only "SNOWBOARDING". It was Love at first sight!

Arai Mountain & SPA Ski Resort: I recommend the Arai Mountain & SPA Ski Resort located on Mt. Okenashi 大毛無 1.429m, with 5 to 6 meters of snow, white season from December til the end of May, 360 degrees panoramic view, wellness and SPA treatments to rejuvenate your mind and body not to mention the variety of restaurants. The resort was opened in 1993, and the architecture is more like Alpine ski resorts in Europe…worth checking it out!

Yomoshiro Falls よもしろう滝: Spring is also the time for love and here is a great love story that goes with the Yomoshirou falls.
"A long time ago there lived a man by the name of Yomo Shirou and he decided to go and catch a trout for his lover. Unfortunately, he fell into the water and never came back. Out of deep love for the lost lover his companion decided to follow him. The saying goes: If you look well into the falls you can still see the two of them swimming together happily ever after." This place is great to visit from spring to autumn…escape the humidity for a while, go for a short hike, enjoy the scenery, and refresh yourself.

Hida Village 斐太 : Hida village is a great place to admire the very old Hida shrine (established in 807), where once, a long time ago medicine for paralysis was made. You’ll also find a 500 year old, 30 meters high and 5.5 meters wide Zelkova tree, which is considered to be a deity, and used to be the Tree of Arai City (now Myoko). If you feel like exploring more history, you can visit the Museum, which displays earthenware vessels of the Hida ruins and Mangoro Old Tomb, ancient folk art, and farm implements. There are about 400 exhibits in all. At the end of your visit you can relax by the Pond, do some fishing, or have a picnic! Hida village is a good place to visit from spring to autumn.

Miyami no Sato Village 深山の里: In the 1950’s Miyama-no-sato village was a home to more than 50 families, but today it is home to only 3 families. The mineral hot-spring will smooth your skin and take the heat and humidness away. This spa is also known as “The spa of beauty!” Girls, you have to check this one out! Buckwheat soba-noodles can also be ordered for lunch or dinner.
There are many more hot-springs around Arai, all you have to do is drive up here!

Mt. Takatoko 高床山: It’s a vast land of 35ha with campsites, cottages, tennis courts and other sporting facilities. You can enjoy yourself in various ways in this park, which is open from the end of April to mid of November.

Shopping:

Michi no eki 道の駅: There is a very nice gift shop here, where you can get lovely presents, from straw animals (the typical omiyage of Arai made by elderly during winter), sweets, sake (Ayumasamune sake is one of the best sake in the Japan, produced right here in Arai), kanzuri (spice made right here in Arai), keitai straps, postcards etc.

100 Yen Plaza and Swim Land: Come and check out the 100 yen Plaza on the 2nd floor of SUN LIME/DAISO Shopping centre. One of the biggest and nicest 100 yen stores I’ve been to around Japan. In the vicinity you’ll also find a second hand store, Karaoke house, BICNESS gym with swimming pool, rental CD/Video and much more. There is also a Swim Land, all-season swimming pool, located in the centre of Arai.

Open Market "Rokusai-ichi" 六斎市: On the 6th and the 10th of each month local farmers gather in Arai selling fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, wild plants, flowers and much more. It’s a great place to have a chat with local people and to practice some International Communication with Obachan’s and Ojichan’s. This open market is located near the Ichi Shrine, where the God of Success, Business and Happiness is enshrined.

Restaurants:

Michi no eki 道の駅: If you feel like ramen, udon or sushi after a day on the slopes just drive down to Route 18 and stop at Michi-no-eki 道の駅 ….but if you don’t feel like Japanese food you can indulge your taste at the Italian restaurant with oishii pasta. When you drive down from the mountain it will be on your left side…it’s well signed so you can’t miss it. It’s a great place where you can take your family and friends out to dine while visiting.

Cultural Events:

Nagasawa-chaya 長沢茶屋: Well, why don’t you try your skills at making Japanese buckwheat soba-noodles. Having done the noodles you can refresh yourself in the mineral hot spring (i.e. onsen 温泉), which is located on the 2nd floor. Afterwards you can eat the soba you’ve made! How great is that! Come and refresh yourself! It’s a great place to bring you family or friends visiting and let them experience Japan at first hand. The house is open all year round.

Shimotori 霜鳥 The Sumo Wrestler: Shimotori was born in Arai, where he also spent his childhood. He actually went to Arai Junior High School, where Carrie and I teach. During summer he comes back to Arai for about three weeks to escape the humidity of Tokyo and practice. Their practice is open to the public and it’s amazing to see them wrestling just one meter in front of you. The display of power is unimaginable and breathtaking. Make sure to go and see this! Bringing a present, such as a bag of local Koshihikari rice, is most appreciated. Last August, Carrie and I had the opportunity to watch their practice and had the honour to meet Shimotori, living legend, in person.

Summer and Arai Festival: From June until the end of August the nature is covered in the rainbow of green colours. It’s time for summer holidays, frogs begin to croak, singing cicadas will put you to sleep at night……hopefully…sometimes they can be very loud…
If the winter is cold, then the summer time is the very opposite of it…not only the heat, but also the humidity, will make you want to stay indoors and cool yourself with the air conditioner. But there is so much for you to see out there! So, here is what you can do in the summer in Arai…its all about refreshing yourself J Luckily the mountains as well as the sea are just a drive away…it’s time for fireworks and festivals.

Arai Festival 新井祭り: During the Arai Festival, which takes place on the first weekend in August and is one of the biggest events in the summer, man of Arai carry on their shoulders Japan's thickest, longest and biggest straw rope through the city. In the evening people of Arai perform a traditional dance in the streets of Arai and enjoy fireworks displays. Along the streets, where everyone is joined in traditional dance, i.e. Araibayashi 新井ばやし, big barrels of sake are placed so everyone can refresh themselves.

Autumn and Otaya Festival: Autumn is the time of changing leaves, i.e. Koyo 紅葉, rice harvest and great hiking. The mountains around Arai offer many hiking trails, and they are just waiting for you to explore them. The best way to get information about them is the train station.

Otaya Festival おたや祭り: Since the Temple was built in 1685, every year in the beginning of November, Otaya festival is held at Arai Branch Temple, i.e. Arai Betsuin 新井別院, where 100 years old gingko trees stand on the site. Otaya festival is taking place from the 1st of to the 4th of November. Among other things you can enjoy the parade of children walking through the city dressed in traditional Japanese clothes. Totemo kawaii!

At Arai Betsuin Temple the remains of famous painter Ranshai Mori (1740 - 1801) are put to rest. He studied painting in Nagasaki, where he encountered foreign culture and at his prime time he worked for the most powerful feudal lord of the time.

Hidden Jewels:

Spring and "Hanami" 花見: Yes, the snow is gone and the nature has awoken from its deep sleep. The most popular, i.e Ninki ga aru. 人気がある, thing to do in this time of the year is cherry blossom viewing otherwise known as hanami. Surrounded by friends having a party under cherry trees, singing songs and admire beautiful cherry blossoms is one of the biggest events in Japan. Not attending one is considered a faux de pas. So, make sure to go and have the opportunity to admire short life of cherry blossoms!

Kyozukayama Park 経塚山: This park has a breathtaking beauty, not only when 400 cherry trees are in a full bloom, but from spring to autumn the park offers a variety of colours and great recreational area. The view of Arai city from the park is magnificent.

But most of all it’s the people and the community that makes this place so comfortable and enjoyable to live in … and this I think calls for another article.

However, if you need any kind of information or help about anything in or around Arai feel free to contact me karmen.hvalec@guest.arnes.si or Carrie carriesublett@hotmail.com - the Arai girls.

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