Municipality: Kashiwazaki Author: Sophie Smith
Background and History: Kashiwazaki city was founded on July 1st 1940. In November 1968 it absorbed the village of Kurohime from Kariwa District. In 1971, the town of Hojo, also from the Kariwa District, joined Kashiwazaki and in 1989, Kashiwazaki absorbed part of the town of Kakizaki form the Nakakubiki District. Kashiwakzaki’s final expansion occurred in 2005 when the towns of Nishiyama and Takayanagi, also both from the Kariwa District became part of the city. The city currently has a population of roughly 90,000 people Things to do and see: Akasakayama Park - Drifting cherry blossoms in the spring, vibrant maple leaves in the fall... If you are looking for a relaxing stroll around a nicely landscaped, yet not over-manicured park, this is the place for you. Be on the lookout for stepping-stones in the stream to use as crossing points. The park is on the right side of Rt. 8 (heading toward Joetsu). Follow the road until the congested buildings start to thin a bit, then start looking for the park. Aqua Park - Your year-round sports centre! The Aqua Park offers a fun pool with waterslides all year and an enormous lap pool from early spring to late fall. In the winter, the lap pool is magically transformed into a skating rink. Why not take your sweetheart skating or give curling a try? Pool admission for adults is ￥730, ￥370 for kids. Skating is ￥850 for adults and ￥400 for kids. Skate rental fee is ￥300. Budou Mura and Winery - A fascinating little gem of tourism in Kashiwazaki. Come take the tour and learn how wine is made. Kashiwazaki Budou Mura has several varieties of grapes. If you come during grape season, you can participate in the picking. Budou Mura also has a charcoal grilled steak that is to die for. To get there, all you need to do is follow Rt. 252 South and watch for signs for the Budou Mura, which will eventually direct you west. Kashiwazaki Bowling Alley - With several lanes, shoes in gaijin-friendly sizes, and balls both large and small, the Kashiwazaki Bo-ring Alley is good for a night in… or just as the start to a night out on the town. They also have a room with pool tables, seedy though it may be. Coming from the station, take the first right after Ito Yokado. Follow this road straight through a few stoplights (past Yamaya). The bowling alley is on the right hand side on the corner, across from Hokka Hokka Tei. Kashiwazaki Collection Road - This area is packed with little museums dedicated to many subjects. In one afternoon, you can see children's toys, moving musical dolls, very old Western and Japanese dolls, porcelain and other pottery, and artefacts from Kashiwazaki at the time Perry and his black ship came to Japan. To get there, take the Shinetsu line south to the Oumigawa station. There are at least 5 museums within a reasonable walking distance. Kashiwazaki Hakubutsukan - This museum delves into the history of the Kashiwazaki area and of Niigata prefecture. They have exhibits on natural history, featuring things like tree rings and fossils, and also local history with Yayoi-era pottery that was discovered in the area. You can also view photos from 100 years ago to get an idea of life then versus now. You can reach this museum by following the directions for Akasakayama Park. The museum is beside the park, not a part of it. Kimura Tea Museum in Akasakayama Park - For those who appreciate the tea ceremony, this is definitely worth a stop. Nihonkai Fisherman's Cape - If you enjoy seafood, this place is well worth a look. Fresh fish, shrimp and crab abound at the Fisherman's Cape. Stroll past the fish market and choose something for dinner. Some places will even cook it for you. When you've been fed and watered, check the complex for some marvellously creative sea-related omiyage. Or, if choosing your dinner while it is still breathing just isn't your bag, baby, wander up the hill and into the Seagull. The Seagull has all of the fresh seafood you can get from the market, but the work is already done. If you've brought a special someone, don't miss the "lover's leap." Behind the Seagull, young couples take a special lock, write their names on it, and lock it on the fence overlooking the cliffs to cement their bond. To get to the Cape, head down Rt. 8 toward Joetsu. It's a large complex on the right hand side that just screams "summer tourism." You can't miss it. Turkish Culture Village - Have you ever seen a Trojan horse? How about eaten Turkish ice cream? What are you waiting for? Kashiwazaki's Turkish Culture Village is easy to find and well labelled along Rt. 8 (it's on the left if you are headed toward Joetsu). We've been informed that the Culture Village has closed due to financial troubles, but have included it all the same, in case it opens again for business (as we sincerely hope it does!). Yoneyama - Fancy a hike? Yoneyama has a variety of trails suited to hikers of all abilities. Yoneyama was recently graced with the presence of its own JR stop and it has its own exit off of the Hokuriku IC. Shopping:
Kashiwazaki Sasadango - A traditional mochi snack with red bean paste in the center, wrapped up in a nice little sasa leaf package.
Kashiwazaki Fish Biscuits - These actually don't contain any fish. It is just a rice cracker shaped like a fish, which has a sweet soy sauce flavor.
Enma Neko - One half maneki neko and one half Enma, -this suave little kitty will win a place in any heart by attracting wealth and bribing the god of judgment for you. You can pick up this handsome little kitty in one of the many little shops around Fonjie for about ￥1,200.
Meiji Manjuu - This shop directly across from the station can fulfill your omiyage needs to a "tea." Walking away from the station, it is on the right hand side - look for the suit of armor in the window. They have confections of all sizes, shapes and colors, including many delicately shaped tea ceremony sweets.
Sake - Like every other town in Japan, Kashiwazaki has its share of localized wines, beer, and sake. You can pick up a small selection of the wines at Yamaya (below), or choose from what they offer at the Budou Mura (see above). The local beer, though not overly palette-pleasing, is called Echigo Beer and can usually only be found around festival time in Kashiwazaki. As long as we're talking local, try the Kashiwazaki rice, too. It is said to taste so good because the farmers use water from the mountain in their fields rather than municipal water.
Bourbon - Ahh, the scent of freshly baked cookies in the morning air- nothing could make the morning commute more pleasant. Kashiwazaki is home to the snack company Bourbon. Why not examine the wide selection of tasty treats (available in abundance in any local supermarket) and take back some omiyage?
Uniqlo - For all your gaijin-sized needs, Kashiwazaki has a decently large Uniqlo that is nestled in the center of a fairly large shopping plaza, which just happens to be along the main "strip" in the city. Uniqlo is right hand side of Rt. 8 heading toward Niigata & Nagaoka. Coming from the Hokuriku IC, you would make a right onto Rt. 8.
Yamaya - The largest Yamaya in Niigata prefecture is smack dab in the middle of Kashiwazaki. The selection of foreign foods varies from week to week, but things like oversized blocks of cheddar and cans of ￥700 SPAM are usually in stock. They also have all the alcohol you could ever dream of - from Absinthe to Zinfandel. Coming from the station, go straight and pass Ito Yokado on your right and then turn right at the next light. Go straight through an intersection or two until you see the black, white, and red sign for Yamaya. Restaurants:
Funae - A group party spot, though not quite as popular as Rasen (later), is Funae. Funae offers more traditional-style Japanese food and seating and it is prepared to accommodate groups larger than 10-15 people (unlike Rasen). An organized and scheduled enkai there will probably run between ￥3,000-￥4,000 for a two-hour nomihoudai. Outside of partying, there is little draw to this particular restaurant. It is across the street from the Fonjie shopping center; cross and walk up the small side street toward Kashiwazaki High School. Funae has bright yellow signs and is directly across from Kasix, the internet cafe.
Garam Masala - This is the closest thing to a real Indian curry you will find in Kashiwazaki. With a coffee shop-like atmosphere... oops! I forgot to mention it is a coffee shop, too. The atmosphere is good for a lunchtime chat over a hearty meal. There is a vegetarian curry that is wonderful. One word of warning... beware the salad dressing. It is a pungent curry flavor and quite a shock if you are unprepared. At under ￥2,000, you really shouldn't miss it. Coming from the station, go straight at the intersection after the post office and take the next right (there is no traffic light here). You should see an orange display case with plastic food in it on this corner. If you hit Daishi Bank and/or Ito Yokado, you missed your turn; turn around and take the first left that you can. Go straight down this street and there will be parking lots to your left. Garam Masala is a very small restaurant on the right hand side, which you will see before the Eneos gas station.
Gyu Kaku - Sure it's a chain restaurant, but it's still good yaki-niku fun for everyone. Most of the staff consists of student-aged workers and a few of them are even anxious to speak English with you (they also have an English menu). Depending on your tastes (and the number of nama biiru you toss back), the experience can cost you anywhere from about ￥1,500-￥4,000. It's located on Rt. 8, south (toward Joetsu) of the Hokuriku IC intersection.
Rakudaya - Izakaya of choice for most of the Kashiwazaki ALTs, Rakudaya is owned and operated by some supremely friendly folks - Hiro and Yuko. There is always good music going, even on quiet nights. Hiro plays guitar in a rock band and loves anything with a good guitar riff or two - from James Brown to Dave Matthews Band. Occasionally, there will be a live performance by various artists on the weekends; however, these performances are generally only advertised in the restaurant itself. Yuko is amazing in the kitchen and if you were to survey the local ALTs about what to eat here, you would probably end up with a listing of everything on the menu (though this ALT highly recommends the lamb curry). It's a little pricey (there's a sitting fee) and you can probably expect to pay a minimum of ￥2,000, which only increases if you are planning on drinking, too. But, for food and atmosphere this good, it's well worth it. Rakudaya is located half way between Kashiwazaki's Yamaya and the main station street. Look for the yaki-tori place (大吉 - Daikichi) with red lanterns on the corner - Rakudaya is behind it, with red chili peppers in the window.
Rasen - Rasen is the group party place. A lot of the time, when there is a birthday to celebrate or a party to be had, the ALTs can be found at Rasen. They emulate a French atmosphere (as suggested by the French flag on the sign out front), but serve food more of an Italian flavor. The pasta carbonara is to-die-for and there's a super-spicy pizza that may very well kill you - the Japanese generally use it as punishment for losers of games at enkai. If you're partying in a large group where drinking is happening, expect to pay between ￥2,000 and ￥3,000; otherwise, you can easily escape for around ￥1,500. If you follow the directions to get to Yamaya, you will pass Rasen. It is near the Ito Yokado parking lot.
Rojos - A recently discovered source for delicious tacos (that's taco with a c, not tako) is Rojos. It has limited outdoor seating and a very small staff, but the food is excellent when you need that Spanish/Mexican flavor. They make their own salsa and have frozen "margaritas" and "daiquiris" (don't get your hopes too high for these… they are just tequila or rum blended with crushed ice). A taco costs ￥400 and one is a good small lunch, two would be filling. If you don't like octopus, though, beware the tako taco... it does exist! Rojos is on Rt. 352 across from the Sea Youth Raion hostel. Look for the red awning and green patio table and chairs on the sidewalk.
Shokudou Kuishinbou (食堂くいしん坊) - Generally, we ALTs just call this the "cheese gyoza place," but I made a special effort to find out the real name for the purposes of this guide. What? Oh, yes, I said "cheese gyoza." Don't look at me like that. It's actually quite fabulous. This is another smaller restaurant run by some very nice people who, though they don't speak a lick of English, are friendly enough to all gaijin who pass through their doors. In truth, it's a ramen shop, but… come for the ramen, stay for the cheese gyoza. A full order of cheese gyoza is 5 pieces, a half order is 3, and a set comes with rice (or half rice, depending on your appetite), chicken stock soup, and seasonal pickles. It's normal to come away from here spending less than ￥1,000, be it lunch or dinner. Friday and Saturday nights are usually pretty busy, so be prepared to sit at the counter if you are by yourself or with just one other person. The "cheese gyoza place" is located on Rt. 8, south (toward Joetsu) of the Hokuriku IC intersection - the building is on the right hand side (if driving toward Joetsu) across from a kaitenzushi place; it's salmon-pink and hard to miss, but if you see Mister Donuts (also on your right), turn around, because you've missed it!
Sobayoshi - Located almost directly in front of Kashiwazaki train station, Sobayoshi has the best yaki-soba and chaahan around. When you exit the station, you are faced with one of the city's main thoroughfares. Sobayoshi is on the left-hand side as you walk away from the station. There is a flapping banner hanging above its doorway with the name in hiragana. Be wary of going at lunchtime, especially if you are in a hurry. The place is small and usually packed over the regular lunch hour. You can get out of there feeling more than satisfied for under ￥1,000. If you go for the yaki-soba, take a friend. The serving is big enough to share. Cultural Events: Ayakomai Festival - Held in September, the Ayakomai Festival celebrates a traditional folk dance that is over 500 years old. The Ayakomai dance is believed to be one of the original influences of Kabuki. There is a full day's worth of outdoor performances of traditional dances and the usual swath of food and souvenir vendors. There is also a small museum accounting the history of the Ayakomai. To reach the festival grounds, you have to drive quite a distance from the Kashiwazaki City center. From Rt. 8, turn east onto Rt. 353. The drive is mountainous and beautiful, but expect it to take at least 30-45 minutes. You will eventually see banners for the festival and the grounds will be on the right.
Kaze no Jin - Oh, the joys of the first summer festival and junk food-a-thon! Watch the athletically talented (and impeccably balanced) rip up the waves or watch some of the local students (also impeccably balanced!) bust a move on the break dancing floor. You can also tour the flea market, which boasts more Kitty-chan goods than you can shake an otaku at, and peruse the culinary alley. Overall, you can watch your wallet shrink and your waistline grow. This festival is held in mid-late May and starts at the edge of the Sea Youth Raion hostel beach, along Rt. 352. To reach Rt. 352 coming from the station, go straight up the street directly in front of the station until you can't go straight anymore; this T-intersection is with Rt. 352. You can reach the Sea Youth Raion hostel by turning left at this stoplight. Sea Youth will be on the right.
En Ma Ichi - 'Tis the season to bribe En Ma, the god of judgment over the underworld." Should you expire in the next year, he will decide if you get a trial or if you do not pass go and proceed directly to hell. This is easily the biggest festival food opportunity with many ethnic culinary delights offered. One should not miss the Turkish pita sandwiches, the Chinese shao long bao (tasty little dumplings that are super juicy), or even a good old "American Dog." This festival happens in June and you can start your exploration in central Kashiwazaki coming from the station. Just walk straight, and from there, follow your nose.
Gion Matsuri - Mikoshi parades! Fireworks! Excitement! Yay! The Gion Festival fireworks display is ranked third among displays in the Echigo area, and for good reason. As this festival occurs in July, you can grab a seat on the beach to sunbathe for the day (you will have to camp out quite early to get a 'good' spot) and then watch as a spectacular fireworks show explodes from the Sea of Japan. Gion is also the time for Don GALA, a large music and dancing extravaganza on parade. The festivities are also situated around the Sea Youth Raion hostel on Rt. 352. Once you get close, the hundreds of parked cars will lead you in the right direction.
Marine Sports Fest - Happening in early July, the Marine Sports Fest is just that... a good time on the beach where you can watch people risk life and limb to get some air time on a jet ski. This occurs at the Minato Machi section of the Kashiwazaki shoreline, which is just beyond the Sea Youth Raion hostel on Rt. 352. Hidden Jewels:
Coffee No. 1 - For fresh, hand-roasted coffee to die for, this is the place. The atmosphere is very friendly, and many of the patrons can speak passable to perfect English. It's a great place to hang out if you just need a break. The homemade cakes and pies are wonderful, too. I recommend everything on the menu. If coffee isn't your thing, try milk tea and a tart… just make your way to this special little coffee shop to examine the tchochkies that the owners have collected over the years. Coming from the station, Coffee No. 1 is about a 10-minute walk along a street full of little shops with interesting offerings. Keep going straight through 3 or 4 traffic-lighted intersections (past Ito Yokado). When 7-11 is in your sights, keep your eyes open on the right for the brown and beige Coffee No. 1 sign. You can buy freshly ground coffee downstairs or go upstairs for seating.
Dolphin Watching - Unbeknownst to nearly everyone we talked to, Kashiwazaki offers dolphin watching tours from mid-April until the end of May. The tours occur on Saturdays and Sundays and last approximately 90 minutes. A ride will cost you ￥3,000. Call the Kashiwazaki Dolphin Watch Office (Japanese required!) and speak to Sato-san for details such as departure place and time (0257-24-0222).
Shimin Plaza - Kashiwazaki's cultural center and all-around international helper. When you enter the building, take the stairs to the left. The desk that you are facing when you reach the second floor is occupied by some decent English speakers, and they can help you find out information about community language, exercise, or culture classes and about any other events happening in the area. Shimin Plaza is a few blocks up the street from the train station (a 10-15 minute walk). As you walk up, you will see a 7-11 on the left hand corner of the street. The Plaza is on the right hand side of the street directly across from 7-11. Top
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