Nagaoka City   Kashiwazaki City   Kariwa Village

 Nagaoka

Kashiwazaki

長岡 柏崎

  RA: Jordan Condit 　　　            　　　　   

Nagaoka City:  

Nagaoka area  

Oguni area

Koshiji area

Izumozaki area   

Nakanoshima area     

Teradomari area

Mishima area

Yamakoshi area

Yoita area 

Tochio area

Washima area

Mitsuke area

Municipality: Nagaoka                                               Authors: Nick Hodges & Emma Johnson

Ganesh- Ganesh is Nagaoka's Thai restaurant and a perennial favorite among ALTs. Located off Ote-Dori, it serves dishes such as Green curry and Samosas, and even if Yom Tum soup isn't on the menu they can sometimes make it for you anyway!

￥medium

Baden Baden- This German-themed restaurant is good fun with a group and serves some great beers from back home. The pizzas are good, and there are plenty of meaty dishes on offer for times when you can't even think about eating more fish. Suzuran Street

￥medium

Spicy Dog- Serving an eclectic mix of dishes alongside cocktails named after pretty much any farmyard animal you care to mention, this scruffy but very entertaining little restaurant is a perfect place for a good midweek night out or a gentle weekend evening. The seating doesn't really lend itself to large groups, so just go with your best mates. Located one block north of Ito-Yokado.

￥medium, the drinks are expensive (but worth it!)

Cocolo- On the ground floor of Cocolo in the station is a food area with a variety of different restaurants, including a ramen shop, sushi, soba, and a couple of general restaurants serving everything from curry to hamburgers. Not the greatest atmosphere but useful on weekend lunchtimes when not a lot else is open.

￥cheap to medium

Kappa Sushi- part of a large chain of sushi restaurants, this is a large and spacious conveyor belt sushi restaurant with a wide variety of plates as well as noodles and soup. The big tables are great for groups, and even at the poorest times of the month you can still eat like a king. Located on the Daiei (East) side of the station, opposite Harashin.

￥dirt cheap

Yoronotaki- also part of a chain of izakayas, Yoro's is another favorite ALT haunt and a friendly and rowdy place serving all the usual izakaya fare with cheap nomihoudai (all you can drink) deals alongside. Good either with a large group or just a few of you, there's always a lively atmosphere and plenty of banter. Located off Ote-Dori to the left, look for the red sign with four black kanji down it.

￥medium amount of money, dirt cheap for what you get for it!

The Sake Place- not sure what the actual name is, but it's a great place to go later on in the night for a few more late drinks or to gossip after an enkai. There's a wide selecion of sake to choose from, and the friendly owner will reccomend something sweet, dry, or just plain strong according to your fancy. Whatever you choose, make sure you also get some of the deep-fried garlic to dip in salt to go with it.

￥pretty cheap

Coffee Shops:

Doutor- right next to the station, this place serves good coffee, with some interesting cakes and pastries and a small but adequate selection of bagels and sandwiches. It also has good A/C which is great in the summer , and the large circular table in the center makes it a great place to study or work when you have a lot of books or papers to spread out. Located in the basement of Daiei.

￥cheap

Caramel Mama's- This small and bizarre coffee shop brims with vintage Americana clutter and a warm and slightly daft atmosphere, and serves some good teas and coffees as well as pastries and a few savory dishes. The main reason to go however are the superb home-made cheesecakes, which are made daily. So far the pumpkin's our favorite. Located by the NW corner of Ito-Yokado.

￥cheap

Rooster Cafe- A bright and modern interior makes this second floor cafe a great place to sit by the window and peoplewatch during the day. It serves good lunch sets and some great puddings. Opposite the north side of Ito Yokato, one floor up.

￥cheap

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Municipality: Yoita                                                                                    Author: James Gowans

Things to do and see:

Yoita is a small town (population 7,000), about 20 minutes drive north-west of Nagaoka city centre. Yoita is particularly famous for it's large number of temples and shrines (some people call it 'little Kyoto'). Particularly beautiful are the shrine and temple located in the hills just behind the main street. The shrine has a beautiful hill park from which good views can be enjoyed on a clear day. There are also walks that you can do in the forested hills near to the town centre, which are pleasant and not too strenuous! Other than that, the town has a museum near the Tachibana Park, which features the town's history and local arts and crafts. It also features the local hero, the founder of the Sapporo beer factory, who was born in Yoita. 

Shopping:

The most remarkable thing about shopping in Yoita is that so many shops are still in business! On the main street there are loads of futon, barber, and clothes shops that you never see anyone enter. One thing that is popular, and is apparently the local speciality, is obanyaki. This is a hot cake with cream or anko (sweet beans) inside and is very delicious. Other than that, there's a 7-11, a Marui supermarket, and a Komeri, the size of which is completely out of line with a town of 7,000. 

Restaurants:

Yoita doesn't have many restaurants, but there are a few worth noting. My biggest recommendation would be the ramen shop, Yamashin. It isn't extremely popular or famous, but the miso ramen is absolutely fantastic and the gyoza are probably the biggest in Japan. You can get a ramen and 3 gyoza set for 1000 yen. It's located on the main street.

In terms of izakayas, there's an okonomiyaki-ya near the supermarket (and near the ALT apartment), a yakiniku-ya on the main street opposite the ramen shop, and other izakaya offering more general izakaya fare. These are all fine without being exceptional. But I would recommend the ramen, in case I forgot to mention that....

Cultural Events:

The town's main festival is held in September. There are no fireworks, but lots of interesting processions and events. The main parades happen on the Sunday, if I remember correctly. The first parade features people carrying omikoshi on their shoulders, making lots of noise, drinking and just generally having a good time. The most impressive event happens later, when big omikoshi carrying wagons (don't know the Japanese name) laden with kids are hauled around the town. All these parades take in the main street and finish at the town's main shrine (mentioned above). This is a busy, popular festival and well worth seeing if you want to take in a festival that is more than just fireworks.

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Municipality: Tochio                                                                                          Author: Kelly Bolen 

Things to do and see:

Todo no mori - There is a park and the water is famous in Tochio for being very pure.

Mt. Sumon- Tochio’s most famous mountain.

Akiba park- Has a famous statue and it’s fun to watch the retired people playing croquet.

Skiing- In Sumonmura 守門村 you can go skiing. It’s not as impressive as other skiing areas around Niigata, but if you want something local, it’ll do the trick.

Sumon marathon- There’s a short marathon 12km held in October open to anyone. There is also a 5km race for men, and a 3km race for women.

Restaurants:

Mataemon- Located between Kariyata Junior High and Yoshida Subaru. Right next to the teacher’s apartment in Makibuchi. The food is good and the price is reasonable.

Toriyoshi- Ramen shop near Harashin. Often the last stop on a night out.

Meruhen- Tiny bar on the second floor next to Daikaku 大覚. On the street that runs behind the post office. There is a band that plays early in the evening on weekends, and after you can sing as much karaoke as you want for free. There are lots of colorful locals that go to this bar and the band loves to place Beatles tunes and “House of the Rising Sun”. Also, someone will probably also ask you to sing “Let it Be and/or “Take me home, country roads”. They mostly serve whiskey and soju, but the guy that works there can make cocktails, and will try and make what you request, but be prepared to just take whatever he offers, usually a Gin Fizz, it’s usually not bad.

Karaoke- Directly across from the bus station is Karaoke, box style. Actually you get your own trailer. You can order drinks and food from the restaurant associated with it, plus it’s the only private karaoke in Tochio. 

Shopping:

Aburage- (油揚げfried tofu) Tochio is famous for making aburage and there are little shops were you can purchase it anywhere. However, most of them are only open until around lunch time. The best, according to people that live in Tochio, is sold in Ara-machi (新町).

Temari- (てまり) Tochio is also famous for making temari balls. They are embroidered balls with acorns in the center. Older women make them during the winter when they’re not shoveling snow. You can buy them lots of places around Tochio and at Orinasu, located off Route 290.

Toppy- is the pink and green shopping mall at the west end of town. There’s a grocery store, shoe shop, dry cleaners, omiyage shop, 100 ￥ shop, bookstore (no English books though) small caf?, drug store, and arcade.

Harashin- Is the other grocery store located on the other side of town, near Akiba park. They also have a caf? and a cleaners. You will find many junior high students there after school.

Movietime- CDs, movies, and books. Located next to 7Eleven.

7Eleven- There’s a convenience store next to the bus station, but it’s not nearly as well stocked as 7Eleven. 

Cultural Events:

Hodare- (penis festival) Mid-March A 2-meter phallus is carried around by men, while women ride on top. It’s mostly for making babies and growing rice. Penis and Vagina shaped suckers are sold as omiyage. A fun time to be had by all.

Sai no kami- Happens all over Tochio, ask around, usually around mid-February. They build a teepee out of logs and grass on top of the snow. Then they burn it down to release the devil that lives inside. Squid is cooked over the fire, and eaten for good health in the coming year.

Tochio matsuri- Usually in August. There are fireworks and dancing and lots of merriment in general. The fireworks are nothing like Nagaoka’s famous fireworks, but it is a nice little community event. 

Hidden Jewels:

Transportation- Sadly, Tochio is without a train station. However, we do have a bus station with buses going to Nagaoka via Mitsuke just about every hour, and half hour during “rush hour” (7am-9am and 4pm-7pm). There are also buses that go to the far reaches of Tochio including Kamishio and other places, but bus times are extremely limited. There are only a couple buses a day, so it’s best to check the schedule beforehand. It’s 510yen to go from Tochio to Nagaoka, and it takes about 50 minutes in summer and a little over an hour in winter. 

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Kashiwazaki City:

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 center! 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 artifacts 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 marvelously 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 labeled 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. 

Municipality: Nishiyama                                                                            Author: Joyce Le

 
 
Things to do and see:
 
Nishiyama has a population of about 6000 people and covers about 57 square kilometers. Parties, bars, or clubs DON'T exist in Nishiyama... it is a very SMALL town. However, in the winter, around mid-Jan, there are a lot of swans near the Nishiyama lake. VERY PRETTY! Definitely worth seeing and you can feed them too! When spring comes, this whole town will be covered with sakura (haven't been here long enough to know about spring, but as I was told, there will be a lot of cherry blossoms viewing enkai). Every year during March, there is a really famous festival in Nishiyama called the Yukiwarisou Matsuri, where people come to see flowers bloom and enjoy the onsen. In the summer, there is a whole field of sunflowers. Most people like to hang around the Ishiji Beach during the summer as well. Something exciting about the Fall is that town members like to get together and watch people "ski" on grasslands. I was invited to the "JUMP" festival where you chill out and watch people jump off the grassland as if they are skiing. It sounds funny but it's really exciting! Also, if you are into golf, there is a huge golf land in this town!
 
 
Shopping:
 
Hmmm come take pictures of the swans and beautiful flowers. 
 
 
Restaurants:
 
There are quite a few Japanese restaurants along route 116. 
  
  
Cultural Events:
 
Yukiwarisou - 2nd or 3rd weekend in March. Near Ishiji Elementary School on route 352. Come enjoy flowers blooming and the onsen.
 
Nov 3rd Cultural Day - Raihai Station. This day, town people display their works (calligraphy, arts, sculptures, etc.)

Kariwa Village:

 
 
Things to do and see:
 
Kariwa is a small village located about a 15-minute drive north of Kashiwazaki. This 5,000 population might not seem like much to the untrained eye, but it packs a punch. Located within the village boundaries are two interesting things to do. First, the largest nuclear power plant in the world is located along the boundary lines of Kashiwazaki and Kariwa Village. This power plant has a visitor's center that is open to the public and provides self-guided tours, available in English. Check out the English website at www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html. Second, Kariwa is home to the Rapika sports center. This sports center is extremely popular to the local area. Amongst other attractions, it has a swimming pool (I hear the floor raises and lowers based upon the occupants), a library, workout machines, and a huge gym with a running track overlooking the gym. Additionally, this center stocks up to a month prior the Japan Times, a Japanese newspaper written in English.
 
 
Shopping:
  
As far as shopping, Kariwa Village is proud to announce it is home to 'Plant 5.' This HUGE one-stop shopping center has a great selection of foreign food and cheap prices. If you have never heard of this shopping center, it is commonly referred to as a 'Super Walmart.' As far as omiyage in Kariwa, every year this village bottles its famous peach wine. You can only buy this wine during the summer months. 
 
 
Restaurants:

This small village is proud to say it has a McDonald's and Baskin Robbins, both located within 'Plant 5.' For those not familiar with Baskin Robbins, it's a delicious ice cream parlor. If you travel south on Route 116 going towards Kashiwazaki, you will pass UFO looking building on the left (Rapika Sports Center). Keep going straight, you will see 'Plant 5' and signs for it on the right.
 
 
Cultural Events:

Every August 15th, Kariwa has its own fireworks show. This event might pale in comparison to Kashiwazaki and Nagaoka's firework show, but keep in mind this village receives a ton of money because the power plant is located here. I'm impressed every time I see it. Also, because of the countryside location, this show is not crowded with people, hence the ability to practically sit underneath the fireworks. Also, every October 30th, Kariwa puts on a cultural festival with features many events and lots of food. If you're interested, checkout the Kariwa webpage at www.vill.kariwa.niigata.jp