As we speak we organized a hike outdoors the ship. By way of Viator with Fringe of Niigata, this was one of many few we deliberate that labored. Because of the present scarcity of guides in Japan, now we have had just a few canceled which makes it a a lot safer factor to rearrange by way of the ship. I do know some individuals arrange issues off-board to save cash, however my objectives are typically a extra private, versatile expertise. In any case, we actually respect having skilled guides when touring to a rustic with such a language distinction. Our British/Italian information was married to a Japanese man and had lived right here for over 30 years.
It developed that there can be others on this tour (once more as a consequence of lack of guides). We discovered one of many different {couples} from our boat and shared a taxi for the 15 minute journey into city to satisfy our information. It was about $13; there are not any suggestions right here, and the cab door is opened and closed by the driving force (which I preserve forgetting). We had been early, so we took a pleasant stroll alongside the river whereas we waited.
Temperatures had been within the 40s and rain was within the forecast. Alongside the coast we discovered a little bit of historical past and noticed a restored space that exposed the canal system that was initially an vital a part of this coastal metropolis. There was additionally a historic former financial institution constructing that’s now empty. The door is open so anybody can enter. Town retains it clear and in good situation, and it was a hanging distinction to what would occur if the same constructing had been left vacant and open within the US.
We wandered by way of residential areas to get to Minato Inari Shrine. The stunning Shinto shrine had an entrance with some very uncommon lions that might flip round on their pedestals.
Persevering with our journey by way of the residential streets, we had been struck by how neat, clear and extremely quiet this Saturday morning was. Ultimately we bought to Residence of the Ozawa household, constructed within the 1860s and inhabited till 2002. In seven buildings there was a really profitable household delivery enterprise, in addition to their residing quarters. It was lovely and contained an exquisite assortment of artwork and collectible figurines, in addition to a show of dolls and toys to have fun a particular women’ day earlier this month. An analogous boys’ day is a public vacation.
Our subsequent cease was Kotohira Shrine which had good examples of figural guards wrapped in raffia. I believe they had been lions – there have been foxes within the final shrine. The linking of items of raffia is exclusive to the world and is finished to encourage profitable relationships – whether or not in enterprise or private relationships.
Niigata nonetheless has a Geisha District, however right here they’re known as Geikosi, and we had been capable of see one of many few remaining districts within the nation with golf equipment and tea events the place Geikos carry out. These extremely educated girls will not be prostitutes and excel within the arts of dancing, singing, enjoying musical devices, dialog and video games.
We’ll say upfront that later, on our boat, we had been capable of watch the three of them carry out and reply some questions with the assistance of a translator. It was so attention-grabbing. The singing was fairly disagreeable to my ears, however the dancing was fantastic. There are solely 19 Geiko in Niigata, and the 2 girls had been nonetheless within the eight-year coaching stage. When requested to explain their typical day, I am unsure the translator bought the query proper – this primary responder mentioned she likes to observe Netflix! Not the reply we anticipated!
Again to our stroll:
It began to rain, and we had another cease, The mansion of the Saito householda extra fashionable house relationship again to 1918. It was superbly designed and had wonderful gardens with views from each room.
After I noticed these houses I believed they had been freezing. Actually chilly. As quickly as you are taking your footwear off, it is even worse. They haven’t any central heating or insulation. I do not know the way anybody lives like this. Our information mentioned that even guests from colder areas of Japan complain about how chilly the Niigata residences are. No less than the summers are scorching there.
It was raining fairly steadily, so we headed downtown and caught our boat bus again to heat and a bowl of scorching soup.
Regardless of the climate, I cherished our brief time right here and felt extra understanding of the Japanese lifestyle. BTW, a few of the beautiful plum bushes had been in bloom!