A Journey Through the Heart of Japan: Niigata, Nagano, Toyama, and Yamanashi will be on Sakura TV
A Journey Through the Heart of Japan: Niigata, Nagano, Toyama, and Yamanashi will be on Sakura TV, from 4th January, 2025, 6pm Australia EST and 8pm NZ.
The train doors slid open in Niigata, and the crisp sea breeze greeted me warmly. My first stop was at a seaside market, where I tried a steaming bowl of noppe soup, a hearty local dish filled with root vegetables, mushrooms, and tender pieces of fish. Paired with freshly cooked Koshihikari rice, it was comfort in a bowl. I couldn’t resist sharing the picturesque spread on my SNS—a shot of the shimmering seafood platter against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan racked up dozens of likes within minutes.
In the early morning, I visited Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, their mirror-like fields capturing the first rays of sunlight. The moment felt surreal, and my video of the mist rolling over the terraces became my most-liked post of the week. Before leaving, I treated myself to sasazushi, sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves, a Niigata specialty with a fresh and aromatic twist.
Nagano was next, where the chill in the air hinted at snow. In Obuse, a charming town, I stopped at a chestnut confectionery shop and indulged in kurikinton—a delicately sweet chestnut paste dessert. The quaint streets of Obuse, with their Edo-era charm, became the perfect backdrop for candid photos, garnering comments like, “Is this a movie set?”
At Jigokudani Monkey Park, I captured a curious snow monkey gazing directly into my camera, steam rising around its face. The raw, unfiltered beauty of the scene resonated deeply with my followers, sparking conversations about Japan’s natural wonders. Dinner that night was at a local soba restaurant, where the noodles, freshly handmade, melted in my mouth with every bite.
Toyama brought culinary surprises as well as stunning scenery. I tried masu no sushi, pressed trout sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves, and a favorite among travelers. A quick snap of the colorful layers of rice and trout became an instant hit. At the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the snowy walls seemed to touch the sky, and my panoramic video of the Kurobe Dam, with its turquoise waters, received a flood of heart emojis.
Finally, in Yamanashi, the Fuji Five Lakes region offered not only breathtaking views of Mount Fuji but also some of the juiciest peaches I’ve ever tasted. A local farmer handed me a perfectly ripe peach, its sweetness bursting in my mouth. Sharing the story of meeting him and the humble beauty of Japanese hospitality resonated with my followers.
The grand finale of my trip was a bowl of hōtō noodles, thick and comforting, enjoyed while gazing at the silhouette of Mount Fuji against the evening sky. I couldn’t resist posting the scene with the caption, “Ending my journey with warmth and wonder.
Enjoy Japan, enjoy local food where you visit, discover Sakura TV: Your Free 24/7 Gateway to Japan!
Sakura TV is now available across Australia and New Zealand, offering a free-to-watch streaming service that brings Japan closer to you. Enjoy around-the-clock coverage of Japan’s latest news, documentaries, travel guides, culture, nature, cuisine, sports, crafts, music, and more.
Simply visit www.sakuratv.com and click on the TV channel logos (NHK World and Sakura) to start watching—no registration or app download required!
Experience the best of Japan: Watch, explore, and indulge in Japanese culture!
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