#34 🌿A Hidden Edo Home in Niigata | Discovering Slow Life in Old Japan

#34 🌿A Hidden Edo Home in Niigata | Discovering Slow Life in Old Japan

We started our day at a cozy little café, just 200 meters from Shibata Station. The warm, nostalgic atmosphere made us feel instantly relaxed. Inside, there was a huge, beautifully decorated dashi—a traditional festival float pulled through the streets during celebrations. Since Obon is coming soon, the café also had displays of seasonal items for the holiday. We ordered a set of traditional sweets with matcha tea, and Mochi, of course, went straight for the ice cream 🍨 The matcha was rich and fragrant. And this—fig yokan—seemed to be a house specialty. It had a gentle sweetness and the unique flavor of ripe figs. After our little tea break, we were ready to begin our small adventure— to Shimizuen and the Ashigaru Nagaya. These grounds were first built in the late 17th century, in early Edo Japan— and still stand quietly today. Thatched roofs and earthen walls still carry the memories of another time. The scent of wood. The silence of the garden. It’s like the walls remember. The garden spans over 330,000 square meters, centered around a large pond shaped like the kanji for “water” (水), drawn in cursive style. It’s a kaiyū-shiki stroll garden, inspired by Kyoto design. A gentle breeze. A quiet view. Time slows down when we simply sit and breathe. Let’s take a slow walk together through the garden. Tall, old trees cast soft shadows, gently sheltering each step we take. Unlike popular tourist spots, this garden stays quiet— especially on weekdays, it feels like your own private world. Every rock, every blade of grass is cared for with such love. Even the smallest detail holds beauty. A place that softens the heart and brings quiet healing. Here stands the traditional home of Horibe Yasubei, a samurai known from the story of the 47 Ronin. Their tale of honor and bushidō was made into the film 47 Ronin in 2013. And yes—that’s his real sword! After running around the whole garden, Mochi started to get tired. So we stopped for a treat—ice cream and kakigōri 🍧 There’s a little shop just across from the garden entrance. Look at this giant strawberry shaved ice! 🥰 On summer days like this, nothing tastes better than kakigōri. Hidden at the base was a chilled strawberry jelly that made the last bite even better. All the heat and tiredness just melted away. Next, we headed to a traditional soba noodle house for lunch. The space felt like a step back in time— a little like visiting our grandparents’ old home. If they weren’t serving soba, this place could easily be a vintage shop. They even placed a little paper crane in Mochi’s bowl—a sweet detail just for him. We had 100% buckwheat soba, served with crisp vegetable tempura. Also, Kinako Warabi Mochi daikon soba—a light and refreshing summer dish. Mochi loved both the tempura and the soba. Simple meals, shared smiles, and stories passed down. Thank you for joining our peaceful little family day. See you next time 🌿

🌿✨ A Hidden Edo Home in Niigata | Slow Life in Old Japan
Take a quiet summer journey with us to Shibata City, Niigata — a place where time gently lingers.

We begin with matcha and handmade sweets at a nostalgic café near Shibata Station, where a stunning festival float (dashi) is displayed and Obon traditions fill the air. Then we explore Shimizuen Garden and the Ashigaru Nagaya, historic grounds dating back to the late 1600s. Thatched roofs, mossy stone paths, and a peaceful pond shaped like the kanji for “water” remind us that the past is still alive.

As the cicadas sing, we cool off with strawberry kakigōri 🍧 and visit a soba shop hidden in a traditional wooden house — just like visiting grandma’s. Simple meals, shared smiles, and quiet beauty.

☀️ If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan, slow down with us in this timeless corner of Niigata.

🎥 Watch till the end for summer sweets, Edo vibes, and real-life slow living with our little one.

📍 Location: Shibata City, Niigata, Japan
🍵 Featuring: Shimizuen Garden, Edo-era samurai home, Mizuoto no sato soba lunch, wagashi, kakigori

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⏳ Vlog Timeline:

00:00 – Opening Scene
00:30 – Matcha & Wagashi at a Retro Café 🍵
02:37 – Shimizuen Garden 🌿
10:35 – Samurai House of Horibe Yasubei 🏯
11:57 – Strawberry Kakigōri Time 🍧
13:03 – Soba Lunch in a Traditional House 🍜

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