For Day #5 of our JR Nagano Niigata Pass, we got up around 8:30 am. We packed up our bags and checked out of Sansan Yuzawa Backpackers. We got on a Joetsu Toki Shinkansen bound for Tsubamesanjo Station. The shinkansen ride took about 34 minutes.

Tsubamesanjo Station

Our first stop was at Tsubamesanjo station. Tsubamesanjo was actually the name of two adjacent cities. Tsubame and Sanjo. Both of the cities were known for their metal manufacturing and craftsmanship. We wanted to go to the local roadside station that featured products that the two cities offered. However, the day we were slated to go was one of the only days it was closed. Fortunately for us, there was an exhibition center attached to Tsubamesanjo Station’s Tourist Information Center.

Tsubamesanjo Station Exhibition Center

The exhibition center showcased a number of the local products that were available. We looked around for a bit and picked up some ice cream spoons, a hand grater, and a couple other things. It was pretty cool seeing the variety of products that were produced. The detail and craftmanship that went in to producing the different products was impressive.

We had a bit of time before our next train, so we decided to look around the station for a bit. In the main area of the station, we found this cool fork and knife display that symbolized the high quality silverware that was produced in the area. We also found the stations stamp kiosk. Most larger train stations in Japan have their own unique stamp. We decided to start collecting them whenever we travel.

There was another area which had large displays of locally produced products. Metal was a common theme. The variety of products was quite vast. There were small hand tools, silverware, knives, bowls, pans, and many more.

We then took a Joetsu Toki Shinkansen bound for Niigata Station. When we got to Niigata Station we headed to the tourist information center. Along the way we found another station stamp and a booth with these cool cut and fold paper models. They were incredibly detailed and featured the Niigata Station building. We’ll put them to together one of these days and report back.

Lunch at Tomisushi

We chatted with the attendants at the tourist information center who were very friendly. We mentioned that we were interested in kiwami(極み) sushi, and they handed us a map of the local restaurants. Best of all, the map included coupons to each of the sushi restaurants on the map. We had lunch a delicious kiwami (極み) sushi lunch at Tomisushi.

Niigata Manga Animation Museum

After lunch we headed towards the Niigata Manga Animation Museum. It was a short ten minute walk from the restaurant. The museum was really fun. They had a nice assortment of informative and interactive exhibits.

Our favorite interactive exhibits were a voice acting experience over a scene from an anime and a motion game that required quick reflexes. The informative exhibits gave us a glimpse of what goes into making an anime or manga.

There was a map for a particular anime that was set in Niigata. The map showed all the real life locations that were portrayed in the anime. We’ve seen maps similar to this in the city of Chichibu which was the setting of the anime Ano Hana.

After finishing up at the museum we stopped by a couple of malls and did some light window shopping. We then made our way back to Niigata Station.

Ponshukan Complex in Niigata Station

By this time it was late afternoon. We picked up some onigiri from this specialty shop that was located in the Ponshukan complex (ぽんしゅ館 コンプレックス) in Niigata Station. The shop had a variety of fillings and used locally produced koshihikari rice. The rice was absolutely delicious. We know that for the most part, rice is rice. However, this rice was different. It was cooked perfectly and was not dry or mushy. It almost felt like it had a fluffy texture to it. The rice with the fillings were excellent. Probably the best onigiri we’ve ever had.

We also picked up a bento from this small kiosk in the middle of the station. We were tempted by the promise of sauce katsudon. Retrospectively, we should have known better. A key component to what made the sauce katsudon amazing was its crispness and temperature. This bento had neither of those two crucial components. It was room temperature and the outer coating had the texture of moist bread. The flavor was there, but the texture was not. It’s not something we’re likely to get again.

Last Minute Souvenirs

Before getting back on the train to Ueno, we stopped off at a souvenir shop and picked up some koshihikari rice and local sweet pastries. We picked up a small two kg, which we use rice sparingly, or for special occasions. The Niigata Caramel Le Lectier had a buttery, caramel, and almost madeleine like exterior with a smooth custard filling. It was good, but not particularly memorable.

After, we boarded a Joetsu Toki Shinkansen bound for Ueno Station. The train ride lasted a little over two hours. We then had a brief layover in Ueno, before boarding a Hitachi Limited Express bound for Mito. Upon arriving at Mito Station, that officially wrapped up our 5 day adventure with the JR Nagano Niigata Train Pass.

More to Come…

Transportation:

Echigo Yuzawa Station to Tsubamesanjo Station ¥4.090 (Joetsu Toki Shinkansen)
Tsubamesanjo Station to Niigata Station ¥3,170 (Joetsu Toki Shinkansen)
Niigata Station to Ueno Station ¥10,550 (Joetsu Toki Shinkansen)
Ueno Station to Mito Station ¥3,890 (Hitachi Limited Express)

Total ¥21,700