EXPERIENCE | TOKIMEKI SADO NIIGATA TOURISM ZONE

EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

NIIGATA

TIPSY Pass　－Taste of Niigata “Furumachi” explorer pass－
TIPSY Pass is a year long promotion where you can enjoy eating and drinking in Japanese restaurants and izakayas in Niigata City’s Furumachi. A historical part of the city with a rich, vibrant culture which continues today. There are many wonderful Japanese restaurants and Izakayas which have traditional atmospheres in Niigata City’s ‘Furumachi’ area, which means ‘Old Town’. The TIPSY Pass lets you sample unique, local gourmet dishes and famous sake at various venues around the town. We guarantee you will have a fantastic time and return with many good memories. You can share one ticket book with other people!
- TIPSY Pass Book 8,000 Yen (A Book of five tickets).
  HP http://furumachi-kagai.info/tipsy
  Online Ticket Service　　http://ptix.at/yHviQb

Niigata Furumachi Geigi(Geisha)
Traditional Dance
The Niigata Furumachi Geigi (geisha) district in downtown Niigata ranks alongside Kyoto's Gion district and Tokyo's Shinbashi geisha area. The geisha scene here was very lively 200 years ago, as seafaring visitors delighted in the lovely dances and treats of geisha society.This experience program, held in the classical Japanese residence, allows private groups to watch the Niigata Furumachi Geigi perform traditional dances.
- Please inquire for details.
- Niigata Visitors & Convention Bureau
  TEL 025-223-8181
  Email nvcb@nvcb.or.jp
Mochi Pounding,
a Unique 150-year-old Method
One of Japan's oldest customs and tradition is pounding mochi, or rice cake,before every new year. The ancestor of the Ito family, a historical greatestlandowner, developed the quick production technique called three-pounder method, which has been handed down over 150 years. Participants can jointhe mochi-pounding workshop with specialists. Fresh mochi is very delicious.
- 2000 yen each person (with an admission charge of the museum) for a group of 10 or more.Contact if a group is less than 10.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Experience making gold inlaid
NIigata laquerware
During the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), Niigata Port was one of the ports for the marine transportation business. Many cultural influences, as well as commercial goods, were brought in from the other regions of the country. One of those art influences was the lacquer painting technique, which is believed to have begun 400 years ago. This workshop provides people an opportunity to make Niigata Lacquer-wares. Participants can carve designs and/or pattern on the ware, then gold powder will be applied over them.
- 3000 yen each person (with an admission charge of the museum) for a group of 10 or more. Contact if a group is less than 10.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Rice Cooking with Local Cuisines
at the Mansion of a greatest landowner
Niigata Prefecture is the largest rice producing region in Japan. The ancestor of the Ito family, a historical greatest landowner, laid the foundation for rice farming culture. Participants can enjoy rice cooking by traditional methods, such as using hagama, or a traditional cooking pot for rice. The rice used for this workshop is Koshihikari. This rice is harvested in the vicinity of the museum. Local cuisines are also served. An admission to the museum is included.
- 2386 yen each person (an admission charge of the museum included)for a group of 2 or more.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Grilling your original rice crackers
【Niigata Sembei Okoku(Rice Cracker World)】
Niigata Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of rice crackers. At 「Niigata Sembei Okoku」 you can watch rice crackers being made , learn about the grilling process , and try making your original rice crackers.
- Large size rice cracker Making Fee ?1500 yen
- Niigata Sembei Okoku (Rice Cracker World)
  TEL 025-259-0161
Making your original Kite
【Shirone Kite History Museum】
Shirone Kite History museum is the world largest Kite museum that collect not only domestic traditional Shirone-Kite but also foreign rare kite .In this museum, you can try making Japanese Small Kite. Experts of making Kite teach kindly. It is a valuable time to enjoy the making kite.
- Entrance Fee: Adults ?400 yen Elementary, junior and senior high school students ?200 yen Kite Making Fee ?300 yen
- Shirone Kite History Museum
  TEL 025-372-0314

SADO

High-Speed Motor Boat Kotoura Cave Tour
Take a spin on Rikiya’s Sightseeing High-Speed Motor Boat on a tour around the Ogi Peninsula, feeling the crisp sea breeze and learn more about the scenery while exploring the Kotoura Cave, otherwise known as “The Blue Caves”.
Take a dive in Sado’s
crystal clear waters! (Snorkeling)
Sado Island has one of the best diving spots in all of Japan. Every year people from all over Japan gather in Sado to enjoy diving in the crystal clear waters. Feel at ease as our friendly diving instructors will guide you through your diving experience. Beginners are most welcome to join!
Hike in a primeval forest（Senjusugi Route）
Take a deep breath in Sado’s finest primeval forests overflowing with intertwining moss and intriguingly-shaped trees. This course is highly recommended to those who are experiencing Sado’s giant cedar trees for the first time.
Sea Kayak Experience
Kayak out to sea along the Ogi Peninsula, where even beginners and children will be able to navigate and enjoy with ease. Designated as a marine park, you will be able to enjoy the ocean’s spectrum of colors, explore naturally formed caves, and bask in the private beach atmosphere.
Horseback riding in the mountain
Enjoy the morning fresh air while riding a hose through the forest. The view from on top the horse is a whole new experience.
The island where deities dance.
Stay on Sado and experience the festival!
Onidaiko is a traditional performing art only found on Sado that is performed at festivals around the island to pray for safety for each household, give thanks for the abundant harvest and catch of the previous year, and also to ward off misfortune. Come to Sado for a unique festival experience.
Short Movie
Historic Sado Gold mining Prospector Adventure Tour

Sado gold mine was mined for 388 years.
We will guide you through a part the tunnel that t is said to measure close to 400 km.
Cooking the finest rice balls using salt and rice from Sado

At Shiogama Kobo factory, which is adjacent to Meotoiwa Drive-in, salt is produced after boiling seawater down for 15 hours. The water is collected from the Sea of Japan off Sado.
After observing the salt-making facilities, participants will be able to experience cooking rice with use the local rice called "Toki to kurasugou" which is certified by Sado City for each pot.
And, of course, we use salt from seawater collected from the Sea of Japan for making the rice balls .
Let's enjoy this event together where you can make your own rice balls.
Cycling Tour in SADO island

Let’s go for a bike ride in Sado with a local tour guide.
You can explore in old village and cave with stone Buddha statues.
Unique tour of picking up Bamboo shoots, taste experience

Participants can enjoy digging bamboo shoots in the beautiful bamboo forest of Sado.
The number of tour times are limited.
You can cook and eat freshly the bamboo shoots you dug there.
You can enjoy the real pleasure of the season, such as making bamboo bowls, setting fire, and cooking bamboo shoots that have just been dug in bamboo tubes using cookware made of bamboo shoots.