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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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!
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.
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.
Experience making “Yoshibune”, an ancient boat made of common reed grass used to cross ocean. Take a reisure cruise on board your very own creation out on Lake Kamo.
Sado is known to have many frequent fishers. Come on down and experience casual fishing with an instructor in the southern part of the island.
Enjoy the sea breeze on a sailboat sightseeing tour for a small group of friends or families upto 8 people.
Enjoy Fishing early in the morning and tasting the freshly fished squid on the boat.
Night Cruise in the southern part of the island. Enjoy the natural aquarium with fishes attracted to the lights mounted on top the boat. Transport yourself into a magical world which can only be experienced here at night.
Enjoy the morning fresh air while riding a hose through the forest. The view from on top the horse is a whole new experience.
Have fun in the Athletic Park with playground equipments made of Sado Bamboo. From toys to utensil, there are endless possibilities as to what the bamboo are used for. Enjoy making your won Bamboo water pistols and bow & arrows with an instructor.
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.
https://enjoysado.net/experience/detail.php?eid=205
Japan´s Island of Demon Deities(PDF:765KB)