When the word “kimono” comes up in conversation, many will immediately think of Japan and more specifically, Kyoto. And if that person knows alot ab
If you want to see a different side of Japan, you might want to head away from the large city centers and branch out a little bit. Niigata is one of my favorite
As summer comes to a close, we look ahead to the upcoming autumn season. Along with the (much welcomed) cooler temps, the fall season blankets all of Japan with
Visiting a village is probably not the first thing to occur to most non-Japanese seeking a fun time in Japan. How unfortunate. Some of the country’s best-kept s
Whenever I’m recounting a story that’s precious to me, whether I tell it through a text message to my sister or a blog post, I somehow find myself often mention
Upon returning home to Tokyo from a recent trip to Yahiko, a quiet village in Niigata Prefecture, I wrote a Japanese friend, recounting my travels. I told her o
Shaped like a wonky yo-yo floating in the sea off the west of Honshu, Sado Island is a place of drama. Centuries ago, the island was somewhere you were not expe
Hey, music fans! Only about a week to go until Fuji Rock, Japan's largest outdoor music festival. If you are headed to the wilds of Niigata for three days of mu
Yahiko is a small town in Niigata Prefecture with over 1000 years of history. Located 2-3 hours away from Tokyo, this historic cultural centre is a compact expe
In an ongoing series of mini-posts we ask our most passionate Odigo writers “What is your Japan? ” in words and photos.My Japan Is…My Japan can be found along t
Transportation in Yahiko and the surrounding areas is very different from the fast-paced capital city Tokyo. Trains and buses are few and far between (see here
By ODIGO Contributor EMMA PARKER Dr Shunichi Sato and Yoshiko Sato enjoy nothing more than explaining their expertise in sake brewing to willing listeners, they
By ODIGO Contributor CHIARA TERZUOLO 'You are going where?!''Niigata.''.... who goes to Niigata?!' My colleagues are now resigned to the fact that my vacation