This year, sakura are expected to bloom around April 1 for a large portion of Niigata prefecture—with northern Niigata and Sado Island following along a few days later around April 6. There are so many wonderful places to enjoy Japan’s quintessential spring flower that it can often be overwhelming for Read more…
Are you a “Kimetsu no Yaiba” fan? Are you a sports fan? Do you like stamp rallies? Do you have FOMO and love to get all the limited edition items you can? If you answered yes to any of those items, then we may have found just the event Read more…
Question: Where does the oldest pottery in the world come from? It may come as a surprise to you, or maybe not since you’re most likely living here, but the answer is Japan! The Jomon period encompasses a great period ranging from 14,500 to 300 BCE. It was during this Read more…
“Why are you putting your foot there?” “No, no, grab that one!” “No one needs that much chalk!” These are just a few of the things that I yelled at the TV while watching one of the Olympics’ newest sports, Sport Climbing. The Sports Climbing competition kicked Read more…
With temperatures of over 33 degrees this past week, summer is out in full force. And one of the best ways to cool off and beat the summer heat is with a big bowl of Japanese Shaved-Ice, or Kakigori. While Kakigori may typically be associated with summer festivals, it is Read more…
Has the past year given you a travel itch? Does your employer or town still request you don’t leave the prefecture? Then a “Summer Stay-cation” may be just the ticket! Niigata prefecture’s latest travel campaign named “Tsukattoku!” (使っ得！pronouncedつかっとく!), which translates to “use it” or “take it”, is practically screaming for Read more…
The leaves on numerous trees, spectacular shades of yellow, orange, and red, are whipped up by the seasonal winds into great flickering clouds before finally forming a firey mosaic at our feet. Momijigari or “autumn leaf hunting” has been a popular pastime in Japan since the 8th Century, featuring in Read more…
Summer in Niigata is awash with hundreds of festivals all over the prefecture. For new JETs these are a great way to experience the very heart of your communities and this amazing prefecture before you have to knuckle down into the teaching role. Below is information on some if the Read more…
Recommended by Niigata JETs Name: Donald Keene Center Kashiwazaki (ドナルド･キーン･センター柏崎) City: Kashiwazaki Website: http://www.donaldkeenecenter.jp/ A small museum which houses the works of famous author and translator Donald Keene. There are English speaking staff on site. This place also houses special exhibitions throughout the year. Name: Kinare (Echigotsumaari satoyama gendai bijutsukan, 越後妻有里山現代美術館「キナーレ」) City: Tokamachi Website: Read more…