TravelBlog

When Nature and Art Become One ♡ A Visit to the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET Nestled in Honcho 6, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET, is not your average art museum. I recently had the chance to visit this absolutely unique—and dare I say, magical—museum. It’s called "MonET," and yes, it’s just as stylish and dreamy as the name sounds. What makes MonET so special is how art and nature blend seamlessly here. The building itself is designed to reflect the surrounding landscape, with changing seasonal views that become part of ...

One of Japan’s Top 3 Gorges Turned Into an Art Tunnel?! My Mind-Blowing Trip to Kiyotsu Gorge Travel Date: June 2022 (Cloudy skies, but the vibes? 100 out of 10!) My destination this time was Kiyotsu Gorge, located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. It’s one of Japan’s “Three Great Gorges” along with Kurobe and Osugidani, and it’s known for its towering rock walls with stunning columnar joints that’ll leave you breathless. But wait—this isn’t just a beautiful nature spot. That’s where the real twist begins. Back in 2018, during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the entire tunnel running through Kiyotsu Gorge ...

Visited in June 2022 (Clear skies and the most beautiful “Kyōroro Blue” above) Deep in the lush forests of Tokamachi, Niigata, lies a place called “Mori no Gakkō Kyōroro”—literally, “Forest School Kyōroro.” The name alone sounds adorable, right? I wondered what "Kyōroro" meant… turns out it's inspired by a bird’s chirp! Then, there's the building itself—wow. It looks just like a futuristic secret base. A long, metallic tunnel-like structure stretches boldly through the forest, reaching upward like it’s trying to touch the sky. I was hyped from the moment I arrived! Nature, science, and art come together in perfect ...

The Last Classroom: A Hauntingly Beautiful Art Installation in an Abandoned Japanese Schoolhouse Trip Date: June 2022 (Sunny and warm—just like the art) "Is this a horror-themed exhibit?" I wondered— But what I found was not fear, but nostalgia and a gentle ache in my heart. Located in Tokamachi, Niigata, The Last Classroom is a full-scale art installation housed in an abandoned elementary school. “Is someone still here?” I whispered at the entrance. Dim hallways, old desks lined up, chalk-covered blackboards… It felt like time had stopped—and in a way, it had. The space was like a frozen memory from ...

A Touch of China in Niigata? Exploring Nishiyama Furusato Park and a Warm Welcome at Nishizawa Sake Shop Trip Date: June 2022 (Bright sunny day ) "Wait, why is there a Chinese palace here?" That was my honest reaction when I arrived at Nishiyama Furusato Park in Kashiwazaki, Niigata. Surrounded by architecture that screams “China!”, I ended up buying Japanese sake here too. Yes, this is going to be an unexpectedly fun and curious little adventure♡ A Chinese-style white gate, right in front of me? Once I passed the main road and entered the park, this stunning white triple-arched gate ...

Strolling and Snacking at Teradomari Fish Market Street in Niigata—Where Retro Vibes Meet Ocean Treats! Trip Date: June 2022 (a scorcher of a day!) “I just followed the scent of grilled squid… and suddenly both hands were full of food.” Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic and delicious Teradomari Fish Market Street in Niigata—a seafood wonderland often dubbed the "Ameyoko by the Sea." It's impossible not to get hyped walking through this colorful, retro-flavored food paradise. Seafood Galore! The Street Where You Just Keep Eating First stop: the eye-popping “Marunaka Shokudo” run by Teradomari Central Suisan. That giant crab sign? Totally ...

Traveled: June 2022 A Night of Pure Bliss in Niigata♡ Hotel Global View & Seafood Paradise at Goro I took a spontaneous overnight trip to Niigata, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and delicious nights ever! I stayed at the super convenient Hotel Global View Niigata, just steps from the station, and had dinner at Shungyo Shusai Goro Bandai-ten—a spot I'd been curious about forever. With a comfy room, soothing bath, and unforgettable izakaya experience… I honestly didn’t want to leave Just Steps from Niigata Station! A Healing Stay at Hotel Global View I ...

When you think of Kochi, “Katsuo no Tataki” probably comes to mind—but that’s just the beginning! On this trip, I found myself relaxing in a traditional farmhouse café one moment, and the next I was doing a double take at a bowl of ramen topped with tonkatsu. Kochi’s food culture is as free-spirited as it is flavorful, filled with warm-hearted locals and unique culinary creativity. Come laugh, eat, drink, and discover the deep—and sometimes quirky—delights of Kochi’s local food scene. A Moment of Peace at Ikegami Tea Garden, a Cozy Farmhouse Café Nestled quietly a little outside of central Kochi ...

A Night Out in Kochi: Gourmet Crawl with Local Sake Kochi City is a treasure trove of flavors: fresh local seafood paired with regional sake… We went on a food-and-drink crawl, enjoying the city’s signature dishes and drinking spots First Stop: Cheers at Hirome Market We kicked things off at Hirome Market, the ultimate gourmet hall of Kochi. A daytime drinking paradise where locals and tourists mingle in a lively atmosphere. You can’t miss the katsuo no tataki (seared bonito)! The smoky exterior, generous garnishes, and tangy ponzu sauce were absolute heaven. Perfectly paired with beer or local ...

Date of Visit: May 2023 A Moment of History and Nature at Katsurahama: Meet Ryoma and the Pacific Ocean Katsurahama Beach in Kochi is one of the region’s most iconic sightseeing spots, known for its grand statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and the stunning horizon stretching endlessly into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches,” and its scenic beauty is simply breathtaking I visited in May 2023, right as the fresh greenery was at its peak. The vivid contrast between the blue ocean and the lush green trees was incredibly refreshing. Say Hello ...