Destination - Niigata Prefecture! (Part 2)

Continuing on with our Niigata Prefecture adventure; it's time to visit Yahiko Shrine!

Welcome to Yahiko Shrine. The origins of this shrine go back over 2400 years.

Walk through this gate and you'll be facing the main shrine.  

Here it is!

Lucky for us it's not very crowded today. I love the atmosphere around shrines... it's so peaceful. Even if a person isn't of the Shinto religion I think a visit to a shrine is good for communicating with yourself.

Time to head back to the car.

We have one more stop to make before going back to our Inn. 

"On The Umami"  Their website is "here"

We sampled their soups and did some shopping. Their products are a little bit expensive but the quality and taste make it worth the price.

Next morning: Yuko and Suzuki-san went to play golf, the rest of us all got into Hiroko's mini van and headed for Niigata city train station.

We found a cheap pay-parking lot near the station for Hiroko's van and then we walked to the train station.

Our first order of business was to find the Niigata City visitors information center and get set up with day passes on the "Niigata City Loop Bus". We all got a 500 yen bus pass that allows us to ride any Loop Bus all day long. 

This is the first loop bus that we rode on.

When the stop that you want is announced just push the button to let the driver know that you want to get off there.

The button lights up after you push it. There are buttons all over the bus.

We got off at Hakusan Park. Internet information

The Hakusan Shrine is in the park.

This is the shrine.

That's Hiroko in front of the shrine. That's Emi on the right side of the picture.

The shrine sells Omamori (good luck charms). On the first night of our Niigata trip I stubbed my toe very badly and it was very painful. I decided to buy a Omamori in the hope that it would help me get better quicker. On the signboard I saw one for "Recovery from illness" and I noticed that it was very similar in color and design to the one for "Pregnancy". I didn't want to make a mistake when I went to buy it so I asked Emi to come with me to make sure I didn't get the wrong one by accident. 

Need a little help finding romance? You can pray at the shrine for that, too! 

There's a statue of Tamako the dog in Hakusan Park. The story is that Tamako saved his master's life twice in a snow avalanche. 

After the Park we got back on the Loop Bus and visited Saito Villa.

Website for Saito Villa

The Niigata Saito Villa, recognized as a Japan Heritage and a Cultural Property, was constructed in 1918 by Kijuro Saito IV, who was from a prominent merchant family in Niigata. It stands as a masterpiece of modern Japanese-style architecture, showcasing opulence throughout the entire structure.

After spending time walking around the Villa we got back on the bus and went to the Kitamaebune Historical Building (The Former Ozawa Family Residence).

Ozawa Family Residence website

The Former Ozawa Family Residence is one of the oldest and most treasured buildings in Niigata.

This is a great place to visit!

After leaving the Ozawa house we had to wait at the bus stop for about 20 minutes before the bus arrived. No big deal! After that we ate lunch and then returned to the Niigata City Train Station to get Hiroko's Van. Then, we headed back to the Inn for another night of good food, cold drinks, hot baths and sound sleep.

Next is the last part of the adventure (part 3) where we will explore Ouchi-juku, To-no-hetsuri and Yunokami Hot Spring Resort! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike