TSUBAMESANJO / SOUNDSCAPES

00:02:00

JR Tsubamesanjo Station

JR Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubamesanjo Station. It's a gateway station of Tsubamesanjo. Here you'll find a miniature replica of Yahiko Shrine's red gate. Located on the second floor, "Tsubamesanjo Wing" is a point of access for local travel information. You can also shop for local products here.

00:09:00

Tsubamesanjo Wing

It is situated at same floor of ticket gate of JR Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubamesanjo Station. The tax-free shop sells Tsubamesanjo items such as metal products, and free Wi-Fi and desk top computers are available. It is suit for seeking information for your trip.

00:14:00

JR Tsubamesanjo Station

JR Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubamesanjo Station. It's a gateway station of Tsubamesanjo. Here you'll find a miniature replica of Yahiko Shrine's red gate. Located on the second floor, "Tsubamesanjo Wing" is a point of access for local travel information. You can also shop for local products here.

00:16:00

Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Store

Roughly 10,000 authentic items produced by makers from the Craftsmen's Town, Tsubamesanjo, are gathered here. This tax-free shop exhibit and sell items. Enjoy shopping here and take part in the spoon polishing activity! Also, free Wi-Fi and English speaking staff are available. We'll store your baggage for free for one day at the "Empty-Handed Tourist Counter." Please start your journey from here.

00:31:00

TREE

A brick warehouse from Taisho Era (1912-1926) and a house built in early Showa Era (1926-1989) were renovated to become this cafe. Savor delicious foods and beverages inside as you breathe in the harmony of the traditional and modern designs. The building is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property.

00:38:00

Craftsmen's Inn KAJI

This building was renovated from an old residence. Only one group can stay at a time, and will have full access to all the house's facilities. Please try using craftsmen's instruments such as chisels. You can stay here as if you live in Tsubamesanjo as a craftsman!

00:45:00

Sengando Suspension Bridge

This 124-meter-long suspended bridge is at the middle of Mt. Kugami. Throughout the seasons, you can enjoy a strikingly beautiful view of the crimson bridge contrasting against spring/summer greens, foliage, snow and so on.

00:51:00

Kokujoji Temple Ema for Cancer Prevention

Located within Mt. Kugami, this is the oldest Buddhist temple in Niigata Prefecture. "Ema" is a wooden tablet on which one may write down their wish. Said to have powers to prevent cancer, with this Ema, you circle the parts of the body on a drawing of a human, where you'd like to avoid getting cancer.

00:56:00

Yahiko Shrine

Over 1,300 years of history and legends have been kept in the shrine. You can relax your mind and refresh your spirits as you take a stroll through the grounds. Kiku Matsuri - Japanese chrysanthemum flower festival is held every November 1st to 24th, together with the foliage, it's a two-for-one special you shouldn't miss.

01:05:00

Bunsuido Kashiho

Pandayaki is a panda shaped cake with filling inside like Taiyaki. The batter is made from local rice flour. The most popular filling is made with local edamame bean "Yahiko Musume" sweet paste. Adorable looking and easy to eat, a perfect snack for eating and traveling.

01:15:00

Shoritsudo

There are several manju (Japanese steamed bun with sweet filling) shops in the area around Yahiko Shrine. Come in the morning, and watch as the steam from these shops fill the air! You can enjoy them while they are still steaming, a rare treat!

01:18:00

Yahiko Omotenashi Plaza

Newly opened in the spring of 2018, the many amenities include a foot bath, a bath for hands, local specialty gift shops, dine-in restaurants and many more. Take your time and relax here.

01:22:00

Mt. Yahiko

Mt. Yahiko is 634 meters high, same as Tokyo Sky Tree! Five-minute-ride on the Ropeway takes you to the top of Mt. Yahiko. On a nice day, you can spot Sado Island in the Sea of Japan, and the Grand Echigo Plain on the opposite side.

01:25:00

Suwada Blacksmith Works, Inc.

Established 1926. Their main products are nail clippers. Approximately three months are needed to produce one nail clipper. Their high-precision process allows two blades to meet perfectly. Take a tour in their modernly stylized, black color themed factory and bear witness to their handiwork!

01:30:00

MARUNAO CO., LTD.

A maker of luxury chopsticks made of hardwood such as ebony or Shitan (rosewood). You can watch their work from the huge observing window. Previous generations earned a living by decorating temples with wood carvings. Those woodworking techniques have been passed down and thrives in their works.

01:35:00

Tojiro Co., Ltd.

They produce high quality products such as kitchen knives, excelling in both the traditional "forging" methods as well as the "blanking" methods. The company has its roots in farm equipment production. Starting with their introduction into the European market, the brand is now recognized and adored all over the world.

01:42:00

Koshu Hanten

They are the OGs of Seabura ramen, Tsubame City's soul food. When faced with the challenge of delivering ramen to factory workers without the soup getting cold or noodles getting soggy, this dish was born. Slathered white with rendered pork fat-back, enjoy as the thick noodles and savory soup together with the richness of the fat create a mouthwatering harmony.

01:45:00

Taikanro

Curry ramen is a comfort food for craftsmen, and others in Sanjo City. "Curry Ramen" isn't just a combination of "curry" and "ramen." Each restaurant has a unique interpretation!

01:47:00

GYOKUSENDO inc.

A man regarded as a living national treasure heads this 200-year-old factory. A cornerstone of the metal working industry of Tsubame, "Tsuki Douki" are copperware made by continuously hammering a copper plate. Tsubame is now the only place in Japan where this traditional crafting technique survives. Don't miss the chance to see the craftsmen in action, as you listen to the hypnotizing sound of hammer to copper.

01:57:00

Tadafusa co., ltd.

Here, every step in the knife making process are done by hand by experienced craftsmen. You can tour the factory and learn about the craft up close and personal, with the sounds and smells adding extra effect!

02:06:00

Water Tower

Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Once, this tower distributed water to Tsubame City. It is one of the symbols of Tsubame City. It is possible to arrange a tour of the inside (1st floor only, application is needed in advance).

02:10:00

Kamameshi Shogetsu

Once you open the lid, you can smell the aroma rising from the pot. Kamameshi is a cuisine made of rice, meats, and various vegetables, all steamed together in a small pot-"kama". There are many kamameshi restaurants in Tsubame today, but they were the first to serve the dish.

02:16:00

Tsubame-shi Migakiya-Ichibankan

Migaki (Polishing) is one of the important skills for Tsubamesanjo's craftsmanship. This facility is a training center for craftsmen in-the-making. Also, you can take part in the tumbler-polishing hands-on activity! Enjoying a beverage out of a tumbler you made!

02:22:00

Sanjo Blacksmith Training Hall

Try leaning the craftsmen's techniques such as hammering, grinding through a hands-on experience! Skilled craftsmen will guide you to make your own paper knives. It should make a great souvenir of your trip.

02:27:00

asa cafe tsubamesanjo style cafe

A special pop-up cafe hosted by farm owners in Tsubamesanjo, open seasonally at the best times for harvest. Some days it may be held in a vineyard, or held in a greenhouse for strawberries on other days. Learn about farming and enjoy breakfast made with your own fresh harvest.

02:37:00

Volost Park of the Swan

Every winter, we receive approximately 400 guests from Siberia: Swans! It's rare to see swans swim on a river instead of ponds and lakes. The contrast against Mt. Awa is stunning. Stay warm in the observatory and watch them through a telescope, you can feed them as well.

02:42:00

Katsuboya

A confectionery shop located in the historic shopping street. Have a bite of seasonal fresh fruit daifuku confectionery. Strawberry daifuku (available winter-spring seasons) is their bestseller!

02:44:00

Mt. Osaki

How about doing some snowshoeing, an activity only possible in snow country. You can rent a pair of snow shoes if you don't have them.

02:46:00

Snow Peak Inc.

World renowned outdoor equipment maker. You can also camp here, even if you don't bring your own equipment with you to this camping ground! "Empty-handed Camp" is available where you can rent all the necessary stuff on site. We recommend you to do this during snow season.

02:52:00

Two-Seven Market

Taking place on days of the month that ends in 2 or 7, this morning market is primarily aimed at local citizens. An early bird catches the worm, you will find fresh local vegetables and fruits, as well as other goodies.

02:55:00

Akakabeya Koji

The Kaeriyama family's home, named "Akakabeya" was the namesake for this alleyway. It is said that the Kaeriyama home was called Akakabe-ya (red wall house) because their wooden fence was painted red.

02:58:00

Honji Koji

There is a Buddhist temple named "Sanjo Betsuin", once called "Honji" at the end of this alley. You will find commercial spaces and residential homes all jumbled together in this narrow street. Mostly made up of izakayas, bars, and restaurants, in the evening this area becomes very busy, filled with crowds looking for a good time.