Japan astounds in more ways than just its food and its people and wherever you choose to embark on your next adventure, we’re almost certain that you will not be disappointed. Our wanderlust brought us to Niigata, a coastal prefecture located north of bustling Tokyo. A lovely place untouched by time, and one that proves excellent for road trips.

Boasting the highest concentration of rice plantations and accounting for a majority of the country’s rice exports, there really is no wondering why Niigata is well-known for their excellent quality rice, rice wine (sake) and other rice-based products. Located close to the Japan Sea, fresh fish and seafood are often in abundance and of exceptional quality too.

Yet, as far as gastronomy goes, Niigata’s vast array of food choices come second only to the prefecture’s rich culture and a plethora of scenic views. Like lines in a sketch, the terraced rice paddies littered all over present a view like no place else. Each season brings with it a different ambience and having visited in Autumn, we were treated to stunning spectacles of technicoloured leaves and marvellous views wherever we were brought.

Brimming with breathtaking scenery, awesome food and inherently kind yet down-to-earth locals, you best believe us when we tell you that Niigata is a destination to consider if you crave adventure and new experiences. We’ve broken it all down for you, listing down how you can go about renting a car, where you should visit and what you should eat—you’re welcome.

RENT A CAR AT NIPPON DRIVE RENT-A-CAR IN MURAKAMI CITY

The journey toward Niigata prefecture takes about 2 hours via the Joetsu high-speed bullet train from Tokyo station—located 30 minutes from Haneda Airport. Our journey started at Murakami City, a castle township located just slightly north of Niigata City.

Located right outside Murakami Station, the Nippon Rental Car Depot is where you should first visit to kick-start your Niigata road trip proper. The staff may not be able to communicate in English effectively but they do have pamphlets available in multiple languages. Renting a car for a day is not very expensive either with a decent, standard car costing as little as 7000 yen (approx. S$85) for a day. It comes in mint condition with a navigational device in English.

STOP BY YURURI RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Once you’ve gotten your car settled, you could probably do with some grub and located just a short 5-minute drive away is Yururi Restaurant. Off their lunch set menu, you can find anything from rice bowls to soba, each of which features seasonal meat, fish and vegetables—a great way to taste a good variety of what Niigata can offer in terms of its products in just one meal.

We got ourselves the Tendon and Kaisen set, both of which came with a bowl of soba noodles in addition to rice. Fresh-tasting and decently priced, our first meal in Niigata kicked off pretty darn well at Yururi.

VISIT A SALMON SPECIALTY STORE (KIKKAWA)

If you’re a sucker for salmon, you’ll be thrilled to know that Murakami is famous for the stuff due to its proximity to Miomote River—a salmon hotspot basically. In fact, salmon has been a key element in sustaining the city’s financial backbone ever since the Edo period which explains why the people there are insanely proud of it.

Here in Murakami, there are over 100 different ways that the natives prepare salmon with the most common being salting and dry-curing, relying on the natural wind from the coastal breeze.

Don’t be alarmed at the number of salted salmon hanging in and around the houses here because it’s a norm, and scattered everywhere are little salmon speciality stores where you can find heaps of salmon-based products. Kikkawa is one such store and it truly is massive, selling anything and everything salmon-related from snacks, condiments to even salmon burgers which they make fresh daily

VISIT A TRADITIONAL TEA SHOP

The Murakami township is popular for their green tea and black tea varieties and you’re more than likely going to have no trouble finding a tea shop tucked in a corner somewhere. It might seem intimidating from the outside but don’t be shy and just waltz right in, the locals are extremely friendly and will do their utmost to serve you well despite the language barrier.

You can get the full tea-drinking experience with the added bonus of having your tea brewed over charcoal and an expert to prepare, serve and educate you about traditional Japanese tea and the art of tea-drinking.

SASAGAWA-NAGARE TOUR BOAT

For just a small fee, you get to go on a 45-minute boat ride meters away from the coastline to have a better view of the natural landforms as well as feed seagulls while you’re at it. Notable landforms include the Lion Rock, Eagle’s Nest and Dinosaur Rock.

Upon docking, be sure to stop by the fisherman’s wharf, where fresh fish is caught, treated and cooked fresh on an open grill. Fortunately for us, we arrived just in time to savour some fresh local ebi that was literally caught and carried off a fishing boat minutes prior.

DOYUNO: VEGGIE-TIME RESTAURANT

The thought of having a vegetarian meal in Japan might not appeal to many. In fact, some might find it a waste, but over at Doyuno Veggie-Time Restaurant, your impression just might change.

This is a proper as farm-to-table dining goes with all of the restaurant’s menu offerings coming straight from the farm. The experience starts off with a tour of the vegetable garden, of which guests will be educated on the different varieties of vegetables and herbs they grow, before letting you indulge in them all back at the restaurant.

Every recipe is designed specifically to the taste of each individual vegetable so depending on which season you visit, you just might have a different menu every other day.

As history has shown, the people of Tsuruoka have been and are, until today, incredibly reliant on vegetables for sustenance, largely because of their historical ascetic practice of Buddhism which disallows them to indulge in meat-based food.

FIVE-TIER PAGODA IN THE FOREST OF MT. HAGURO

Fancy a scenic trek through a thick cedar forest? The path leading toward Mt. Haguro is excellent and is a popular spot for both locals in search of a spiritual escape or simply just folks who’re looking to get some exercise in.

The lush greenery and the still, tranquil atmosphere is a pleasure to take in and is definitely a spot we recommend if you’re looking to get some solid portrait shots of yourself taken. The spiritual charm of the place comes in the form of shrines and little totems scattered all around the forest with a massive 5-tier pagoda located slightly deeper within.

KAMO AQUARIUM

The Kamo Aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture is in the Guinness Book of World Records for housing the world’s largest collection of jellyfish. Peculiar yet beautiful creatures nonetheless, a trip here will not be wasted. However, do note that the aquarium closes at 5pm so plan your time carefully if you do not want the drive down to be in vain.

LEARN THE WAYS OF THE SAMURAI AT THE UESUGI SHINTO SHRINE

If you’ve always had a fascination for Japan’s ancient warriors, the samurai, then perhaps a tour through the Uesugi Shinto Shrine should be right up your alley. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a quartet of samurai role-players, who, not only looked the part but also sounded and behaved like the proud samurai warriors of Edo-period Japan.

From learning to purify your body, to submit an offering to the Gods, the tour covers it all—if you dare to ask, they’ll probably even let you hold their weapons. The tour ends off with a 15-minute-long skit featuring the samurai warriors.

LOCAL DELICACY AT INAKAYA FURUMACHI OLD TOWN

Craving something authentic and exclusive to the Niigata prefecture, we were brought to try a local delicacy called Wappa Meshi at Inakaya Restaurant at Furumachi Old Town (basically the restaurant where the dish was born).

Wappa Meshi is a steamed dish consisting of steamed rice cooked using dashi that is topped with meat, or seafood cooked. It is steamed in a wooden box, similar to Chinese dim sum and the beauty of it is that the process allows for allows for the flavours of every component to marry well with one another.

The box itself, otherwise known as the ‘Mage-Wappa’ is a kind of container which was used as a lunch box by the folks who worked high up in the mountains and has been a tool of transporting food for over 600 years now.

We had a variety with some comprising chicken, salmon, ikura (salmon roe), local ebi and more. Every Wappa Moshi was cooked to utmost perfection and albeit looking simple, they each boasted incredible flavour.

PIA BANDAI FISH & FARMER’S MARKET

Anyone who’s anyone in the food industry would know of Japan’s highly acclaimed Tsukiji Fish Market—the home of some of the world’s best seafood. Well, in Niigata city, they have one similar called Pia Bandai.

The market stocks a considerable amount of Niigata speciality products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, sake, local fish, tidbits and more but its main appeal would be its wide array of fresh fish and seafood offerings. From unbelievably affordable uni (sea urchin) to thickly cut sashimi prepared fresh upon order, any seafood lover would be excited.

NORTHERN CULTURE MUSEUM + SAVOURING KOSHIHIKARI RICE

The Northern Culture Museum once belonged to one of the wealthiest family of landowners or ‘farmer lords’—as the local people refer to them as—in the Echigo area. However, it has long changed and while the massive complex astounds with its rustic, well-kept furnishings, perhaps one of the more interesting facts to note is that it is the only one in Japan that still stands.

You’d have to go on a tour for the full explanation but we promise you this is far more interesting than some mere museum walkthrough. The owners of the house were huge in the rice farming industry and provided rice of exceptional quality to all parts of Japan.

PONSHU-KAN – A SAKE LOVER’S HEAVEN

Located in Cocolo at Niigata Station, you’re bound to stumble upon a sake speciality store—Ponshu-Kan—right smack in the middle of it. The prefecture is known for their rice, so it is only natural that they’d be home to outstanding sake as well. Skilfully brewed with high-quality rice and spring water from the mountains, much of their sake take on a clean and refreshing taste.

At Ponshu-Kan, visitors can taste and sample their fill of all the major sake brands (¥500 for 5 samples) in Niigata and with more than a hundred labels to choose from, chances are you’ll be there for quite a while.

SHIRONE GRAPE GARDEN

It’s one thing to buy fresh fruits from the supermarket, let alone a farmer’s market, but to actually be able to pick your own fruits with your bare hands? That really is a killer experience. When in Niigata, you should definitely try your hand at fruit picking at the Shirone Grape Garden.

With grapes in the summer, pears in the fall, strawberries and more during winter through spring, this lovely fruit orchard allows you to enjoy fruit-picking all-year round. Their popular gelato is made using the seasonal fruits that they grow onsite too and if you’re a fan of Japan’s esteemed Kyoho grapes, you’ll be glad to know that you can pick those here too (or have them in gelato form).

UWASEKIGATA PARK – CHERRY BLOSSOM HOTSPOT IN SPRING

Considered Niigata’s national park, this vast and beautiful park is popular for numerous reasons. On weekends, the park is open for people to have barbecues and picnics and is also a great place for photographers and fitness gurus.

During the spring season, the park itself is said to boast spectacular displays of cherry blossoms but during other parts of the year, the park also plays host to a myriad of artistic sculptures and the ones that we were fortunate to see were the animal ones made using rice straws.

KOKAJIYA – ITALIAN-JAPANESE CUISINE

When in Japan, to eat any cuisine other than Japanese cuisine would not the most ideal, but we beg to differ, or at least at Kokajiya Restaurant. Fusing together Italian recipes and culinary techniques but relying heavily on local produce derived from Niigata itself. From their pasta to their mains, all of their food nicely tie together the best of both cuisine’s culinary disciplines and flair.

The result? Possibly one of the best Italian dishes we ever had. Period.

YAHIKOYAMA ROPE WAY – STUNNING VIEWS OF THE LAND BELOW

To round off your trip on an epic note, there’s nothing quite as majestic as a stunning sunset view a couple of hundred metres above sea level. At the Yahikoyama Rope Way, not only were we treated to a gorgeous 360-degree view of the land below, but the sunset—coupled with the mountain breeze—marked one heck of a solid end to our 5D4N adventure in the Niigata prefecture of Japan.

This post was brought to you by Niigata City, Murakami City, Tsuruoka City and Yonezawa City.

Vacations are supposedly a time for you to enjoy some quiet time and unwind from the stress that you have been facing at work or in school.

Road trips sure are fun and exciting if you are going with friends. But parents who are thinking of going for a trip together with their children may find it more of a chore than a relaxing holiday. The long hours in a car and having to entertain the kids during the journey are some of the typical “problems”.

Although hiccups along the trip are unpredictable, there are still ways to minimise a meltdown from happening. Here are some tips on how to keep you and your young ones happy throughout the journey!

#1 RENT A COMFORTABLE CAR

Since you will be spending long hours in the car, it is one of the most important considerations you have to make. If your kids are going to be cooped up in an uncomfortable car, chances are that the trip will turn out to be quite a miserable experience.

Make sure you do your homework before making a decision as you would need to rent a car that is suitable for your family and whether it fits into your budget as well. The sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a popular choice among families as the car is the top choice for rugged off-road adventure. Recreational vehicles (RV) may be suitable for families who want to get around and still be able to have ice-cream from the fridge or using the toilet without stopping for a break.

Some cars offer more than just space and comfort but also additional bonuses like entertainment, GPS units that are able to point out traffic cameras and safety features like blind spot warning.

Additional tip: Check your car before driving off to ensure that there are no flat tyres and engine breakdowns. The last thing you want to happen is to be stranded in the middle of the road with a broken vehicle.

Photo Credit: MVP Sports Club

#2 BRING ALONG SOME SNACKS

Do not belittle these packets of dried fruits and cereals because they will be your lifesaver when the children simply refuse to eat anything at the restaurant you have decided to stop by for dinner.

Pack some healthy snacks like raisins, granola and even fresh fruits but make sure that you check the sugar level first. Trust us when we say, you do not want them to be high on energy throughout the trip.

Additional tip: Electrolyte water hydrates faster and stays in the body longer. That means lesser toilet stops!

Photo Credit: Mindful

#3 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE KIDS

Some parents are fine letting their children play with electronic gadgets while others not so much. We understand that sometimes it is difficult not to give in when your child requests for the smartphone or tablet but since it is a road trip, maybe you can consider having a range of entertainment that does not involve technology.

Younger kids may like crayons and colouring books or fun car games like having a spelling bee. Older children can be encouraged to do journal jotting, having them write down what they see along the way and collecting something small along the way such as postcards at rest stops or a seashell from the beach.

Not only do such activities make the car ride seem shorter, it is great for family bonding time!

Photo Credit: Slate

#4 REST STOPS ARE IMPORTANT

Even if you are driving a RV, it is important to take regular breaks every now and then to freshen up. While it is good to keep track of time, it may not be a good idea to follow your schedule too tightly.

Frustration may arise among family members if there is too much pressure. Instead, have some breakfast or go grab coffee and take it as a chance to explore new places that you have not been to.

Photo Credit: Bikepacking

#5 FIRST AID KID

Apart from rest stops, there won’t be any Watsons or Guardians for you to purchase medication when your kid has a sudden fever. A first aid kit is always important as you never know when a situation might arise.

Have the usual medications for fever, stomach upset, antiseptic ointment, bandages, plasters, wet tissue and toilet paper ready in the kit.

Photo Credit: Jessie on a journey

#6 DOWNLOAD THE NECESSARY APPS

Technology can be useful in its own ways and save you from unnecessary troubles such as getting caught in a traffic jam.

The few apps that you should have in your device include Waze, which is an app that will help you navigate around traffic jams and construction delays; Gas Buddy that tells you when and where to buy gas and how to get the best value out of it; and AroundMe to keep yourself updated with the latest information on restaurants, banks, hotels and movie schedules that are near you.

Photo Credit: Adoption

#7 BE SPONTANEOUS

Along the way, you will pass by many places that were not included in your planning list but always be open to new suggestions given by people you meet along the way or overheard from the local radio DJ. You may end up loving those places more than the ones you planned to go!

#8 BE REALISTIC

Preparing yourself with the above tips are not a given that the trip will be entirely smooth sailing. Going on a family road trip is not like racing for The Amazing Race, so don’t over plan or decide on a minimum of eight hours drive every day.

Have ample breaks in between the car rides and let your kids stretch their legs at nearby parks or playgrounds. Once they use up their energy with all that running, it will be easier on you when they sleep in the car during the journey.

Lastly, have fun and try not to stress out too much!

Read: 10 Things You Should Consider Before Driving On A Road Trip.

Most people prefer driving themselves on a holiday as it allows them to travel at their own desired pace. Travellers also get to immerse in unrivalled scenery without having hoards of tourists obstructing their views, or a tour guide rushing them to move on to the next destination.

While driving on a holiday may be an enticing idea and coveted for its unlimited freedom, a lot of preparations actually have to be made way in advance to ensure a smooth trip. Many first-timers find themselves in a state of shock by the various setbacks they face due to their negligence in handling unforeseen circumstances. These issues are usually seemingly minor, but they result in panicky situations which could be otherwise avoided if proper planning was done.

To ensure a pleasant journey when you drive on a road trip, here are 10 things you should consider before embarking on a road trip.

#1 IS DRIVING THE IDEAL CHOICE?

To drive or not to drive – that is the first and foremost question. With so many other transportation options available, you may be surprised that a flight or train to your desired destination may actually be cheaper than driving. Remember to bear in mind the cost of car rental, fuel and the most priceless commodity – time.

For instance, the car journey from Melbourne to Sydney takes approximately 9 hours. Yet Australian domestic planes allow you to fly from Melbourne to Sydney at an average of A$100.

#2 SELECTION OF CAR RENTAL COMPANY

Selection of car rental gets really tough when there are so many options to choose from. But with convenient websites such as Sky Scanner and Compare & Choose, you get to compare the price differences between several well-established car rental companies.

If the price differences are insignificant, you should look up on which company’s location is most convenient for you to pick up and drop off the rented car.

#3 EXTRA ADMIN COSTS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT

Do take note that there may be certain additional administrative fees that may take you by surprise. For example, young drivers under 25 years old have to pay a surcharge of AUD 16.50 and AUD 27.50 per day for Hertz and Thrifty respectively.

The loss of your GPS and other car accessories are usually not covered by insurance. Budget charges AUD 495 (excluding an additional admin fee and GST) in the case of a lost GPS. In addition, premium car rental locations such as Sydney airport will set you back an extra 28.5% in fee.

#4 GPS AND OTHER MAPS

Do make sure you have both a GPS in the car and a physical map if you are driving to a place that is really far out. Having a fully-charged smart phone with the reliable Google Maps application will also be a handy back-up.

#5 ROUTE YOUR JOURNEY

It is best to route your journey beforehand to have a rough idea on how long the road trip will take, as well as when and where it is ideal for fuel pit stops in between. This is to avoid the mishap of being stranded in the middle of nowhere when your vehicle runs out of petrol and there are no gas stations nearby.

Trip Tik Travel Planner mobile app can effectively compare the prices across various gas stations to help you decide which path to take for the most cost-effective manner (only valid for United States). If you are traveling around the U.S. and wish to stop from time to time to catch the amazing scenery or other interesting attractions, download the app RoadTrippers – it will assist you in searching the best spots to stop.

#6 FOOD

If the drive is going to be an arduous journey of at least five hours, you definitely need food to keep you and your passengers (if any) going. Do you intend to stash food in the car or do you intend to stop by restaurants to recharge your energy levels?

If preparation and storage of food is too much of a mess, download the app TVFoodMaps to help you locate the nearest eateries during your drive. Restaurants are extremely scarce in the vast space outside of the city so do prepare or risk a growling tummy!

#7 WEATHER CONDITIONS

Are you dressed comfortably for the long journey ahead and is your car fitted accordingly for the weather? If you do intend to drive up the snowy mountains, fitting of snow chains is essential for safety measures. If you are not confident of driving in a foreign climate, perhaps it is best to hire an experienced chauffeur/ join a guided tour instead of risking your lives.

#8 MUSIC

Never underestimate the power of music. Preparing a long playlist of your favourite melodies will help you tremendously in keeping awake and continuing with the immensely long drive. It will also definitely liven up the mood – and who knows, that particular song might just be the soundtrack of your summer holiday!

#9 2ND DRIVER

Are you and your companions taking turns to steer the driver’s wheel? These arrangements should be planned prior to the actual road trip, so that each of you get ample rest to focus on driving. Car rental companies do charge extra fees for each additional driver too. Avis, Budget and Enterprise, however, do waive off that fee in the event if the second driver happens to be your spouse.

#10 LICENSE

Last but not least, it is crucial to ensure you have a certified driving license recognised by the country that you are driving in. Every country and car rental company has their own rules to abide. In Australia, an English-written driving license accompanied with a photo is the typical bare minimum requirement. You would also have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.