Dearest Rachel -
Even before we head down the gangplank tomorrow, we should have a beautiful view, no matter where we are; the side of the ship not facing the city should be able to see Sado Island. At least, that's what it looks like on the map of the prefecture, showing where the city is that we're headed for next:
As always, maps, while they're meant to reflect a certain form of reality, don't necessarily give a perfect picture of life on the ground, so we'll have to wait and see what things are really like when we disembark. In the meantime, here is the usual report on the city, for your edification and amusement:
Niigata is the capital city of Niigata Prefecture and is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Its name translates to "new lagoon," but no one seems to be sure what precisely that refers to, although it may have something to do with its place at the mouth of the Shinano-gawa River, the longest and largest in all Japan. It is known for its delicious rice and sake, as well as its stunning natural scenery. The city has a long history dating back to the prehistoric Jomon period, and it played an important role in trade during the Edo period. During World War II, Niigata was heavily bombed, and many of its historic buildings were destroyed. However, the city has been rebuilt and now boasts a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
Compared to our last two stops, Niigata dwarfs them in terms of size; at 810 thousand people, it's bigger than Aomori and Akita put together, or about three times the size of Aomori and twice the size of Akita. Interestingly enough, however, is that none of them compare to our hometown in terms of density; Arlington Heights runs nearly four thousand people per square mile, while Aomori and Niigata both average around 1,100 and Akita a measly 230 people per square mile.
One of the most popular attractions in Niigata is the Northern Culture Museum, which features a collection of traditional Japanese art, crafts, and artifacts. The museum is housed in a beautiful Western-style mansion surrounded by lush gardens. Another must-visit landmark is the Niigata City History Museum, which tells the story of the city's history from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can see artifacts and exhibits related to the city's role in trade, as well as exhibits related to local festivals and customs.
In April, one of the best places to visit in Niigata is the Yahiko Shrine. The shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms and is located at the foot of Mt. Yahiko. Visitors can also take a cable car up to the top of the mountain to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
We'll probably not have time to visit there, but we will be visiting Hakusen Shrine, one of the most popular shrines in the region, and the park of the same name surrounding it. It's dedicated to the Shinto deity, Hakusan-no-Okami, who is believed to be the god of water, agriculture, and health. The shrine has a long history, dating back to the 9th century, and has been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. In addition to being a god of agriculture and medicine, Hakusan-no-okami is also considered a deity of love and marriage in Japanese mythology. It's believed that praying to Hakusan Shrine can bring good luck and success in relationships, as well as fertility and safe childbirth. The shrine is popular among couples who come to pray for a happy and lasting marriage (though, not being a believer in Shinto, it would probably do me absolutely no good to speak of), and it's also a common spot for wedding ceremonies. It might be interesting if we were to encounter such a ceremony while we were there; I recall coming across one in a park Kyoto as I made my way back to the hotel from our last stop on the tour the first day we were there (the day before Emperor Showa passed away).
For those interested in traditional Japanese culture, the Niigata Prefectural Museum of History is a must-visit. The museum has exhibits on traditional crafts, folk art, and the history of the prefecture. Visitors can also see a recreation of a traditional Japanese village and try their hand at traditional crafts like paper-making and weaving.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Niigata is also known for its delicious food. The city is famous for its rice, which is grown in the nearby rice fields and is considered some of the best in Japan. Visitors can also sample local specialties like natto (fermented soybeans) and seafood from the Sea of Japan. Not to seem rude, but I plan to pass on the former, and I know Daniel will do likewise on both.
In terms of unusual tidbits, Niigata is home to the world's largest bronze statue of a bull. The statue, known as "The Bull of Niigata," stands over 15 feet tall and weighs over 27 tons. It was created by the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi and was originally commissioned as a symbol of prosperity for the city's port. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Niigata's culture and heritage. Finally, one of the most unusual and unique attractions in Niigata is the Niigata Manga and Anime Information Center. The center is dedicated to promoting manga and anime culture and offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and creation of these popular art forms. Visitors can also see exhibits on famous manga and anime series, and even try their hand at drawing their own manga characters. Given my level of skill, however, I think I'll leave that for Stable Diffusion to do the drawing for me. That, or get commissions from the Artists' Alley at some future anime convention.
But that's neither here nor there. For now, honey, keep an eye on us, and wish us luck. We're going to need it.
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