Niigata

Travelling south west down the Sea of Japan, we visited Niigata. What a lot we tried to fit into a long day! First we went to the City History Museum (bottom right in extra) and learned a lot about rice, devastating fires and earthquakes. Niigata was one of the ports opened to the outside world in the late 19th century, and the old Customs House still stands (bottom left in extra).

Then to the Northern Culture Museum, a rare surviving rich merchant’s house and farm. The other photos in the extra give a glimpse of the peaceful, elegant house and gardens.

We spent the afternoon at Niitsu Art Museum which has a special exhibition of “The Golden Camuy”, a recent film and previously an immensely popular Manga. The story is set in Hokkaido just after the Japanese-Russian War. The exhibition is full of graphic art (as in my main), but also fascinating cultural and social background, so very educational. On a Saturday afternoon it was packed with young people slowly and carefully working their way round every exhibit.

Finally we relaxed in warm sunshine in the beautiful Botanical Gardens next door.

The town gave us a great send-off with a powerful drumming display which brought tears to my eyes.