What do Okinawa and Singapore have in common other than a tropical vibe alike? One of the answers could be: good meat, at affordable prices, by Teppei X 29.

Sado island is part of Niigata prefecture and is really well-known throughout Japan for its rich history and many stories benhind, but due to its remote location, this treasure trove of an island remains one of the best hidden gems in the country. I am so glad and honored to have the chance to visit this precious island not just once, but twice, creating lots of fond memories that will last a long time.

Have you been to Niigata before?

Did you know that Niigata was once the most populated prefecture in the whole of Japan, dating some 120 years back? That’s actually not that long ago. It was one of the top 5 trading ports of Japan, along with Hakodate (Hokkaido), Yokohama (Kanagawa), Kobe (Hyogo) and Nagasaki.

It is also blessed with almost everything – sea, pure water, onsen, fertile soil, gold mines, lots of snow, allowing the people of Niigata to make the best out of what nature offers – rice, sake, and great seafood. read more

This post is a little bonus side-track from my JR-WEST Kansai Area Pass journey – for anime fans!