American In Poland Dreaming Of Japan

Hi all!

I'm Josh and I'm super thrilled to be a part of JREF.

My family and I lived in Niigata prefecture years ago and were super lucky to experience the "Snow Country" culture there. It left such an indelible mark on me that I have to write, podcast and daydream about it constantly. Now we live in Warsaw (the capital of Poland), with the chance to hop, skip and jump around Europe, but I try to make it back to Niigata (specifically Joetsu) every year or so. I'm completely ruined!

When I'm not doing any of the above, I try my hand at cooking, attempting to make gyudon. It's nothing like Suki-ya (and maybe for the best, since they've had a recent problem with rats and bugs??), but it's a taste of Japan that I miss dearly.

Anyone ever been to Niigata, or have any tips for Japanese cooking?

Thanks!
Josh

Hi Josh, welcome to JREF, and thanks for jumping-starting our article section as a full-blown contributor!

As a dedicated sake aficionado, I hold Niigata in the highest esteem. As an avid cyclist, I have been to Niigata several times, passing through Joetsu twice. These are unforgettable memories.

Thank you for sharing your passion for the region. I look forward to reading more of your invaluable insights!

Welcome to JREF! My most fond memory of Niigata is a weekend motorcycle trip to Sado Island with my motorcycle buddies. That was over 25 years ago.

thomas said:

Hi Josh, welcome to JREF, and thanks for jumping-starting our article section as a full-blown contributor!

As a dedicated sake aficionado, I hold Niigata in the highest esteem. As an avid cyclist, I have been to Niigata several times, passing through Joetsu twice. These are unforgettable memories.

Thank you for sharing your passion for the region. I look forward to reading more of your invaluable insights!

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Definitely, Tom! Have you tried Yukiotoko yet? I had the pleasure of (over) sampling some this past February.

mdchachi said:

Welcome to JREF! My most fond memory of Niigata is a weekend motorcycle trip to Sado Island with my motorcycle buddies. That was over 25 years ago.

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Awesome! Sado is great. Did you tour the entire island? I've only been to the Ogi side by e-bike. Hope to see the gold mine one of these days!

Yuki_Taro said:

Awesome! Sado is great. Did you tour the entire island? I've only been to the Ogi side by e-bike. Hope to see the gold mine one of these days!

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It's all pretty hazy in my memory but we saw the main sights (the shellfish harvesting boats and gold mine). I don't remember if we drove to the other side or not. I do remember driving through scenic areas with rice paddies everywhere on the way to the ferry.