Kiyotsu Gorge 清津峡 | 2-day trip to Yuzawa 越後湯沢, Niigata 新潟, Japan | Kaiseki & Onsen experience
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My journey commenced at 6:18 am from Odawara Station, heading towards Niigata. The scenic train ride to Tokyo, covered by the JR East 5 Days Pass, offered a glimpse into the bustling Tokyo Station, where I indulged in a bento box from Ekibenya Matsuri.
Boarding the JR Shinkansen Toki 307 at 8:24 am, bound for Niigata, I relished a sumptuous bento featuring snow crab, scallop, crab meat, uni, oyster, and ikura. The 1-hour and 15-minute journey brought me to Yuzawa Station, the gateway to Niigata Prefecture.
In Yuzawa, I explored CoCoLo Yuzawa, a shopping area housing the Saké Tasting Room. The tasting experience, featuring Niigata’s renowned sake, including the impressive N-888, was complemented by the vast selection of sake brands and delightful “bomb onigiri.”
Following the sake adventure, I ventured to Kiyotsu Gorge, a mesmerizing natural wonder with a 750-meter tunnel adorned with colorful lights and unique rock formations. The journey continued with a delicious lunch at Kiyotsu Cafe before heading back to Yuzawa Station.
The day concluded with a stay at the traditional Japanese inn, Hanatsuki, featuring a beautiful waterfall fountain, indoor tortoise & koi pond, and a serene Japanese-style room. After a refreshing hot spring bath in the 100% natural hot springs, I enjoyed dinner at Shosenkaku Kagetsu, featuring locally sourced ingredients and delightful dishes, including ceramics grilled Wagyu and Niigata rice.
The following morning brought a delightful farm-to-table breakfast at the inn, with hand-drawn menus and a unique egg resume station. The journey concluded with a refreshing yogurt and green smoothie, offering a perfect start to the day.
Throughout the trip, Niigata’s diverse offerings, from sake tastings and culinary delights to natural wonders and traditional inns, created a memorable and enriching experience.
Useful links
Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel 清津峡渓谷トンネル
https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/
Shousenkaku Kagetsu 松泉閣 花月
https://www.shousenkaku-kagetsu.com/
⌛️ Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:22 Train route overview
00:40 Day 1
00:43 Odawara Station 小田原駅
01:17 Tokyo Station 東京駅
01:27 Train Bento
03:29 Echigo-Yuzawa Station 越後湯沢
03:39 CoCoLo Yuzawa (Ponshukan) ぽんしゅ館
03:54 Sake Tasting Room 唎酒番所
05:10 Yukinto 爆弾おにぎり家
06:04 Kiyotsu Gorge 清津峡 溪谷
06:20 Tunnel of light
07:39 Lunch at Kiyotsu Cafe 雪ふる食堂
08:09 Shousenkaku Kagetsu 松泉閣 花月
09:15 Room tour
10:57 Japanese Garden Courtyard
11:33 Man public bath
12:00 Lady public bath
13:25 “Hogetsu” Jozen Bar, Lounge
13:47 Dinner – 旬菜創作会席 花」
16:24 Day 2
16:32 Breakfast – 花月の朝食
18:47 Credits
19:11 Thank you for watching