Where and what is Niigata, Japan all about exactly, you might ask?
Niigata prefecture prides itself for its agriculture and breathtaking scenery. Geographically blessed with a location near the coast, tourists will be able to enjoy the best seafood and local delicacies too!
There is definitely a whole lot to eat, see and do!
Hello Niigata
As Niigata is a relatively new tourist destination, Mediacorp TV Channel OKTO aired a two part series, Hello Niigata, that provided a peephole into the region’s best-kept secrets.
The hosts chat up Niigata locals and provide tips on where to go, what to do and where to eat.
To celebrate the preview of Hello Niigata, we were treated to a 5 course meal at Tomi Sushi that showcased Niigata’s culinary flair.
Niigata cuisine at Tomi Sushi
If you would like to have a taste of Niigata cuisine before travelling there, we’ve got you covered!
You can have an authentic gastronomic experience right here in Singapore. Tomi Sushi specialises in Niigata cuisine and gets all their fresh ingredients from Niigata as well.
Also, Tomi Sushi uses 100% Niigata KOSHIHIKARI rice and a special blend of soy sauce specially curated for the restaurant. The first Tomi Sushi was opened in Niigata and presently, they have opened 3 branches in our little red dot (Millenia, Novena, Katong).
These are the famous Le Lectier pears which were impossibly sweet and juicy.
They are also hard to get your hands on as they are only in season in November and December, a good justification of its nickname, “the Phantom Pear”.
While enjoying our meal, they screened the Hello Niigata trailers. We had a first hand experience trying the highly popular KOSHIHIKARU rice (the rice balls made an excellent pairing with sake!) from Niigata.
The owner of a rice farm in Niigata was present to explain all about KOSHIHIKARU rice.
It was exceptionally inspiring to meet the men and women behind the companies in the flesh, speaking passionately about their craft.
Many of the farms were passed on from one generation to the next so you can only imagine the amount of effort and sheer hard work it takes to shoulder family tradition and legacy!
Hello Niigata – Catch Up On The Two Episodes On Toggle
If you are planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, Niigata is a must visit destination.
You can discover their unique culture and harvests, such as their famous rice, sake, tea and seafood. We can attest to that from our delightful experience at Tomi Sushi!
To find out more about Niigata, you can also watch the two part series on Toggle to witness everything Niigata has to offer.
Both episodes delve into the lives of the natives where the hosts will get up close and personal with them, giving us an insider view to their hometown.
If you are wondering where the Le Lectier pears originated from, the series will take you on a tour of Shirone’s Kingdom of Fruit. It’s a garden that cultivates high quality fruits such as Le Lectier pears and Echigo Hime (Princess Strawberries) each season.
Besides the realm of culinary tourism, you will be exposed to other recreational activities. For example, Sado Island (an island within Niigata prefecture) is known for Sado Nishimakawa Gold Park and the preserved Shukunegi Village. At this village, you can explore traditional merchant houses and row your own tub boats.
To help satiate your wanderlust tendencies, definitely watch Hello Niigata on Toggle. You’ll see a part of Japan that many tourists may not know about.
Who knows, you might be well on your way to booking your plane ticket to Niigata, Japan sooner than you think!
Hello Niigata on Toggle
Weblink
Episode 1
Episode 2
Tomi Sushi
Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-12/13, Singapore 039596
6238 1123
11:30 – 15:00, 17:30 – 22:00
Novena Square (Velocity), 238 Thomson Road, #02-76/77, Singapore 307683
6255 2355
11:30 – 15:00, 17:30 – 22:00
Katong V, 30 East Coast Road, #02-14/15/16, Singapore 428751
6348 7897
11:30 – 14:30, 17:30 – 22:00
Also, read 7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!
