Niigata Visit - Help

[Akai-San]

After being in Tokyo for 18 months, I finally have time to try and get myself and my family up to Niigata this Spring. Looks like spring break (Early April). Are the koi farms open at this time for customers? Still may be cold yet, but this winter has been very, very mild....No snow yet in Tokyo.

Would appreciate anykind of help regarding comfortable places to stay, restaurants, izakiyas, etc. etc. for a couple days that are in close proximity to a town with things for a young family to experience while my father and myself go koi gazing at some farms.

Not sure how much buying my father intends on doing, but what is the best way to get to each farm and what about making appointments to visit places. I will have a van to drive to and from place to place but not sure what condition the roads are in since the earthquake.

Would appreciate any recommendations this being our first trip to the Motherland.

[Bob Winkler]

We almost always stay at the New Otani in Nagaoka. The Grand is pretty decent too. With in walking distance are many restaraunts and karaoke bars... Notably, the Famed Nomole's, and the German Brew pub whose name escapes me at this moment. That will get you started anyway

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San After being in Tokyo for 18 months, I finally have time to try and get myself and my family up to Niigata this Spring. Looks like spring break (Early April). Are the koi farms open at this time for customers? Still may be cold yet, but this winter has been very, very mild....No snow yet in Tokyo. Would appreciate anykind of help regarding comfortable places to stay, restaurants, izakiyas, etc. etc. for a couple days that are in close proximity to a town with things for a young family to experience while my father and myself go koi gazing at some farms. Not sure how much buying my father intends on doing, but what is the best way to get to each farm and what about making appointments to visit places. I will have a van to drive to and from place to place but not sure what condition the roads are in since the earthquake. Would appreciate any recommendations this being our first trip to the Motherland.

It would be best if you have a broker or guide.

[Akai-San]

If purchasing koi was not a requirement for these visits, will brokers/guides still be willing to lend a hand to show us around or help make appointments. What is the best way to find one? Thanks.

[dick benbow]

why don't you contact Fujio Oomo and see what he might recommend. Type his name into a WWW search engine. he breeds showa and runs a fabric shop
and takes folks around as a guide. very good english, and a most uplifting personality....might be just the ticket

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow why don't you contact Fujio Oomo and see what he might recommend. Type his name into a WWW search engine. he breeds showa and runs a fabric shop and takes folks around as a guide. very good english, and a most uplifting personality....might be just the ticket

I agree with Dick, but let him know your intentions. It is very difficult to get around by yourself, so a guide is a must.

[Akai-San]

Thanks very much guys. I'll give Oomo-san a call.

[Akai-San]

Since we will be in the Niigata area(s), is there any other MUST DO's while on that side of Japan. Planning to be in the area 3-4 days. As a first visit, would also like to get acquainted with relevant areas and experience its mistique. Thanks, always interested in what others experience first hand as well.

Aloha,
Carl

[keokoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San Since we will be in the Niigata area(s), is there any other MUST DO's while on that side of Japan. Planning to be in the area 3-4 days. As a first visit, would also like to get acquainted with relevant areas and experience its mistique. Thanks, always interested in what others experience first hand as well. Aloha, Carl

Carl, might as well go to the Nishikigoi Museam. There you will find much mystique about these crazy mtns. Be Careful during the winter. I was just up there while snowing and I have to say. Some of the roads are kinda spooky..

As they say in Japan..

Please be careful.


Joe

[Donata]

just have a look at ojiya. there is the koi-museum, who was mentioned by joe.
also you find koi-mosaik on the streets, drain caps with koi-pictures and the station has stairways which look like a big koi.

streets in yamakoshi are very dangerous in wintertime. there is a lot of snow, so there are high walls of snow on each side of the single track. suddenly there are other cars or a big snowplow in your way and anyone doesn´t know where to go ... i´m always happy not to sit behind the steering wheel! but while you will go in april, i think it will be confortable....

have a nice time!