Summer vacation in 2009 vol.3

On the third day, I moved to Murakami in Niigata prefecture.

I like traditional areas, so I chose Murakami city.

Actually, I couldn’t find much information on the Internet about Murakami.

I know it’s difficult to find information about rural areas of Japan online, so I bought 2 editions of a famous guide book which featured Gunma and Niigata prefecture and I read them before my trip.

According to the Niigata guide book, Murakami seemed very nice, so I decided to visit Murakami.

Murakami is famous as the northernmost area producing Japanese tea, salmon and also the birth place of the crown princess. It’s also known as one of the “historical castle towns” in Japan.

The following image is my seishun 18 ticket.

When I arrived at Murakami, it was not crowded even near station, because the bon holiday had already finished the day before my visit.

I rented a bicycle at the station, and rode around Murakami city.

It was a bit hot outside, however I enjoyed seeing the old Japanese houses along the streets.

I talked to some local people there. It was a lot of fun for me.

At an old tea shop, which seemed famous, I bought a gift for my shamisen group member.

There I also bought a tea flavored ice cream, which was called “Monaka“in Japanese. It was very delicious!

After a short rest, I dropped by a tourist information center.

There I met a unique person who was a Tuishu craftsman.

Murakami is also famous for a Tuishu(Japanese Lacquerware).

The tourist information center was originally opened by a non-profit organization in Murakami, however unfortunately, that group gave up to administer the center.

The craftsman heard about that, and soon decided to take it over with his friends.

I talked with him for 2 hours about his opinion on how to train pupils, and how to protect such a traditional culture.

His way of thinking was very neutral, and I began to like his personality.

I also talked to him about my opinion on the shamisen world, and he advised me about my situation.

I really enjoyed talking with him and appreciated him, so I decided to buy his handmade chopsticks for my parents as a souvenir.

He also explained to me about the details of the architecture of Murakami’s old houses.

All houses are connected to the neighbouring house.

After talking to him, I rode around again by bicycle, and arrived at the Murakami Museum of History.

When I arrived there, it was only 15 minutes before closing time. However the staff of the facility waited for me to finish seeing the exhibits.

I thought that the people who I met in Murakami were very kind, and that’s why I like rural areas.

On my way back to the station, I found a nice regional meat shop by accident. I was very lucky!

I bought a nice big beef bowl and a beer for my dinner, and enjoyed them in the waiting room of the station.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you another topic.

On that day, a small summer festival was being held all over Murakami.

I saw some Dashis(floats) on some streets.

Unfortunately, a bigger festival would be held on the day after my I visited Murakami, and the most famous festival, which is called “Murakami-taisai” is held in July every year.

I took a taxi to my ryokan. The following images are of the ryokan and my room at the ryokan.

The Senami hot spring is the nearest hot spring areas to Murakami.

When I saw this old style of mirror in my room, I was very surprised!

Usually we only see them in the movies.

Actually, the late owner of my ryokan was a founder of Senami hot spring.

I suddenly wanted to drink alcohol. I ordered a chu-hi.

The taste of the drink was not so interesting, however the situation in which I drunk alone at the ryokan was intersting.

The following images are of my breakfast. It was delicious which goes without saying.