Tadafusa is a premier makers of high-end cutlery, including a huge variety of knives. Particularly famous for a bread knife that has become very popular, it also creates knives for the making of soba noodles, kitchen and fish knives, and many other varieties. Widely used by professional chefs, Tadafusa knives are also eagerly sought after by serious home cooks from around the world, many of who make a visit to the factory to enjoy a stay in the Shitada area while their knives are professionally edged and reconditioned. Tours of the factory, where traditional are combined with modern technologies, are available; the in-house shop also sells the full range of Tadafusa creations. 27-16 , Higashi-Honjoji, Sanjo; tel: 0256-32-2184.

This “michi no eki,” or Road Station, is a great introduction to the flavors of Shitada, as well as a nice place for a drink or an ice cream not far from Yagigahana and the Igarashi River. The Goku restaurant serves dishes made with local ingredients, including handmade soba noodles and Sanjo Pork no Aburi-don, local pork rice bowl. Saiyuki is a shop directly selling the best local produce of each season, including the colorful and very spicy kagura nanban, a small green pepper that will turn to a beautiful red, and is a unique example of the very spicy foods in a snowy setting that are popular in some parts of Niigata. Another interesting local produce unlike that found in most Michi no Eki around Japan are the large bags of dried leaves sold by local farmers; these are used to create delicious teas that also provide specific treatment for various ailments. This is much like the tradition of kampo, the mild Japanese herbal medicines which are often prescribed by doctors alongside modern treatments. And, if nothing else, they taste great—just ask the clerk about which leaves are for what ailment.

Tucked into the mountains far back along a winding road, this beautiful riverside area is one of the finest fishing spots in all of Japan. While lure and bait fishing is also allowed, this is a great place to learn (or perfect) fly fishing, whether Western style, or the traditional, Japanese reel-less method known as tenkara—an excellent choice when overhead trees or narrow valleys make the long casting motion of fly fishing impractical. The main target species are iwana (char) and yamame (cherry trout), both striking members of the salmonid family of fishes—great fighters and also delicious, although the Fishing Park area is strictly catch and release (catch and keep areas can be found further downstream; be sure to check before taking fish from the river). Full camping facilities can be found in the Park center building; charcoal-making demonstrations are also held during the camping season. A fishing license is required (daily or seasonal) and can be purchased at the Park building. 160 Yoshgadaira, Sanjo-shi, 955-0000. Tel (in Japanese) 090-3226-5912, 9 am to 5 pm.

This unique inn set right on the Igarashi River; enjoy soaking in the natural onsen (hot spring), set in an historic building, accompanied by the soothing sound of the water. The onsen water, in fact, contains a high quantity of salt and other minerals—so strong that it was once used as a medicine—a combination that leaves the skin feeling moist and comfortable. It’s a place where you can really feel the seasons, from the cherry blossoms and fresh sprouts of spring, to flashing fireflies in summer, brilliant autumn colors and winter’s blankets of pure white snow. It’s just set far enough away to feel like a secret escape spot.

Rankeiso is a unique combination of buildings, including Ryokufukan, built in the early 20th century, brought here as part of the hotel and today a nationally registered building.

Rankeiso is also well-known for its superb meals, with river fish, wild vegetables and the best local produce all prepared using special spring water. The chef also takes pride in varying the menu to make the most of seasonal specialties.

Metal working in Japan is very much based on the skills of the blacksmith. It’s perhaps best known in the katana, the hand-crafted Japanese sword, but the handmade skills are also seen in a vast array of daily items: farming and woodworking tools, knives and other cooking implements, metal fittings—items made in both soft and hard metal.

Sanjo is known throughout Japan as a center of fine metalworking, creating products that in fact are increasingly appreciated around the world. The Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo was created as a place to come in direct contact with these timeless skills: here you can make the traditional style of Japanese nails, or learn the techniques for putting a perfect edge on a knife. Experience real craftsmanship with your own hands!

This unique inn set right on the Igarashi River; enjoy soaking in the natural onsen (hot spring), set in an historic building, accompanied by the soothing sound of the water. The onsen water, in fact, contains a high quantity of salt and other minerals—so strong that it was once used as a medicine—a combination that leaves the skin feeling moist and comfortable. It’s a place where you can really feel the seasons, from the cherry blossoms and fresh sprouts of spring, to flashing fireflies in summer, brilliant autumn colors and winter’s blankets of pure white snow. It’s just set far enough away to feel like a secret escape spot.

Rankeiso is a unique combination of buildings, including Ryokufukan, built in the early 20th century, brought here as part of the hotel and today a nationally registered building.

Rankeiso is also well-known for its superb meals, with river fish, wild vegetables and the best local produce all prepared using special spring water. The chef also takes pride in varying the menu to make the most of seasonal specialties.

Shitada is one of the few places in Niigata with a river perfect for the fun of rafting. IRC Rafting is right here on the Igarashi River for exciting, safely guided river adventures from mid-April to late September. Everyone, even beginners and children, can enjoy the trips, conducted under the watchful eyes of the experienced guides. Along with rolling rapids, there are also plenty of smooth, gentle sections where you can really enjoy the beauty of Shitada’s natural world flowing gently by, along with the rugged beauty of the Yagigahana rock formation.

Set very close to the beautiful Yagigahana formation, the landmark of Shitada, Iiyu Raida is a modern (but Japanese-styled), comfortable, communal onsen facility. Enjoy a soothing, hot soak in this location close to where the Igarashi, Komade and Sumon rivers flow together. The water is rich in sulfur and is slightly alkaline, known for both its beautifying properties and for keeping you warm even after you leave the water. It’s a great place for families: primary school students and younger children can enjoy the onsen for free; towels and bath garments for use in the onsen are available for rent.