Japan (S' 2025): NIIGATA

Niigata Prefecture is a less touristed area on the West Coast of Honshu. Famous for Koshihikari Rice, and hence, many Sake Breweries.

Niigata was a relaxing 4 day visit. We ate at a few low-key local eateries, foraged food from some well stocked nearby markets, and enjoyed a boat excursion to nearby Sado Island.

A lovely 30 minute morning walk through some serene streets to TONKATSU MASACHAN (Original Location)

Tarakatsudon is the special here. Pork Cutlets marinated in their secret recipe sauce, perfectly fried, served over Niigata’s Koshihikari Rice.

Otoshi, a palate cleanser of pickled Daikon and Napa.

A brilliant salad of sorts, Celery Greens and Sweet Onion in a simple Miso Dressing. A cloudy Miso Soup with a hint of Pork.

The Star of the show: the Tarakatsudon. Simply presented on rice.

  • Sides of Noppe, the classic Niigata Vegetable Stew of Ginkgo, Bamboo, Daikon, Carrot, Konjac Potato and…??

  • Slices of Blanched Eggplant. Barely dressed, if at all.

Dessert:

  • Sasadango Ice Cream - Mugwort!!
  • Tofu dessert of some sort

An enjoyable early lunch. Love strolling around the neighbborhoods and soaking in the feel.

Haven’t seen a Beer Vending Machine in the streets in many moons!!! An obvious relic.

Next stop: SAKE BREWERY!!!

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Thanks for the detailed diary on Niigata. It’s on my radar for later this year.

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Niigata Chicken is a special treat of Niigata. The local Tomaru Breed is known throughout Japan for smooth, rich and juicy meat and skin.

Hanmi-Age fried chicken is the local speciality. A half Tomaru Chicken fried whole, with crispy skin and juicy flesh. Most often served with a curry sauce.

Torisenmon Sekitori Higashibandaichoten is a small local restaurant close to our hotel. Some counter seating, a tatami room and a few 4-tops. A simple neighborhood joint with a reputation for great chicken.

We ordered the Half Fried Chicken, and a Half Steamed Chicken. We wanted the full chicken taste, so opted for no curry.

Otoshi was Ume (Preserved Japanese Plum), Seaweed sprinkled with Sesame Seed.

Our sets were served with the a clear Chicken Broth from the Tomaru Chicken. Sides of Koshihikari Rice, of course. (we both asked for seconds on the rice)

I’d been jonsing for Karaage, did not disappoint.

A very satisfying comfortable meal, in a friendly neighborhood restaurant.

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Oh man does that fried chicken look fabulous!!

first I’ve seen of steamed chicken in Japan!

Steamed chicken was good, the fried chicken was better.

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