Ponshu-kan..., An Oasis in the Snow

Yes, there is an oasis in Snow Country.

We got out of the snow and into the warm Echigo Yuzawa Station. Alas after a day of walking in the snow, we have earned the right to warm us up. We headed for a corner of the Echigo Yuzawa Station through the many gift shops selling local delicacies.

We found it...

Enter through the noren.



This is Ponshukan. It is a shop specializing in Jizake or local sake from Niigata.




Once there you can learn about the different types of sake brewed in Niigata.
We were surprised at the variety. As I am about to have my first taste, I am dazed at the choices available. Everything from Daiginjo down.

They even have a sake named Tenchijin, in honor of the current NHK Taiga Drama. Echigo Yuzawa is part of the country ruled by the Uesugi Clan featured in Tenchijin.

Japan by Rail: the Only Way to Go

I enjoy using the rail system in Japan. It is efficient, mostly on schedule and comfortable. Here is a picture of us relaxing in our seats on our trip to Echigo Yuzawa. As you can see the seats are airlines seats that recline. Very comfortable.



The rail system is also known for its ekiben. I had the Fukagawa Meshi. My other friends had tonkatsu. The point is that there is such a variety of ekiben that anyone can find something they enjoy.



Did I mention comfortable seats on the train?

There is something about the sound of the train that is relaxing. I cannot explain it, it seems rather odd that the sound of steel on steel has a soothing effect. You just have to ride a long distance train yourself to find out.

Transportation

Getting around in Japan can be challenging for the first time visitor. The transportation system in Tokyo gives you many options to get from point A to point B, too many options. The rail maps look like a series of tangled strings that lead to no where.

However, once you get acclimated to the transportation system, you will find it to be ultra efficient and convenient. Determining what mode of transportation, train, bus or subway is often determined by cost and convenience. Often the choice of getting from point A to point B is a choice between the JR local service, private rail service or subway. Even more intriguing is that stations are often situated a matter of blocks from each other and are accessed by different carriers. Often a subway station may be situated across the street from each other or here may be two competing rail lines on opposite sides of a block.

The best mode of transportation is often not a straight line.

Refer to the following transportation map and you will see what I mean.
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/index_en.htm

Luckily there are transportation web site that help you get from point a to where you need to be.
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html

Just input in where you are and where you need to be. And you will get the train schedule and fare with transfer points. Pretty handy.

Trains in Japan

I found this internet train simulator.

You can be the train conductor on several lines in the Kanto area.

Check it out and try it out. It is more difficult then it looks.

http://www.realrailway.com/en/index.html