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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Sanjo.
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s scenic countryside lies the bustling city of Sanjo – a land of infinite charm and endless possibilities.
From exploring the winding streets of ancient temples to savoring delectable delicacies at local markets, Sanjo has something to offer everyone.
So, come discover the vibrant rhythms of this stunning city and immerse yourself in the magic of Sanjo.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Sanjo:
1. Kasugayama Castle Ruins
Kasugayama Castle Ruins is a historical site located in Sanjo city, Niigata, Japan. It is the remains of a 16th-century castle that belonged to Uesugi Kenshin, a legendary warlord.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle ruins and its surrounding area and enjoy panoramic views of Sanjo city. There are some reconstructed wooden structures that give visitors an idea of what the castle looked like in its heyday.
The nearby Kasugayama Shrine is also worth visiting.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the view from Kasugayama Castle Ruins, which offers a stunning vantage point of the Niigata landscape.
Also, make sure to check out the Kasugayama Shrine, which is situated adjacent to the castle ruins.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
2. Sanjo City Hall Observatory Tower
The Sanjo City Hall Observatory Tower is an observation deck located on the 24th floor of the Sanjo City Hall in Niigata, Japan.
What to see or do: From the observatory tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Sanjo, including the Echigo Mountains and the Sea of Japan.
The tower offers a unique perspective of the city, as it is one of the tallest buildings in the region.
Don’t miss: The view at night is particularly spectacular, as the city lights up and creates a beautiful skyline. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views.
Insider travel tips: Admission to the observatory tower is free of charge and it is open to the public during normal business hours.
The best time to visit is during sunset or at night, as this is when the views are the most impressive.
It is recommended to visit on a clear day for the best views.
3. Katayama Waterfall
Katayama Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture, just outside of Sanjo City.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a scenic trek through the lush forest to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Katayama Waterfall. The waterfall cascades down a impressive height of 30 meters, creating a picturesque scene that visitors won’t forget.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to admire the stunning views of the waterfall from the observation platform. From there, you can fully experience the beauty of the surroundings and feel the mist of the falling water.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Katayama Waterfall is during the autumn season, when the leaves of the surrounding forest turn into dazzling shades of red, orange, and yellow.
4. Yamamuro Onsen
Yamamuro Onsen is a charming hot spring town located in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor hot springs, including a large mixed-gender outdoor bath with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.
There are also many traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns) where visitors can stay and enjoy kaiseki meals (multi-course Japanese dinner) and the onsen experience.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a stroll around the town to admire the traditional architecture and visit the local shops that sell souvenirs and local products like sake and pickles.
For a unique experience, try tsukemen, a type of dipping noodle dish that is popular in the area.
Insider travel tips: If you are traveling on a budget, consider visiting Yamamuro Onsen in the summer when prices are typically lower. You can also purchase a yukata (light cotton kimono) at many of the ryokan to wear during your stay.
Remember to always follow proper onsen etiquette, such as washing thoroughly before entering the baths and refraining from using towels in the water.
5. Sanjo Komura Memorial Museum
The Sanjo Komura Memorial Museum is a small museum located in Kanazawa, Japan, that showcases the life and achievements of Sanjo Komura, a former politician and diplomat.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include personal photographs, documents, and artifacts from Sanjo Komura’s life, as well as an overview of his political career and diplomatic efforts.
The museum’s displays are informative and well-curated, providing an intimate look at the man behind Japan’s early 20th-century involvement in international diplomacy.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the museum’s prized possession – the table used for the signing of the Taft-Katsura Memorandum, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Japan signed in 1905.
Insider travel tips: – Photography is not allowed inside the museum, so make sure to take a photo in front of the museum’s charming brick exterior.
6. Sanjo Grand Park
Sanjo Grand Park is a spacious public park located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.
What to see or do: The park features a large pond, spacious lawns dotted with cherry blossoms, traditional teahouses, and numerous walking paths. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as picnicking, strolling, jogging, playing sports, and bird watching.
Don’t miss: The park’s iconic red bridge, which offers picturesque views of the surrounding nature.
The park is especially popular during the cherry blossom season, when the trees are in full bloom, creating a stunning pink canopy.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
7. Yahiko Shrine
Shinto shrine dedicated to the samurai warrior, Yahiko-no-kami.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful architecture of the shrine buildings, take a peaceful stroll through the lush forest surrounding the shrine, and witness traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of Mount Yahiko and the surrounding landscape from the top of the shrine hill.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the autumn foliage season to see the trees surrounding the shrine ablaze with color.
Be sure to try some of the delicious local snacks, such as Yahiko-manju (steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste) and kuzukiri (starch noodles served with sweet syrup).
8. Senkoji Temple
Senkoji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the city of Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds and admire the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The main hall, pagoda, and bell tower are all popular attractions that showcase the temple’s rich history and cultural significance.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the many artifacts and treasures on display throughout the temple, including ancient scrolls, paintings, and sculptures.
The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from the temple’s observation deck is also not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can participate in various cultural experiences offered at the temple, such as incense-making, zazen meditation, and calligraphy classes.
It’s best to visit in the spring or autumn when the temple’s gardens are in full bloom or have vibrant fall foliage.
Also, be respectful and mindful of the temple’s rules and customs when visiting.
9. Arata Mabuchi Memorial Hall
The Arata Mabuchi Memorial Hall is a museum located in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to the life and works of Arata Mabuchi, a prominent Japanese poet and author.
What to see or do: Visitors to the museum can learn about Mabuchi’s life and his contributions to Japanese literature. The museum houses a collection of Mabuchi’s manuscripts, books, and personal memorabilia.
There is also a library that contains a selection of Japanese literature.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s garden, which features a beautiful pond and a tea house. The garden was designed to reflect Mabuchi’s love for nature and his appreciation of Japanese aesthetics.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays.
10. Tsubosaka Park
Tsubosaka Park is a beautiful park situated in the Sanjo district of Kyoto, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to Tsubosaka Park can enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of Mount Atago, explore the park’s tranquil gardens, and visit the Tsubosaka Temple and its large wooden pagoda.
The park also offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for families with kids.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Tsubosaka Museum, which exhibits unique and ancient ceramics from the Sanjo area, and the Kyobate Sake Brewery, where visitors can taste local sake.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the park requires a bit of walking up and down the hills.
11. Kotokuji Temple
A traditional Buddhist temple located in Sanjo, a historic district in Kyoto.
What to see or do: Admire the temple’s beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens, and learn about the history and beliefs of Buddhism. Visitors can also participate in meditation or prayer sessions.
Don’t miss: The statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, which is revered by many worshippers. The temple’s bamboo grove is also a popular spot for taking photos.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the temple’s serene atmosphere, try to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Wear comfortable shoes, as the temple grounds can be expansive and there may be some walking involved.
Visitors should also be respectful of the temple’s rules and customs, such as removing shoes before entering certain areas.
12. Higashi-Sanjo Station
A train station in the city of Niigata, Japan.
What to see or do: Higashi-Sanjo Station is a small station that doesn’t offer much in terms of sightseeing or things to do.
It serves primarily to transport tourists and locals alike to nearby attractions such as the Niigata Aquarium and the Niigata City History Museum.
Don’t miss: While the station itself might not have many attractions, visitors can take advantage of the nearby bus stop to explore Niigata’s many offerings.
The aquarium features dolphins and an impressive jellyfish display, while the history museum showcases the city’s rich past.
Insider travel tips: Higashi-Sanjo Station is an excellent starting point for those looking to explore Niigata.
Visitors should keep in mind that the area can get crowded during peak travel times, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Additionally, travelers can use the convenient JR East Pass to save money on transportation costs during their visit to Niigata.
13. Soma Shrine
Soma Shrine is a small Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown area, near Sanjo Keihan Station.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the peaceful shrine grounds and admire the traditional Japanese architecture of the main shrine building.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the small pond with colorful carp swimming in it, as well as the impressive torii gate at the entrance to the shrine.
Insider travel tips: The shrine is located just a short walk from the bustling shopping district of Shijo Kawaramachi, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the area.
Also, consider visiting the shrine at night, when it is beautifully illuminated.
14. Toban-no-yu Onsen
Toban-no-yu Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring located in the city of Sanjo, Japan.
What to see or do: Sit back, relax, and soak in the mineral-rich waters of Toban-no-yu Onsen. The hot spring offers a range of different baths with various temperatures, including indoor and outdoor options.
The tranquil setting and natural surroundings make for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Don’t miss: Take a dip in the “rotenburo,” the open-air bath that offers stunning views of nature. The “hinoki-buro,” made out of Japanese cypress wood, is another must-try experience for its fragrant scent and smooth texture.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to bring your own towel or rent one from the hot spring. Also, be aware that tattoos are not allowed in many traditional Japanese hot springs, including Toban-no-yu Onsen.
It’s best to check ahead of time or cover up any visible tattoos. Finally, enjoy a cold beer or refreshing ice cream from the on-site shop after your soak.
15. Myokoji Temple
Myokoji Temple is a tranquil Buddhist temple in Sanjo, a city located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The temple’s stunning architecture and scenic surroundings make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Visitors can explore the lush gardens and admire the temple’s intricate carpentry and woodwork.
Don’t miss: The Myokoji Temple’s famous statue of the Amida Buddha is a definite must-see. This is a 16-meter-long statue carved from a single piece of wood taken from a 700-year-old tree.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can experience the temple’s traditional tea ceremony and participate in zazen (Zen meditation). The temple also sells delicious local treats such as soba noodles and rice crackers that make great souvenirs.