Niigata is the most populous city on the west coast of Honshu, and the second populous city in Chūbu region after Nagoya. The city supports the greatest rice paddy field acreage in Japan.

Our first stop was at the Sasaiwai Sake Brewery. What better way to start a day at 9AM? The driving force behind this successful enterprise is Ryosuke Sasaguchi, the sixth generation owner who was appointed president and CEO in December 2018. He gave us an in-depth tour and explanation of the sake making process. During the tour of the brew floor, we had to change into special sandals and don hair nets. The photos of that are priceless. After the tour we went to an intimate tasting room and sampled 8 of his sakes.

From there we headed to Yahiko Shrine. The foundation date of Yahiko Shrine is unknown, but the shrine dates to prehistoric times as it is referred to as "ancient" in a poem even in the Nara period Man'yōshū. We entered through the great torii gate, rising 100 feet, and followed the sandy path lined with 400-year-old Japanese Zelkova Trees leading to the shrine's power spots. We walked past a sumo competition platform and an archery range both used centuries ago.

Our final stop was at the Teradomari Fish Market. This was definitely not a tourist spot and we walked among the locals shopping for the day's catch. There was plenty of activity all around as seen here. Fresh sushi (6 large pieces) was just 320 Yen (about $2.25) and was consumed leaning against a wall just like everyone else.

The trip is starting to wind down. We have two more days in port and then a sea day before getting on the plane for home. It seems like the trip just started, but we're ready to get back to the home life.