My last WLJT blog post! I woke up early in order to be in Itoigawa by 9AM. I didn’t need to actually be there until late afternoon, but the day sounded so interesting and I was so close (only an hour or so away) that I asked if I could join in with Emma’s last day on the job. I got the OK… as long as I didn’t show up in any of her pictures! It was nice to wander around without the pressure of getting good pictures for a post, and had a fun full day to spend instead of bumming around waiting for the final event. So it worked out well.
This time, you can read Emma’s blog post on the day here, since yesterday’s post was my last. I was with them throughout the day, even if it seems like I showed up at the end!
Leaving Omachi in the still morning
And on the road to Niigata!
Arriving in Niigata and meeting up with Emma and the team, we headed first for a hike to a beautiful lake in the mountains
Perfect timing for the autumn colors!
Like a Monet painting!
It was chilly and rainy, but worth it, despite my feet getting soaked
These maples are turning
Salt Walk Museum in an old-style building
Vines on wood
Banzai! I mean, Bonsai!
Very expensive little trees…
Mostly because it takes just a little bit of time to make these shapes
Arrival at Itoigawa Station
And a walk to the coast to complete the day, and the tour
I sampled some local sake at dinner that evening
Like these!
The next day was the final event with food, then home.
Thanks for reading along with me! I enjoyed this tour so much, and was glad to be able to write about and “relive” it a bit again on the one-year anniversary of it. I wish I could take a trip like this again, but it was truly once-in-a-lifetime. That’s ok, I’ll have other adventures from now on. Looking forward to them!
Travels and Tanbo 