{"id":2628,"date":"2024-04-22T17:07:46","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T09:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/?p=2628"},"modified":"2024-07-03T12:16:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-03T04:16:34","slug":"japan-2023-kiyotsu-gorge-naena-waterfall-niigata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-kiyotsu-gorge-naena-waterfall-niigata\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan 2023 : Kiyotsu Gorge &#038; Naena Waterfall, Niigata"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#8dd2fc45;font-size:15px\">\n<li><strong><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Japan 2023 Trip Itinerary<\/span><\/em><\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 1 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-introduction-and-arrival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arrival at Nagoya, around Nagano Station<\/a>, Stay : Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 2 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-jigokudani-snow-monkey-park-nagano\/\" data-type=\"URL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bus trip to visit the famous Snow Monkey Park, Nagano<\/a>, Stay : Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 3 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-togakushi-taisha-shrines-nagano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Easy trek at Togakushi 5-shrines, Nagano<\/a>, Stay : Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 4 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-zenkoji-temple-nagano-happo-pond-hakuba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visite to Zenkoji Temple and hiking at Hakuba Happo Pond<\/a>, Stay : Hotel Hakuba<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 5 &#8211; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-hakuba-mountain-harbour-hakuba\/\" target=\"_blank\">Relax at Hakuba Mountain Harbour and Oide Park,<\/a> Stay : Hotel Hakuba<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 6 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-drive-to-sea-of-japan-benten-iwa-rock\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drive to Sea of Japan, Ben-ten Iwa rock<\/a>, Stay : APA Hotel &amp; Resort Joetsu Myoko<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 7 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-kiyotsu-gorge-naena-waterfall-niigata\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drive to Kiyotsu Gorge and Naena Waterfall<\/a>, Stay : APA Hotel &amp; Resort Joetsu Myoko<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 8 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-lake-suwa-nagano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drive around Lake Nojiri, train ride to Lake Suwa and Tateishi Park<\/a>, Stay : Beni-ya Hotel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 9, 10 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-shizuoka-city-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Train ride to Shizuoka and Nihondaira Terrace<\/a> sunset, Stay : Nippondaira Hotel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 11 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-atami-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walk around Atami City<\/a>, Stay : Super Hotel JR Fujiekimae Kinenkan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 12 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-numazu-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Fuji, fresh seafood at Co-op and Numazu City festival<\/a>, Stay : Super Hotel JR Fujiekimae Kinenkan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 13 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-numazu-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Fuji, Shira-Ito Falls, Fujisan Sengan Shrine, Mount Fuji World Heritage Center<\/a>, Stay : Super Hotel JR Fujiekimae Kinenkan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nov 14 &#8211; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-mount-fuji-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mount Fuji, Hamamatsu Station and Overall Experienc<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-mount-fuji-shizuoka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e<\/a>, Stay : Hotel Route-Inn Tokoname Ekimae<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ninjawifi.com\/?pr_vmaf=nDepktvWNv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"https:\/\/ninjawifi.com\/?pr_vmaf=nDepktvWNv noopener\"><img data-attachment-id=\"2464\" data-permalink=\"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/northern-hokkaido-2018-day-1\/banner-copy-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?fit=1280%2C270\" data-orig-size=\"1280,270\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"banner-copy-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?fit=300%2C63\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?fit=780%2C165\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"780\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1-1024x216.jpg?resize=780%2C165&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C216 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?resize=300%2C63 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?resize=768%2C162 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?resize=284%2C60 284w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banner-copy-1.jpg?w=1280 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption>advertisement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Today&#8217;s road trip to the famous <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/enjoyniigata.com\/en\/spot\/6950\" target=\"_blank\">Kiyotsu Gorge<\/a> at Tokamachi was going to be a 170km round trip adventure, so we got up pretty early to start our day. Our drive saw us passing the Chikuma River at Iiyama city, where cherry blossom trees lined up, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot among locals in Japan. The road along the river was wide and offered a good respite from the narrow and windy roads before it. We love the feel of the town so might make a stop here next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-zFTXddJ\/0\/TWrhGSgxXWKqmN5KWTwTMjjW2TZXhGQm6cqhbSF2\/X3\/i-zFTXddJ-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful countryside stop in the middle of nowhere is always a good rest stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After over an hour of driving, we made a breakfast stop at, where else, but <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/5N3ntwHhUwVcnd9E6\" target=\"_blank\">7-11 \u30bb\u30d6\u30f3-\u30a4\u30ec\u30d6\u30f3 \u6d25\u5357\u753a\u5341\u4e8c\u30ce\u6728\u5e97.<\/a> We had our favorite Chilli Tomato mee-in-my-mug  and a must-have onigiri (my favorite breakfast staple). Having recharged with hot food, we continued our drive to our destination through acres and acres of farmland before reaching our free parking spot at Kiyotsu Gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-mhnkkG4\/0\/bKZtJ5zb83jdxwXH3Zvf3xvsFj2dBJ5FtBjSSX2G\/X3\/i-mhnkkG4-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Convenience store discovery <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-5PS3JBT\/0\/8fZ4kP9SggLjsh3B8vrZ6K452nSB9Fdg8jJVbqR8\/X3\/i-5PS3JBT-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lots of tunnel &#8211; not good for bicyclists tho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-7728tDW\/0\/DwdshbHgD4WRvwmwSC7m3FVv9c67jt7zHXJ5TVNhR\/X3\/i-7728tDW-X3.jpghttps:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-7728tDW\/0\/DwdshbHgD4WRvwmwSC7m3FVv9c67jt7zHXJ5TVNhR\/X3\/i-7728tDW-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sampailah Kiyotsu Kyo national park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-4xNCR5t\/0\/hfWR3xcSxvRQM5jf3HGrvsXgbrdzHJRGvJ9BkFb8\/X3\/i-4xNCR5t-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The always present food and souvenir shops before the main attraction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xfRiTmbQyWFkbXo67\" target=\"_blank\">Kiyotsu Gorge<\/a> (Mapcode: 253 195 488) is part of the 2018 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.echigo-tsumari.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial<\/a>, where a  series of tunnels were transformed into works of art with the intricate rock formations (known as columnar joints) of the gorge as the perfect  backdrop. To get here, it is recommended to drive, as public transport  can be quite irregular in these parts. The entrance fee is 1000 yen for  adults and 400 yen for preschoolers. Operating time is from 8:30 am to  4:30 pm, and it takes about 1 hour to slowly walk, take pictures, and  enjoy the 750m long tunnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-ThSKLCX\/0\/FZDdXrSg4cprqL2rZP67bpjHzdVPKgtqwHmr8B34b\/X3\/i-ThSKLCX-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unassuming entrance to the wonderful world of art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-rDL9RnQ\/0\/XpRh8TqsJTG4CrzsqffbGpVSpLX4FjQ3tZJ8gJRN\/X3\/i-rDL9RnQ-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Information in English included &#8230; but we dun hv much time to baca all<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-pd5PZ9K\/0\/DkmWR98wP5FDGmb5QgvFnSXzGHLVcnnVrV3xLVWZK\/X3\/i-pd5PZ9K-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">making the walk abit interesting &#8230; smart move<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To beat the crowd, we brisk-walked to the end of the tunnel where the main &#8220;Instagrammable&#8221; artwork was located. There was quite a big crowd waiting their turn to take pictures when we reached. It was really beautiful, with a shallow pool to project a mirror image of the beautiful gorge. We took off our shoes and waded to the end for some gorgeous pictures. Although the overall artwork was a looker, what really stood out for me were the amazing rock formations with the Kiyotsu river running through it. Fantastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-JLBzS3W\/0\/6q5kcK9W5bCMb6Rz5cb5CKxfb3Z2W9bD7vHVFgzc\/X4\/i-JLBzS3W-X4.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Don&#8217;t be fooled ya.. there is a whole bunch of visitors just standing behind me to take pictures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-TPLnHXm\/0\/K3fKXVCGcVwKb9c5MKqqc8hKGbqhxHTHx773Mvcq\/X3\/i-TPLnHXm-X3.jpghttps:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-TPLnHXm\/0\/K3fKXVCGcVwKb9c5MKqqc8hKGbqhxHTHx773Mvcq\/X3\/i-TPLnHXm-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amazing rock formation <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-gDvtTPF\/0\/DZV8WpZpDKnMHwC2S7kKHgm4hkvMKTwg5ktXhX8dP\/X2\/i-gDvtTPF-X2.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Everyone wait their turn &#8211; japanese etiquette that always amazes us <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All along the tunnel are different colored lights and information centers to make the walk a bit more interesting. The second artwork was dotted with round mirrors, making for some interesting photography opportunities. The third was a kaleidoscope of lines, just like an Austin Powers movie but in black and white. It was really mind-blowing, contrasting the gorge so much, and interestingly, there was a dome-shaped toilet in the center too &#8211; which a lot of people did not realize. The last one was a simple, no-frills tunnel &#8211; not a lot of people here, though, unsurprisingly. Personally, I enjoyed the drive here and it was super worth it, but it might not be everybody&#8217;s cup of tea to drive this far for some tunnels and rocks but for us, it is always the journey &#8211; not the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-QZLLjVV\/0\/DSS9xhbGwfVsrZKkk4Z4xnPcnzXZGsWL7ZV9dkdqj\/X4\/i-QZLLjVV-X4.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mirror mirror on the walls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-K5p863V\/0\/FR37c42T797nxXvdzKQNTptZKg9q6nFfLSZcmcFTN\/X2\/i-K5p863V-X2.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Monoshagadelic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the way back, we decided to make a stopover at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/jaeTKersY6ta17Kx5\" target=\"_blank\">Roadside Station Shin-etsu Sakae<\/a>, which had a farmer&#8217;s market too. We bought some big apples since they were quite cheap at 50 yen each. We also had our lunch there, purchased from a food vendor a really delicious mushroom soup (350 yen) and clam rice set (350 yen). It was a lovely lunch overlooking a picturesque Chikuma river and loads of trees, one of the best lunch experiences in Japan. So simple, so quiet, so nice. Wabi Sabi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-DztZdQS\/0\/CdMjHVcn7wq83nmK23RGF4Zg2gxsz7j59N9Pvnrhw\/X3\/i-DztZdQS-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Always a place of discovery in every rest stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-xzJrfvx\/0\/CXHFVgbCQmvj2SWghVQ2PGS72CxKGFBZvfDwZJfqs\/X3\/i-xzJrfvx-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">So cheap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-6Nqp3sZ\/0\/Dhw5c2JCr9WvZBhQxbchDsJCGKkVpcfvCJSDX44wR\/X3\/i-6Nqp3sZ-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mushroom and clam rice..  delicious lunch!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-6np8khN\/0\/Dsv5mnkmJGrC7s3XLhww2xbrS4S9ZvMwvbNLSSCmB\/X3\/i-6np8khN-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What a discovery!! We stayed here for so long <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Keying in the map code for Naena Waterfall, the GPS somehow lead us to the mountain roads instead, taking us up to the Madarao Ski Resort area, totally devoid of humans in autumn. The drive up the hill was quite lovely but lonely, with only a couple of cars passing us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-94MLDGn\/0\/Jb7wh9KbPLQB63GDB55b5Mz7wHb2v5kn8dcvPHgr\/X3\/i-94MLDGn-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lost in the mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After what seemed like driving through Silent Hill, we finally reached the free car park of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/myokotourism.com\/naena-falls\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/myokotourism.com\/naena-falls\/\" target=\"_blank\">Naena Waterfall<\/a> (Mapcode: 469 047 336), where the chilly air greeted us and we could hear the thunderous sound of the waterfall already. The sound came from a man-made 2-tier falls and a dangly rope bridge going across Seki River. The overcast sky painted a very moody, wet, and almost dream-like setting around the area as we made the easy trek to the main waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-pmVgwDT\/0\/CgL9RZCsT4LR2zZ7xX934J4BFhMbpfHPgzFQxdkW8\/X3\/i-pmVgwDT-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance to Naena Waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-MFTj4qP\/0\/DbmnWkmgbzvCpbnntCMPhDKRvgMxpcsc7dkWxfbf3\/X3\/i-MFTj4qP-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The swinging rope bridge is secured <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-KtbJk8r\/0\/5THC8C93WCX3VGkd9V4Qq4Gsg6QttfCnxtfJ3BLD\/X3\/i-KtbJk8r-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jurassic park feeling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-K2CqLs9\/0\/CVSfHRbhqppXPZGbCBNfmPpG2JbMJ6wfwkc66mFwR\/X4\/i-K2CqLs9-X4.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Waterpainting in motion &#8211; Amazing place!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire area was more beautiful than expected &#8211; enchanting, almost like a Jurassic Park set and jumping out from a water painting. This was a real surprise since this falls was selected at random with little information. This is the reason why we love to travel to not-so-famous areas or spots &#8211; the feeling of uncovering hidden gems makes us really happy. We made a brief food stop just beside the man-made waterfall to enjoy the sound of falling water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-3d2jVNT\/0\/C5mt4vq4srRVKgV4FzcL9DmzPvrVRKFXJQFCTd4vd\/X3\/i-3d2jVNT-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">imagine a T-rex just behind the waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-kcnjhhD\/0\/dQ6jwTw9n64Wt38hMRTdJvMCdXT33nn65WqDQzGn\/X3\/i-kcnjhhD-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">wan to picnic here but the floor was too wet to sit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-DQrrKbq\/0\/C5vXM38MSW6LvWxkz8BnztpC7bZtxmk2FB5DxshVt\/X3\/i-DQrrKbq-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">So we just picnic here lo .. at least can view waterfall <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It got too cold, and we quickly left for our hotel and, like always, we stopped by a small <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nHML4ThEeuMVoMzeA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamazaki <\/a>convenience store to grab our dinner\/breakfast. The golden rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the golfing greens as we arrived at Hotel APA Resort Joetsu Myoko to end a very rewarding day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-TgvC7RB\/0\/D9Q3V92kMjScDVd8rJ9dfxgZgmpfhs8XP72RCM2CK\/X3\/i-TgvC7RB-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yamazaki &#8211; less choices but they have different onigiri  to choose from<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-ZrgkSmR\/0\/DVBMthS5KKhkgnNzbh4vwFVbXBZH4zqXmk7bH8MzZ\/X4\/i-ZrgkSmR-X4.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Must stop and capture the golden sunset &#8211; a far cry from the dull morning and afternoon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-mD83gbj\/0\/Czh6NGBrWHJwgGV5pTPXgVJC4KwnqtzXd7scHmcvs\/X3\/i-mD83gbj-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We could just picnic here but had to bathe d&#8230; very liam liam liao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A bonus reward was that all channels were freely available for all guests at the hotel &#8211; including VOD adult channels, a rare occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-Zgxw7LQ\/0\/9WQxwbtD9hqLqmVQ8BPdBMDkVrpn36sSt6rLXwJ3\/X3\/i-Zgxw7LQ-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our dinner &#8211; simple and cheaper but we liked it this way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-g4qWQgJ\/0\/XT3BcFngFRQm4SbFRrQsw8jkNRCsR3QnXKctgCq8\/X3\/i-g4qWQgJ-X3.jpg?w=780&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">First time dapat FREE VOD, inclusive a whole range of porn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f6dede\">\n<ul class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f6dede\">\n<ul class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f6dede\">\n<li>Useful links:\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/enjoyniigata.com\/en\/spot\/6950\" target=\"_blank\">Kiyotsu Gorge @ Enjoy Niigata<\/a> (Mapcode: 253 195 488)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myokotourism.com\/naena-falls\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Naena Waterfall<\/a> (Mapcode: 469 047 336)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From our experiences :\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Always stop by a rest stop if possible, everyone is different and stores different food and experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear comfy shoes as these 2 destinations require abit of walking, especially Naena waterfall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mapcodes are codes you can enter to your car&#8217;s GPS unit sort of Google maps but needn&#8217;t key in the words. I prefer using mapcodes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Driving in Japan is on the left hand side of the road. Try to make stops at rest stations as everyone of them has its own unique charm and things to sell<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today&#8217;s road trip to the famous Kiyotsu Gorge at Tokamachi was going to be a 170km round trip adventure, so we got up pretty early to start our day. Our drive saw us passing the Chikuma River at Iiyama city, where cherry blossom trees lined up, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot among &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[4],"tags":[502,513,512,506,112,382,500,507,499,509,505,408,515,514],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nov7-Title-e1719980172241.jpg?fit=2440%2C1409","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0No-Go","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2740,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-mount-fuji-shizuoka\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":0},"title":"Japan 2023 : Mount Fuji, Shizuoka","author":"Teetoo","date":"December 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"I woke up really really early at 6am to take my morning walk to Fuji Yumeno Ohashi (bridge) as forecast for the day was super clear sky. Japan weather forecast tend to be quite accurate - so off I went on a chilly morning walk. The predawn blue-pinky-ish sky casting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Nov14-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Nov14-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Nov14-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Nov14-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Nov14-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2612,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-drive-to-sea-of-japan-benten-iwa-rock\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":1},"title":"Japan 2023 : Sea of Japan, Benten-Iwa Rock, Niigata","author":"Teetoo","date":"March 22, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The 3 days 2 nights flew by so fast as it is time to shift towns again. It's hard to say goodbye to the mountains of Hakuba. We will make for a longer stay in the future as the view is perpetually breathtaking. \"Never can say goodbye\" - song version\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Nov6-Title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Nov6-Title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Nov6-Title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Nov6-Title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Nov6-Title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2478,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-introduction-and-arrival\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":2},"title":"Japan 2023 &#8211; Nagano, Niigata &#038; Shizuoka : Introduction and Arrival","author":"Teetoo","date":"December 22, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"It's our first trip back to Japan since 2019, and we were incredibly excited for this long-awaited journey. As always, we opted for the ever-reliable Singapore Airlines to travel from Penang to Nagoya's Chubu Centrair Airport via a short layover at Singapore's Changi Airport. Since I can't sleep on airplanes,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Japan-Blog2023-0025-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Japan-Blog2023-0025-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Japan-Blog2023-0025-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Japan-Blog2023-0025-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Japan-Blog2023-0025-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2660,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-shizuoka-city-shizuoka\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":3},"title":"Japan 2023 : Shizuoka City, Shizuoka","author":"Teetoo","date":"September 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Woke up early to have a morning walk along the shores of the lake - weather forecast mentioned a dull cloudy morning and it was accurate. demit. After the walk, Hotel Beniya's breakfast was a welcoming re-load with a sumptuous spread. Japanese breakfasts tend to be low in fat and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nov9-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nov9-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nov9-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nov9-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nov9-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2686,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-atami-shizuoka\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":4},"title":"Japan 2023 : Atami, Shizuoka","author":"Teetoo","date":"October 21, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"After 2 nights at the most expensive hotel in our trip, it is time to to head to our least expensive hotel at Fuji City. Again, Mount Fuji was a no-show as we bade goodbye to the hotel. We made our way to Shizuoka Station with the free hotel van.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nov11-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nov11-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nov11-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nov11-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nov11-title.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2589,"url":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/japan-2023-hakuba-mountain-harbour-hakuba\/","url_meta":{"origin":2628,"position":5},"title":"Japan 2023 : Hakuba Mountain Harbour, Hakuba","author":"Teetoo","date":"February 23, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Hotel Hakuba has got to be one of our favourite hotel as it has a partial view of the Japanese Northern Alps. As the sun rose above the mountains, it casted a brilliant orange glow on the tip of the Alps summit - it was really a sight to behold.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/category\/travels\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nov5-Title-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nov5-Title-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nov5-Title-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nov5-Title-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nov5-Title-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C692&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2628"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2638,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628\/revisions\/2638"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tee-too.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}