Niigata prefecture lies on the western coast of Japan, over 200km northwest of Tokyo. Its hilly geography is perfect for growing rice and producing sake, while the Sea of Japan coastline provides a saltier type of bounty. And, like much of Japan...
Come springtime in Japan, there’s one thing on everybody’s mind: cherry blossoms. People watch the forecasts, scrutinise the buds and, when the time is right, head to the parks to lay down their picnic blankets and crack into the snacks. It’s all...