Of course, the sea is always a winner and is good for great and spectacular pictures at all times. But even away from the waves and the big water, Niigata Prefecture has a lot of beauty to offer. The Echigo Plain, which is located between the Sea of Japan and a longer mountain range, offers the best conditions for rice cultivation because of the good soil and plentiful fresh water. コシヒカリ Koshihikari rice is well known throughout Japan and it provides the perfect base for first-class rice wine, Niigata sake is a popular souvenir for many Niigata travelers.
Between the mountains and the sea, there are not only rice paddies, but also a lot of nature to discover, which is particularly spectacular around the various freshwater lakes called lagoons. These lagoons attract a lush bird life, as the trees and bushes in their vicinity provide important shelter and breeding grounds. In winter, flocks of swans come from the north, i.e. from eastern Russia, and seek their winter quarters here, although Niigata itself is also known and notorious as a snow country. But probably still better than the freezing cold of Siberia.
Because of the many snow and rain not only rice grows and thrives in Niigata, half the year you can see and find an abundance of green. Even it gets really hot in summer with temperatures often above 35 degrees on many days, it never looks dry dry but always fresh. The rainy season, which ends in the middle of July, soaks up everything properly and to the brim, so nature can always sprout and grow, and the farmers and gardeners have their joy, or rather their suffering.
But for my as observer it is just wonderful to see how beautiful our planet can be. This year, despite or perhaps because of that tense situation, I have travelled a lot in the prefecture and have explored many nearby places that were unknown to me until then and I have learned to love and appreciate them. But take a look for yourself...
One of the so-called lagoons, shallow lakes with a rich flora and fauna and especially inviting for hikes and walks.
After all fields were flooded again shortly before the planting, the rice fields show up in the spring as extensive lake lands. A beautiful scenery, of which this area has plentiful to offer to who is willing to see them.
Not only rice is cultivated here, but also many other crops. Who can guess what this is?
Another lagoon, the bird life around this lake is very rich in species and invites visitors and observers all year round. A paradise for bird lovers and those who want to become one. And I simply enjoy walking around there.
Another lagoon, the bird life around this lake is very rich in species and invites visitors and observers all year round. A paradise for bird lovers and those who want to become one. And I simply enjoy walking around there.
It is super green during the warm season and it easily grows and thrives endlessly. Japan doesn't really have to complain about water shortage, the annual rainfall exceeds what I know from my home country big times.
And at the end of the day, Mother Nature presents us another splendid spectacle and shows us what else she has in her repertoire. Happy is he who has time and leisure to enjoy this play. Even if it is repeated often, I can't enjoy it enough and I always realize anew how wonderful our planet and life itself is.
I hope my little excursion into the vastness of the Echigo Plain could bring you a little closer to the Niigata Prefecture. There are many more sides and aspects to see and discover, but we'll have time for that in another post. So please don't switch the channel, because I will be back soon with new pictures and impressions from the land of the rising sun. #angelenglishblog