We pick you up at your lodge in Myoko Akakura or Ikenotaira at 9:00. We drive about 40 minutes down to Joetsu city on the Sea of Japan. This is the land of Uesugi Kenshin, a famous warlord, and of deep snow and good sake.

First we visit Takada Castle Park. You walk around the wide moats and see the three-storey turret. In April this is one of the top cherry blossom spots in Japan, and in summer lotus flowers cover the moat.

Late morning we walk the Gangi streets of Takada. Long wooden roofs cover the sidewalks so people can walk in deep snow. We visit the Takada Sekaikan, one of the oldest cinemas in Japan, from outside.

Around 12:30 we have lunch in Takada. Halal is not guaranteed.

In the afternoon we drive up to Kasugayama, where Uesugi Kenshin had his mountain castle. You walk up through the forest to the ruins and see the plain and the sea. Then we visit Rinsenji temple at the foot of the hill.

On the way back we stop at a local sake brewery shop. Tasting is optional, and you can buy amazake or other non-alcoholic drinks. Your driver never drinks. We return to your lodge at about 17:00.

Your plan is customizable: you can start at Kasugayama, skip the brewery, or swap in the Iwanohara Vineyard or the Naoetsu port. All changes stay in Joetsu and within the tour time.

This is a private tour. Only your group.

If Takada Castle Park is closed on your date, your driver-guide takes you to a similar place nearby instead. The tour price does not change. If you prefer, we can instead visit the Uesugi Kenshin sites at Kasugayama and Rinsenji for longer.