Stand up paddle boarding in Kashiwazaki

At Arahama Beach in Kashiwazaki City, you can find "Go Surf Daigo", where you can try stand up paddle boarding.  Stand up paddle boarding is a bit like surfing, but it's much easier and slower paced.  You can sit, kneel, or stand on the wide board, and row with a paddle.

For 4000 yen per person, you get a board, a paddle, a lifejacket, and 2 hours to use them.  The first hour is a lesson, during which Daigo (I think that's his name) will accompany you into the water and show you everything you need to know.  He was really friendly, and he took many photos for us with his waterproof camera, which he sent to me at the end of the lesson.  It's really relaxing and my son had a lot of fun!

Go Surf Daigo Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DAIGOSURF/

Kanga's Blueberry Farm

When summer starts heating up in Niigata, we know that it's time to go blueberry picking!  Kanga's Blueberry Farm is located in Tainai City, right along the coastline.

For 500 yen per adult (elementary school students are free!) you get a bucket and 40 minutes to wander among hundreds of blueberry bushes.

You can pick and eat as many as you like, and if you fill up the bucket you can pay 200 yen per 100 grams to take the blueberries home.

The staff are always very friendly, and there's a covered seating area with free barley tea where you can take a rest.  Parking is free, and when you see the giant Buddhist monk statue, you'll know you're in the right place.

Kanga's Blueberry Farm website (no English): http://www.niigata-blueberry.com/