leaving too soon

Aloha,

I just booked a flight to Tokyo. A low fare, too low to pass. We land in Tokyo on March 5, depart on March 19.

This is our fourth trip in two years. We love local markets and food, rural countryside, other scenic sights.

We are thinking of traveling to Niigata, Sendai including Yamadera and Yamagata.

Any comments/suggestions?

What will the weather conditions be?

Has anyone taken the slower local trains between those areas? Anything to see? We don't mind long train rides if it goes through interesting terrain. We are not big city people, except for shopping/eating experiences.

Thank you,
Papayahead

What will the weather conditions be?

Average data for March 5:

Niigata
Average daytime high: 7 degrees
Average nighttime low: 1 degrees
Average hight of snow: 5 cm
Percentage of sunny days: 36%
Percentage of rainy/snowy days: 54%

Sendai
Average daytime high: 7 degrees
Average nighttime low: -1 degrees
Average hight of snow: 1 cm
Percentage of sunny days: 66%
Percentage of rainy/snowy days: 18%

Yamagata
Average daytime high: 6 degrees
Average nighttime low: -2 degrees
Average hight of snow: 16 cm
Percentage of sunny days: 50%
Percentage of rainy/snowy days: 36%

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html

Seishun 18 kippu is convenient to you if you don't mind riding long hours on the train.

http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi?JP_MODE=0

try the above link to plan for your transportation details.

http://www.pref.niigata.jp/sangyorodo/kankoshinko/en/content...

If you are interested in nature - the above wbesite might be helpful for you to plan.

Hakkai san is very beautiful. I went there during fall though so not so sure how does it look like in winter. If you come early March to Niigata - You could try the ski resorts around here. Echigo Yuzawa might be a good place.

Taking slower trains is quite nice too. Of course some of the trains stops areas do not have much differences between each other.

Consider Tokamachi if you are planning to visit niigata - Nice buildings : )

Thank you, that is exactly the advice I am seeking.

aloha!