11
into port at Teradomari, south of Niigata, to escape the dangers of the bar.
A detailed description of the island of Sado and of the works there, which are under the direction of Europeans, will shortly be given by recent explorers. Although Niigata is an open port it contains very few European residents (5 or 6 in 1874.) There is no doubt that the making of carriage roads from this point to Aidzu would contribute greatly to the extension of business.
From Niigata to Takeno-machi the road follows the shore, passing sometimes through sand, sometimes through paddy-fields or pine woods, and offering little worthy of note.
From Takeno-machi the road, diverging from the South, runs through rich paddy fields towards the East, skirting a bold ridge which projects into the sea, and the very steep declivity of which does not admit of an easy road by the shore. The sea is again struck to the West and South-west, the road traversing the remarkable pass called Saigatabatoye, from the summit of which a splendid view of the rich plains of Echigo in the back-ground can be enjoyed, while the Sea of Japan and the island of Sado lie in the foreground. On emerging from this pass the little port of Teradomari may be seen, a fishing village about two kilometres in length and well situated. (It would make an agreeable watering place.) From Takano-machi to Teradomari the distance is 5 ri.
Leaving Teradomari there is no other road than the sea-shore, which is of fine sand with a gentle slope more agreeable to the bather than the pedestrian. According to circumstances the tourist can follow the coast on foot, or engage a small vessel to go southwards coasting along with a fair wind. Idzumozaki (4 ri) may thus be reached, a very large fishing village, 4 kilometres long, and of considerable commercial activity. There are some pleasant tea-houses near the shore, and the beach is very agreeable.
The route continues as before, and the snow-clad summits of Echiungotateyama are to be seen towards the south-
