Head to Niigata for gastronomic treats and luxe ryokan

Niigata feels like the cognoscenti's choice, an under-the-radar destination packed with undiscovered gems. ST PHOTOS: ONG SOR FERN
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NIIGATA – Forget Kyoto and Tokyo. 

As a long-time Japanophile, I mourn the reality that tourist overcrowding is ruining these cities for visitors.

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