Neal Graham (ニール)

Canadian in Niigata, Japan. Walking vids, sake cocktails, and more...
My books: 101+ Sake Cocktails,
ABCs of Niigata, and Japanese School Lunch Cookbook

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Trying to explain futsal to my parents was the most difficult thing I did this week. Not even the rules, just that it exists as a sport.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Big Buddha Statue - Bronze Guardian of Takaoka

Watch on YouTube:
https://t.co/SWu1nsHINK

#Takaoka #Japan #大仏 #BigBuddha #Toyama

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

The Takaoka Daibutsu (高岡大仏) is one of Japan’s 3 Great Buddha statues - a symbol of the city’s long history of metal craftsmanship. Explore the peaceful temple grounds, the bronze statue itself, and the surrounding neighborhood that blends everyday life with deep tradition.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Sake Margarita
Tequila heat meets sake finesse

30 ml sake
30 ml tequila
30 ml umeshu
30 ml simple syrup
30 ml lemon juice

Discover other great cocktails in my book, "101+ Sake Cocktails." Buy it on Amazon. https://t.co/z7J3wA1uKF

#sake #cocktails #sakecocktails

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

In Canada, the one dollar coin is called a "loonie" because there is a loon on it. 

I'm going to call the new US dollar coin a "loonie" too, because there is a lunatic on it.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Sekino Shrine and Festival Stalls in Takaoka

Watch on YouTube:
https://t.co/XA7TGPumXw

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Takaoka Sekino Shrine (関野神社) becomes one of the liveliest spots in the city during Golden Week, with a long street of yatai food stalls, colorful banners, and families enjoying the festival atmosphere. Explore with me while the wind whips through the flags and lanterns.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Daitouryo (ver. 2)
A Japanese twist on the classic El Presidente

45 ml sake
30 ml white rum
20 ml lime juice
Garnish: fresh raspberries 

This is cocktail no. 31 in my book, "101+ Sake Cocktails." Buy it on Amazon. https://t.co/z7J3wA1uKF

#sake #cocktails #sakecocktails

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

After the Festival - Takaoka’s Historic Yamacho-suji District

Watch on YouTube:
https://t.co/0IcQrb9SZI

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Takaoka’s most beautifully preserved historical streets. It’s a district lined with traditional kura storehouses, wooden merchant buildings, and the distinctive architectural style that reflects the city’s Edo period prosperity.

#Yamachosuji #山町筋 #Takaoka #Toyama #Japan

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

#Takaoka #Mikuruma-yama Festival 2026 - Soroiai & Shrine Blessing

Watch on YouTube:
https://t.co/sS62ikS2IR

This video captures two of the most meaningful moments of the day: the Soroiai at the Kataharamachi intersection, and the blessing ceremony at Takaoka Sekino Shrine.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Elderflower Whiskey Sake Sour
Bright, floral, and crowd‑pleasing

45 ml sake
30 ml whiskey
15 ml elderflower liqueur
15 ml lemon juice
Garnish: thyme or lemon peel

Discover other great cocktails in my book, "101+ Sake Cocktails." Buy it on Amazon. https://t.co/z7J3wA0WV7

#sake

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Japan’s most beautiful sakura walk

Part III of the Bunsui Oiran Procession captures the oiran moving slowly along a sakura-lined path with petals drifting, geta echoing, spring light everywhere.

Watch on YouTube: https://t.co/VzOcTsTxae

#Japan #Niigata #Oiran #Bunsui #Sakura

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

The Breeders "No Aloha" has the best drum fills I've ever heard!

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Discover other great cocktails in my book, "101+ Sake Cocktails." Buy it on Amazon. https://t.co/z7J3wA1uKF

#sake #cocktails #sakecocktails

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Night & Light
Spiced Rum × Sake Sour
A balanced, aromatic sour with warmth, citrus, and a clean sake lift.

40 ml spiced rum
40 ml sake (junmai or junmai ginjo)
15 ml lemon juice
10 ml ginger syrup
5 ml elderflower liqueur
1 dash Angostura bitters

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://t.co/AOUXQf8yP1

#Japan  #Niigata #Oiran

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Bunsui Oiran Procession - Part II

Every April, three oiran - Shinano, Sakura, and Bunsui - walk through the nostalgic streets of Bunsui in a traditional gait. This video follows the 2026 procession up close, where you can hear each step and see every detail of their silk robes.

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Oops. Instead of doing (needed) exercise, I've just been sitting around drinking cocktails. 😞

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Discover other great cocktails in my book, "101+ Sake Cocktails." Buy it on Amazon. https://t.co/z7J3wA1uKF

[Neal Graham (ニール) @nlgrhm]

Sake Bloom Go! Go!

45 ml sake (junmai or junmai ginjo)
15 ml silver/blanco tequila
20 ml lemon juice
10 ml ginger syrup
7.5 ml Suze
7.5 ml elderflower liqueur

Shake hard, strain into a chilled coupe.

Garnish: lemon peel or ginger slice.

#sake #cocktails #sakecocktails