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Niigata

Niigata Prefecture is situated along the western coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chubu region of Japan. Ranking as the fifth-largest prefecture in Japan, Niigata is famous as the "Snow Country" due to the concentration of some of the deepest snowfalls in the country. During the snowy season, outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed at the Naeba Ski Resort, known for its world-class facilities and stunning natural views.

When visiting Niigata Prefecture, make sure to explore Sado Island, a remote island located in the western part of the prefecture. On Sado Island, you have the opportunity to ride tarai-bune, boat-shaped wooden tubs, and observe toki (Japanese crested ibis) at Toki-no-Mori or Toki Forest Park. Additionally, you can experience the annual Earth Celebration, a festival organized by a taiko group, and visit the Taiko Museum on the island.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Takada Castle is a must. This historical monument in Joetsu City serves as evidence of feudal Japan, offering a chance to learn about local history while enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding park and city. In spring, you can witness cherry blossoms in full bloom in the park.

Niigata Prefecture also presents the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, a popular fireworks celebration symbolizing the resilience and rebirth of Niigata. Held on the banks of the Shinano River in Nagaoka City, the festival occurs annually on August 2nd and 3rd, featuring around 20,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky over Nagaoka City.

Get to Know Niigata

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Niigata

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Niigata

A guide to Niigata's local transportation

JR East Pass

Taxi

Bus

Cable Car

Car rental

Opting for train travel is among the best choices for getting around Niigata Prefecture. You can avail the JR East Pass at a ticket price of 27,000 yen for adults and 13,500 yen for children aged 6-11 years.

Practical Tips for Niigata

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What to do in Niigata Prefecture?

For those who love seafood, visit the Teradomari Fish Market, offering a variety of the finest seafood in Niigata Prefecture. Here, you can find various types of seafood, including shrimp, fish, squid, clams, and local specialties. As a souvenir, consider bringing hama-yaki, a skewered dish featuring squid, clams, and fish with a distinctive flavor.

The Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai is a suitable tourist destination for animal lovers. This place is an aquarium that houses approximately 30,000 animals from around 600 species. Visitors can enjoy various exciting attractions, such as dolphin shows, observing marine life through the Marine Tunnel, and meeting sea lions in the Marine Safari.

Paddies and terraced rice fields, known as tanada, are formed in the mountains like a staircase, serving as one of Niigata Prefecture's nature and wildlife destinations. You can see more than 200 fields displaying this breathtaking landscape at The Hoshitoge Rice Terrace. The best time for a stroll and to enjoy the scenery in these fields is during sunrise.

What places to visit in Niigata Prefecture?

When exploring Niigata Prefecture, you cannot miss the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel (Tunnel of Light), the most popular icon of Niigata. Prepare your camera to capture the best photos as the beautiful scenery, combined with mirrored walls and shallow pools reflecting the panorama, makes you feel like you're inside a painting. Here, you will find three observatories and the Panorama Station, the main attractions of the journey through this tunnel.

Niigata Prefecture never runs out of interesting tourism activities, such as Yahiko Shrine, estimated to have existed for over two thousand years. This shrine is suitable for those seeking tranquility and praying for luck and health. Here, you can also soak in hot springs, taste local sweets, and take the Yahikoyama Ropeway to the summit of Mount Yahiko.

Visiting Niigata Prefecture is undoubtedly incomplete without indulging in hot spring activities. There are several hot springs in Niigata that you can visit, including Tsubame Onsen, offering turquoise-blue water located in a remote village in Joshin’etsukogen National Park. Here, you can momentarily forget your fatigue and unwind by soaking amidst beautiful trees.

What to eat in Niigata Prefecture?

It would be incomplete to visit Niigata Prefecture without trying its local cuisine, such as Hegi-soba, the most popular food product in Niigata. This noodle dish is made with seaweed, giving it a unique flavor and a smooth texture. Served in small, bite-sized bundles, it will undoubtedly leave you wanting to savor this soba again and again.

Another must-try dish is Sasadango, a type of mochi or pounded glutinous rice, which is a widely popular sweet even beyond Japan. This food is dark green and filled with sweet red bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaves. Sasadango can be enjoyed as a dessert.

Niigata offers vegetable-based dishes that might become your favorites, such as Noppe stew. It consists of carrots, lotus roots, and shiitake mushrooms in a broth made with soy sauce and cooking wine. This dish is delicious whether served warm or cold. Additionally, try Suruten, a unique Niigata-style tempura alternative made from pickled and grated squid, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful taste.

What is the best time to visit Niigata Prefecture?

Niigata Prefecture experiences its coldest temperatures between January and February, making it suitable for those of you who are interested in skiing. However, the ideal weather for visiting Niigata Prefecture is typically from May to October.

How many days should I stay in Niigata Prefecture?

For those interested in spending a holiday in Niigata Prefecture, a minimum of 2 days is sufficient to have an enjoyable experience in the area. However, if you have more time, 3-4 days in Niigata would also be quite ideal.