Niigata

About Niigata

Niigata prefecture has a long coastline facing the sea of Japan, because of this it was a critical port area during the Edo period in the 17th and 18th centuries. These days Niigata is famous for skiing, hot springs, fresh seafood, rice and sake (rice wine). In fact, most of Japan’s top sake brands are brewed here. Sado Island is also a part of Niigata and is one of Japan’s largest islands apart from the main four, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido. Sado hosts the internationally popular Earth Celebration, an annual music festival featuring the locally born, globally famous Kodo Taiko (drumming) group. Another famous Niigata tradition is celebrating the summer season with elaborate firework festivals. Niigata prefecture is great to visit through all four seasons and offers cultural, culinary, and artistic experiences for the adventurous traveler.

Places to visit in Niigata

We have information on many shops, attractions and events in that we'd love to share with you. Please click the button below to view the most popular ones on a map.

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Popular Sights in Niigata

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Sight in Niigata

Yahiko Jinja Shrine

Located at the sacred 634-meter tall Mount Yahiko in the middle of the Sado Yahiko Quasi-National Park, this Shinto shrine was built about 1300 years ago. Vario

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Sight in Niigata

Yamakoshi alpaca farm

3 alpakas are donated by Colorado US after a big earthquike around this area in 2009, as a cheer up gift called "get genki". Number of alpacas have increased si

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Sight in Niigata

Taraibune Experience (Yajima Taiken Koryukan)

Taraibune are Japanese round wooden boats. At the Yajima Taiken Koryukan visitors can experience going out to sea on them from April until October.

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Sight in Niigata

Yahiko Park

This park, covering a total area of 160,000 square meters, has waterfalls, mountain streams, hills and tunnels. Flowers such as azaleas and irises are planted a

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Sight in Niigata

Sea of Japan

The Sea of Japan is a small public beach located close to 'Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai'.

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Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort

Niigata's Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort is easily accessible via Shinkansen. The train station is located right at the base of the resort.

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Recently Added Sights in Niigata

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Sight in Niigata

Kashiwazaki Whale Underpass

Constructed in 1986, the Kashiwazaki Whale Underpass passes under Highway 8 in order to allow pedestrians to cross it. Possibly the coolest underpass we've ever seen, the whale even has a jet of water shoot from its blowhole at regular intervals.

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Sight in Niigata

Koushi

Located in central Niigata City, Koushi is a restaurant which specializes in foods such as curry ramen, fried chicken and katsu curry. KNown for its large portions, Koushi's long-serving chef also occasionally prepares extra huge versions of his meals for eating contest contestants, also known as 'food fighters'.

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Tokamachi City Museum

Highly recommended to visit before touring around Tokamachi City. At this museum, visitors can experience a tour with an expert on the area. It may take around

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Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Niigata Prefecture is well known as one of the most famous prefectures for rice. The #1 branded rice, Koshihikari has for awhile now been ranked very highly wit

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Chidoriya

As Tokamachi is one of the most famous cities for kimonos, we believe this is a must on any Tokamachi itinerary. Here visitors can learn how to put on kimonos f

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Beech Forest

This unique forest labeled as “bijinbayashi” literally means in English “beautiful lady forest. For the past 90 years these tall and slender trees have been gro

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Recent Articles

Otaku
Article by Margaret Iuchi

Maiko, Geiko, Geiki, Geisha and Oiran, Oh My! What’s the Difference Between Them?

In this article we give you a breakdown of the difference between a maiko, geiko, geiki, geisha and a oiran is and see AkiDearest dress up as an oiran!

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Lifestyle
Article by Tokyo Creative

Top 5 Things To Do In Tokamachi: Japan’s Hidden Kimono City in Niigata Prefecture

When the word “kimono” comes up in conversation, many will immediately think of Japan and more specifically, Kyoto. And if that person knows alot ab

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Article by this is japan

5 reasons to visit Niigata Prefecture

If you want to see a different side of Japan, you might want to head away from the large city centers and branch out a little bit. Niigata is one of my favorite

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Hotels in Niigata

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Hotel in Niigata

Pension Crew

Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, Pension Crew offers accommodation in Itoigawa, 40 km from Hakuba. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parki

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Hotel in Niigata

Hotel Familio Sadoaikawa

Boasting a hot spring bath and guestrooms with sea views, Hotel Familio Sadoaikawa is set in Sado. Guests can enjoy beverages at the on-site snack bar. Free WiF

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Hotel in Niigata

Wakatake

Situated in Tagami, 22 km from Niigata, Wakatake features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room is

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Hotel in Niigata

Edelweis Akakura

Offering ski-to-door access and ski storage space, Edelweis Akakura is located in Myoko, 28 km from Nagano. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room

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Hotel in Niigata

Silverhorn

Offering a ski school and ski storage space, Silverhorn is set in Myoko in the Niigata Region. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Rooms include a shared

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Hotel in Niigata

The Italia Ken

Located 1 km from Niigata Prefectural Civic Centre in Niigata, The Italia Ken features free WiFi access and free private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site r

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Neighborhoods

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Neighborhood in Niigata

Sado Island

Mention Sado Island, and August's internationally famous Earth Celebration event and related taiko drumming will likely spring to mind. But to dismiss the islan

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Neighborhood in Niigata

Yahiko Village

Located in central Niigata Prefecture and abutting the Sea of Japan, Yahiko Village is considered one of Japan's most sacred areas. According to legend, the gre

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