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.
Travel
Kashiwazaki Whale Underpass
Sight in NiigataConstructed 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. Even if only for the novelty and photo opportunity aspects alone, the Kashiwazaki Whale Underpass is definitely worth a visit1