A hidden gem
A hidden gem
Situated just two hours north of Tokyo is the hidden gem Niigata, just waiting to be discovered by travelers. Regarded as a culinary hot spot, Niigata is also a place to experience unforgettable adventures, wonderful traditions, and view unparalleled art.
Less explored by foreign travelers, Niigata is a new change of pace to visit from the more popular spots in Japan like Tokyo. Explore all the areas of Niigata and be amazed by its grand beauty.
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Referred to as the land of rice and sake, the food of Niigata is renowned throughout Japan for its quality and taste. The geographic location of Niigata creates ideal conditions for producing some of the best ingredients to create the tastiest dishes that are both inspired and inspiring.
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The list of things to do is wide and varied in Niigata. From the more traditional elements to the more adventurous side, Niigata is the perfect place for discovering a different side of Japan.
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The seasons in Niigata are distinct as each brings a new landscape and new activities. No matter the time of year, Niigata remains a breathtaking vision and a must-visit destination.
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Kyoto isn't the only place where you can catch a glimpse of geishas in Japan. Explore traditional places like Furumachi Geigi. Furumachi Geigi is also one of the more famous and distinguished places where geishas perform entertainment in the form of dance, art, and shows. To get a sense of Niigata and its traditions and culture, Furumachi Geigi is a must-visit.
Niigata is also a great place to explore hot springs. Scattered along the region and nearby areas, there are some hidden gems including relaxing outdoor hot springs called rotenburo. Iwamuro Onsen is a place to start for onsens as their waters are claimed to be effective against many skin ailments as well as fatigue.
Explore a bit of Niigata history by visiting the Former Saito Family Summer Villa where you can view a beautiful Japanese garden from inside a grand summer villa. The villa was built in 1918 and took almost three years to complete. The result was a beautiful and traditional style structure that allowed the garden to stand out without being overshadowed.
Niigata is known as the land of rice and sake for good reason. The rice here is said to be the best due to the heavy snowfall providing quality water, and the environment creating the perfect conditions for the production of rice. Rice can be found at the center of many of Niigata cuisine as the main course, as a side, or as an ingredient. Whether in sushi as a main component, rice crackers, or sake - the rice in Niigata is always delicious and a source of pride for the region.
When in Niigata, it's almost an obligation to try out the sake - as long as you're of legal age that is. Not only is the rice that creates sake said to be amazing, but the care that goes into creating the sake makes it all the more delicious as well. There are multiple sake breweries in Niigata, some of which you can take tours of. It's a great way to explore a bit of Niigata culture and try out some traditional Japanese drinks.
Niigata is known for delicious seafood dishes like wappa meshi and sushi especially around the coastal cities. Not only are there many dishes that involve fresh and tasty seafood bits, but there are also seafood markets you can check out like Teradomari Fish Market that offer up all sorts of oceanic delights. Stalls also sell foods like clams, scallops, squid, and even whole fish on skewers which you can eat right where you are. It's fun to look at all the different seafood and also fun to try them all!
Soba is a quintessential Japanese dish that is enjoyed all throughout Japan, but Hegi-soba is the classic soba dish of Niigata, found throughout the prefecture. The difference between regular soba and the hegi-soba of Niigata is in the noodles themselves. Hegi-soba is made with funori seaweed in addition to the buckwheat flour, creating a noodle that has some bite but is also more slippery than the norm. The soba is served in mouth-sized portions on a wooden box with plenty of seaweed topped over it, and a small bowl with dipping broth. A filling and traditional meal, it's a must when in Niigata.
Rice may be the popular and famous crop of Niigata, but strawberries are also a very popular produce of the Niigata region. If you're a fan of the quality and sweetness of Japanese fruits, the strawberries of Niigata are something to try. There are many places that also have strawberry picking as an activity, so that you can make an event out of trying delicious Niigata strawberries!
A traditional Japanese sweet, sasa dangos are a popular Niigata treat. Stick rice cakes are wrapped in bamboo leaves and are filled with red bean filling. They're pretty to look at, and delicious to eat, making it a photogenic treat. Traditionally the dangos were eaten on May 5th "Children's Day," but now they are available year round!
Niigata is known for their lacquer-ware, namely the techniques used in creating it. You can try your hand at making your own to take home as a nice souvenir!
Visit the famous museum of Niigata, the Northern Culture Museum. See inside the Ito family estate of the Edo period and view gorgeous seasonal wisteria flowers in bloom. It's something fun to do on your own or with the entire family!
Take a side trip to the neighboring islands like Sado island and get on board a tarai-bune. Tarai bunes are boats that essentially are large wooden tubs. Locals used them to collect abalone and seaweed, but now they are also used for people who want to try their hand at maneuvering and riding a tarai-bune.
Rice and in turn, rice crackers are a famous part of what makes Niigata. People can try their hand at making their own senbei design and also watch senbei being made. There are loads of other senbei related activities to try out and eat, and it's a fun and tasty activity to do in the land of rice!
Spring is a beautiful time to be in Niigata. Crisp air, clear air, and colorful blooms fill the land. The weather is generally agreeable and it's a pleasant time to explore the prefecture. Spring is the best time to view the wisterias at the Northern Culture Museum.
Summer is warm making the coastal cities a great place to be at. In additional the sunflowers are cheerful and blooming, and the fields are something you don't want to miss. Take a side trip to neighboring islands and partake in summer appropriate activities or just enjoy the warmth and beautiful summer conditions around you. Summer is also the time for the firework festivals of Niigata that are famous nation-wide.
For fall foliage viewing, Niigata is a great place to be. The distinct contrast from spring to fall, make the gorgeous autumn shades even more noticeable. Visit places like Yahiko Park for a clear view of the autumn colors.
Niigata is distinct in its seasons and that is true for winter as well. Snow covers the land creating a majestic, white landscape. With the snow also comes snow activities, and Niigata has many great ski spots to try out, as well as delicious winter cuisine like snow crab!