Niigata Travel Recommendations

Niigata prefecture is located in the Chubu region of Japan, facing the Sea of Japan to the west. It is one of the largest prefectures in Japan, with a population of approximately 2.3 million people. Niigata is known for its beautiful nature, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage.

How to get to Niigata from Tokyo

There are several ways to get to Niigata from Tokyo. The fastest and most convenient way is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs around 10,000 yen (one way). Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Niigata Airport, which takes around 1 hour and costs around 15,000 yen (one way). Another option is to take a highway bus from Tokyo to Niigata, which takes around 4-5 hours and costs around 4,000-5,000 yen (one way).

Best season to visit NIigata

Niigata has four distinct seasons, and each season offers its unique beauty. The best time to visit Niigata depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. If you want to see the cherry blossoms, the best time to visit is in early April. If you want to experience the beautiful autumn leaves, the best time to visit is in late October to early November. If you want to enjoy the summer activities like swimming, hiking, and festivals, the best time to visit is in July and August.

Must-see places in Niigata

Sado Island

Sado Island is a beautiful island off the coast of Niigata, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Sado Gold Mine, which was once one of the largest gold mines in the world.

Yahiko Shrine

Yahiko Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Yahiko. It is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Kiyotsu Gorge

Kiyotsu Gorge is a stunning natural gorge located in the mountains of Niigata. Visitors can walk along a suspended walkway and admire the beautiful views of the gorge.

Northern Culture Museum

The Northern Culture Museum is a museum located in Niigata City. It showcases the traditional lifestyle and culture of the people of Niigata.

Myoko Kogen

Myoko Kogen is a popular ski resort located in the mountains of Niigata. It offers a variety of ski slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Senkakuwan Bay

Senkakuwan Bay is a beautiful bay located in Sado Island. It is known for its crystal clear water.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Niigata

Sado-nimeshi

Sado-nimeshi is a traditional dish of Niigata, which consists of rice topped with radish, taro, konjac and other ingredients simmered like oden. The broth seeps into the rice and creates a warm and comforting flavor. It is said to originate from Sado Island.

Hegi-soba

Hegi-soba is a specialty of Niigata, which is soba noodles made with a seaweed called funori as a binder. The noodles are served in a vessel called hegi and have a distinctive aroma and texture. The broth is sweetened and goes well with the noodles. It is a specialty of the southern part of Niigata Prefecture.

Tare-katsudon

Tare-katsudon is a specialty of Niigata, which is a bowl of rice topped with pork cutlets dipped in a soy-based sauce without being coated with eggs. The sauce is sweet and savory and the pork cutlets are crispy and juicy. It is said to originate from Niigata City.

Ankoromochi

Ankoromochi is a traditional snack of Niigata, which is steamed and grilled balls of dough made from coarsely ground glutinous rice flour and topped with kinako (soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black syrup). The snack has a chewy texture and a mild sweetness. It is a specialty of the northern part of Niigata Prefecture.

Uonuma-produced Koshihikari

Uonuma-produced Koshihikari is the most famous brand of rice in Japan, which is Koshihikari rice cultivated in the Uonuma region. The rice has a delicious flavor created by the melted snow water and the climate and soil conditions, and is highly praised for its stickiness and sweetness. It is loved all over Japan.

Sushi

Sushi is a representative dish of Niigata, which makes use of the fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. There are many unique toppings such as salmon, trout, anglerfish, sand lance and so on. Also, many restaurants use Uonuma-produced Koshihikari rice for sushi rice. It is popular in Niigata City and Sado Island.

Seafood bowl

Seafood bowl is a specialty of Niigata, which is a bowl of rice topped with sushi toppings. Sometimes luxurious ingredients such as tuna, salmon roe, sea urchin are used. The rice also often uses Uonuma-produced Koshihikari rice.

Toyama

Toyama is a local B-grade gourmet eaten in the Chuketsu region of Niigata Prefecture. It is a dish of chicken and vegetables simmered in a soy-based soup and served over rice. The ingredients and seasoning vary depending on the restaurant. It is said to originate from Toyama-ya in Niigata City.

Nuta

Nuta is a local dish eaten in Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture. It is a dish of fish slices salted and fermented and seasoned with miso or vinegar. It has an exquisite balance of fish umami and sourness. It is a specialty product of Murakami City.

Arare

Arare is a traditional snack of Niigata, which is roasted pieces of glutinous rice flour seasoned with sugar or soy sauce. It has a crispy texture and a sweet and salty taste. It is loved throughout Niigata Prefecture.

Recommended Accommodations in Niigata

Hotel Okura Niigata

A luxury hotel located about 5 minutes by car from JR Niigata Station, overlooking the Shinano River and the important cultural property “Bandai Bridge”. The rooms are designed with comfort and quality in mind. You can enjoy dishes made with Niigata ingredients at the restaurant.

Sebana Onsen Kutsurogi no Yado Seiunso

A luxury hot spring inn located in Murakami City. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan while bathing. The cuisine is a kaiseki course using local seafood and vegetables, which changes according to the season.

Tsukioka Onsen Mashu

A luxury hot spring inn located in Shibata City. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can relax in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. The cuisine is a creative Japanese food using Niigata ingredients, which you can enjoy with your eyes and tongue.

Shiratama no Yu Kahou Bettei Koshi no Sato

A luxury hot spring inn located in Shibata City. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the famous hot spring of Tsukioka Onsen. The cuisine is a kaiseki course using local ingredients, which offers you the taste of the four seasons.

Choga no Sato Yumeya

A luxury hot spring inn located in Niigata City. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the natural flowing hot spring of Iwamuro Onsen. The cuisine is a creative Japanese food using Niigata ingredients, which boasts its deliciousness and gorgeous appearance.

Tamakiya Ryokan

A luxury hot spring inn located in Tokamachi City. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the abundant water and efficacy of Matsunoyama Onsen. The cuisine is a kaiseki course using local ingredients, which gives you a sense of seasonality and handmade feeling.

Shiki Four Seasons Yuzawa Quattro

A luxury hot spring inn located in Yuzawa Town. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can expect a beauty skin effect from Echigo Yuzawa Onsen. The cuisine is a collaboration of Italian and Japanese food.

HATAGO Isen

A luxury hot spring inn located in Yuzawa Town. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the natural flowing hot spring of Echigo Yuzawa Onsen. The cuisine is a kaiseki course using local ingredients, which lets you enjoy the seasonal flavors of Niigata.

Setsugekka

A luxury hot spring inn located in Yuzawa Town. All rooms have open-air baths, and you can enjoy the abundant water and efficacy of Echigo Yuzawa Onsen. The cuisine is a kaiseki course using local ingredients, which boasts its menu that changes according to the season.

Asahiso

Conclusion

In conclusion, Niigata prefecture is an excellent travel destination in Japan that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes, admire the traditional architecture, and indulge in some of the best sake and seafood in Japan. With a range of activities and attractions to suit all interests, Niigata prefecture is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Japan.