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The Ultimate Things To Do in Winter in Niigata: Japan's Snow Paradise

Published: 11/01/2023

Niigata is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy some of the most abundant natural snowfalls and a spectacular location created by Mother Nature. There are many things to do in Winter in Niigata, which will leave you with incredible memories to cherish and give you an insight into this beautiful region. Skiing and snowboarding are just the tips of the iceberg, and here you can try snowmobile tours, night trekking, snow buggy ride, relax at an onsen or enjoy an evening in a snow igloo (Kamakura).

Niigata is quite easily accessible from Tokyo and with a beautiful winter wonderland awaiting, it's the perfect choice for a winter holiday. This article will show you the best things to do in winter in Niigata. You can also take advantage of our limited-time campaign by using a special discount coupon code ( click here for details ). So let's explore the best things to do in winter in Niigata together!

1. Get Top Notch Skiing Adventure in Niigata

Niigata boasts the highest class of snow quality in Japan. The area has some of the country's top ski resorts, such as Myoko Kogen and Yuzawa, which offer something for everyone: back-country, cross-country, and all kinds of other skiing adventures. Whether you're skiing for the first time or an expert, you'll find lots to love here.

2. Take Your Snowboarding To The Next Level

Niigata Prefecture is a powder enthusiasts' paradise during the winter season. The snow-filled slopes and trails are perfect for those who love to snowboard.

The ski resorts are excellent for beginners and novices to learn how to ski or snowboard. The instructors are friendly and will teach you all the basics of snowboarding. There are also plenty of rental shops where you can rent equipment if you don't have your own.

Ready for some fresh powder? You could start snowboarding today—choose from our range of lessons and find the right one for you.

3. Skip The Lines And Get Ropeway Tickets

Enjoy a fun and exciting day on Niigata's slopes and experience the powder snow's thrill. Visit ski resorts like Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, Koide ski resort, NASPA Ski Garden, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, and Itoigawa Seaside Valley Ski Area for lift tickets, ski lessons, and more. Venture out with the family at one of these many fun-filled destinations.

4. Snowshoe Trekking in Niigata: Enjoy The Best Of Winter Up Close

The winter wonderland of Niigata is a great destination for snowshoe trekking. You can enjoy breathtaking nature up close and personal with snow-covered forests, amazing landscapes, and natural views. Hike through the thick snow wearing your snowshoes while taking in the fantastic views, then relax in an onsen bath.

5. Snowmobile Tours: The Best Winter Thrill!

Scenic snowmobile tours are the perfect winter thrill. Explore snow-covered forests and mountaintops with jaw-dropping views on your ATV. The excitement of riding a powerful motorized vehicle will definitely get your adrenaline pumping!

6. Take a Night Excursion on a Mega Snow Buggy

Hang on tight and enjoy the snow-covered mountains at night on a 6-seater mega buggy. With an experienced driver, you can relax and enjoy the ride while having fun with your family and friends.

7. Sake, Snow igloos and Snowmobiles: A Winter Trip to Remember

Enjoy two days of winter activities in Yuzawa, including a visit to a town specializing in craftsmanship. In this fun excursion, you will learn how to make paper knives at Tsubame and Sanjo—two towns of craftspeople that have been producing high-quality blades since the Edo period! You will also indulge in sweets and sake-tasting experience inside a snow igloo (known as Kamakura in Japanese) and you will go on an adrenaline-pumping snowmobile adventure at Naeba Ski Resort.

8. Two Days of Snow-Filled Retreats at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

Talk about a double treat! You can enjoy snow-related winter fun and find inner peace in a soothing hot spring. In between, taste the deliciousness and learn how to make the local specialty bamboo dumplings sweets—all in one plan.

Frequently asked questions

Q what are some things to do during the winter time in niigata.

A In Niigata, the winter season offers so many adventures. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can try out different kinds of skiing. You can also snowboard and snowshoe. If you don't have any experience on the slopes, there are lessons for beginners of all ages.

Q Does Niigata snow?

A Niigata is the best place to go for snow and winter sports. Did you know that it's called the snow country? It is because of its heavy snowfall, especially in January, where Myoko City is the heaviest snowfall spots with several days of continuous heavy snow.

Q What is Niigata Japan known for?

A Niigata is popular with its rice crops, the beauty of its coastal and mountainous scenery, its powder snow, ski resorts and onsens.

Q How far is Niigata from Tokyo?

A Niigata is located about 320.8 km northwest of Tokyo. Niigata can be reached by five different means of transportation. From Tokyo, one can travel to Niigata by train, bus, night bus, car or plane.

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Niigata Bucket List: 26 Best Things to Do in Niigata Prefecture For Tourists (Attractions, Local Foods & Activities)

Niigata sightseeing needs to be at the top of your bucket list if you're a nature lover! Niigata is the fifth largest prefecture in Japan. Known for its scenic mountains and beautiful rice fields, it is situated on the Sea of Japan. Here you'll enjoy the many magnificent nature spots such as Kiyotsu Gorge and the rice paddy terraces. Known for being snowy, it is very popular with skiers in winter . Niigata is also known for producing some of the best sake in Japan, many of which you can try at the local restaurants.

What Kind of Place is Niigata?

Niigata is a large city of about 2.22 million, located about two hours from Tokyo via Shinkansen. The most convenient way to get to the main Niigata sightseeing spots is to take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station. If traveling from Niigata Airport , take the bus to Niigata Station (about 25 minutes). Niigata City, the prefecture center, is home to many modern commercial facilities and historic buildings, including a museum opened to preserve an old mansion built in 1887. There are plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops , making it an ideal area for food and shopping. The suburbs are dotted with markets that handle fresh seafood , as well as superb scenic views spots with beautiful natural landscapes . There is also a remote island nearby called Sado Island, where you can enjoy even more unique sightseeing spots including the Kanayama Ruins and the “tarai-bune” (tub-boat).

How to Get to Niigata

The Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train is the most convenient way to get from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station, the gateway to sightseeing in Niigata . From Niigata Airport , it takes about 25 minutes to get to Niigata Station by bus. Most areas in Niigata Prefecture can be reached by train from Niigata Station, but many tourist spots require a cab or bus to get there from the nearest station, so check the accessibility beforehand. Rental cars can be found in the area around Niigata Station. To get to Sado Island, take a bus from Niigata Station to Niigata Port, and then take a boat to Ryotsu Port. Buses or cabs are recommended for transportation around the island. Okesa Kanko Taxi, a cab company on the island, has Wi-Fi in its vehicles and offers smartphone payment for fares.

1. See the breathtaking Kiyotsu Gorge

Kiyotsu Gorge is known as one of Japan's Three Great Canyons , along with Kurobe Gorge in Toyama and Osugi Valley in Mie Prefecture . In 1941, it was also selected as the most beautiful scenic spot in Niigata . The huge V-shaped canyon expresses the beauty of the four seasons , with fresh greenery in the spring and red-dyed trees in autumn . It is recommended to take a walk through the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. There are three observatories located along the 750-meter long tunnel, as well as spots where you can learn about the nature of Kiyotsu Gorge through images. The Panorama Station at the end of the tunnel is one of this spot’s main attractions. Stretched across the floor is an artistic image designed to resemble the surface of the water in the gorge reflecting the surrounding natural landscape .

• Address Koide, Tookamachi-shi, Niigata, 949-8433 View Map
• Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station （Joetsu Line）
• Phone Number 025-763-4800

2. Gaze out at the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Paddies and terraced rice fields (called tanada) are carved into the mountains and valleys like staircases. The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, located in Tokamachi, is is said to have one of the best views in the city. Tourists from both inside and outside the country visit to see the nearly 200 rice paddies that make up these amazing views. The best time to come see them is from around the end of March to June (after the snow melts), and from October to November. These times are when the rice fields are filled with water, reflecting a mysteriously beautiful views of the rising and setting sun, and even the early morning sea of clouds, depending on the day’s weather. Keep in mind, rice terraces are privately owned, so please be considerate, don't trespass, and take any trash with you.

• Address Toge, Tokamachi Shi, Niigata Ken, 942-1351

3. Visit Sado Island - Japan's 'Butterfly Island'

Sado Island is a remote island located in the western part of Niigata Prefecture . There are various sightseeing spots on the island, including Toki-no-Mori Park , where you can see the “toki” (Japanese crested ibis), a bird which has been designated as a natural monument of Japan, as well as the Sado Kinzan gold mine ruins, which was discovered in 1601. Sado is also known for its unique activities, such as riding the “tarai-bune,” a wooden, tub-like boat once used for fishing. You can get to Sado Island from Niigata Port via jetfoil (approx 1 hr) or car ferry (approx 2 hr 30 min) to Ryotsu Port. You can use the regularly-scheduled sightseeing bus, Niigata Kotsu Sado , to get around the large island.

• Address 1935, Ogimachi, Sado Shi, Niigata Ken, 952-0604, Japan
• Phone Number 0259-86-3153

Hours: 8:30am-5pm (changes may apply depending on the season) Admission: 500yen for adults, 300yen for children Closed: open daily

4. Visit the Toki Forest Park!

Toki Forest Park , on Sado Island, is a sanctuary that protects and breeds Toki birds, a national natural monument, with the aim of allowing them back into the wild. At the Toki Fureai Plaza in the park , you can watch the crested ibis flying freely around from up close. Also, there are many attractions like the Observation corridor, where you can admire the crested ibis in the adjacent enclosure Sado Toki Conservation Center, in the Toki Material Exhibition Hall, where you’ll find exhibits related to the conservation, breeding, and eventually returning to the wild of the ibis are displayed. We recommend trying the edamame soft cream (sold at the shop in the park ) made from Sado edamame.

• Address 383-2, Niibonagaune, Sado-shi, Niigata, 952-0101 View Map
• Nearest Station Niigata Station （Echigo Line / Shin-etsu Line / Hakushin Line / Joetsu Shinkansen） 20 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0259-22-4123

5. Experience the fantastic sea creatures at Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai, in the city of Niigata , is an aquarium that breeds and displays 30,000 animals of about 600 species. The most popular attraction is the dolphin show held at the dolphin stadium in the complex. You can observe from up close the charms of the life of many sea creatures through many viewing points, like the Marine Tunnel. Also, the Sea of Japan Main Tank opens a door on many fish species, and the Marine Safari allows you to see sea lions from up close.

• Address 5932-445, Nishifunamicho, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata, 951-8555 View Map
• Phone Number 025-222-7500

6. Unique to Niigata, the place for rice! Tour the many sake breweries

Niigata Prefecture is blessed with good quality rice and water, making it a thriving place for sake brewing. Since ancient times, there have been many sake breweries, and the number of the current ones in the prefecture is the highest in Japan. The prefecture has a history of 470 years with breweries like Yoshinogawa Sake Brewery in Nagaoka City, and Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery in Niigata City, which can be toured with guides in English as well. From November to March, which is the time of preparation, every sake brewery is busy. Even if it’s not required to make a reservation, we recommend you do, by phone or email.

7. Get fresh Niigata seafood along Teradomari Fish Market Street

For the best local Niigata seafood , we recommend checking out Teradomari Fish Market Street. Their lineup of fresh fish draws in crowds of shoppers every day. The cafeteria has many shops that offer seafood bowls and set meals, all made with fresh seafood . Shops tend to get particularly crowded on weekends, so be sure to consider that when planning a time to visit. For take-out, our recommendation is “Hama-yaki,” a skewer dish of squid, scallops, and fish. They are cooked right on the spot, so enjoy the warmth as you wait.

8. Enjoy Niigata's specialty: red snow crab

Red snow crab is one of the specialty products of Niigata . The crimson snow crab, a dish with miso is a must-try item if you visit Niigata . You can taste it at sushi restaurants in the prefecture and restaurants in the markets, but we especially recommend Roadside Station Marine Dream Nou, in Itoigawa City. At Kanaya Yokocho there are a lot of stands where you can buy snow crab from local fishermen, and you can taste it right there at the roadside station. From January to February the fishing season for red snow crab is closed, so keep that in mind when visiting.

• Address 3596-2 Noukodomari, Itoigawa, Niigata 949-1351
• Phone Number 025-566-3456

Hours: 9am-6pm (depending on the store and season) Closed: open every day

9. Taste the local cuisine! Hegi soba noodles

Niigata 's specialty Hegi soba is a kind of noodle that has been made popular by Uonuma City a long time ago. The noodles are rolled up in a square bowl called hegi and funori is used to connect the noodles. In Japan, it’s popular to use wheat flour to connect buckwheat noodles, but since Uonuma City is big on textile production, they started using gloiopeltis. The noodles are firm and flavorful. Hegi soba can be tasted in various parts of the prefecture. There are many popular shops in Uonuma City and Tokamachi City, so make sure to stop by.

10. Enjoy the snow festival and winter sports

In Niigata Prefecture , one of the areas in Japan with the heaviest snowfalls, there are plenty of snow festivals and winter activities. Visit in winter and enjoy the unique experience of Niigata with its spectacular snowy scenery. A recommended event is the Tokamachi Snow Festival, held in Tokamachi City from the third Friday to Sunday of February every year. During that period, snow sculptures handmade by citizens will be exhibited throughout the city. And don't miss the show performed on a huge snow stage. The ski resort is full of popular spots visited by international and local skiers. Choose accordingly to your preferences. Maybe you’ll like the Maiko Snow resort, which has a long run with a maximum gliding distance of 6,000 meters, or maybe you'll prefer the Kagura Ski Resort, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Joetsu Border, or perhaps you’ll like the popular Naeba Ski Resort. Recommended Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

• Address 742 Mitsumata, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6211, 949-6211 View Map
• Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station （Joetsu Shinkansen） 15 minutes by car
• Phone Number 025-788-9221

• Address Mikuni, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami Uonuma-Gun, Niigata -Ken 949-6292, 949-6292 View Map
• Nearest Station Tsuchitaru Station （Joetsu Line） 40 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 025-789-4117

11. Enjoy sake in the station!

If you like sake, you should definitely stop by Ponshukan in JR Echigo Yuzawa station. This is a unique spot with a sake gallery and bathing facilities where you can enjoy a sake bath. For sake tasting, we recommend Kikizake Gallery Koshinomuro, where you can enjoy sake at a reasonable price. You will find 117 types of representative brands for all sake breweries in the prefecture. If you find a sake you like, buy it at the Station Sake Brewery right next to it. In the Sake Bath Yunosawa, you can soak in a natural hot spring with a special liquor. The admission fee includes towels and large lockers, so you won’t need to prepare ahead. Ponshukan is also located at Niigata Station and Nagaoka Station.

• Address 2427-3, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata, 949-6101 View Map
• Phone Number 025-784-3758

12. Watch fireworks at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, held by the Shinano River in Nagaoka City, is a popular fireworks festival visited by tourists from all over Japan. It takes place on August 2 and 3 every year, and about 20,000 fireworks are set off in two days. Among them, the fireworks shot in commemoration of the Great Chuetsu Earthquake are particularly beautiful with their wide flowering pattern. Enjoy the spectacular sight. *Please check the official website for the latest event information.

• Address Around Sakonmachi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Chosei Bridge downstream Shinano River riverbed, 940-1161 View Map
• Nearest Station Nagaoka Station （Shin-etsu Line / Joetsu Shinkansen） 30 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0258-39-0823

13. Enjoy a train ride on the Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka

A train ride using the resort train Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka , running in the Joetsu region of Nigata is also recommended for sightseeing. There is also an open-view deck inside the train and a lounge where you can relax and enjoy a fantastically luxurious time on the train. After departure, you can also enjoy the original sparkling wine as a welcome drink. Lunch boxes are different in the morning and in the afternoon and are particularly popular. There are several 15-minute stops. Enjoy a luxurious experience on the train while shopping and interacting with locals. Train Information Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka Phone: 025-543-8988 (Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka Reservation Center) Reservation time: 10am-5pm (reception only Monday-Friday)

14. Search for lifelong souvenirs in Tsubamesanjo

Niigata 's Tsubamesanjo area boasts excellent metal processing technology. The name is a combination of Tsubame City and Sanjo City, which are located in the center of Niigata Prefecture . The area has been long known as a manufacturing town where the production of cutlery, hardware, and Western tableware thrives. At Tsubamesanjo Station Tourist Product Center Tsubamesanjo wing, and at Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Local Product Center in Sanjo City, there are a wide variety of metal products made in Tsubamesanjo. These are great items that you will want to use for a long time, like the horie tumbler from a manufacturer that specializes in titanium objects, or the Ichiryo Metal ladle, which combines ease of use with aesthetics.

15. Sample the Sasa-Dango Dumplings

Sasa-dango is a Japanese confectionery, and one of Niigata ’s signature dishes, made from dango (Japanese rice flour dumpling) mixed with wild grass and mugwort, wrapped in bamboo leaves, also known for its pleasant aroma. The dango filling is made with a mildly sweet red bean paste. Niigata city is dotted with dango shops where you can try these local sasa-dango. They are also available at Tanakaya Honten Minato Kobo, so be sure to stop by during your visit and try them out! Sansa dango demonstration sales are also held at Tanaka Main Store Minato Kobo, in Niigata City, and Eguchi Dango Main Store, in Nagaoka City, where you will find plenty of sweets shops.

16. Okutadami and Pleasure Cruise

Admire the colors of nature from the comfort of a cruise on Lake Okutadami.

Every year in spring and autumn , boats peruse these waters with a choice of three different sightseeing courses, each revealing beautiful scenery, lush mountains , waterfalls, and even a volcano.

You can walk from the parking lot to the boating area, or better yet, ride the cute two-cabin 'Slope Car' which drops you off there.

17. Naena Falls

The incredible roar of water falling from 55 meters above has given this attraction the nickname "Earthquake Falls." Naena Falls is listed as one of Japan's 100 Great Waterfalls, and for a good reason – the scenic valley leading to the falls is beautiful year-round as the seasons change, and the view from the nearby suspension bridge is fantastic.

18. Oyashirazu and Koshirazu Beaches

Where the Japanese Alps suddenly descend into the sea lie the Oyashirazu and Koshirazu Beaches . With the mountains towering 400 meters above and the sheer cliff's surroundings, these beaches are found below the most treacherous part of the Hokuriku Road.

19. Mt. Myoko and Lake Imori

Also known as Niigata ’s Mt. Fuji, the 2,454 meter high Mt. Myoko is counted as one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains .

Reflecting this grand peak is the beautiful Lake Imori, surrounded by a white birch forest . Known for its approximately 100,000 flowering water plants, it is said that Lake Imori is the most beautiful place to view Mt. Myoko.

20. Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort

Connected directly to the train station, Gala Yuzawa couldn't be more convenient to get to. Its long season means you can ski all the way through the string of holidays in late April and early May, known in Japan as 'Golden Week.' Seventeen different courses vary in difficulty from beginner to expert, making Gala Yuzawa an excellent choice for all levels. Ski and snowboard lessons are available in English, and Chinese and Thai interpreters are available for ski lessons. Snowmobile sleigh tours and snowshoe tours are also offered. After fun on the slopes, you can relax at Spa Gala-no-Yu.

• Address 1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-Cho, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6101, 949-6101 View Map
• Nearest Station Gala Yuzawa Station （Joetsu Shinkansen Bound For Gala Yuzawa） 0 minute on foot
• Phone Number 025-785-6543

Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

• 1-Day Ticket

21. Naeba Ski Resort

This ski resort offers unparalleled support and the many charms of the Naeba Prince Hotel . The location faces northeast and is blessed with high-quality powder snow. The trails vary widely and include a dynamic 4km downhill course. For those with families, multiple snow parks for kids provide a range of fun activities. Lift ticket prices vary by season .

22. Akakura Kanko Resort and Spa

The ski slopes of Akakura Kanko Resort and Spa were the first slopes in Japan to be designated an international ski resort.

Receiving over 13m of snow annually, Akakura just about guarantees great skiing .

The 4km-long cruising trail runs from the top of the 1500m hill, and a terrain park with jumps is perfect for thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders. A special snow play area called the Chibikko Hiroba is ideal for children too young to hit the slopes.

• Address 949-2111　Akakurakita51-3, Myoko-Shi, Niigata-Ken, 949-2111 View Map
• Nearest Station Myokokogen Station （Myoko-haneuma Line）
• Phone Number 0255-87-2125

23. Tsukioka Onsen

Tsukioka Onsen is more than just a hot spring – it's a town unto itself with lots of things to see and do.

The high sulfur content in the water gives it a unique emerald green color and is said to have beautifying powers. You can stroll through the town and sample Niigata specialties such as local sake, sweets , and snacks, such as rice crackers. What makes this onsen unique is that 30 geisha work here, and give classical performances. This is a great place for couples to enjoy the day together, with tandem bikes, private onsen areas, and romantic photo spots.

• Address Shibata, Niigata 959-2338

24. Furumachi Geisha District

The Furumachi district of Niigata is considered one of the three most prestigious areas in Japan for geisha, along with Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo. Furumachi means “old city,” and the spirit of the old entertainment district is still much alive here, where even today geisha continue to charm visitors with their hospitality and traditional arts . Geisha have been active in Furumachi since the Edo period, when Niigata was bustling as the most frequented port on the Sea of Japan coast, and it is said they numbered over 300 at their peak.

25. Uonuma Koshihikari Rice

Niigata is proud to be one of the top rice production areas in Japan, and the most delicious type of rice from here is called koshihikari.

Grown using pure water from melted snow from the Echigo Mountains , koshihikari rice is known for its high quality and excellent flavor. When visiting Niigata Prefecture , be sure to enjoy some of the best rice in the country.

26. Kiwami Sushi

A Niigata specialty, Kiwami Sushi is a 10-piece platter of the prefecture's finest sushi , served at only a select list of restaurants. The Kiwami platter consists of local seasonal offerings and the catch of the day, along with favorites like uni (sea urchin roe), toro (medium-fat tuna), and ikura (salmon roe). As the sushi varies depending on season , you can always be sure you are eating the freshest sushi around. Enjoy!

Check out the amazing food, events, and key spots for sightseeing in Niigata and plan the perfect trip for you. Text by: Shoepress The information in this article is current as of January 2021. Please check the official website for the latest information.

• Area Niigata And Sado
• Category Other Sightseeing

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Winter Excursion in Niigata! 16 Highly Recommended Scenic Points

Recommended Winter Travel Destinations in Niigata boast Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort, directly connected to the Shinkansen station for convenient transportation, Matsunoyama Onsen offering picturesque snow country landscapes and hot springs, and Tsunan Snow Festival.

During the festive season, witness the spectacular ascent of lanterns into the sky. Below, we present 16 Niigata tourist attractions that will captivate and linger in your memory.

1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (ガーラ湯沢スキー場)

Accessed in just about an hour and a half from Tokyo Station via the Shinkansen, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort stands seamlessly connected to the Shinkansen station, eliminating the need to exit the station before entering the skiing domain—an ideal setting for winter sojourns in Niigata.

Featuring a total of 16 snow trails, with the longest descent spanning 2500 meters, the trails cater to a diverse range of skiing preferences. From gentle terrains suitable for novices to exhilarating slopes designed for advanced skiers, the variety is extensive. Moreover, the resort hosts a "Snow Paradise," allowing non-skier children to indulge without charge—a commendable suggestion for families wintering in Niigata.

• GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (ガーラ湯沢スキー場)
• Address: 1039-2 Gataguchi, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata, 949-6101, Japan
• Website: https://gala.co.jp/winter/

2. Hyokosuikin Park (瓢湖水きん公園)

Renowned across Japan as a migratory destination for swans, Hyoko Lake has earned the designation of a national natural monument. In winter, about 5000 swans journey from Siberia to grace its waters.

The development of Hyoko Mizukin Park aims to preserve this bountiful natural environment, offering close encounters with swans and ducks. Witness the spectacular arrival of numerous waterfowl, an awe-inspiring spectacle! Additionally, observe swan parents feeding their young.

• Hyokosuikin Park (瓢湖水きん公園)

3. Imori-ike Pond (いもり池)

Imori-ike Pond, a pond within the confines of Ikinoyu Onsen, boasts a circumference of about 500 meters, offering year-round scenic beauty on the Myoko Highlands. Legend has it that the pond earned its name due to the abundance of fireflies inhabiting its vicinity.

A picturesque walk along the pond's perimeter, encompassing a 15-minute stroll, allows for easy enjoyment, particularly when snowfall is modest. The majestic silhouette of Mount Myoko, mirrored in the waters, presents a captivating vista, especially during snowfall, unveiling a fantastical silver world.

• Imori-ike Pond (いもり池)
• Address: Imori Ike, Ikenoyu Onsen, Myoko-shi, Niigata, Japan

4. Matsunoyama Onsen (松之山温泉)

Situated in Joetsu City, one of the areas in Niigata Prefecture with the highest snowfall, Matsunoyama Onsen experiences a winter deluge exceeding 4 meters, rendering the entire hot spring enclave blanketed in snow.

Stroll through the onsen town, revered as an ecological village for its snow-covered vistas. Immerse yourself in the snow-viewing hot springs, savor local delicacies, and relish the essence of winter in Niigata. Every January 15th, Echigo hosts the peculiar festivals of "Shinro Matsuri" and "Sumiutsushi Matsuri"—a unique experience worth considering.

• Matsunoyama Onsen (松之山温泉)
• Address: Matsunoyama, Yuyama, Tokamachi City, Niigata, 942-1411, Japan
• Website: https://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/spot/motsunoyamaonsengou/

5. Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan（ぽんしゅ館 越後湯沢驛店）

"Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan" serves as a veritable Echigo sake museum, where one can derive various pleasures—from tasting local sake to enjoying hot spring baths. The "Sake Tasting Corner" curates a selection of local sakes from most breweries in Niigata Prefecture, available for a tasting fee.

"Eki no Shuzo" boasts a perennial inventory of over 250 varieties from Niigata's major brands, including limited-edition items exclusive to this establishment—highly recommended for aficionados of fine spirits.

Additionally, the store features establishments where you can savor renowned bomb rice balls and partake in a sake-infused hot spring bath. For winter sightseeing, it is particularly recommended to soak in the hot springs, leisurely comparing and tasting Japanese sake.

• Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan（ぽんしゅ館 越後湯沢驛店）
• Address: 2427-1 Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata, 949-6101, Japan
• Website: https://www.ponshukan.com/

6. Minato Marche Pier Bandai（にぎわい市場ピアBandai）

Nestled on Bandaijima in Niigata City, this tourist market overlooks Niigata Port, showcasing a diverse array of Niigata Prefecture's specialties, ranging from rice and sake to fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Regarded as one of the largest seasonal food markets along the Japan Sea coast, it promises an abundance of offerings.

Numerous restaurants allow for a taste of Niigata's culinary delights, with a standout recommendation being "Kaiten Sushi Benkei." Renowned for its sushi crafted from exceptionally fresh ingredients caught on the Sado Coast that very day, their signature sushi is made using 100% Sado Overlight rice. If visiting in winter, do indulge in the seasonal Sado yellowtail!

• Minato Marche Pier Bandai（にぎわい市場ピアBandai）
• Address: 2 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 950-0078, Japan
• Website: https://www.bandai-nigiwai.jp/

7. Echigo Hillside Park（国営越後丘陵公園）

Echigo Hillside National Park stands as a widely acclaimed destination, captivating both children and adults alike. Embrace seasonal gardens, immerse yourself in rural forest living, and partake in agricultural experiences. Running from April to November, known as the "Green Season," and December to March, known as the "White Season," each period offers distinct avenues of enjoyment.

Annually, from early November to December 25th, the park hosts a Christmas lights event. Outdoors, the symbolic giant beech tree is illuminated, while indoors, a magical Christmas tree sparkles. Moreover, during the snow-rich months of January to February, "Echigo Snow World" opens, featuring a sledging area and various snow activities.

• Echigo Hillside Park（国営越後丘陵公園）
• Address: 1950-1 Mitsumata, Miyamoto Higashikata, Nagaoka City, Niigata, 940-2202, Japan
• Website: https://echigo-park.jp/

8. Tsunan Snow Festival （つなん雪まつり）

While lantern festivals are renowned in Thailand and Taiwan, the Tsunan Snow Festival, or "Chochin Festival," takes place in Tsunan Town—one of the areas in Japan with the heaviest snowfall.

Originating in 2012 as a prayer for the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tsunan Snow Festival (" つなん雪まつり ") occurs around March 11th each year. Approximately 2,000 lanterns ascend into the night sky, creating a spectacular display!

Tickets are available for those who wish to participate in launching the lanterns. However, if you simply wish to observe the lanterns being released, no ticket is required. Additionally, enjoy stage performances and stalls during the festival.

• Tsunan Snow Festival （つなん雪まつり）
• Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan-cho, Nakauonuma-gun, Niigata, 949-8201, Japan
• Website: https://snowfes.info/

9. Niigata NEXT21 Observation Lounge (NEXT21 展望ラウンジ)

The NEXT21 Observation Lounge is a comprehensive facility housing the Niigata City Central Government Office and dining establishments. Standing at 125 meters, it is acclaimed as the first skyscraper on the Japan Sea side.

From the top-floor observation deck at 101 meters, revel in a panoramic view of Niigata City, especially breathtaking when the winter air is crisp. Entry is free until 23:30, making it an ideal spot to appreciate the night scenery.

• Niigata NEXT21 Observation Lounge (NEXT21 展望ラウンジ)
• Address: 866 Rokubancho, Nishi-Hori-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 950-0086, Japan
• Website: https://www.next21-niigata.jp/

10. Bijin Bayashi Forest（美人林）

Bijin Bayashi, a beech forest located north of Matsunoyama in Joetsu City, is renowned for its straight and expansive beech trees, earning it the moniker "Beautiful Forest."

Throughout different seasons, Bijin Bayashi presents various breathtaking scenes. In winter, the beech trees are blanketed in pristine white snow, creating a stunning landscape. This makes it a popular destination for those seeking a serene winter retreat.

While winter walks are possible, the deep snow suggests wearing snowshoes for a more comfortable experience. Snowshoes can be rented at the nearby Mori no Gakko Kyororo reception, providing an opportunity to explore this enchanting forest.

• Bijin Bayashi Forest（美人林）
• Address: 1712-2 Matsuguchi, Matsunoyama, Joetsu City, Niigata, 949-1523, Japan
• Website: https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/10084

11. Shirone Grape Garden (白根グレープガーデン)

Shirane Grape Garden is an all-season sightseeing farm where you can enjoy fruit picking year-round. Depending on the season, a variety of fruits can be harvested. In winter, pick the rare citrus fruits of Niigata and enjoy strawberry picking in a large strawberry field with 55,000 strawberry plants.

The grape garden also houses an ice cream shop where you can savor ice cream made with a plethora of seasonal fruits.

• Shirone Grape Garden (白根グレープガーデン)
• Address: 573 Wajinoki Shinden, Minami-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-1102, Japan
• Website: http://www.kudamonogari.com/

12. Teradomari Fish Market Street (寺泊魚の市場通り)

Teradomari Fish Market Street is a bustling fish market in Niigata Prefecture, affectionately known as "Uo Ami Yokocho," meaning "Fish Ami Alley." Along the street, numerous fish shops offer dining options on their second floors.

In winter, recommended seasonal delicacies include Red Snow Crab, True Oysters, and Sweet Shrimp! Some shops prepare fresh fish for on-site consumption, and there are stalls offering seafood skewers, grilled seafood, crab soup, and other delectable treats. Explore the market, discover enticing cuisine, and indulge in a culinary adventure.

• Teradomari Fish Market Street (寺泊魚の市場通り)
• Address: Teradomari Shimoara-machi, Nagaoka City, Niigata, 940-1161, Japan
• Website: https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/5823

13. Ojiya Balloon Uprising (おぢや風船一揆)

Ojiya Balloon Uprising is an annual winter event in Ojiya City, featuring the "Japan Sea Cup Cross-Country Balloon Championship" held on the snowy fields.

Taking place in late February each year, it offers the opportunity to experience hot air ballooning, and the popular Niigata gourmet stalls at the "Delicious Food Square." In the evening, fireworks are set off, creating a captivating display of hot air balloons and fireworks.

• Ojiya Balloon Uprising (おぢや風船一揆)
• Address: Ojiya Balloon Uprising, Hirasawa Shinden, Ojiya City, Niigata, Japan
• Website: https://www.city.ojiya.niigata.jp/site/kanko/ojiya-fusenikki.html

14. Bandaijima Art Museum (新潟県立万代島美術館)

Niigata Prefectural Bandaijima Art Museum is located within the Toki Messe Exhibition Hall. It serves as a branch of the Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art in Nagaoka City, with both museums sharing a collection of over 6,000 items.

The distinguishing feature of the Bandaijima Art Museum is its emphasis on contemporary art collections, including works by artists associated with Niigata Prefecture. While there are no permanent exhibits, the museum hosts special exhibitions and collection displays throughout the year. It's a perfect place to spend some time appreciating art during the chilly winter days.

• Bandaijima Art Museum (新潟県立万代島美術館)
• Address: 5-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
• Website: https://banbi.pref.niigata.lg.jp/

15. Cave D'Occi Winery（カーブドッチワイナリー）

Cave D'Occi Winery is situated in a vast vineyard spanning approximately 80,000 square meters. The popular winery tour includes visits to the vineyard, winemaking facility, barrel aging room, wine cellar, and concludes with a tasting session.

Additionally, the winery features a restaurant offering authentic French cuisine, a bakery, a coffee shop, and facilities where you can enjoy natural hot springs. It's a perfect destination for a relaxed and fulfilling day, even on snowy days.

• Cave D'Occi Winery（カーブドッチワイナリー）
• Address: 1661 Katadahama, Nishikan-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
• Website: http://www.docci.com/

16. Ishida (石田屋)

Ishida is conveniently located near Murakami Station. Initially established as an inn, it transitioned into a restaurant operating both during the day and evening since 2023.

The restaurant's highlight is its menu featuring Murakami's seasonal delicacy, the salted salmon. Highly recommended is the "Salmon Hot Pot Bowl," adorned with freshly grilled slices of savory salted salmon.

Another notable choice is the "Miomote" set, comprising salted salmon, seaweed-wrapped salmon, sake-infused salmon, and a mini atom rice bowl. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the signature salted salmon when you visit.

• Ishida (石田屋)
• Address: 10-24 Tabata-cho, Murakami City, Niigata, Japan
• Website: https://ishidaya-murakami.jp/

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Enjoy the cold in Snow Country: 4 ways to experience winter in Niigata Prefecture

Niigata Prefecture (新潟県 Niigata-ken ) is without doubt one of Japan’s renown heavy snowfall areas, with snowfall reaching a record high of 4.19m in Tsunan Town (津南町 Tsunan-machi ) in February 2022, the highest ever on record for Niigata. Come spring, all the snow melts and enters the aquifers running under the prefecture, which in turn becomes a source of water for all the agriculture that goes on, allowing for the production of many local delicacies, including vegetables, mushrooms, as well as Niigata’s famed made-in-Uonuma Koshihikari rice (魚沼産コシヒカリ Uonuma-san Koshihikari ).

However, that does not mean that winter in Niigata is a boring affair, with one being trapped indoors for days or weeks on end due to the heavy snowfall. Read on to find out more about how one can enjoy the snow in Niigata!

1. GALA Yuzawa: A ski resort 74 minutes from Tokyo

GALA Yuzawa Station has a cable car station linked to it to bring skiers directly to the slopes. (Image credit: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort)

Did you know that there are many ski resorts near Tokyo where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on a day trip? One ski resort near Tokyo that is of particular mention is GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (ガーラ湯沢). It takes only 74 minutes from JR Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki ) via the Jōetsu Shinkansen (上越新幹線)—furthermore, GALA Yuzawa Station (ガーラ湯沢駅 Gala-Yuzawa-eki ) is directly connected to the ski slopes, so access from the station is no issue at all! 

(Image credit: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort)

Once you exit the ticket gates, the ski resort ticket counter is immediately visible, and locker rooms and snow gear rental counters are also nearby. You can rent on the spot, change in the changing rooms, and immediately board the gondola to the top of the mountain.

A fantastic view awaits you atop the slopes at GALA Yuzawa. (Image credit: koemu / CC BY-NC 2.0 )

The ski slopes at GALA Yuzawa are divided into three areas: the Central Area, the North Area, and the South Area. Of these, the Central Area is the largest field, with a cable car that takes you directly up to an elevation of 800m. The summit, at 1,181m above sea level, is also a great photo spot where one can take pictures of the beautiful scenery!

New to skiing or snowboarding? Take one of the lessons available at Canyon Snowsports School and get ready to rock the slopes. (Image credit: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort)

If you want to improve your skiing or snowboarding, Canyon Snowsports School (キャニオンスノースポーツスクール) offers ski lessons in English and Mandarin Chinese. The instructors will teach you the basics like how to put on ski shoes, how to walk, and how to ski in great detail, making it great for beginners! Additionally, GALA Yuzawa also offers a variety of other tours.

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (ガーラ湯沢) Period (Winter 2022-2023 Season): 20 December 2022–7 May 2023 Address: 1039-2 Kayadaira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minami-Uonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6101 Nearest station: JR GALA Yuzawa Station (ガーラ湯沢駅) Access: Directly connected to GALA Yuzawa Station Opening hours (Ski slope): 8am–4:30pm (Winter), 8am–4pm (Spring) Opening hours (Ski center): Refer to this for more information. Tel: +81-25-785-6543

2. Lotte Arai Resort: A ski resort where you can enjoy skiing on pristine slopes

A bird’s eye view of Lotte Arai Resort. (Image credit: Lotte Arai Resort)

Myōkō City (妙高市 Myōkō-shi ) in Niigata Prefecture is a scenic area famous for Myōkō-Kōgen (妙高高原), a highland resort where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons.

It is at Myōkō-Kōgen that you can find Lotte Arai Resort (ロッテアライリゾート), a snow resort that had its grand opening on December 16, 2017. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Ogenashiyama (大毛無山), the resort is situated in a magnificent location where you can even see as far out as the ocean on days with good weather.

(Image credit: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association)

Chosen as the best ski resort in Japan in the 2020 SKI ASIA Awards by SKI ASIA, a website focused exclusively on ski resorts in Asia, Lotte Arai Resort takes their skiing seriously, which is good news for ski enthusiasts looking for a good place to ski at while on holiday in Japan!

At Lotte Arai Resort, 84% of the slopes are "freeriding zones" where fresh snow is left to fall naturally without being compacted, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the pleasure of skiing on powder snow. While the environment is similar to backcountry skiing, Lotte Arai Resort is well managed and staff patrol the areas, so you can enjoy the grandeur of nature safely.

There are 15 ski courses at the resort, meaning all ski enthusiasts, from beginners to experts, are bound to find a course they like. In addition, the resort offers a variety of non-skiing adventures for families, friends, and couples can enjoy such as Asia's longest zip line, bouldering, trampolining, and a variety of fun activities.

Lotte Arai Resort is conveniently located near JR Jōetsu-Myōkō Station (上越妙高駅 Jōetsu-Myōkō-eki ), less than two hours from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen (北陸新幹線)! The resort is also home to a hotel that has a reputation for its relaxed, modern atmosphere and high-class resort feel. The hotel is large, with a total of 245 rooms, and is perfect for those who want to stay for a longer period of time. 2019 also saw the opening of a spa, pool, and fitness centre, meaning that there are even more ways to enjoy the resort and its facilities.

(Image credit: Lotte Arai Resort)

Why not spend a cosy time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in a resort surrounded by nature?

Lotte Arai Resort (ロッテアライリゾート) Period (Winter 2022-2023 Season): 16 December 2022–May 2023 Address: 1966 Ryozenji, Myōkō-shi, Niigata 944-0062 Nearest station: JR Jōetsu-Myōkō Station (上越妙高駅) Access: 30-minute shuttle bus ride from Jōetsu-Myōkō Station Tel: +81-25-575-1177

3. Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort: A spectacular location perfect for snow lovers of all ages

Ishiuchi Maruyama (石打丸山スキー場) is a ski resort located in Minamiuonuma City, one of the best places in Japan to enjoy some of the most abundant natural snowfalls and a spectacular location created by Mother Nature.

Since its opening in 1949, the Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort has grown alongside the snow lovers who visit it and has expanded to a total area of 236ha, with a height difference of 664m and a maximum run distance of 4,000m.

In recent years, various developments have been made to improve convenience, such as the introduction of the Sunrise Express—the world’s most advanced combination lift featuring both gondolas and chairlift cabins/chairs on the same cable. 

One of the most unique features of Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is that people of all ages can enjoy the snow. For example, from the newly opened “SNOW GARDEN” located next to the park, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-white Uonuma Plain and the Echigo Sanzan Mountains with a hot drink in hand. In addition, “SNOW GARDEN” has two types of stylish snow domes, one large and one small, as well as a ski school and sledding slope for kids.

There are more than 20 restaurants on site, including stylish cafes and authentic yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants, the quality of which is incredible for a place on the slopes!

Moreover, a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station make Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort extremely convenient to access in winter—click here for this season’s timetable.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort (石打丸山スキー場) Period (Winter 2022-2023 Season): 16 December 2022–2 April 2023 Address: 1655 Ishiuchi, Minami-Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-6372 Access: 10-minute shuttle bus ride from Ishiuchi Station (石打駅) Opening hours: 8:30am–5pm, 8:30am–8pm (24 December–12 March) Admission fee: From ¥4,000 for a regular day plan for adults (with advance booking online) Tel: +81-25-783-2222

4. Winter fireworks: Full of charms not found in summer!

Fireworks at Nagaoka Fireworks Winter Fantasy. (Image credit: Nagaoka City )

When you think of winter in Japan, skiing, hot springs, and gourmet experiences probably come to mind. But in fact, if you come to Niigata in winter, you can enjoy beautiful fireworks.

Those who are familiar with Japan might be wondering, "Hey, aren't fireworks in Japan supposed to be in the summer?" That is not wrong—in fact, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡花火大会 Nagaoka Hanabi-Taikai ) held in summer in Nagaoka City (長岡市 Nagaoka-shi ) is so famous that it ranks as one of the Three Big fireworks festivals in Japan.

However, in Niigata, fireworks displays are also held in winter! In many cases, winter fireworks displays are not as large as those held in summer, but they have their own charms not found in summer, such as the chance to see fireworks glowing against a field of snow, or to enjoy light displays alongside the fireworks.

Take, for example, the Nagaoka Fireworks Winter Fantasy (長岡花火ウインターファンタジー Nagaoka Hanabi Winter Fantasy ) held every December at Echigo Hillside Park (越後丘陵公園 Echigo Kyūryō Kōen ) in Nagaoka City. Here, fireworks set to winter-themed music and large star mine fireworks can be seen, wowing many tourists with their beauty. The event venue is decorated with light displays and Christmas decorations, which can be enjoyed together with the fireworks.

The Tsunan Snow Festival, where you can see sky lanterns rise into the winter sky. (Image credit: Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association)

Furthermore, New Greenpia Tsunan (ニュー・グリーンピア津南) in Tsunan Town (津南町 Tsunan-machi ) offers a sky lantern experience from December to March, and the sight of lanterns rising towards the night sky is truly a spectacle not to be missed!

In addition to these events, a variety of other fireworks events are held throughout Niigata. For more details, please visit the official Niigata Prefecture Official Tourism website .

For those of you who would like an idea of how to incorporate some of the places introduced in this article into a winter trip itinerary, have a look at this blog for a few ideas on how to do so. For more information on travel packages that will allow you to visit and experience some of the spots above, click HERE !

Getting around with the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)

The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) and usage area. (Image credit: JR East)

The  JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)  is an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains and  Joyful Trains  like the Koshino Shu*Kura) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥18,000, it costs less than a round-trip between Tokyo and Jōetsu-Myōkō (~¥19,000). You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and  Joyful Trains  online for free, up to 1 month in advance,  here . 

The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass.

This article is written in collaboration with Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association.

Header image credit: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

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The official tourism website of Tohoku, Japan “TRAVEL TO TOHOKU“

• Experience the Breathtaking Winter Scenery in the Niigata-Tohoku Area

Japan is a country where you can see beautiful natural landscapes throughout the four seasons. Especially in winter, various regions in Tohoku and Niigata are adorned with majestic natural beauty, as they are covered in a pure white veil of snow. In addition to the accumulating snow, the artistry of snow and ice, nurtured by the harsh cold and unique natural conditions, also adds a special touch to the winter scenery.

　 In Tohoku and Niigata, there are numerous activities to enjoy the unique winter scenery. These views cannot be seen once the snow and ice melt in spring. It is precisely because they can only be encountered at this time and in this place that their beauty stands out even more, evoking emotions that cannot be experienced in other seasons.

Winter-Exclusive View! Witness the Nanataki Frozen Falls From Directly Below the Waterfall Basin

The vast plateau of Hachimantai, spanning across Iwate and Akita prefectures, is formed by a series of mountains centered around the 1,613-meter-high peak of Mt. Hachimantai. This tourist attraction offers beautiful landscapes throughout the seasons, including the mystical sight of snow melting in spring (known as "Hachimantai Dragon Eye") , alpine plants in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.

　During the winter season, you can witness breathtaking scenery that is nurtured by the harsh cold. One of these sights is the "frozen falls," where the water flowing from the waterfall freezes upon contact with the outside air. In Hachimantai, you can admire the Nanataki Frozen Falls, a 25-meter-tall waterfall located in a stream flowing from Mt. Iwate.

　As water falls from the mouth of the waterfall and freezes in the process, the frozen falls retain the shape of the flowing water. The ice columns spreading like a fan towards the basin shine in a pale blue color, creating a very mysterious atmosphere. Observing this scenery, you can experience a strange sensation as if time has come to a standstill despite the dynamic nature of the view.

　The Hachimantai Mountain Hotel organizes a snowshoe trekking tour that allows you to comfortably explore the Nanataki Frozen Falls. Snowshoes are devices that are attached to shoes or snow boots to make it easier to walk without sinking into the snow. By wearing these snowshoes, you can explore the winter forest and visit the frozen falls. Even those who are new to walking on snow can enjoy participating in this activity.

On the tour, you will first take a ride on the 4-person high-speed lift at the Panorama Ski Area adjacent to the hotel, providing easy access to the upper part of the slopes. After that, you will explore the snow-covered beech forest for about an hour with snowshoes, aiming for the frozen falls. This is a course unique to this season, as it is not accessible in the summer.

　In this guided walk, led by a knowledgeable guide familiar with the area, you can see the footprints of animals such as rabbits and squirrels that remain on the snow and encounter winter buds waiting for spring. There are plenty of discoveries that you won't find during the season for greenery! After completing the walk and reaching the frozen falls, make sure to approach the basin to fully appreciate its breathtaking beauty. Even if you don't have your own equipment, you can rent snowshoes, shoes, poles, and more for the tour, so there's no need to worry.

The Nanataki Frozen Falls begins to freeze around mid-January each year and reaches its peak from late January to mid-February. One of its attractions is that depending on the weather conditions of the year, the entire area of the waterfall may be frozen over, or both the frozen and flowing portions of the waterfall can be seen. This allows you to enjoy different scenery every year.

　After delighting in the beauty of the frozen falls and receiving a mood boost, it's suggested to further relax by warming your body in the hot springs flowing in Hachimantai. In the vicinity of the Nanataki Frozen Falls, there are day-trip hot spring facilities and hot spring inns such as the Hachimantai Onsenkyo and Matsukawa Onsen. While soaking in the warm snow-viewing baths, you can enjoy Hachimantai's pristine white landscape.

You can partake in more activities at the nearby ski resorts. The Panorama Ski Area, directly connected to the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, which serves as the departure and arrival point for the snowshoe trekking tour, is a recommended ski resort with gentle slopes and popular long courses suitable for beginners. Additionally, the Shimokura Ski Resort, located about a 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the Panorama Ski Area, offers superb powder snow, diverse courses with varying terrain, and four tree run areas for your enjoyment.

Comfortably Enjoy "Juhyo," an Exceptionally Unique Phenomenon Worldwide

(Photo courtesy of Zao Ropeway)

In certain parts of Japan and only in a few other regions worldwide, there is a natural phenomenon called "Juhyo" (frost-covered trees). This occurs when coniferous trees and their branches are covered in snow and ice, freezing them solid. It is a very unique occurrence that requires specific conditions such as altitude, terrain, wind direction, vegetation, and snowfall volume. The sight of trees covered in snow and ice is incredibly beautiful and often referred to as a "natural work of art."

　Among the regions in Japan where you can see frost-covered trees, the Zao Mountain Range spanning Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures is known as one of the largest and most famous spots. From the summit area to the mid-slope area of the Zao Mountain Range, there is a dense forest of Oshirabiso fir trees (also known as Aomori Todomatsu) where ice and snow easily accumulate, transforming the forest into a frost-covered wonderland during winter. The view of the frost-covered trees spreading as far as the eye can see, covering the snowy landscape, is truly breathtaking! Each frost-covered tree has a unique shape, and the ones that have grown to completely cover the trees are also called "Snow Monsters" due to their distinctive appearance.

The frost-covered trees of Zao can be seen from both Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures. From the Miyagi side, you can ride a snowmobile to go see the frost-covered trees, while on the Yamagata side, there is a frost-covered tree field within the Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Therefore, it is possible to go directly to the frost-covered tree field in about 18 minutes by transferring from Zao Sanroku Station in the foothills of Zao Onsen Town to the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line and Sancho Line, making it the shortest route. Of course, even those who do not ski or snowboard can ride the gondola.

　As you arrive at Jizo Sancho Station after descending from the ropeway, a world of silvery white unfolds before your eyes, and colossal snow monsters emerge one after another! The stunning scenery, complemented by the contrast between the blue sky and the white snow, radiates an indescribable beauty.

The enjoyment of viewing the frost-covered trees is not limited to natural light alone. From December to February each year, there is a nighttime illumination event featuring the frost-covered trees. In the pitch-black darkness, the frost-covered trees illuminated by vibrant cocktail lights create an even more fantastical spectacle.

At night, there will be a guided tour for observing frost-covered trees aboard the "Night Cruiser" snowmobile. Embarking on this one-of-a-kind journey, comfortably gliding through the illuminated field of frost-covered trees on a newly designed snowmobile with heating is an exceptional experience!

The best time to see the frost-covered trees in Zao is usually from late December to early March, with the peak season occurring around late January to late February.

　The Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, where you can see frost-covered trees, is known as one of the largest mountain resort areas in Tohoku. The ski resort boasts 14 slopes, 12 courses, and a maximum skiing distance of approximately 10 kilometers. In addition, there is a unique "Field of Frost-Covered Trees Course," where you can ski while enjoying the frost-covered trees. Skiers and snowboarders should definitely enjoy skiing on the frost-covered tree field!

　Zao Onsen, which is directly connected to the ski slopes, is a lively hot spring town with inns, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

 Within the hot spring town, there are three public bathhouses, three footbaths, and five day-trip hot spring facilities (three of which operate during the winter season), providing visitors with convenient access to enjoy Zao Onsen's distinctive feature—the most acidic hot spring in the Tohoku region. At the restaurants, you can savor various Yamagata delicacies, such as soba noodles, Tama Konnyaku (ball-shaped konjac), and the famous Zao Onsen specialty, Jingisukan (mutton/lamb BBQ).

While the primary goal may be appreciating the frost-covered trees, Zao Onsen in Yamagata offers an array of attractions, from skiing, snowboarding, and hot springs to delicious cuisine.

Kiyotsu Gorge, Where the Beauty of Natural Sculptures Converges With Modern Art

photos: Ma Yansong/MAD Architects "Tunnel of Light" (Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale work)

After passing through a tunnel bathed in blue light, we reach a semi-circular opening. Beyond lies a magnificent canyon sculpted by snow-clad precipitous cliffs and an emerald-green river. The canyon's grandeur reflects on the water mirror and mirror-like walls on the tunnel floor, conjuring a fantastical scene suspended between sky and earth. Moreover, by submerging your shoes in the water mirror and progressing further, you not only witness the canyon's beauty up close, reminiscent of an ink painting, but also become an integral part of this captivating landscape, seamlessly captured by the camera as an artistic subject!

　This unique space is found in Kiyotsu Gorge, located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. Kiyotsu Gorge features a massive V-shaped canyon with steep cliffs towering over the Kiyotsu River, and the rock faces, reaching heights of 100 to 300 meters, form magnificent columnar joints. With its majestic columnar joint terrain and dynamic Kiyotsu River, this overwhelming landscape has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. It is also counted as one of Japan's three great gorges, along with the Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and the Osugidani Gorge in Mie Prefecture.

 photos: Courtesy of Tokamachi Tourist Association

The Kiyotsu Gorge can be experienced through the pedestrian tunnel known as the "Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel," transforming the entire area into an exceptional art space. Tokamachi City, along with its neighboring Tsunan Town, hosts the world's largest outdoor art exhibition held once every three years, known as the "Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale." Additionally, the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel underwent renovation in 2018 and was transformed into an art installation titled "Tunnel of Light."

 photos: Ma Yansong/MAD Architects "Tunnel of Light" (Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale work)

The project was undertaken by the Chinese architectural group of Ma Yansong and the MAD Architects. They have created a work of art by transforming a 750-meter-long tunnel into a submarine-like structure that is isolated from the outside world, developed as a telescope looking outward, with installations at the midway observation point and at the Panoramic Station at the end of the tunnel. The space with a water mirror at the beginning of the work represents the landscape of the Panoramic Station. The second observation point creates a dynamic movement by integrating monochrome stripes with the scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge, while the third observation point reflects Kiyotsu Gorge in a convex mirror illuminated by a red backlight, creating a mysterious and warm atmosphere.

　If you visit Tokamachi City to see Kiyotsu Gorge, take the opportunity to embark on an art trip and explore the numerous permanent works of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial. In Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town, you can find around 200 permanent exhibitions alongside seasonal exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events.

It is recommended to start by visiting the main facilities that serve as the hub for exploring artworks. The "Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET," located in the heart of Tokamachi City, showcases approximately 15 permanent artworks by both domestic and international artists throughout the year. The architectural design of the building was overseen by "HARA Hiroshi + Atelier Phi Architectural Drawings," renowned for their work on structures like the Kyoto Station Building. The museum's distinctive feature lies in its spatial arrangement, where a central pond is encircled by corridors with open ceilings.

（レアンドロ・エルリッヒ 「Palimpsest: 空の池」 photo by Kioku Keizo）

In the Matsudai area of Tokamachi City, where there are many Tanada (terraced rice fields utilizing the slopes of the mountains) and Segaeda (rice fields created by changing the flow of rivers), there is a base facility called "Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum" designed by the Dutch architectural group MVRDV. Inside the facility, you can appreciate artworks by world-renowned artists Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, along with works by various other artists. There is also a restaurant called "Echigo-Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo," serving delectable dishes and desserts crafted from locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

（Azuma Koichiro  「Rotating Absence”」 photo by Kioku Keizo）

It has been confirmed that the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2024 will take place from July 13th to November 10th, 2024, and last for a total of 87 days. A captivating landscape, where the nature of Satoyama (rural mountain towns) blends seamlessly with modern art, will be newly unveiled.

Check the Local Snow Conditions on the Official Website

The three locations mentioned here are situated in cold regions with heavy snowfall. Depending on the snow conditions and weather on the day of your visit, there's a chance that your intended destination may be inaccessible or experience minimal snow and ice due to the influence of a mild winter. Since these are tourist attractions related to natural winter phenomena, it's advisable to check the current situation in advance through official websites or other reliable sources before planning your visit.

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Leading ski getaway famous for rice and sake

Top attractions in niigata.

Yahiko Shrine

Sado Kinzan

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

Naeba Ski Resort

Around niigata.

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Tokamachi is located in the southern region of Niigata Prefecture. It only takes around 2 hours by shinkansen to get here from Tokyo. It is rich in culture and tradition. The area is mostly covered..

About Niigata

What’s the most important food in the everyday diets of Japanese people? The answer is rice, and no prefecture does it better than Niigata Prefecture (新潟県, Niigata-ken ) and their Koshi Hikari brand when it comes to rice. And that also means you can find some of Japan’s top sake there too.

Niigata is also one of the top hot springs and winter sports destinations as well; the popular Naeba Ski Resort doubles as the host of the Fuji Rock Festival (Japan’s largest outdoor music event) in late July. The Nagaoka Festival almost immediately after it is one of the three biggest fireworks displays in Japan.

Niigata’s beaches are wildly underrated, often overlooked at the expense of those on the Pacific coast. The idyllic island of Sado is famous for being the breeding spot of the rare Japanese crested ibis and for its gold mine. 

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Popular Winter Activities in Niigata, Japan | Gourmet Food & Fireworks

Niigata Prefecture in Japan is known as one of the world’s heaviest snowfall areas. In some places the maximum snow depth exceeds three meters (nearly 10 feet)! For this reason Niigata Prefecture offers many winter delights. In addition, visitors can enjoy sake stored in snow chambers, and winter fireworks illuminating the snowfields. Check out these three popular winter activities in Niigata Prefecture .

Uonuma no Sato – A place to experience the culture of Yukiguni (snow country) in depth

Sake brewery Hakkai Jozo is located in Minamiuonuma City , Niigata Prefecture , a city known for its rice production. The brewery is famous for producing Hakkaisan, a sake so popular that it is said that there is not a single sake lover who does not know about it.

This Uonuma-no-sato, which Hakkai Brewery is a part of, is a facility where visitors can immerse themselves closely in the culture of the snow country.

Located at the foot of Mt. Hakkaisan , the spacious premises include restaurants, cafes, souvenir stores, and kitchen general merchandise stores. The surrounding area is a scenic walking trail where you can enjoy a stroll through nature and spend the whole day at your leisure! It is easily accessible from Echigo Yuzawa Station , a popular hot spring, skiing, and outdoor destination, making it a great stopover spot.

One of the most noteworthy features of Uonuma no Sato is the Hakkaisan Snow Cellar, which was built in 2013. As the name suggests, this is a sake cellar where the cold air from the snow cools the inside of the cellar. The cellar requires 1,000 tons of snow to keep the inside temperature below 4 degrees Celsius at all times. It is said to be one of the largest snow chambers in Japan for the purpose of storing sake. Vegetables and other items also are stored in the available space.

By making a reservation on the day of your visit, you can take a tour of the snow chamber. It is cold inside, so don’t forget to bring warm clothes!

Since Uonuma-no-sato offers sake tasting services, it is recommended to take a cab from the station. Uonuma-no-sato is a 15-minute drive from Urasa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line.

Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (varies by facility) Address: 459 Nagamori, Minamiuonuma City

Winter fireworks – A charm you simply won’t find in summer!

When you think of winter fun in Japan, skiing, hot springs, and gourmet food probably come to mind. But in fact, if you come to Niigata Prefecture in winter, you also can enjoy stunning fireworks.

“Hey, aren’t fireworks in Japan supposed to be done in the summer?” Those who know Japan well may think so. In fact, the Nagaoka Matsuri Grand Fireworks Festival held in summer in Niigata Prefecture is so famous that it is counted among the “three major fireworks festivals in Japan.

But in fact, fireworks displays in Niigata also are held in winter! In most cases, winter fireworks displays are not as large as those held in summer, but they offer plenty of attractions not found in summer. For example, you can see fireworks glowing against a field of snow, or enjoy illumination along with the fireworks.

Nagaoka Fireworks Winter Fantasy , for instance, is held in December at Echigo Hillside Park in Nagaoka City . Here, many tourists come to watch the winter-themed fireworks, which are launched with musical starmines. The event’s venues are decorated with illuminations and Christmas decorations, which can be enjoyed in combination with the fireworks.

In addition, New Greenpia Tsunan , a ski area located in Tsunan Town in Niigata Prefecture , offers a Sky Lantern Experience from December to March. The lanterns floating in the night sky are truly spectacular!

Besides the above, a variety of other fireworks events are held in various locations in Niigata Prefecture . For details, please visit Niigata Prefecture ‘s official tourism website.

Hours of operation: Varies by location Address: Varies by location

A night tour on the NASPA Ski Garden Snow Buggy!

NASPA Ski Garden is located in Yuzawa Town , Niigata Prefecture , right next to the New Otani Hotel , making it the perfect spot to play in the snow while staying overnight.

Take a part in the Snow Night buggy Tours held here to ride on the slopes at night to the top of the mountain using a snow buggy. A vehicle itself is operated by a guide, so even people who do not ski or snowboard at all, and small children (3 years old and up), may enjoy the snowy mountains.

The excitement of riding a snow buggy through a field of snow is beyond your imagination! The powder snow has just the right firmness and feels as good as if you were riding on a wave. Riding uphill in a spray of snow, admiring Niigata ‘s spectacular natural scenery, and savoring the atmosphere of the snowy mountains at night … you will experience winter from a whole new perspective.

NASPA Ski Garden also offers a snowmobile driving experience. Children 3 years old and up to fourth grade need to ride with their parents, but children from fifth grade and up can drive by themselves.

In addition, NASPA Ski Garden also offers snow rafting, where you can slide through the snow on a boat. This activity can accommodate up to eight people, so families and groups of friends can enjoy the ride together and make great memories.

Hours: Snow night buggy tours are available from 18:00 to 21:15 (about 30 minutes per tour) Address: 2117-9, Oaza Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun

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Visit Snow Resorts in Niigata For a Quintessential Japanese Winter Experience! Introducing Ski Resorts, Accommodations, and Culinary Delicacies

Table of Contents

• Discover Japan's Beautiful Winter in Niigata

[A Must for Snow Activity Lovers] Enjoy Activities, Food, and Events! A Ski Resort That Even Non-skiers Can Enjoy!

• [For Avid Skiers] The Perfect Ski Resort for Devoted Skiers Staying Consecutive Nights & Great Ticket Deals

[A Must-see for gourmet lovers and experience enthusiasts] See, touch and experience the specialties and local delicacies of Niigata, famous for its rice

Niigata is easily accessible from the kanto area budget-friendly with a convenient pass.

• A day trip isn't enough to fully experience the region! Take a luxurious winter trip in Niigata!

Discover Japan's Beautiful Winter in Niigata

Niigata prefecture is located on the west coast of Japan, facing the Sea of Japan, and known for the heavy snow,  ski resorts , natural surroundings, and hot springs. It’s the fifth largest prefecture in Japan and is located in the Chūbu region, famous for its high quality rice, delicious sake , fresh seafood, and cut flowers (especially tulips). There are delicious local dishes, including Hegi Soba , Japanese traditional buckwheat noodles eaten in a special way unique to the region. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best things to do in Niigata!

Make sure to check our private walking tour in Niigata which takes you to historical spots while enjoying local food and tasty sake!

1. Grab a bite at the Teradomari Fish Market

2. snap a pic at the kiyotsu gorge, 3. visit sado island, how to access gala yuzawa snow resort, 5. see the hoshitoge rice terraces, 6. explore the ponshu-kan sake museum, 7. hike mount hiuchi, 8. try hegi noodles, 9. visit yahiko shrine, 10. go to itoigawa beach, 11. come to the nagaoka fireworks festival, 12. try some sasa-dango, 13. visit ojiya nishikigoi no sato, 14. enjoy the sasagawa nagare coastline, 15. see the tsunan sunflower field, where to stay in niigata, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might be interested in.

Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, Niigata prefecture is famous for its fresh seafood. At the local Teradomari fish market in Nagaoka city, you will find many lively, local vendors selling all types of seafood. The seafood is caught and directly delivered from the Sea of Japan, which is located just across the road. At the market, you can choose from a large selection of best-quality seafood at an affordable price. The market is also known as the place where all the delicious seafood from all over Japan is displayed. Some shops have a small dining area, or you can buy frozen or processed products to take back to your home/accommodation! 

Teradomari Fish Market 8.30am – 5pm

Kiyotsu Kyo Gorge is a scenic spot in Tokamachi city. You experience the gorge by walking through the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which is 750 meters long and offers differing views from four platforms. The final platform offers a stunning view with shiny mirrored walls and a shallow pool to reflect the panoramic view in all directions! The spot is a popular photo spot , and you can easily understand why. It is also known as a perfect spot to admire colorful autumn leaves with the overwhelming cliff in the background.

The tunnel is wide and flat and is easily accessible to everyone. A round trip takes about an hour, after which you can enjoy some food or drinks at the café or relax at the foot bath at the tunnel entrance.

Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel 8.30am – 4.30pm Admission fee ￥800 (adults) 

Sado Island is a former exile island in front of the coast of Niigata, about 2 hours out by boat. The island is known for its annual Earth Celebration , a festival organized by Sado’s own world famous taiko group, Kodō. Taiko is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument, and on the island, you can also visit the Taiko museum. If you are looking for a fun activity, try the hot tub boats ! These boats were used back in the day by fisherman to collect shellfish and seaweed from rocky coastal waters. The cut-off barrels are a kind of tub boat that are now mainly used to amuse travelers in Sado Island.

The island is also home to a number of different type of onsen. Other attractions on the island include a former goldmine, the Osada Skyline (a beautiful mountain road with scenic views), and Senkaku Bay.

4. Ski the Slopes of Yuzawa

Gala Yuzawa is probably one of the most convenient locations for a weekend of snow fun or just as a day trip from Tokyo. You can reach the ski slopes of Gala Yuzawa in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and the ski lift is directly connected to the train station! At the train station, you can also rent your ski or snowboard gear before making your way up to the slopes.

Yuzawa is known for its long ski season and deep powder snow. The snow brought from the Sea of Japan to inland Niigata is of great quality and comes in great quantity. Overnight snowfall of more than 1 meter is not unusual in the area! There are some 20 snow resorts in the vicinity of Yuzawa town, all with their own own features. Some are more suitable for families with children, and others meet the more experienced skiers and boarders needs. However, most of the resorts are not particularly great for advanced skiers and snowboarders that are on the search for off-piste adventures and powder snow. Gala From the Yuzawa train station there are shuttle buses available to all resorts.

Most places also offer great onsen facilities, the area is known for its many onsen and public bathhouses. Another product famous to the area is sake and at Echigo Yuzawa Station you can try about 100 different local sake!

Gala Yuzawa Snow resort 8am – 5pm (operation of ski lift)

From Tokyo Station take the Joetsu Shinkansen (Tanigawa or Max-Tanigawa) to Gala Yuzawa (ski season) or Echigo Yuzawa (off season).

Foreigners that don’t hold a JR Pass, can purchase a JR Tokyo Wide Pass . With this pass you can travel unlimited for 3 days in the Kanto region and in winter time you will receive an additional discount on the skipass! Or you can purchase the JR East Pass Nagano & Niigata that is valid for 5 consecutive days.

The melt water of the large amount of snow that Niigata receives every winter provides great circumstances for the rice plants to grow. Niigata is a famous rice producer, and huge rice terraces can be found everywhere while you travel around the city. Hoshitoge Rice Terraces is among the most popular rice field. About 200 terraced rice paddies on the hillside create a stunning scenery, and it is one of the must visit spots in Niigata. The appearance of the rice terrace changes each season, and the best season is in the early summer when the paddies are filled with water reflecting the sunlight shining brightly! If you are lucky, you can come across sea of clouds which creates a magical view!

Hoshitoge Rice Terrace (※Japanese Only)

When there is high-quality rice, you can be sure that there is also sake! Niigata prefecture is famous for its sake production and is home to around 90 breweries. In comes as no surprise probably that there is a place like heaven for sake-lovers in Niigata! Ponshu-kan is a unique museum which offers over 100 local sake types that are locally produced. Visitors first get 5 coins at the entrance and are instructed to put a coin into a small vending machine installed inside the museum. Each machine features different brands of sake , and it automatically offers a small cup of sake for tasting. There is also a souvenir shop handling local specialty and sake products as well. The main shop is located in Echigo Yuzawa Station, and there is a branch shop offering the same quality service with more convenient location in Niigata station too!  

9.30am – 8.30pm (sake tasting Niigata Station shop) 9am – 7pm (sake tasting Echigo Yuzawa Station shop)

Located in the Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park, Mount Hiuchi is yet another famous and beautiful mountain in Japan. The mountain is well known for its flower fields in spring and autumn colours in fall. In fact, the mountain was listed by CNN as one the top 25 most beautiful spots in the world . The hiking season of the 2462m tall mountain lasts from July to november. The hiking trail is about 9 km in length and along the hiking trail, near the summit of Mount Hiuchi, there is a beautiful lake called Koya pond. The pond has a variety of alpine plants that can be found only in high places such as mountain. There is a cozy mountain hut called Koya Pond Mountain Hut nearby, which offers an amazing view of the pond! A reservation is required for all visitors to stay at the hut. 

Mount Hiuchi Climbing season July – September

Koya Pond Mountain Hut *Reservations required!

One of the must do’s when visiting Niigata is trying the regional soba. Soba is eaten across Japan but Niigata is famous for  hegi soba . A type of seaweed called  funori  is added to the flour giving hegi soba a unique taste. Hegi refers to the wooden trays that the noodles are served on in mouthful sized portions. The soba goes well with a side of a tempura and was the perfect way to end a varied, scenic, and thought provoking trip!

Yahiko shrine is a Shinto shrine situated at the base of Mount Yahiko. It enshrines Ame no Kagoyama no Mikoto , the great-grandson of Amaterasu Omikami as a deity. Although the details about the history of the shrine still remain unclear, it is considered that the origin of the shrine dates back about 2,400 years ago. Surrounded by a sacred forest, it is visited by a number of people, over 200,000 people visit the shrine to pray for a good fortune for the new year on New Year’s Day . There are also several spiritual spots and historical structures nearby. It’s only a five-minute walk to get there from Yahiko Station. 

There are many swimming beaches in Itoigawa city on the coast of Sea of Japan. One of them is Itoigawa beach, nicknamed “Jade Beach.” Jade stones can be found on the beach, though, they are quite difficult to find. They are originally from mountainous areas upstream of the Hime river where there is a mining area of jade. They get carved through centuries while travelling the long river which finally flows into the ocean. You might now find the beautiful jade, but just exploring the peaceful beach brings a refreshing experience for you! If you do find one, however, you are allowed to take those stones back home.

The Nagaoka Festival is held every 2nd and 3rd of August on the banks of the Shinamo River. It is in remembrance of the destruction that Nagaoka has suffered and the hope for recovery and peace. Over the course of the two day festival, there will be over 20,000 fireworks set off. This festival is considered one of Japan’s three great firework festivals.

Sasa-dango is a Japanese confectionery that is a specialty in the Niigata prefecture. It is one of its signature dishes. These dango are rice-cakes filled with a mildly sweet red-bean paste, wrapped in a bamboo leaf called “sasa.” These delicious sweets have a unique flavor that can only be found in this region, and it is widely available in many local shops year-round.

Nishikigoi no Sato is in the city of Ojiya. This is where the iconic image of the Japanese koi originated. The koi or specifically nishikigoi, are colorful variations of Amur carp that are kept for decorative purposes in ponds and gardens. These decorative fish have been around for over 200 years, and the people of Ojiya are dedicated to their preservation and to create more ornamental fish. This faciltity is the only place in the world where you can see such a vast variety of koi, with hundreds of carps in 15 different kinds all swimming together.

This 11km stretch of coastline near the city of Murakami is one of the most scenic places in Japan. The clear blue water and sandy white beaches are a beautiful scene with the jagged seaside rocks as a backdrop. The views of the beach as it looks out over the Sea of Japan during sunset is another must-see perk of this area.

From late July to early/mid August, you can see one of the gorgeous displays of flowers in the country. The Tsunan Sunflower Field sits on four hectares of land, with 500,000 sunflowers blooming yearly. Sitting at the foot of Mount Kakuda, this sunflower field is an ideal spot for your brightest and best Instagram photos.

• Hotel Nikko Niigata – a central western hotel with a 360 view over Niigata’s cityscape
• Hotel Futaba – a traditional Japanese Ryokan in Yuzawa with amazing mountain views and onsen
• Hotel Azuma – a ocean view resort on Sado island that offers both tatami rooms and Western style rooms

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

Follow us on  Instagram  or  Facebook  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy traveling!

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Niigata Travel Guide: 15 Must-Visit Places, Food, And Amazing Photo Spots

Niigata extends north to south facing the Sea of Japan. Visitors love it for its delicious rice, sake, and seafood, along with its ski resorts and many breathtaking views. This guide introduces Niigata foods, fun activities and photogenic places within the prefecture.

madoka hasegawa

Niigata - A Treasure Trove of Beautiful Scenery and Local Food

Picture from Setsugekka Train – An Unforgettable Three-Hour Ride Through Niigata’s Breathtaking Nature

Niigata is a treasure trove of amazing sights and regional cuisine. Renowned as Japan’s leading producer of top-notch rice and Japanese sake, you can also expect to eat amazing seafood here because Niigata Prefecture overlooks the Sea of Japan.

Niigata is located in the Chubu region of Japan's main island Honshu. Stretching long and thin from north to south, the prefecture is largely split into three areas starting from the west called Joetsu, Chuetsu, and Kaetsu, respectively.

There are direct flights operating from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Niigata Airport , making it easily accessible for overseas visitors. For those traveling by train, it takes about two hours via the shinkansen (bullet train) from JR Tokyo Station to Niigata Station, which also makes it convenient to visit while traveling through Japan.

In this article, we’ll be introducing Niigata cuisine and must-see destinations within the prefecture.

1. Feel Like a Fisherman – Take a Tarai Bune Boat Ride

Picture courtesy of Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association

Sado Island is the largest island in the Sea of Japan on the western part of Niigata, reachable in approximately two hours by ferry from Niigata Port. Aside from being abundant in nature, the regional culture and traditions have been firmly passed down over the years.

One of Sado Isalnd's long-standing traditions is Isonegi fishing. It is a traditional fishing method that requires a glass box to search underwater while the fisherman is aboard a tub boat. The fishermen simultaneously use tools with sharp metal fittings to effectively catch seaweed and seafood.

On the coastal Sado Island, you can experience a ride on this tarai bune (tub boat) yourself. This fun activity allows you to experience firsthand what it feels like to be a local fisherman. Why not check out this traditional experience that is special to Sado?

2. The Always-Beautiful Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Niigata is a famous rice producing region in Japan. However, unlike the flat stretching rice paddies typically seen in the Japanese countryside, there are many terraced rice fields that use small plots of land for rice cultivation in Tokamachi City. The reason behind these scenic rice fields is that farmers could not secure enough land to plant rice in this mountainous area.

In the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces , there are 200 tiered rice terraces of varying sizes spread on the slopes. When the fields become filled with water, this photogenic scenery emanates a beauty that truly makes it seem as if you’re in another world.

In addition, the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces show a different scenery for every season and, in fact, every time throughout the day. In other words, these renowned rice terraces aren't something you'll grow tired of—regardless of when or how many times you visit. Not surprisingly, there are people who visit here several times a year.

Likewise, as the terraced rice fields are where farmers cultivate rice, please be mindful when visiting and practice good manners. These include staying behind the ropes placed around the fields, not entering the secured premises, and bringing home your trash.

Hoshitoge Rice Terraces Address: Niigata, Tokamachi, Toge Google Map Official Website: http://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/en/nature/

3. A Spectacular Display! The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show

Ranked as one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show launches approximately 20,000 fireworks over a span of two days! It is a large-scale fireworks show hosted at the Shinano River—Japan’s longest and widest river—with over a million people visiting each year.

The highlight of the show is the Sho-Sanjakudama (*1), a spectacular burst of fireworks measuring 650 meters in diameter, and the Phoenix Fireworks that are launched one after another between a 1.7 kilometer span. The Phoenix Fireworks emerged after the devastating 2004 earthquake that hit the Chuetsu region—where Nagaoka is located—as an uplifting wish for recovery.

Once you see this show, the illuminating fireworks spanning across your eyes are sure to be an unforgettable sight. Even if your visit to Japan is only to see the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show, you certainly won’t regret it.

*1 Sho-Sanjakudama: a type of shell firework with a 90-centimeter diameter and weighing 300 kilograms. It is the largest legally recognized firework (as of 2019).

4. The Retro and Trendy Nuttari Terrace Street

Picture from Niigata’s Retro-Cute Nuttari Terrace Street: Charming Cafés And Shops

Nuttari Terrace Street is gaining prominence for bringing new shops to an area that was once reduced to a street of shutters after several stores permanently closed.

A large variety of eclectic shops line the street. These include Aotogama , a shop that sells handmade ceramics, small goods, and accessories; ISANA , that sells not only furniture and hand dyed textiles but also where you can leisurely sip coffee; and Taruhi Glass Works , where visitors can try their hand at making glass beads.

Aside from shopping, another appeal of these quaintly-lined shops is directly talking with the store owners. While experiencing the warmth from conversing with others, why not take a stroll through Nuttari Terrace Street?

5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Teradomari Fish Market

Picture courtesy of Teradomari Tourism Association

Teradomari Fish Market , affectionately called "Fish Ameyoko," is where fresh local seafood and an array of marine products from across the country converge.

Some shops also operate during lunchtime, so it’d be a good opportunity to sample various foods while walking or enjoy a rice bowl topped with seafood. While soaking in the lively market atmosphere, you’ll easily be able to eat high-quality sea bounty like blackthroat seaperch, squid, and broiled fish grilled on the beach.

Teradomari Fish Market Address: Niigata, Nagaoka, Teradomari, Shimoaramachi Google Map Business Hours: 8:30 – 17:00 no holidays Official Website: http://enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/5113

6. Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai – Perfect for Couples and Families

Picture courtesy of Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai is a facility that can be enjoyed by all ages. They have adorable penguins, seals, and other aquatic animals along with interactive tanks where visitors can touch live sea creatures.

The Marine Tunnel, which runs through the bottom of a gigantic water tank, will undoubtedly feel as if you’re underwater. Additionally, you can encounter many aquatic life forms that inhabit the Sea of Japan here.

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai Address: Niigata, Chuo, Nishifunamicho 5932-445 Google Map Business Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (ticket sales open until 16:30) Closed December 29 – January 1, the first Thursday of March and the following day Official Website: https://www.marinepia.or.jp/mlg/en

7. Niigata Senbei Kingdom – Make Your Own Original Rice Cracker!

Picture from Make Your Own Senbei Crackers At The Niigata Senbei Kingdom!

When it comes to Japanese snacks, senbei comes to mind. A ubiquitous cracker made from rice, senbei is a well-known snack among Japanese people.

Niigata Senbei Kingdom is a fun facility where you can bake your own original senbei. Making a gigantic senbei measuring 25 centimeters in diameter—typically the size of a human face—will surely be a memorable activity.

You can draw whatever you want on your senbei using soy sauce to finish creating your one-of-a-kind rice cracker. Good luck in making your own senbei!

8. Snow Activities at Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

Picture from GALA YUZAWA – A Classic Ski Slope 90 Minutes From Tokyo!

When speaking of winter, everyone thinks of soft, fluffy snow. There must be many overseas visitors looking forward to skiing and other snow activities when they visit Japan in the wintertime.

Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in Niigata not only offers ski lessons for beginners, but also has plenty of other activities you can enjoy, such as a walking excursion through the snowy mountains while wearing traditional snowshoes called kanjiki.

Kanjiki Tour Picture from GALA YUZAWA – A Classic Ski Slope 90 Minutes From Tokyo!

Ski lessons are conducted in English, Chinese, and Thai, so you need not to worry if you don’t understand Japanese. Many participants have never seen snow before, which makes this a safe experience for skiing beginners.

Access is great as it’s 90 minutes by shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station. Another great factor is that Gala Yuzawa Station is directly connected to the ski resort. How about experiencing your first time skiing in Niigata?

9. Ponshukan – Sample Various Types of Japanese Sake

Picture from Taste Five Types of Japanese Sake For 500 Yen! Ponshukan In Niigata

One of Japan's largest rice producers, Niigata is also famous for their Japanese sake. They boast the highest number of sake breweries in the country and have been renowned for its rice wine since old times. It is befitting that Niigata has a facility where you can drink and compare five kinds of sake for just 500 yen.

Ponshukan is a museum dedicated to local Niigata sake. It is loctaed the Niigata, Nagaoka, and Echigo-Yuzawa stations. Aside from taste testing, you can also purchase your favorite sake and local specialty products.

If you’re worried about what to get for souvenirs, you’ll be sure to find great products when visiting Ponshukan.

Ponshukan Niigata Station Address: Niigata, Niigata, Chuo, Hanazono 1-96-47 Google Map Official Website: https://www.ponshukan-niigata.com/ (Japanese)

Ponshukan Nagaoka Meihinkan (in Nagaoka Station) Address: Niigata, Nagaoka, Jonaicho 1-611-1 CoCoLo Nagaoka 2F Google Map Official Website: https://www.ponshukan-niigata.com/ (Japanese)

10. Takada Park – 4,000 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom

Picture from One Of Japan’s Top 3 Night Cherry Blossom Views: Takada Park, Niigata

Takada Park in Joetsu, Niigata is one of the top three famous night cherry blossom spots in Japan. It is a park where approximately 4,000 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom across 50 hectares of land. These blooming cherry blossoms that can be seen throughout the park are certainly a stunning sight.

Inside, you’ll find Sakura Road, a natural tunnel created by cherry blossom trees, as well the park's symbolic triple turret Takada Castle. Both attractions are perfect for taking pictures alongside the cherry blossoms.

Takada Castle Triple Turret (picture right) and the night blossoms. Picture from One Of Japan’s Top 3 Night Cherry Blossom Views: Takada Park, Niigata

An popular event called “Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing for One Million People” is held around the time these seasonal blossoms bloom. During this annual event, colorful illuminations will light up in the evenings, giving it a romantic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. In particular, the stunning view of the triple turret castle and cherry blossoms reflecting on the water is something you’ll want to capture with your camera.

Shuttle buses to the venue are available from the East Exit of Joetsumyoko Station—situated along the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The easy accessibility is yet another appeal to Takada Park.

11. Sado Gold Mine – A Historical Photo Spot

Doyu no Wareto (the gold mine's split mountaintop). Picture courtesy of Sado City World Heritage Promotion Section

The Sado Gold Mine on Sado Island was Japan’s largest gold and silver mine during the early modern period. It reached the height of prosperity during the Edo period (1603-1868) until it permanently closed in 1989—putting a close to its roughly 400-year heritage.

Once inside the Sado Gold Mine, you can see the mining site meticulously recreated with puppets. The tunnels, mine carts, and factory infrastructures actually used during its operation have also been preserved, which allows for a look into what the mine was like at the time.

Furthermore, these tunnels and mining sites have been designated as Important Cultural Properties as well as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization in Japan. It is also a prospective World Heritage Site.

Kitazawa Flotation Plant Picture courtesy of Sado City World Heritage Promotion Section

Doyu no Wareto, an open mining site dating back to the Edo period, is a notable photo spot at Sado Gold Mine. It is said that the mountain was split into a V-shape as they dug into a gigantic vein of gold.

Approximately seven minutes by car from the gold mine is the Kitazawa Flotation Plant . This location is reminiscent of the backdrop in the Ghibli animation film “Laputa: Castle in the Sky."

This was also the first facility in Japan where the technology used in the copper manufacturing process was implememted on gold and silver. It is said that the plant processed over 50,000 tons of ores in one month.

Sado Gold Mine Address: Niigata, Sado, Shimoaikawa 1305 Google Map Official Website: https://www.sado-goldmine.jp/eng/

12. Toki Forest Park – Meet Scarce Birds like the Crested Ibises

Picture courtesy of Sado City Department of Industry and Tourism Agriculture Policy Division

Do you know of a bird called toki, or the crested ibis? It is a bird species that once inhabited various regions in Asia but is now extinct in Japan due to overhunting and land development. Currently, the surviving offspring of crested ibises gifted from China are the only ibises to have survived the extinction.

The Sado Island is where the crested ibises lived in the wild until now. Toki Forest Park is where you can actually meet these scarce birds.

The Toki Rapport Plaza situated inside the park is a recreated environment where the crested ibises currently inhabit. Visitors can directly see the ibises in graceful flight within the cage's premises or pecking in search for loaches in the pond. If you want to learn more about the crested ibises, head to the Toki Materials Exhibition Hall. There, educational panels, video materials, and stuffed specimen are on display.

Toki Forest Park Address: Niigata, Sado, Niibonagaune 383-2 Google Map Business Hours: 8:30 – 17:00 Closed on Mondays (No closures during March – November) and during the New Year’s holiday Official Website: http://tokinotayori.com/en/tokipark/

4 Must Eat Dishes in Niigata

Niigata faces out towards the Sea of Japan and is where various fish species—such as red sea bream, Pacific bluefin tuna, and winter yellowtail—are locally caught.

Freshly caught seafood possesses delicious flavor that would impress any foodie. Because of its locality, you can savor delectable fish at relatively low prices.

Furthermore, Niigata is Japan’s premier producer of rice. Sushi made from this locally caught seafood and topnotch rice is a Niigata dish you certainly must sample.

Hegisoba Noodles

Hegisoba , a regional Niigata dish, is a type of soba (buckwheat noodles) made from a tsunagi (*2) of funori seaweed that is rounded into bite-sized bundles, then served in a container referred to as hegi.

The noodle dish's strong points are its smooth slide down your throat when you swallow and springy texture. It will undoubtedly become addictive. Funori seaweed is full of vitamins and minerals; it’s also said to help lower your blood cholesterol.

*2 Tsunagi: a substance used to stabilize something that crumbles or falls apart easily.

Murakami Beef

Murakami beef has a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Murakami is also the name of a city in northern Niigata, where cattle are given feed made with Koshihikari rice straw and raised in a nature abundant environment.

Murakami beef—which can, naturally, be sampled in Murakami as well as in Niigata City—can be eaten in various ways from yakiniku (Japanese barbeque) and steak to sukiyaki and grilled skewers. It would be great to find this variety of wagyu at your favorite restaurants.

Tare Katsudon (Pork Cutlet)

Katsudon eaten in Niigata is somewhat different from the katsudon often eaten in Japan. The typical katsudon is a fried pork culet that is simmered in a sweet soy sauce-based dashi stock and then served over rice with a beaten egg. However, the katsudon well-known among Niigata citizens is tare katsudon : a quick-fried pork cutlet steeped in a sweet and salty glaze.

The pork cutlet, covering the majority of the bowl, is permeated with a soy-sauce-based glaze that makes people consecutively fall in love with the dish once they try it. Please be sure to fully savor this regional dish when you visit Niigata.

Fully Enjoy Niigata Whenever You Visit!

Niigata Prefecture is a place that boasts a unique atmosphere thanks to its charms spannnig from stunning scenery to historical sites where the regional culture is deeply rooted. All four seasons have their own respective sights that you are sure to enjoy no matter how many times you visit.

新潟生まれ。日本文化と古い建物が好きな社会人。日本を、地方を好きになってもらえるような記事を綴っていきたいです。

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• Winter Picnic in Niigata

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Winter Picnic in Niigata

Enjoy a special moment in the snowy forest with hot pancakes and freshly harvested maple syrup

Niigata Prefecture

One of the heaviest snowfall regions in Japan, Niigata Prefecture is known as a “snow country.”  Famous for the fine powdery snow that covers its mountains in the cold season, Niigata is a paradise for winter sports and attracts every year numerous skiers from all over the world. If you don’t feel like skiing, but still want to enjoy winter landscapes, how about having a unique picnic in the snowy forest? The Maple Syrup Harvest and Pancake Making Tour is a wonderful option for those who want to experience Niigata’s winter scenery at a more leisurely pace. 

The tour is operated from mid-January to the end of February in front of Yabukozaki Campground in Tokamachi City. After wearing special snowshoes, you will head into the forest with a guide to harvest maple sap. Walk through the quiet forest and enjoy the cool, soft feeling of walking on snow. If you are lucky, you may even catch glimpses of wildlife. The guide will show you how to collect sap from a maple tree. Sap protects the trees from freezing during cold weather conditions and is plentiful in winter.

After collecting this precious gift from nature, it’s time to head back for the much-anticipated picnic in the snow! While the sap is boiled and processed into syrup, let’s make gluten-free pancakes with local rice flour. Enjoy delicious hot pancakes and handmade maple syrup in front of a fascinating landscape of snowy mountains and savor a special moment that will warm your body and soul.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (about 90 minutes) and transfer to the Hokuhoku Line for Matsudai Station (40 minutes by local train). Pickup service is available from Matsudai Station to Yabukozaki Campground (10 minutes).

Yabukozaki Campsite 829 Yomogihira, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata-ken

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Hokuriku Shinetsu Region | JNTO Official Website

Niigata Prefecture | JNTO Official Website

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Deep Snow an Hour From Tokyo: Relishing the Midwinter Bounties of Niigata

• Steve Csorgo

Dubbed as “snow country,” the mountainous inland Yuzawa region of Niigata Prefecture is jam-packed with ski resorts taking full advantage of the abundant powder snow. Despite being just over an hour from Tokyo, the formidable conditions and terrain of Yuzawa have cultivated a distinctive way of life revolving around surviving the heavy snow and making the most of its bounties. In this article, we’ll introduce eight places, activities, and foods within Yuzawa and surroundings to uncover the secret charms of this winter paradise!

*This article was sponsored by Niigata Prefecture.

Where Is Niigata Prefecture?

Niigata Prefecture is a part of the Chubu region of Japan, sitting roughly 200 km northwest of Tokyo. Being Japan’s 5th largest prefecture, it is characterized by sweeping coastline alongside a far-reaching inland terrain of rugged mountains with heavy snowfall in winter. The Yuzawa region is particularly renowned for its ski resorts, winter activities, fresh produce, and unique culture. This area borders the prefectures of Nagano and Gunma and can be easily accessed via the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station in approximately 79 minutes.

When Is Winter in Niigata Prefecture?

Peak winter conditions generally arrive in the Yuzawa region of Niigata between mid-December and late March. However, this can change depending on the year, so always confirm the latest information before making any plans.

The places introduced below were also visited by YouTuber Currently Hannah! Check out her video to discover more about the wonders of Niigata!

8 Winter Sights and Activities to Try in Yuzawa, Niigata

1. experience workshop daigenta: traditional niigata confectionery making.

Traditional “wagashi” Japanese confectionery like mochi, manju, and dango have been enjoying a surge in popularity recently. However, no quest to conquer all of Japan’s old-school goodies is complete until you’ve sunk your teeth into one of Niigata’s quirky “sasadango.”

Sasadango is a type of steamed sweet “dango” dumpling made from rice mochi flavored with “yomogi” (Japanese mugwort plant) filled with sweet red bean paste. This dango (pictured above) is then wrapped inside “sasa” bamboo leaves and steamed, yielding a moderate sweetness with an earthy, organic flavor, leafy aroma, and firm yet supple texture. To enjoy, simply untie the grass string, unwrap the sasa, and eat the dango nestled inside.

While sasadango can be purchased throughout Niigata, there’s no better way to enjoy this local delicacy than by making it! A 15-minute drive/20-minute bus ride away from Echigo-Yuzawa Station is Experience Workshop Daigenta, a kitchen studio hosting cooking classes and more.

Over the course of roughly an hour, you’ll be taken through the entire sasadango-making process under the guidance of a renowned local sasadango confectioner. This includes rolling the dough into circular dango, encasing them around the anko beans, wrapping them in sasa leaves, and finally tying them together with a piece of “suge” sedge grass. While the initial stages are simple, the wrapping and tying is a little tricky, so be sure to watch the demonstration carefully and take your time! You’ll be able to make up to 20 sasadango between your group, giving you plenty to practice on!

After finishing, the instructor will steam and serve your sasadango in a warm, comfy Japanese tatami room. If you can’t finish them all, feel free to take the rest back to your accommodation. However, keep in mind that sasadango won’t last more than a few days, so it’s best to finish them sooner rather than later.

Experience Workshop Daigenta also hosts several additional cooking classes showcasing local recipes and ingredients. Most popular is soba making, which uses local buckwheat fused with seaweed in the “hegisoba” style unique to Niigata. Reservations are required and can be made via email in English (see below).

2. NASPA Ski Garden: Glide on Niigata’s Luscious Powder Snow

Skiing is naturally the best way to make the most of Echigo Yuzawa’s renowned slopes and exceptional snow quality. Thankfully, the skiing facilities at NASPA Ski Garden are state-of-the-art, with the added bonus of direct bullet train access from Tokyo. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or absolute beginner, you’re bound to find a slope at NASPA Ski Garden meeting your needs.

And don’t fret if you’re unsure about skiing, there’s plenty of fun snow-based activities to enjoy at NASPA Ski Garden and the surrounding Echigo-Yuzawa township too. This includes more casual winter frolicing like snowman-building, sledding, and snowtubing to one-of-a-kind experiences like snowmobiling and snow rafting.

NASPA Ski Garden is directly connected to the NASPA New Otani hotel, accessible after just 3 minutes on the shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Both hotel guests and day-trip visitors are welcome to use the slopes, which range from advanced to beginner. Being a skiing only resort, it’s also a great place to take children to let them play or teach them how to ski. Apart from goggles and gloves, which can be purchased at the skiing store, all ski gear such as clothes, boots, skis, and poles can be rented for both adults and children at full or half day rates, with discounts available for hotel guests.

Lessons aimed at both beginners and seasoned skiers looking to improve are also held most days of the season, including private English and Chinese lessons bookable via email (see below). If you’re happy to take lessons in Japanese, group ski lessons run both in the morning and afternoon and are available to book on the day at the ski school counter.

The snow at NASPA Ski Garden is lush and plentiful and the slopes are easily accessed from the hotel. There are a total of 8 courses branching from the summit, with the longest being 1600 m plus two non-groomed snow courses for experienced skiers seeking a challenge. There are also safe, enclosed play areas to help familiarize young children with snow, plus several rest spaces and chalets to get warm and relish a meal by the slopes.

One of these rest spaces is Cafeteria Aurora, which offers both western and Japanese lunches, desserts, and drinks with an English menu displaying ingredients for those with allergies. Meals include burgers with Niigata wagyu along with an array of nourishing curries, beef bowls, ramen, and vegan-friendly options like onigiri rice balls and oden. You can enter Cafeteria Aurora in your ski wear, allowing you to recharge your batteries without the trouble of redressing.

As stated, NASPA Ski Garden is a skiing-only resort and snowboarding is not permitted. There is an ample selection of alternative snowboarder-friendly resorts all across Yuzawa to visit instead, such as the renowned GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, so don’t be put off visiting if you prefer snowboarding! As the NASPA Ski Garden is located on a steep hill making access on foot difficult, it’s best to travel by car (free parking) or via the dedicated NASPA shuttle bus service that runs between JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station and NASPA New Otani (free for guests, check information below).

3. NASPA New Otani: Spend the Night in Luxury by the Slopes

Aside from the high-quality slopes, one of the most appealing reasons to choose NASPA Ski Garden is the direct access to NASPA New Otani. Spending the night at NASPA New Otani saves the hassle of having to drive or take a bus between your accommodation and chosen ski resort, which can be particularly burdensome with your own gear. There are no other skiing resorts matching this level of convenience in Echigo-Yuzawa, making it the perfect fit for those short on time looking to hit the slopes without a fuss.

NASPA New Otani is a 4-star hotel with stellar facilities complementing its ski slopes. At O’s Dining, guests can gorge on lavish buffet dinners and breakfasts of a whopping 70 menu items suiting all palates. This includes ubiquitous Japanese classics like sushi, tempura, and sashimi, the local Niigata delicacies of aburaage fried tofu and koshihikari rice, and Western-style stews, hamburg, roasted beef, and much more. All this is complemented by a tantalizing dessert lineup with plenty of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages to wash it all down, along with a kid’s menu for families.

To ensure the safety of guests, stringent hygiene practices are in place during the buffet and throughout the hotel, including the compulsory wearing of plastic gloves when serving food, readily available disinfectant spray, and the placement of air sterilization machines across facilities.

Other highlights at NASPA New Otani include a pool and fitness room, hot springs with saunas and open-air baths, and even private spas available for reservation. The rooms themselves warmly accommodate a diverse range of guests with ample space to thoroughly spread out and unwind. The room windows frame the surrounding scenery like a work of art, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Yuzawa from the comfort of your own private space.

4. Snow Activities at NASPA Ski Garden: Take a Break From Skiing With Snow Country Adventures

To capitalize on its phenomenal snowfall, NASPA Ski Garden also runs several riveting snow-based activities for a quick break from skiing. The most thrilling of these are the Snow Rafting and Snow Night Buggy Tour, which can be reserved at the NASPA Ski Garden Free Rest Space Snow Activity Counter on the ski grounds.

Snow rafting sees passengers pulled along at breakneck speeds by a snowmobile in an inflatable raft. The raft glides seamlessly across the powdery snow, providing the same blood-pumping adrenaline rush of skiing without the effort. You’ll feel your stomach drop and knuckles clench with each electrifying turn as the daredevil driver spins you round again and again!

While the lifts may close after dark, the adventures at NASPA Ski Garden are far from over. For those willing to brave the bone-chilling night cold, the Snow Night Buggy Tour provides an authentic off-road escapade through the frozen heart of snow country. The powerful vehicle zooms up the steep, winding slopes to the mountain summit, effortlessly smashing its way through the fresh piles of snow. After trudging up the mountain, it hurdles back down giving passengers the thrill of a lifetime. Without any windows, you’ll quickly become covered in snow, so remember to dress in full ski gear with goggles and gloves. If the weather is clear, you’ll also be able to enjoy breathtaking night views of the surrounding towns!

5. Yuzawa Strawberry Village: All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Picking!

One of Niigata’s lesser known delicacies is the “Echigo-hime” strawberry. Plump, juicy, sweet, and fragrant, these strawberries are a must-try for anyone visiting the region. However, finding them in supermarkets or greengrocers can be difficult, which is why we recommend heading straight for the source at one of Niigata’s bountiful strawberry farms.

Yuzawa Strawberry Village is open to visitors all throughout the strawberry season of mid-January to late June (depending on the year, may close temporarily if strawberries are all picked). After paying the entrance fee, you’ll be free to explore the greenhouse to find, pick, and devour some of the biggest, reddest, and ripest strawberries you’ll ever see.

There are two picking plans available: paying by weight or all-you-can-eat. The first costs 280 yen per 100 g of strawberries, which can be eaten immediately after paying or taken home. There’s no time limit, so you can thoroughly scrutinize each strawberry to ensure you’ve got the cream of the crop (just refrain from touching ones you won’t pick and eating before you’ve paid). For those visiting on an empty stomach, the all-you-can-eat plan allows unbound reign of the greenhouse for 30 minutes to pick and eat as you like for a set price (see below).

While there were plenty of delicious, bright-red strawberries begging to be eaten during our visit in January, the best season is generally considered a bit later on in April. As it’s warmer, the strawberries will be more fragrant and sweet, filling one’s palate with nourishing aromas and a gentle acidity.

6. Shiozawa-Juku Bokushi Street: Stroll Through an Edo Period Inn Town

Despite the action-packed activities and exciting cuisine, life in rural Niigata during winter is generally relaxed and quiet. With the snow impeding virtually every facet of day-to-day life, it’s impossible to get anything done in a hurry.

A 20-minute drive from Yuzawa lies Bokushi Street in Shiozawa-juku, a charming road lined by old-fashioned buildings making for one of the best places to absorb this rustic serenity. Sitting on the former Mikuni Kaido Highway, this ancient transport vein once connected Echigo Province (modern-day Niigata Prefecture) with the Kanto region (Tokyo, etc.) and was home to a prospering community of businesses most famous for the weaving of renowned Echigo-jofu and Shiozawa-tsumugi fabrics.

Bokushi Street is named after the legendary Japanese writer Suzuki Bokushi, who detailed life in Echigo during the late Edo period (1603-1868) in his encyclopedic work Hokuetsu Seppu (translated as: Snow Country Tales: Life in the Other Japan). Nowadays, Bokushi Street and much of Shiozawa-juku is characterized by faithfully reconstructed traditional architecture exhibiting the culture of the region. This includes the symbolic plain yet charming wooden townhouses along with their wide “gangi” eaves and undercover walkways protecting residents from snow.

Inside the buildings are businesses specializing in regional crafts and produce, including sake, rice, fabrics, and confectionery. Despite the antique exteriors, many shops are stylish and modern inside, earning a reputation amongst younger locals as a trendy hangout to grab a coffee and shop.

Nearby Bokushi Street is the Suzuki Bokushi Museum, which displays a first edition of Hokuetsu Seppu, his most famous work, alongside other materials exploring the acclaimed author’s life, work, and notable peers. Closer to Shiozawa Station is the Shiozawa-Tsumugi Museum, an exhibition of the extraordinary weaving techniques developed in the area, which can be traced as far back as the Nara period (710-794).

Alongside these ancient crafts and cultures, Bokushi Street now flaunts the pinnacle of modern snow removal technology. Fountains of water constantly run down the streets and eaves to melt the snow while state-of-the-art plowing machines keep the streets clear and safe despite the relentless winter onslaught.

7. Okome no Gakkou: Savor a Variety of Niigata Rice and Pound Mochi

Niigata, particularly the Uonuma region encompassing Yuzawa, is Japan’s leading producer of rice. The main strain here is “koshihikari,” which is cultivated by numerous farmers into their own unique brands. Grown in lush, fertile soil bursting with moisture from the heavy snowfall, the rice of Niigata is fluffy, sweet, and valued highly for its stickiness, gloss, and aroma.

Offering a comprehensive encounter with this surprisingly complex grain is the Okome no Gakkou rice school on Bokushi Street. Alongside adorable rice-based souvenirs, including those made from discarded paper rice bags, Okome no Gakkou allows visitors to get up close with local rice varieties and cooking methods through sampling and mochi making.

The 45-minute rice sampling course is 300 yen per person plus the cost of the rice. Participants will select bowls of two or more Niigata rice brands to be steamed in traditional flame-heated “kama” iron pots right in front of your eyes. This ancient cooking technique yields fresh, plump rice bursting with luscious sweetness. If a particular brand takes your fancy, full bags to cook at home can also be purchased from the Okome no Gakkou store (not all varieties are available for purchase).

Being the same or similar strains, the differences between each sample can be difficult to detect at first. However, if you take the time to concentrate and thoroughly savor each one, there’s no doubt you’ll begin to notice the unique textures, moisture levels, and tastes of each. For example, the koshihikari rice “Kojumai” has a distinctive richness and puffy texture, which is worlds apart from the firm, savory character of the Sekikeno Kodawarimai variety, both of which are served at Okome no Gakkou.

Also at Okome no Gakkou is a mochi-making course transforming Niigata’s own “kogane mochi” rice into scrumptious mochi desserts by pounding it with a giant mallet. The finished mochi will then be served with sweet anko beans and roasted soybean flour to eat and relish the fruits of your labor.*

These experiences need to be reserved in advance and are generally aimed at groups due to the rice and mochi being difficult to bring home if one person can’t eat it all. English support is limited, however, reservations can be made on the official website in Japanese (see more below).

*Mochi-making is currently suspended due to COVID-19. As resumption is still undecided, if you’re interested in this experience, please contact the store first to see if it’s available.

8. Ponshukan: Everything Niigata in One Place

Ponshukan is a sake mecca stocking all the best local brews coupled with snacks, sweets, delicacies, handicrafts, and more. The most popular attraction here is the Sake Tasting Room, where visitors can plunge into a world of more than 100 different sake varieties from over 80 Niigata breweries served via automatic vending machines. For 500 yen, you’ll receive five tokens and a cup to use for the brews of your choice.

During winter, the sake experience is enhanced by the installation of a self-service sake warming machine to make your own hot “kanzake.” Along with warming the body, kanzake serves to expose additional flavors unseen in chilled or room temperature sake. Even the act of heating itself is surprisingly complex, with various subtleties coaxed out at each temperature range. Thankfully, Ponshukan has a list of temperatures and corresponding warming times displayed in English to help you find the right one.

Of course, not all sake will necessarily taste better warmed, and the benefits are all in the eye of the beholder. Experimenting with different temperatures and brews to see the effect is half the fun of kanzake! Generally speaking, aromatic “ginjo” sake is less suited to being warmed, while hot “junmai” or “honjo” sake usually goes down a treat.

Complementing the sake is a selection of delectable Niigata snacks highlighting local tastes and ingredients. This includes a cream cheese tart made from Sado Island cheese, a financier cake of mouth-watering sake lees mixed with butter and almonds, a rich and chewy sake-flavored chocolate brownie, and the “sake manju,” a twist on the traditional flour-based pastry imbued with sake aromas. At the “Koji Latte” section, you can also pick up a coffee, soft-serve ice cream, or drink mixed with “koji,” the delicious fermentation mold used as a key ingredient in sake brewing. There are also several beauty products made from sake ingredients utilizing the natural moisturizing properties of rice through creams, face masks, balms, and more.

Culture and Cuisine Born From Snow

From fun activities like skiing and snowboarding to a wealth of delectables like fruit, rice, and a hoard of sake, the culture of Yuzawa is not only about surviving the grueling winter conditions, but using them to thrive and prosper. Next time you’re seeking a convenient place for winter sports in Japan with a side of food and fun, board the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train and dive into snow country!

The places introduced here were visited by YouTuber Currently Hannah! Check out her video to discover more wonders of Niigata!

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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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