Niigata Travel Guide

Niigata Prefecture, located in Japan’s “Snow Country,” is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, home to Yuzawa Ski Resort, one of the largest ski and snowboarding areas in Japan, and easily accessible from Tokyo. In combination with its onsen hot springs, visitors can hit the slopes, then hit the baths, soaking their aching muscles in the mineral water.

Despite its reputation as a winter wonderland, Niigata is a beautiful prefecture to visit, not just in winter, but all year round. Mt. Naeba doubles as both a ski resort and a hiking spot, the Nagaoka Summer Festival is a magical evening of fireworks, and the Naeba Gondola features the fiery autumnal foliage from a perfect vantage point. And for flower viewing, the Yahiko Shrine shows off the Imperial flower of Japan during the Chrysanthemum Festival. Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata, is one of Japan’s largest islands and hosts the three-day music festival in August called the Earth Celebration, which features drum performances, locally-made crafts, and street food.

Niigata Prefecture is known for rice and Japanese sake. It is famous for its Koshihikari Rice, one of the most high-quality and popular types of rice in Japan. Uonuma Koshihikari is one of the most highest-grade brands of Niigata rice, with a price tag to match. And of course, with such high-quality Japanese rice comes superior Japanese sake. The cool climate lends itself well to low and slow fermentation temperatures, leading to a mellower flavored sake. Mochi, another product of rice, is a popular Niigata food. In particular, Sasadango, a rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a bamboo leaf, is a classic Niigata treat.