Sake, Sushi & Snow: 10 Things to Do in Niigata

Located in the Hokuriku region of Japan, Niigata is not on the radar of most travelers in Japan. But, we’ll tell you why it should be. Known for its rice and sake, Niigata also has plenty to do for outdoorsy people and those interested in Japanese culture.

Without any further ado, here are 10 things you need to do in Niigata. 

1. Niigata sake tour, tasting and masterclass
2. Sake tasting at Niigata’s oldest Shinto shrine
3. Sushi-making masterclass in Niigata
4. Experience a day living in Japan’s Jomon Period
5. Kiyotsu Gorge
6. Hoshitoge rice terraces
7. Sado Island (Butterfly Island)
8. Toki Forest Park
9. Lake Okutadami pleasure cruise
10. Snow festivals and winter sports

In this Niigata sake tour and tasting, learn the fundamentals of sake from a professional sake master, including the history behind sake production, the customs surrounding it, and how to pair sake with a complementary dish. 

If you want to know all there is to know about sake production in Niigata, this is the experience for you!

Did you know there is a relationship between Shinto and sake? Find out why in this sake tasting session at Niigata’s oldest shrine. 

Ideal for medium to large groups, everyone from novices to sake enthusiasts can enjoy four types of specialty sake alongside our friendly guide in this scenic location.

Located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, it’s no surprise Niigata has an abundance of fresh, local seafood. Looking to try your hand at preparing it? 

How about this sushi-making masterclass, where you’ll learn alongside a professionally trained sushi chef with more than 50 years of experience? Learn the art of making sushi with your partner, friends or family by booking today.

Calling all Japanese history enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wanted to live a day in ancient Japan, this Jomon Period experience is perfect for you and your loved ones. Get dressed in Jomon-era clothing, forage in the wild for ingredients, hunt with a bow and arrow, and gather for a feast with the rest of the village at the end of the day. 

This history-inspired experience will not only be educational, but an unforgettable memory from your time in Japan.

Known as one of Japan’s three great canyons, Kiyotsu Gorge is often hailed as one of the most breathtaking spots in Niigata. Be sure to walk along the 750-meter-long tunnel to access the stunning views. 

Although beautiful during every season, sakura cherry blossom season in the spring and kouyou fall colors in the fall are especially popular times to visit.

It’s one thing to eat the delicious rice produced in Niigata, but it’s quite another thing to see the terraced rice fields for yourself. Come observe the nearly 200 rice paddies carved into the mountainside, thought to be one of the best views in the city of Tokamachi. 

If you’re wondering when to plan your visit, we recommend late March to June or October to November, when the rice fields are filled with water and therefore reflect the sky above. 

Please note that the rice paddies are privately owned, so be sure to conduct yourself respectfully as you take photos.

If gold comes to your mind when you hear Sado Island, you’d be correct. Sado Island is home to the Sado Kinzan gold mine ruins, but that’s not all there is to see here.

Accessible from Niigata Port via a 1-hour jetfoil boat ride, you can visit the Toki-no-Mori Park, home to the Japanese crested ibis (toki in Japanese), ride in the tarai-bune, a round wooden boat, travel the island by rental bicycle, and, of course, visit the gold mine ruins. 

The aforementioned Japanese crested ibis is considered a national monument in Japan, and Toki Forest Park supports their conservation by breeding and returning rehabilitated ibises to the wild.

Seeing these majestic birds up close as they fly around freely is an experience we recommend to all animal lovers and visitors to Sado Island.

Reminiscent of the Hakone Lake Cruise, this pleasure cruise across Lake Okutadami is the perfect way to ring in the spring and fall seasons. 

With three different cruises to choose from, you can observe the lush mountains, bumbling waterfalls and even a volcano!

Although Hokkaido might get a little more attention in the skiing world, Niigata’s powdery snow offers an even more accessible venue for winter sports fans.

Get your skiing or snowboarding on at Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort or Naeba Ski Resort, with snow as late as Golden Week (Japan’s longest consecutive holiday in May)! Maiko Ski Resort and Kagura Ski Resort also boast 6,000 meters of gliding distance along the Joetsu Border. 

And for those who just like winter weather in general, the Tokamachi Snow Festival in February is a great family-friendly activity, complete with snow sculptures made by residents of the city and a performance on a stage made out of snow!

Looking for more food-related tips for your upcoming trip to Niigata? Check out regional specialties and then explore our full list of the best restaurants in Niigata.

Of course! Niigata Prefecture contains one of the highest numbers of sake breweries in Japan, has beautiful rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, and gorgeous powder and the rice produced in Niigata is considered to be the best by many Japanese.

Niigata is one of Japan's leading agricultural cities, most famous for its rice fields. Outside of this, the area is also known for snow sports in winter and beautiful fall foliage.

As a port city, Niigata is well-known for fresh seafood, the coveted koshihikari rice variety and juicy strawberries. When you come here, come hungry!