Chuetsu Region
The land of rice, traditional crafts, and beautiful sunsets, central Niigata Prefecture’s Chuetsu Region is the heart of Niigata in every sense of the word.
Sandwiched between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, Chuetsu contains much of the Shinano River and is renowned as the birthplace of Koshihikari, one of the most famous strains of Japanese rice. Chuetsu is also known for its artisan products, such as hand-woven kimono and high-quality ironware, produced to this day using techniques perfected over the centuries.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also in luck; easily-accessible ski resorts and hot springs dot the region, and the view of the sunset and the Milky Way over the Sea of Japan – a sight memorialized in many a famous poem – is unmatched by any other in Japan.
Nagaoka
Discover the vibrant city of Nagaoka, the second-largest city in Niigata, with delicious cuisine and exciting cultural events for all ages.
With 16 local sake breweries, the largest number of breweries in Niigata, Nagaoka utilizes its exceptionally high-quality rice in its Echigo Nagaoka Sake no Jin festival held annually in October. Culture enthusiasts will enjoy the Nagaoka Festival in August, famous nationwide for its spectacular 20,000 fireworks launched over the backdrop of the Shinano River, the longest and widest river in all of Japan.
Sanjo
Part of the Tsubame-Sanjo metalworking area, Sanjo is famous for its detailed craftsmanship, and exciting cultural experiences for all.
Visit the Sanjo City History and Folklore Industry Museum to learn about the traditional metalworking industry of the area, or even try your hand at forging your own knife and other iron goods at the Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo. Purchase your own premium Japanese metalware goods at the local Tsubame-Sanjo Regional Products Center and take back a memory that can be passed down for generations.
Yuzawa
A haven for winter sport enthusiasts and a straight shot by bullet train from Tokyo Station, Yuzawa boasts some of the best slopes in Japan!
Heavy snowfall supplies the local ski resorts with excellent skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and any other winter activity that you can dream of. Those who prefer warmer weather can enjoy other outdoor activities during the spring to fall months, including hiking, cycling, and visiting the scenic Yuzawa Highland Alpine Garden. At the end of the day, rest your tired muscles in any of the famous hot springs.
Minamiuonuma
Like neighboring Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma is dotted with world-class ski resorts and natural hot springs renowned for their therapeutic properties.
Located in the heart of the Niigata rice cultivation region, this area produces what is widely considered to be the best quality rice and sake in all of Japan – perfect for souvenirs or for treating yourself! After an exciting day of skiing, snowboarding, or mountain trekking, a nice glass of sake or a delicious meal with a side of Koshihikari rice and a soak in the hot springs is sure to revitalize your spirit.
Uonuma
The birthplace of the world-famous Koshihikari rice and Uonuma edges Oze National Park and the Echigo Sanzan-Tadami Quasi-National Park.
Enjoy Japan’s four seasons through skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and canoeing on Lake Oze in the warmer months. Pink cherry blossoms against a white snowy backdrop, ice floating down the Aburumagawa River during the spring thaw, and a phenomenon known as the “sea of clouds,” where clouds in the local mountains form ocean-like blanket in the early morning, Uonuma has it all.
Ojiya
Ojiya is the origin of the Nishikigoi ornamental koi, and have been bred here for 200 years as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Don’t miss the famous Nishikigoi no Sato, a koi-raising center and museum where visitors can see many different types of these “swimming jewels” up close. The staff encourages guests to feed and even pet the koi and the center includes a photogenic traditional Japanese garden with four garden ponds and two waterfalls, where you can enjoy the beautiful koi against the backdrop of the nature.
Kamo
Also known as “little Kyoto”, Kamo emanates the same elegance, tranquility, and natural beauty as the ancient capital of Japan.
The city is most famous for kiri tansu, wooden chests made from lightly colored paulownia wood, that have been handcrafted by artisans in Kamo for over 200 years. Nature and animal lovers can also enjoy Kamoyama Park, which boasts 50,000 vibrant vermillion snow camellias in the early spring, and a free squirrel park, where you can hand-feed friendly squirrels and cute chipmunks from April to November.
Kashiwazaki
Blessed with the fruits of the sea and mountains, Kashiwazaki developed as a trade hub along the Hokuriku-do trade route during the Edo Period.
In modern times, visitors can enjoy the biggest draw to the city – its pristine beaches. Safe, calm swimming beaches, ocean kayaking, reef snorkeling, and ancient beachside shrines, whether you’re looking for adventure or looking to relax, Kashiwazaki has the activity for you. Kashiwazaki also boasts a section of the Shin’etsu Main Line, the closest railway line to the sea in all of Japan!
Izumozaki
Renowned as the birthplace of the beloved Buddhist monk and poet Ryōkan, and one of the stops of the famous poet Matsuo Basho on his journey to the North, Izumozaki is a town full of poetry.
Awestruck by the sight of the stars sprawling over the vast Izumozaki sea, Basho penned the haiku “How rough the sea! And, stretching over Sado Island, the Milky Way.” in the evening, make sure to catch the stunning sunset over the Sea of Japan to get a glimpse into the beauty that has inspired many a poet for generations.
Kariwa
Known as the “Village of Smiles”, this idyllic village is full of friendly people and famous for the delicious peaches it produces.
Kariwa Peaches are grown in the local sand dunes and tend to be sweeter than regular peaches due to the strong sunlight and good drainage the area is blessed with. They are shipped nationwide from late July to mid-August as a Kariwa specialty product, with the nickname “mythical peaches.” Make sure to buy some in town during the harvest season becasue they sell out fast!
Tagami
“The town where blue and purple jewels bloom”, Tagami comes alive in June, when the Gomado-yama Hydrangea Garden is filled with approximately 30,000 brilliant hydrangea blooms.
Peak viewing season is mid-June through July, during which the annual Tagami Hydrangea Festival draws visitors from far and wide. Even in the off-season, the area is beautiful, with a particularly striking panoramic view of the vast Echigo Plain from the top of Mt. Gomado. Lovers of the outdoors can enjoy striking views and hiking trails for any skill level.
Tsunan
Known for its rice, sake, tomatoes, sunflowers, and buckwheat noodles, ancient peoples have been using river terraces to grow a variety of crops in the Tsunan area for centuries.
This small town is also famous for its annual Snow Festival, held in mid-March, where visitors and locals alike gather to enjoy marveling at handmade snow sculptures, snow lanterns, winter sports competitions, a fireworks show, and much more. Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities to learn about traditional farming techniques.
Tokamachi
With the nickname the “Town of Kimono,” the vibrant Tokamachi is second to none when it comes to kimono weaving and dyeing practices.
The women of the area have spent the last 1500 years hand-weaving and dyeing intricate designs into these elegant garments, perfecting the unique Tokamachi technique. The area is also an archaeological treasure trove of Jomon-era pottery. Enjoy art and history up close at the many town museums, or attend the Tokamachi Kimono Festival held annually on May 3rd, where you can even try on a traditional kimono for yourself!
Mitsuke
The smallest city in Niigata, Mitsuke developed through its rich silk-weaving industry. In modern times, the area continues to be one of the leading textile producers in Japan, known for its “Mitsuke Knitware.”
In addition to the hand-made sustainable clothing that makes for great souvenirs, don’t miss the beloved Mitsuke English Garden, which grows seasonal flowers throughout the year. Spring is the most popular season for seeing the roses, dahlias, peonies, verbena, and other beautiful flowers in full bloom!
