Shugetsuji : An old temple like in the movies
There are many great places to explore in Niigata city’s Nishikan-ku for those who wish to discover a more rural Japan. One of these places is Shugetsu-ji (shugetsu temple). You will have to leave the main roads to find this gem. The temple has something very mysterious about it: the quietness and peacefulness of the […]
Natsuihazaki: Scenery from Niigata’s countryside
Over 600 ‘’hazaki‘’ trees lined up around vast rice paddies, and the mountain in the background: this simple yet beautiful scenery is emblematic of the Japanese countryside. These trees planted by farmers were used in the past to dry the rice after the harvest. The atmosphere of Natsuihazaki varies greatly depending on when you go […]
Feel the great landowner culture and port town Niigata-Japan’s number one rice and sake production area fostered in a large granary
Situated on the vast Niigata Plain, Niigata had long been the largest rice producing area in Japan. When the system for the payment of taxes changed from rice to money in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), farmers who could not deal with money sold their land to other owners, creating great landowners with over 1,000 ha […]
The Niigata Saito Villa: Enjoy the Residence and Garden, and Participate in a Geigi Performance
The Saito clan—one of Niigata’s three hugely successful merchant families—rose to prominence in the Meiji era and remained a powerhouse until the early Showa period. In 1918 the family built this lovely structure, graced by a magnificent garden, to serve as both residence and guest house. The building and grounds are now open to the […]
Introduction to Sightseeing Spots in Niigata City
Niigata City has an abundance of wonderful sightseeing spots.For this issue, we asked two international relations coordinators from the Niigata City International Affairs Division to introduce some of their favorite spots! Self-Introduction Charles Durand Hello everyone, nice to meet you! My name is Charles Durand. I am the French coordinator for international relations of Niigata […]
Uwasekigata Park: The Beauty of Japan’s Four Seasons
This time we visited Uwasekigata Park! Located in Nishikan Ward, this park happened to be richly colored when we went thanks to the cosmos flowers and the autumn leaves. Wowing you in the spring with sakura and canola flowers and basking you in sunflowers in the summer, it can be enjoyed year-round as a place […]
Takarayama Brewery: A Treasure Trove of Sake
Niigata has long been blessed with water and rice, paving the way for much delicious sake. Niigata ranks number one in the country with nearly 90 sake breweries, a true kingdom of sake. If you visit Niigata, why not visit one? This time, I visited Takarayama Brewery, one of the 15 breweries located in Niigata […]
TIPSY Pass – Taste of Niigata “Furumachi” explorer pass
TIPSY Pass is a year long promotion where you can enjoy eating and drinking in Japanese restaurants and izakayas in Niigata City’s Furumachi. A historical part of the city with a rich, vibrant culture which continues today. TIPSY Pass BookA book of five tickets 8,000 Yen including tax. Ticket books can be purchased at hotels […]
Cave d’Occi: Niigata’s Exotic Resort
Niigata is known to have a long tradition with sake brewing, but did you know that wine is also being produced here? This prefecture is truly full of surprises: even within the snowy lands of northern Japan there is a place where you can enjoy wine and European lifestyle. Welcome to Cave d’Occi! Cave d’Occi […]
