Alongside its notoriously deep snowfall, Niigata Prefecture is famous for being Japan's biggest rice-producing region and a haven of seafood from the Sea of Japan. In this article, we’ll introduce some of Niigata’s best attractions throughout the year, as well as its gourmet offerings and recommended restaurants!
What Makes Niigata Rice So Tasty?
Located in the Koshinetsu region, Niigata Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and is one of the country’s snowiest areas. Average winter temperatures sit around 3°C, and numerous ski resorts dot its many mountains. However, summer in Niigata turns surprisingly warm, with averages of 27°C, so you can swim at its beautiful beaches, too.
Owing to Niigata’s pristine environment, it is also the top rice-producing region in Japan. The land possesses the ideal conditions for premium rice, such as a large temperature drop between day and night and the presence of large rivers like the Shinano River and Agano River that deliver ample melted snow and nutrient-rich soil.
With so much rice, it’s no surprise that sake is also a specialty of Niigata. Out of the more than 1,400 sake breweries in Japan, approximately 90 are situated within Niigata Prefecture. Complementing the high-quality rice is pristine soft water from melted snow, clean air, and a consistent low-temperature environment courtesy of the snow cover. These unique characteristics are harnessed to produce exceptional sake with a diverse bouquet of flavors.
Facing the Sea of Japan, Niigata's allure is likewise found in its delectable seafood. All kinds of seafood are caught throughout the year, and if you find yourself in Niigata around November, be sure to try nanban-ebi (red shrimp), one of its most coveted delicacies.
Nanban-ebi is caught in the Sea of Japan in the areas north of the Hokuriku region. It has a robust sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture and is highly sought-after for sashimi and sushi. Its head is also packed with flavor, so it’s worth also trying it fried, grilled with salt, or eaten whole in soup.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Niigata
Niigata Prefecture stretches from north to south and is divided into four areas: Joetsu, Chuetsu, Kaetsu, and Sado Island. Here are some recommended Niigata sightseeing spots for each season.
Spring: Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park (Joetsu City / Joetsu)
Takada Castle Site Park sits on the ruins of Takada Castle, which was constructed in 1614, and boasts around 4,000 cherry blossoms that peak from early to mid-April. Takada Castle was dismantled in the late 19th century, but a three-story turret was recently rebuilt based on historical documents. Seeing the turret surrounded by cherry blossoms will take your breath away, and the after-dark illumination adds a spellbinding touch.
Summer: The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show (Nagaoka City / Chuetsu)
Held annually on August 2 and 3, this fireworks display turns both banks of the Shinano River into prime spectator seats. The massive fireworks fill the night sky, with bursts reaching around 650 meters in diameter lined up over a 2-kilometer stretch. Visitors from across Japan flock to Niigata to witness this unforgettable spectacle.
Opened in 1601, the Sado Gold Mine was once Japan's largest gold and silver mine, boasting a history of around 400 years until closing in 1989. After exploring the mine shafts, visitors can also admire splendid autumn foliage in the facility’s Japanese garden, which is typically at its best around mid-November.
*Closed for reinforcement work until March 15, 2024.
Winter: Echigo Murakami Salmon Salt Road (Murakami City / Kaetsu)
Murakami was once a prosperous castle town, and it continues to preserve its samurai residences and other historical architecture. In a unique winter tradition, whole salmon are hung from the eaves of Murakami’s traditional homes, which are often covered in snow, to make salted salmon. The salmon is meticulously rubbed with natural salt and exposed to the brisk winter wind for three weeks to enhance its distinctive flavor!
Restaurants to Savor the Essence of Niigata Cuisine
Hakkaisan Officially Licensed Echigo Sakebo Hakkaisan Niigata Ekimae Branch (Niigata / Izakaya)
The restaurant’s seafood is hand-chosen by connoisseurs, and served fresh to flaunt its unaltered flavor and texture. Be sure to also try [Hegisoba], a form of soba (buckwheat noodles) made with a type of seaweed called funori, giving it an unusual green color and firm, smooth texture.
All courses come with an all-you-can-drink option, so if you're inclined to order sake, it's best to go for one of the courses. The [All-You-Can-Drink Course of 11 Niigata Local Sake] (6,000 JPY) includes Niigata specialty dishes with as much sake as you can handle in 2.5 hours, making it an excellent deal.
The restaurant is just a minute's walk from Niigata Station, making it a convenient spot to drop in after sightseeing.
Hakkaisan Officially Licensed Echigo Sakebo Hakkaisan Niigata Ekimae Branch
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Niigata Station
Address: B1F Rairaiken Building, 1-1-10, Higashiodori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata Map
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Kappo Sugahara (Niigata / Japanese Cuisine)
Kappo Sugahara is a Japanese restaurant that flaunts the finest seasonal ingredients, skillfully picked and prepared to peak deliciousness. While kaiseki (traditional multi-course cuisine) is often high in price and not beginner-friendly, [Kappo Sugahara] grants a more casual and approachable take on this gourmet style of dining.
The exquisite [Night Kaiseki Course] (6,600 JPY) showcases peak Niigata ingredients through a variety of traditional cooking methods, including grilling, simmering, and raw as sashimi.
The [Shokado Bento] (2,750 JPY) condenses its authentic kaiseki cuisine into a neat bento box, with each dish beautifully arranged by a cross-shaped divider.
Kappo Sugahara
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 32-minute walk from JR Niigata Station. If using the bus, get off at Honcho and walk 10 minutes.
Address: 11-1817, Honcho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata Map
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