Niigata
©AFLO, Hideaki Tanaka
As one of the foremost rice-producing regions of Japan, Niigata boasts many local specialties that use rice, such as mochi rice cakes and sake. The prefecture is rich in picturesque scenery including Lake Okutadami and Yagigahana. And Joetsu’s Takada Park is famed as one of Japan's Three Great Nighttime Cherry Blossom spots. Head to the southern part of the prefecture if you want to enjoy cozy snow-clad villages and hot springs resorts like Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen and Matsunoyama Onsen.
Popular Spots for Niigata (ranked by monthly views)
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1st
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Beauty forest
- Niigata
- In a lush corner of Matsunoyama lies a 90 year old beech forest. The beautiful, slender shape of the trees, it is also called ”Bijinbayas...
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2nd
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Hoshitoge no Tanada (Rice Terrace)
- Niigata
- Because of the beautiful rice terraces, Hoshitoge is considered one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Villages. The impressive rice fields ar...
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3rd
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Yahiko Park
- Niigata
- In the spring, the park is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The viewing season here is longer than in other places because there ...
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4th
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Kiyotsu Gorge
- Niigata
- One of the three great valleys of Japan. The steep columnar joints are beautiful and are what comprise this massive valley. The harshness...
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5th
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Lake Hyoko
- Niigata
- Registered in the Ramsar Convention, Lake Hyoko is a lake visited by swans. Enjoy the elegant view of them flying during the early mornin...
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6th
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Naeba Ski Resort
- Niigata
- Besides snowboarding and skiing, Naeba Ski Resort offers various activities and facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The "...
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7th
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Koya Pond, Tengu Garden
- Niigata
- A wetlands located along a trail to Mt. Hiuchisan, one of the most famous mountains in Japan. Not only is the backdrop of the Northern Al...
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8th
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Takada Park
- Niigata
- Takada Park, in the center of Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, is located on the site of Takada Castle, which was constructed during th...
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9th
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Matsugamine Cherry Blossoms
- Niigata
- Approx. 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees blossom here, a place which has also been selected as one of the “Top 100 Scenic Places of Niigata Pre...
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10th
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Lake Okutadami
- Niigata
- Lake Okutadami is one of the greatest fall foliage spots in Niigata, and has also been selected as one of the Japan's 100 best fall desti...