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Niigata

SPECIAL ISSUE 2019

楽しもう を 潟 ！ 新 a t Niig a t e fun v a! a H

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Niigata Prefecture Map

Since the Edo Period, Lake Hyoko has seen bevies of swans migrating to the south for winter. You can witness thousands of these beautiful creatures from early October to end March of the following year; sometimes, the figures can even go up to five or six thousand! With the morning glow over the mountains, sparkling over the surface of the lake surrounded by graceful swans, you are definitely in for a spectacular winter scenery.

Murakami· Shibata area

Sado Airport

Niigata Airport

Sado area

Niigata Station

Tsubame-Sanjo Station

Nagaoka · Kashiwazaki area

Niigata · Aga area

Access: 30-minute walk from Suibara Station by JR Uetsu Main Line or 5-minute drive.

Web: agano-spot.com/english/nature/index.html#a1

Nagaoka Station

Yahiko· Sanjo area

Urasa Station Joetsumyoko

Station

Yuzawa · Uonuma area

Joetsu Shinkansen Line

Niigata official website: enjoyniigata.com/en/index.html

\ Myoko, Joetsu Area, Myoko City /

Setsugekka

Nicknamed “Earthquake Fall”, it is famous for its crashing roars of water falling from a 55-metre-high basalt cliff. Recognised as one of Japan’s 100 greatest waterfalls, you may even see an arching rainbow reflected through sprays of water during summer.

This cardinal red train showcases a panoramic view of Niigata’s countryside, as well as the prefecture’s proud craftsmanship.

Boasting “all made in NIIGATA,” passengers can appreciate the artistry of this locallymade train while tasting the goodness of local produce onboard.

Access: 15-minute drive from Myoko Kogen Station by Echigo-tokimeki Tetsudo

Web: myokotourism.com/naena-falls/

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Web: www.echigo-tokimeki.co.jp/setsugekka/index.html (Japanese only) *Reservation required, only via phone call.

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The easiest way to get to Niigata is to hop on a JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. This route only takes 100 minutes and is covered by the JR East Pass. Once you purchase the flexible 5-day JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area), you have a 14-day period to use it.

\Myoko, Joetsu Area, Myoko City/

Naena Waterfalls

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from Tokyo:

Excite your five senses onboard this sightseeing train

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Getting to Niigata Prefecture

Thundering waterfalls resembling earthquakes

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Located in the centre of Japan’s Honshu Island, Niigata is packed with natural, historical and cultural wonders. Blessed with rich natural resources, it is best known as Japan’s premiere rice cultivation area and also home to the worldfamous Koshihikari rice.

Said to be a “Snow Country” due to heavy snowfall every winter, the snow melts during summer and produces a large amount of water on the farmlands to help nurture the rice. Nothing short of a vibrant and fascinating landscape, Niigata is the place to be if you’re looking to enjoy abundant nature and dynamic activities!

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Myoko · Joetsu area

GALA Yuzawa Station

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EchigoYuzawa Station

Itoigawa Station Hokuriku Shinkansen Line

Hop on the train to uncover lesser-known areas

Crossing a dreamy sanctuary Be in awe of breathtaking autumn foliage \Yahiko, Sanjo Area, Yahiko Village/

Yahiko Park

Situated near Yahiko Station, Yahiko Park spans about 40,000 tsubo (an ancient metric that is equivalent to approximately 3.3 square metres). The autumn breeze coupled with the warm red, orange and yellow hues of the park’s tunnels and trees make for an amazing experience; the “Momiji Valley” is an especially popular spot during fall as the brilliant autumn colours resemble a fine painting.

Access: 1-minute walk from Yahiko Station by JR Yahiko Line Address: 667-1 Yahiko Mura, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture Web: www.e-yahiko.com/spot/park ( Japanese only)

Selected works from a photography contest held in Uonuma City

as w hite ca nv the sn ow y in ly ul ef grac Sw imming

\Murakami, Shibata Area, Tainai City/

\Niigata, Aga Area, Agano City/

Lake Hyoko

Okutainai

Visit swans passing through a winter paradise

Uncovering nature’s mystery of a famous kōyō spot

Access: Around 90-minute drive from Nakajo Station

by JR Uetsu Main Line

NATURE

Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/7264 (Japanese only)

\Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Tokamachi City/

Snow-covered beech forests

Access: Train ride to Matsudai Station by Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line , take a 15-minute bus ride to Sakaimatsu stop, 20-minute walk to the site.

Web: www.tokamachishikankou.

JR Tadami Line

This line passes through the secluded mountainous areas in Tohoku, which connects Niigata and Fukushima. Its mystic atmosphere has attracted countless railway and photography enthusiasts — keep a lookout for the Koshihikari rice fields as its beauty changes with the seasons. *Trains are no longer operating between Tadami and Aizu-Kawaguchi stations.

Visitors can take a shuttle bus instead.

The stops between Koide Station and Oshirakawa Station are within the precincts of Niigata Prefecture.

(JR Tadami Line also stops at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station) Web: iine-uonuma.jp/see/tadamisen.html (Japanese only)

jp/en/nature/

Standing elegantly in the mountains of Matsunoyama for nearly 90 years, this stunning beech forest has been coined Bijin Bayashi, literally meaning Beautiful Forest. Its beauty in every season cannot be expressed in words: during winter, when the sunlight falls on the snow-covered branches, it almost seems as if little glistening “snow flowers”are blooming. Coupled with the blue sky and breathtaking surrounding, it is truly splendour of nature.

Secret garden on the Michelin Green Guide \Sado Area, Sado City/

Onogame

This 167-metre-high rock formation located on the northern coast of Sotokaifu-kaigan has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The place receives many visitors: during summer, you will find bright, yellow licorice flowers carpeting the area, providing a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and green grass.

Access: 55-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or 1-minute walk from Onogame (Uchikaifusen Line) bus stop Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0133/

The Ultimate Countryside Experience

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\ Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Uonuma City /

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Bijin Bayashi Forest

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Be captivated by the Scenic Landscapes of Niigata

Image provided by Tokamachi City Tourism Association

Located at Iide Renpō Tozan entrance, Okutainai is home to a well-known foliage spot at Bandai Asahi National Park. Every year from late October to early November, the leaves of the beech and maple trees lining the coast of Tainai River turn to a deep red and yellow colour. Feel the best of nature with your five senses as you take in the therapeutic sounds of the river streaming down with the chirping of birds in the background.

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\Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Tokamachi City/

Hoshitoge Rice Terraces Featured in Tenchijin, a famous historical drama in Japan, Hoshitoge Rice Terrace shot to fame soon after.

During spring and autumn, visitors are treated to a gorgeous view of the rural landscape with glistening rice fields and misty forests. If you are lucky, you might even catch unkai at the rice fields in the early mornings. *A sea of clouds or unkai is formed only under certain weather conditions during spring and autumn mornings.

Access: 20-minute drive from Matsudai Station

by Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line Web: www.tokamachishikankou.jp/en/nature

Set sail on a hot air balloon towards an unparalleled sight of Japan’s “Snow Country”

ACTIVITY & FESTIVAL Culture, Art and Tradition in the Rural Landscapes of Niigata

Image provided by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation

About 20,000 fireworks were shot during the event!

\Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki Area, Ojiya City/

Ojiya Hot Air Balloon Festival

Image provided by Ojiya Tourism Association

This spectacular scene of about 40 hot air balloons in the blue sky against a pure, white snowy field will leave you in awe. Every year, this event is held around February in conjunction with a hot air balloon contest as well. Tourists can take part and also ride the hot air balloons to be treated with a magnificent view up in the air.

Event period: 23-24 Feb’19 | Location: (Hot Air Balloon Competition) Nishinaka Venue (Hot Air Balloon rides) Hirasawa Venue Access: 10-minute bus ride from Ojiya Station by JR Joetsu Line | Web: enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/4963

Enormous giant straw snake parading the town

Spectacular fireworks lighting up the night

\Murakami, Shibata, Sekikawa Village/

Echigosekikawa Great Serpent Festival

\Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki Area, Nagaoka City/

Nagaoka Grands Fireworks Festival

Since 1988, it has been a custom for the locals to parade the town with a locallymade 80-metre-long, 2-tonne bamboo straw serpent to warn others against the dangers of flood waters. On this occasion, about 500 residents gather together to carry the snake before coiling it up at the village office.

Ranked as one of Japan’s top three fireworks displays alongside Akita and Ibaraki Prefecture’s Tsuchiura Festival, the Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival is held on from 2nd to 3rd Aug annually. During this time, locals also mourn for the dead, thus making it a more meaningful event.

Event period: Late Aug Hours: [snake parade] 9.30am-12pm [fukumaki] see the snake coil up after the parade at Sekikawa Village Office Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/2222 ( Japanese only)

Event period: 2-3 Aug every year (Nagaoka Peace Festival falls on 1 Aug) Access: 30-minute walk from Nagaoka Station by JR Joetsu Line, Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line Web: nagaokamatsuri.com/ ( Japanese only)

\Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Tokamachi City and Tsunanmachi/

Editor’s Pick: Incorporating art into the countryside

Echigo Tsumari Art Festival

Make it a point to catch this triennial showcase of colourful artwork inspired by nature and the local culture that blends its displays into the landscape. Witness how innovative these artists can be — see how cleverly the art pieces are incorporated into the local scenery!

Web: www.echigo-tsumari.jp/eng/about/

Kiss & Goodbye (Doichi Station) by Jimmy Liao (Taiwan) Photographed by Gentaro Ishizuka

Reverse City by Pascale Marthine Tayou (Cameroon / Belgium) Photographed by Osamu Nakamura

\Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Tokamachi City/

Shinano River rafting Sign up for an unforgettable rafting adventure full of shrills, big splashes and thrilling bumps along the longest river in Japan! The river flows through Tokamachi City before feeding into the Sea of Japan at Niigata Prefecture. While you are here, make sure to take a good dip in the river too!

Event period: Mid Apr to late Oct Fee: ¥6,000 (Elementary school students), ¥8,000 (Middle school students and above) Address: 4197 Miyanaka, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Web:www.tokamachishikankou.jp/sports/outdoor/rafting/ ( Japanese only)

Take on the longest river in Japan

Hop on a Tarai Bune boat and get transported to the land of “Spirited Away”

Image provided by Tokamachi Tourism Association

WHAT IS“Tarai Bune” ？

\Sado Area, Sado City/

Tarai Bune Welcome spring with the procession of courtesans \ Yahiko, Sanjo Area, Tsubame City /

Tsubame Sakura Festival Waterway Courtesan Procession In order to avoid damages from the flooding of Shinano River during the Edo Period, the residents had a plan to build the Okozu flood-control channel. About 200 years later in 1907, the official construction works began and was completed by 10 million people, a true feat of the century. In celebration, the people planted cherry trees along the banks and held a courtesan procession on the third Sunday of April every year, which has been a representative icon of Tsubame City.

Access: Around 5 to 20-minute walk from Bunsui Station by JR Echigo Line to different event locations Web: tsubame-kankou.jp/en/seeing/

\Murakami, Shibata Area, Shibata City/

Castle Town Shibata Festival

These tub boats have a 150-yearold history. They were formally the traditional means of fishing on Sado Island. Its design was later modified to something more washtub-like, to enable it to maneuver better along the narrow coasts with many inlets and reach kelp and fish more easily.

Nowadays, seeing a lady on such tub boats at the Ogi Peninsula is a common sight.

In the world-famous “Spirited Away” film, the protagonist hops on a Tarai Bune boat and with that, the whole world came to know about Sado Island's Tarai Bune. Currently, this tub boat experience is available at Ogi port, Shukunegi , Yajima and Kyojima Island.

You can ride the boat solo, sail onward, and imagine that you are the hero of a movie!

Yajima Taiken Koryukan (experience & exchange centre) Operation period: Apr - Oct Access: Around 65-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0039/

A romantic display of light and snow

Join in the Goldfish Floats procession, one of the most important summer events in Shibata City with a history of over 280 years.

While children pull the goldfish floats, men jostle fiercely to carry the daiwa (portable shrine) around the town on the last day of the festival.

Event period: Mid to late Aug Web: shibata-info.jp/archives/3311 ( Japanese only)

Goldfish Floats Parade exclusively during Summer Image provided by Joetsu City

\Myoko, Joetsu Area, Joetsu City/

Tomoshibi no Kairo (Yasuzuka Candle Road)

Around 100,000 candles are lit up every February in six areas of Joetsu City; the dainty flames flickering in the snowy wonderland transforms the place into a romantic Corridor of Lights. Each region has its own unique characteristics―Yasuzuka Candle Road has a slope lined with candles, appearing like rice terraces. Besides admiring the snow statues, do drop by the tea houses as well.

Event period: Late Feb | Web: joetsukankonavi.jp/tomoshibi/ (Japanese only)

Piping hot bowl of noodles!

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\Yahiko, Sanjo Area, Tsubame City and Sanjo City/

You can have seabura ramen at Koshuhanten or select ramen stores within the city.

Seabura ramen web: tsubame-kankou.jp/ buy_eat/ ( Japanese only)

Seabura ramen and curry ramen

GOURMET Local ingredients transform into delicacies t iga Ni

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Local gourmet with cultural roots from the past

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Tsubame City’s seabura ramen came about as a meal that could keep the hungry factory workers warm in the past. The dish consists of meat from the back fat of pork in thick shoyu broth with chewy noodles. Curry ramen from Sanjo City originated as a convenient meal for delivery in the past.

Curry ramen can be eaten at restaurants in Sanjo City.

Curry ramen web: www.curry-ramen. com/ ( Japanese only)

\Yuzawa, Uonuma Area, Tokamachi City/

Soba served in a traditional wooden dish The word “hegi” from Niigata’s local delicacy “Hegisoba” refers to the wooden dish that the noodles are served and sectioned into. Hegisoba has a smoother and firmer texture as compared to ordinary soba.

Many restaurants in Tokamachi City have this dish on their menu Web: enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/5243

\Yahiko, Sanjo Area, Tsubame City/

Must-try Kamameshi from Tsubame City Since the early days, it is custom for the people of Tsubame City to eat seabura ramen (fatty pork ramen) at their workplace and kamameshi on clear days. Soon after, kamameshi became a household stable for the ordinary family. Upon lifting the wooden cover, you will be immediately captivated by the aromatic warm fluffy rice steamed with dashi and various seafood.

Savour the wonders from the Sea of Japan \Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki Area, Nagaoka City/

Teradomari Fish Market When it comes to seafood in Niigata, Teradomari Fish Market is your go-to place.

Commonly referred to as the “Ameyoko of Fish”, it is located on National Highway No. 402 facing the Sea of Japan. Not only does it sell fresh seafood, you can also tuck into delicious Kaisen Don, Hamayaki dishes and even the fishermen’s special noodle soup.

Daily 8.30am – 5pm Access: Around 60-minute bus ride from Nagaoka Station by JR Shinetsu Line Web: enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/5113

Available at 11 restaurants within Tsubame City Web: tsubame-kankou.jp/buy_eat/ (Japanese only)

\Niigata Prefecture/

NOPPE

Niigata local cuisine

This dish consists of diced yam, carrots, burdock and gingko in a shoyu dashi broth.

Enjoyed by Niigata natives throughout the year, it stays tasty even when cooled down.

Each locality has its own different version with various ingredients and seasoning so be sure to visit every areas to try them all!

Can be eaten in most restaurants in Niigata Prefecture Web: enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/5228

uds with Niigata special ity ya ur tasteb o y e g kiso n e l l ba \Myoko, Joetsu, Myoko City and Itoigawa City/ ha Red & Black Yakisoba

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Taste the different versions from each store!

About 30 restaurants in Itoigawa City offer Black Yakisoba.

Black Yakisoba Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/12386 (Japanese only)

\Niigata Prefecture/

Echigo Hime Sweets These Niigata Echigo Hime Strawberries are exceptionally sweet and juicy with just the right hint of tanginess. In fact, since such strawberries are easily damaged when made into desserts, they can rarely be found outside of their production areas.

If you want to taste these Echigo Hime strawberries, be sure to pluck your own batch in Niigata from January to June and feast on a variety of desserts made with them at their specialist shop.

A classic gourmet of Myoko City, Red Yakisoba can be found at the popular hot spring resort Akakura Onsen. As “Aka” means red” in Japanese, they offer many different types of red-coloured cuisine. Another up and coming dish from Itoigawa City is Black Yakisoba, made with squid ink and cooked with locally-grown ingredients. Both of these local specialities are certainly worth a try!

About 10 restaurants within Akakura Onsen serve Red Yakisoba.

Red Yakisoba Web: myoko.tv/shopping/1422.html (Japanese only)

Try your hand at making local cuisine! \Myoko, Joetsu Area, Myoko City/

Sasazushi

There are opportunities to make your very own Sasazushi at this farmstay!

Homestay Experience: tw.myoko-note.jp/homestay/ (Chinese only )

Folding the bamboo leaves into a triangle, vinegared rice, bamboo shoots, eggs and mountain vegetables are placed in the centre―this is what makes up Sasazushi.

Made with love by locals, each family has its own distinct version. This unique food represents the flavours of this region best, and you can now try to create your own version of Sasazushi here!

Editor’s Pick!

Such desserts are available at TAKAGI Farm’s specialist shop as well as selected places within Niigata

Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/gourmet/sweets/top (Japanese only)

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Salmon culture with history over a hundred years

by TAKAGI Far m

Branded strawberries as delectable desserts

Using natural colours from vegetables to“dye”the noodles, Red Yakisoba is not spicy despite its appearance.

\Murakami, Shibata Area, Murakami City/

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For Murakami City, it was custom to consume salmon as early as during the Heian Period; it was once paid as a gift to the courtroom in Kyoto. There are more than 100 different types of salmon dishes in the city that not only utilise their meat, but also the skin, innards and more. Making sure they use every part of the fish is how the residents of Murakami show their respect to salmon.

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Salmon dishes

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\Niigata, Aga Area, Niigata City/

Niigata Tare Katsu Don

This local delight features fried pork cutlets dipped in a special sauce topped on warm fluffy rice, and first appeared during the early Showa period at a western restaurant.

The sweet and slightly spicy sauce is absolutely tantalising!

Many restaurants in the Niigata Prefecture have this dish on their menu Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/12370 ( Japanese only)

The locals refer to salmon as “iyoboya”, meaning “the fish among other fish”.

Several restaurants in Murakami City serve such salmon dishes.

Web: www.sake3.com/en/salmon.html

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WAttention's

Shortest time: Mins

From Tok yo Station to Niigata Station

by Shinkansen

3D2N model course

ROUTE 01

ROUTE 02

ROUTE 03

Check-in Spot

Nature

Gourmet

Start from Tokyo

JR Itoigawa station

JR Itoigawa station Take in the Spectacular view at Onogame, Sado Island

Board the Setsugekka Train

Sightseeing at Myoko City & D.I.Y Sasazushi Experience

Visit Tokamachi City and raft down Shinano River ( in summer) or catch the stunning view at Bijin Bayashi Beech Forest

Tarai Bune experience

Stay over at Myoko City

Visit Lake Hyoko in Agano City

Challenge yourself with Itoigawa City’s Black Yakisoba

Visit the “Ameyoko of Fish” Teradomari Fish Market at Nagaoka City

Stay over at Sado Island Stay over at Nagaoka City

Seabura ramen

Image provided by Tokamachi Tourism Association

Admire the Rice Terraces at Tokamachi City and enjoy the art festival.

Try Hegi Soba

Image provided by Ojiya Tourism Association

Image provided by Tokamachi City Tourism Association

Stay over at Niigata City

Eat Tarekatsu Don at Niigata City and Echigo Hime Sweets

Bask in nature at Myoko City

Stay over at Tokamachi City

Head to Ojiya City & take part in their annual hot air balloon festival (February)

Kamameshi

The Rice Field by Ilya & Emilia Kabakov (Russia) Photographed

by Osamu Nakamura

Image provided by Tokamachi City Tourism Association

Try Seabura ramen and Kamameshi at Tsubame City

Stay over at Tokamachi City

Your next destination beckons.

Stay over at Murakami City & experience their salmon culture