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Niigata
SPECIAL ISSUE 2019-20
う 始めよ を ！冒 へ 潟 いざ新 iigata N n i e r u t n dve Start your a
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Boating experience straight out of an animation movie
The tub boat ride scene from the famous animation Spirited Away has brought the tradition of taraibune alive again.
The history of using tub boats for fishing (tarai-bune) in Sado Island dates back to 150 years ago. In the past, the islanders used to cut wash tubs or miso barrels in half to make boats for fishing seaweed, shellfish and abalone. Although few people use tub boats for fishing today, tourists are encouraged to sign up for a fun steering course at the ports of Ogi, Yajima and Kyojima or Shukunegi.
discover the seasonal beauty of
Yajima Taiken Koryukan Access: A 70-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Website: visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0039/
Niigata A day of adventure right in the middle of nature
Nagaoka city settaya area: Koshinomurasaki
The old townhouses of Murakami city: Machiya-style townhouses
The old townhouses of Murakami city: Kurobei street
Nagaoka city settaya area: Kina-saffron shu honpo
The beauty of history in old streets Stroll down these historic streets with a map to rediscover history and relive the glory of the past. Former castle town Murakami City seems frozen in time, with its Machiya-style townhouses and temples. On Kurobei (black fence) Street, historic restaurants sit alongside temples, while the stone ruins of Murakami Castle, and the residences of its samurai defenders show another side of the town. For a different view, head to Nagaoka City where many traditional breweries producing soy sauce, miso and sake remain, some of which still use traditional methods to create delicious flavours even today. Murakami City Website: sake3.com/en/index.html Nagaoka City Settaya District Website: niigata-kankou.or.jp/experience/13238 (Japanese)
Daigenta Canyon, the area stretching from Lake Daigenta to the foot of Mt. Daigenta, is a popular campsite and favorite destination for tourists drawn to its diverse geographic features. The 1.5-kilometre path at Lake Daigenta offers a stunning view of the Oriental Matterhorn—Mt. Daigenta. Canoeing and stand up paddling (SUP) are popular water activities that you simply must try.
Daigenta Canyon Camping Ground Fee: Please refer to the official website as the rental fee depends on rental period and items rented Access: A 20-minute drive from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. You can also board a bus at the station bound for the campground, which takes about 30 minutes. Address: 3064-17 Oaza-tsuchitaru, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture Website: daigenta.net (Japanese) YOC Yuzawa Outdoor Center Address: Daigenta Canyon Camping Ground, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture Website: daigenta.net/yoc/index.html (Japanese)
Traverse Niigata’s autumn foliage Each autumn, Niigata’s mountains become resplendent in their foliage-covered beauty. You must visit personally to experience this fleeting yet stunning sight. From Myoko Kogen in the south, continue northwards, before taking the Dragondola or Tashiro Ropeway at Mt. Naeba for a bird’s eye view of the scenery. After that, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Okutadami while admiring the maple leaves, but do remember to stop over at Yahiko Park Momijidani Valley for a bewitching view. Lastly, cap off your tour with a trip to Okutainai in the Iide mountain range, for a mesmerizing view of the gorgeous vermillion gorge.
[1] Myoko Kogen Imori Pond Website: myokotourism.com/imori-pond/
An island paradise waiting for you to discover
Wappani わっぱ煮
To cook this simple yet flavourful dish, just place the grilled fish, chopped green onion and miso paste in a bowl made out of curved wood, and then add water and heated stones to the bowl.
[2] Tashiro Ropeway Website: princehotels.com/en/ski/autumn/mtnaeba.html
[3] Lake Okutadami Website: okutadami.co.jp/english/boat/
Image provided by Naeba Ski Resort
Image provided Uonuma Tourist Association
[5] Okutainai Website: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/7264 (Japanese)
[4] Yahiko Park Website: www.e-yahiko.com/spot/park (Japanese)
An art extravaganza Not to be missed Awashima is a tiny island with a population of less than 400. Nevertheless, it is full of marine resources and charming vistas. The 23-kilometre cycling path takes you on a scenic ride around the entire island, which is a paradise for outdoor activities such as bird watching, horse riding, sunbathing, scuba diving and more. Watching fixed-net fishing, catching octopuses and making traditional dish wappani are also experiences you don’t want to miss in Awashima. Access: Iwafune Port is a 15-minute drive from Murakami Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line. You can also take a bus from Murakami Station, get off at Iwafunekamioomachi Stop and walk for 10 minutes to the port. The high-speed boat bound for Awashima takes about 55 minutes and the normal boat takes 90 minutes. Website: awa-isle.jp (Japanese)
Shinano River Rafting Tour
To revitalize the Nishikan Ward of Niigata City, started in 2006, locals and students from Tokyo Musashino Art University have come together to create massive sculptures using rice straw. This art festival has now become a key attraction of the area and is held from end Aug to Oct in Uwasekigata Park. If you do visit Niigata in autumn, be sure not to miss this interesting art festival.
Wara Art Festival 2019 Event period: 25 Aug to 31 Oct Venue: Uwasekigata Park How to get there: A 10-minute drive from Maki Station on the JR Echigo Line Address: 1 Matsunoo, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture Website: www.city.niigata.jp/ nishikan/welcome/en/
With a total length of 367 kilometres, Shinano River is Japan’s longest river, flowing through the prefectures of Yamanashi, Saitama, Nagano and Niigata before reaching the ocean. The middle reach of the water travels through Tokamachi City, a popular rafting spot offering both adrenalin-pumping stretches as well as calm and relaxing rides. Hop on the rubber boat at designated areas for a cool dip in the clear waters! Available from mid-April to mid-November. Closed on Thursdays (except in August the facility is open every day) Fee: ¥6,000 for elementary school students and ¥7,000 onwards for middle school students and above Access: A 20-minute drive from Tokamachi Station on the Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line Address: 4197 Miyanakaonore, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Website: www.j-os.jp/tours/rafting/tokamachi-hd (Japanese)*Reservations must be made two days in advance
Image provided by Tokamachi Tourist Association
Enjoy snow in the silvery white canvas Tetsuo Sekine“Boys with Red Lion Cloths Returned” Photo by Osamu Nakamura
Admire snow art and experience the culture of snow WONDERLAND The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is held in Echigo-Tsumari (Tokamachi City /Tsunan Town) every 3 years, showcasing artwork unique to this region. Even after the Triennale ends, approximately 200 pieces of art remain at the venue, which you may visit anytime. In winter, learn about snow country through art at SNOWART. Join special tours, or interact with locals at each exhibition area to learn more about the unique beauty and culture of snow country. Finally, grab this chance to savour regional flavors in the form of local dish “Yukimi-gozen”, a special meal served only in winter.
An unforgettable ride through Silver landscape The Setsugekka is a special train operated by the Echigo TOKImeki Railway, running between Joetsu-Myoko Station and Itoigawa Station. Its panoramic glass windows offer an unobstructed view of the scenery near Western Niigata. The “all made in NIIGATA” philosophy also means that from the train car to the interior design and bentos provided onboard, every detail painstakingly incorporates unique elements of Niigata. In winter, look out of the train windows for an ethereal snowy landscape, or choose from the other snow country experience courses available for an unforgettable ride. Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka
ECHIGO-TSUMARI ART FIELD 2020 WINTER SNOWART
Website: echigo-tokimeki.co.jp/setsugekka/index.html (Japanese)
Website: www.echigo-tsumari.jp/eng/
*Advance reservation by phone is required.
Enjoy snowy fun Niigata Winter Season Website: www.niigata-snow.jp (Japanese) Myoko Ski Resort Information Website: myokotourism.com/category/ski/ski-resorts/
Niigata boasts over 50 ski resorts with powder snow. Every year, from end Nov to early Dec, ski resorts start opening their doors. Skiing is thrilling, but you may also enjoy the snow through other adventurous activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Even snow newbies will be able to have fun. Akakura Kanko Ski Resort in Myoko City is one of the oldest international ski resorts in Japan, while Suginohara Ski Resort has a ski distance of 8.5kilometres, the longest in Japan. Are you up for the challenge?
Enjoy nature by feeding migratory swans Lake Hyoko in Agano City is a stopover for migratory swans in winter. Each year, from early October until March of the following year, thousands of swans will stay over here. Up to 5-6,000 swans visit this man-made lake during peak period. Observe these graceful birds comfortably from the boardwalk and observation facility. The swans are fed thrice a day, so you may be able to spot the swans and ducks gathering for food if you are lucky. Feed is available if you want to feed the birds yourself. Lake Hyoko Swan overwinter period: Oct to Mar of the following year Access: 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from Suibara Station on the JR Uetsu Line Address: 313-1 Suibara, Agano City, Niigata Prefecture Website: agano-spot.com/english/nature/index.html
The low rolling hills of Matsunoyama in Tokamachi City house a beech forest with trees that are 90 years old. It is commonly known as “Beauty Forest” for the willowy appearance of its trees. “Hasagi” is a kind of wooden drying rack that remains in use even today in Ojiya City. The desolate beauty of Hasagi on a vast snowy plain, together with the pristine “Beauty Forest” blanketed in snow, are quintessential elements of the Niigata snowscape. For a limited time only, you can ride a hot air balloon and admire these snowscapes from up in the air, while surrounded by the dazzling sight of hundreds of other multi-coloured hot-air balloons.
Must-see snowscapes
Tokamachi City Beauty Forest Website: tokamachishikankou.jp/en/nature/#bijinbayashi Image provided by Tokamachi Tourist Association
Hasagi of Ikegahara, Ojiya City Website: www.ojiyakanko.com (Japanese) Image provided by Ojiya Tourism Association
Ojiya Balloon Festival Website: www.ojiyakanko.com/festa_fusen.html (Japanese) Image provided by Ojiya Tourism Association
Senami Onsen Sunset Inn Shiomiso
Pamper yourself in the land of Indulge the sea views as you soak in onsen
Onsen
A hot spring with 300 years of history
Murakami City’s Senami Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas. Tourists can enjoy foot baths free-of-charge while taking in views of the Sea of Japan. We strongly recommend Shiomiso - Sunset Inn to experience Japanese hospitality in a traditional ryokan. The inn’s ladies-only open-air bath “Yuunagi” boasts a cypress tub, while its semi-sheltered structure allows you to bathe while admiring the sunset.
Also known as the “Sacred Goose Spring”, Iwamuro Onsen began to gain popularity around the end of the Edo Period (16031868), and eventually became one of Japan’s most famous hot springs. Spend a night at history-rich Koshino Yado Takashimaya. Its historic buildings have been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property. With good food, good sake and a good hot spring, what more can you ask for!
Senami Onsen
Iwamuro Onsen
Website: www.senami.or.jp/ onsenn/ (Japanese)
Website: www. iwamurokankou.com/ info/ (Japanese)
Sunset Inn Shiomiso Website: shiomiso. co.jp/foreign-en/
natural hot spring rich in history This is where Japanese writer Yasunari Kawabata set his famous novel Yukiguni (Snow Country). The many bathing facilities here allows you to enjoy them even without staying overnight. For onsen-lovers, why not stay over at Yukiguni no Yado Takahan? The hot spring, discovered over 900 years ago, also known as Tamago-no-yu, or Egg spring for its sulfuric properties, and continues to heal bathers even today. Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Website: e-yuzawa.gr.jp/ language_eng/hotspring/
Koshino Yado
Yukiguni no Yado
Takashimaya
Takahan
Website: takasimaya. co.jp (Japanese)
Website: takahan. co.jp/en/
loosen up while admiring the SNOW
picturesque hidden hot spring
Often mentioned alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen, Matsunoyama Onsen is also recognized as being one of Japan’s top 3 medicinal hot springs. Its high concentration of hot spring ingredients, Image provided by and source temperature of over 90 degrees Tokamachi Tourist Association give it skin-beautifying and wound-healing properties. Enjoy winter to its fullest by relaxing in the hot spring while admiring the snowscape of one of Niigata’s snowiest areas.
Located at the hiking entrance of Mt. Myoko, Tsubame Onsen is a rare hot spring in Japan that contains hydrogen carbonate, sulphate and sulphur, all top 3 skin-beautifying hot spring ingredients. At 1,150 metres above sea level, the area is bathed in gold every autumn, hence its nickname “Ougonno-yu”, or “Golden Spring”. Do not miss the pleasure of enjoying Tsubame Onsen in its autumn colours.
Matsunoyama Onsen Website: www.matsunoyama.com (Japanese)
Tsubame Onsen Ougon-no-Yu Website: myokotourism.com/tsubame-onsen/
Souvenir Niigata-only sweets “Kasen-jouki” is a famous Niigata-only sweet. Made with special Japanese red bean cream sandwiched in a soft fluffy brown sugar pancake, this has been a firm favourite in Niigata for over 30 years, and a hidden gem among the plethora of souvenir sweets available all over Japan. Where to buy: “Niigata Confectionary Workshop Saikatei” stores across Niigata Prefecture Website: www.saikatei. net (Japanese)
Onigiri-shaped rice crackers These crackers are made with Koshihikari rice flour and are shaped like adorable little onigiri. They have become a popular souvenir in recent years and are available in 5 flavours: Gomashio (sesame seeds and salt), Umeshiso (plum and perilla leaf), ginger-vanilla, onigiri and chocolate. Not only are they delicious, but also contain an irresistible rice fragrance. Perfect for souvenirs or as a treat for yourself. Where to buy: LE POÊLON BIS Website: www.le-poelon-bis.com (Japanese)
The pride of Niigata Tsubame-Sanjo’s metal craft The Tsubame-Sanjo area is known throughout Japan for its metalworking craftsmen. The traditional techniques used to produce hammered Tsuiki copperware in Tsubame City and Wakugi ( Japanese nails) in Sanjo City are now used to produce metal kitchen utensils and lifestyle products. These beautiful, yet practical items are a statement to the quality craftsmanship that has gone into producing them. Where to buy: TSUBAMESANJO Regional Industries Promotion Center, “TSUBAMESANJO Wing”(Tourism Product Center at Tsubamesanjo Station) Website: www.tsjiba.or.jp/kankou/english/index.html www.tsubamesanjo.jp/wing/index.html (Japanese)
A bite of Niigata
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Editor’s
Pick
KaguranaNban miso ¥650 / Asahi Shouzi Kagurananban is a kind of hot chili pepper with an appearance that has been likened to traditional Kagura masks. Originating in the Nagaoka area, the vegetable-based miso paste is a traditional seasoning that goes perfectly with rice.
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Editor’s
Pick
Editor’s
Pick
Salmon bones cooked in soy sauce ¥1,037 / Kikkawa
¥1.944 / Sudakasuke Shoten After pickling it in salt for two years and rice bran for another year, the detoxified blowfish ovary releases a sweet flavor that has been treasured by people of Sado since the Edo period. Although every household used to have its own recipe, there is only one shop remaining on the island dedicated to passing on this heritage.
With as many as 90 sake breweries, Niigata (Echigo province in the past) is no doubt the place to go for a drink. Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan is a sake lover’s paradise, providing a sampling service for merely ¥500. The Echigo-yuzawa shop even has an inviting sake hot spring that allows you to enjoy sake with all your five senses! Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan Niigata Shop Website: www.ponshukan-niigata.com (Japanese) Echigo Sake Museum Ponshukan Echigo-yuzawa Shop Website: www.ponshukan.com (Japanese)
Niigata’s Koshihikari rice is best known for its aroma, chewy texture and sweetness that fills the mouth with each bite. When in town, you must not miss the chance to enjoy a bowl of steaming rice. To enhance the flavour of rice and create a harmony of taste, the locals have developed a variety of side dishes to go with it. Here are our recommendations.
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Picked blowfish ovary
Enter the world of Echigo Sake
Niigata— the rice kingdom of Japan
The history of eating salmon in Murakami dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), giving rise to over 100 ways of preparing salmon in the locality. Not only the fish meat, but also the skin, bone and innards are all used as cooking ingredients. Salmon bones skillfully cooked in soy sauce and rice wine mirin is an example of how well the locals make use of nature’s blessings.
Enjoy premium Japanese SAKE, excellent snacks on board Travel in style with JR East’s Koshino Shu*Kura, a sake-themed train that offers unprecedented comfort and luxury. Taking a sip of selected Niigata sake and a bite of local delicacies while watching the scenery unfold through the windows is a pleasure you will remember forever. Live bands and sake-related events are also held on board to bring the travel experience to a new level. Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/joyful/shukura.html *First cabin booking can only be booked through View Travel Package which is available for sale at JR East Travel Service Centers at Tokyo, Shinjuku and other stations, as well as at your nearby Travel Service Centers (View Plaza).
A delectable bowlful of sea bream The long ria coastline of Kashiwazaki City makes it a fantastic location for fishing. Kashiwazaki is one of the few locations within Niigata prefecture that boasts a high volume of sea bream caught, giving rise to the large number of shops serving dishes made with sea bream. In fact, beloved local dish “Sea Bream Chazuke” even won the Grand Prix at the National Donburi Championship. Fried sea bream slices, salmon roe, seaweed and other ingredients are arranged on top of sea bream rice, before soup is poured over the entire dish. Each mouthful is filled with the goodness of the sea and will keep you coming back for more.
Sample juicy grilled seafood skewers Seafood from Izumozaki is highly regarded by many Japanese cooks. Hamayaki, or bamboo skewered fish grilled directly on the beach, is a local delicacy that is now sold mostly indoors. Originally used as a method to preserve freshly-caught fish, Hamayaki stalls were once a common sight on the beach. As excess fat drips off, the seafood becomes less greasy, healthier and tastier. Only a few eateries offer this traditional taste nowadays. Ishii Seafood Shop Hours: 8am-5pm (or until sold out)
Tai-chazuke
Address: 475 Hagurocho, Izumozaki Town, Santo-gun, Niigata Prefecture
Website: www.uwatt.com/ml/gourmet/
Access: A 50-minute bus ride from Nagaoka Station on the Joestu Shinkansen or a 10-minute bus ride from Izumozaki Station on the JR Echigo Line
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Website: niigata-kankou.or.jp/course/41334 (Japanese)
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Each of the different cultures in Niigata Prefecture has managed to produce its own unique style of ramen. Curry Ramen from Sanjo City and Se-abura Ramen from Tsubame City have been influenced by the craftsman culture of their respective places of origin. As for Niigata City’s Light Soy Sauce Ramen, it was born as a result of roadside stall owners not having the means to simmer broth for long periods of time, and hence created a broth that was rich yet did not require much time to cook. Nagaoka City’s Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen warms stomachs during harsh winters, while Rich Miso Ramen from Nishikan Ward in Niigata City is served with broth on the side, allowing diners to adjust the thickness of their ramen broth to their liking. Unlike other types of ramen, this one is eaten dipped in broth instead. If you visit Niigata, be sure to try all 5 types of ramen!
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Tarekatsudon is a close relative of katsudon (rice topped with fried pork cutlet) with a soy sauce base. In the early years of the Showa Era (19261989), western-style food stalls in the city began offering this dish, which soon spread all over the prefecture to become one of Niigata’s best-loved specialties. A crispy slice of fried pork cutlet smothered in tangy sweet sauce, on top of warm fluffy rice will fill your stomach just by looking at it!
Niigata’s top 5 Ramen: Be wowed by the different flavours
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Awashimaura Village Awashima Port
N i igata Map
Awashima/Hachimanbana
Transport / Acc ess
Ryotsu Port
Niigata Airport
By plane: International direct flights: Taipei (Taoyuan)
Sado Airport
Niigata: approx. 3 hrs 20 min
Shibata City
Ogi Port
Niigata: approx. 1hr 5 min
Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport) Osaka (Kansai International Airport)
Nagoya Osaka
Niigata: approx.1 hr
Yahiko Village Tsubame City
Niigata: approx. 2hrs (shortest 1hr 40min) by Joetsu Shinkansen Niigata: approx. 3hrs 40min by Tokaido-Joetsu Shinkansen
Izumozaki Town
Niigata: approx. 4hrs 30min by Tokaido-Joetsu Shinkansen
Limited Express & Hokuriku Shinkansen: shortest 6hrs (via Kanazawa) Tokyo
Joetsu Myoko: approx. 2hrs by Hokuriku Shinkansen
Tokyo
Itoigawa: approx. 2hrs 15min by Hokuriku Shinkansen
Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
Niigata: approx. 5 hrs
Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
Naoetsu: approx. 6 hrs
Nagoya Osaka
Niigata: approx. 7 hrs
Kashiwazaki City
Aga Town Sado area
Kamo City
Murakami • Shibata area Niigata • Aga area
Sanjo City
Yahiko • Sanjo area Nagaoka • Kashiwazaki area
Nagaoka City
Ojiya City
Yuzawa • Uonuma area Myoko • Joetsu area Uonuma City
Urasa Station
Joetsu City Tokamachi City
Joetsumyoko Station
Minamiuonuma City
Tsunan Town
Itoigawa Station Itoigawa City
Tsubame sanjo Station
Gosen City
Naoetsu Port
Niigata: approx. 9 hrs 30 min
Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
Tagami Town
Mitsuke City
Nagaoka Station
Kariwa Village
By highway bus:
Agano City
Niigata City
Niigata: approx.1 hr
By Shinkansen: Tokyo
Sekikawa Village
Niigata Station
Domestic flights ( Japan): Tokyo (Narita Airport)
Tainai City
Seiro Town
Niigata Port
Sado City
Hong Kong Niigata: approx. 4 hrs (*from 30 Oct 2019 - 28 Mar 2020）
Murakami City Iwafune Port
GALA Yuzawa Station
Myoko City
EchigoYuzawa Station
japan Map
Yuzawa Town
Joetsu Shinkansen Line
Access to islands - Sado Island: Niigata Port
Naoetsu Port
Ryotsu Port (approx.150 min by car ferry, approx.60 min by jet foil） Ogi Port(approx.100 min by high-speed ferry）
- Awashima: Iwafune Port Awashima Port (approx. 90 min by ordinary ship, approx. 55 min by high-speed catamaran awaline Kirara）
Kanazawa Nagoya Kansai International Airport
Han ds - free s ig htseei ng Travel com fortab ly arou n d N i igata There are many places in Niigata Prefecture that offer services such as luggage storage or home delivery service. By using these services, you can avoid the inconvenience of carrying large luggage yourself and enjoy your journey comfortably.
[Niigata City] JR Niigata Station Bandai Exit Tourist Information Center by Bandai Exit Opening hours: 9am-7pm
[Tokamachi City] Tokamachi City Nishi Exit Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center Tocco Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Tokyo Narita International Airport Haneda Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Osaka [Sanjo City] TSUBAMESANJO Regional Industries Promotion Center Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm TSUBAMESANJO Wing (inside JR Tsubamesanjo Station) Opening hours: 10am-6.30pm
*The services offered by each facility are different.
...etc.
For more information
Yahiko Park/Momiji Valley
Beautiful sunset in Niigata
enjoyniigata.com
wattention.com
The information is current as of September 2019