Experience Niigata's rich traditions and exquisite craftsmanship! An autumn road trip plan through Niigata

Kugami is a roadside station in Tsubame City where you can eat, play, and relax.

Facilities include a farmers’ market, barbecues with gear and food provided, a day camp, footbaths, and natural hot springs, all to help you relax after a long drive. Visitors can also hike up nearby mountains or go on fun cycling excursions through the surrounding countryside!

Roadside Station Kugami is a 1-hour drive from Niigata City, so be sure to stop by if you’re passing through the area!

With an elevation of 313 meters, Mt. Kugami offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan with the Sado and Noto Islands off in the distance, alongside the Echigo Sanzan (Three Mountains of Echigo).

Halfway up the mountainside is Kokujoji, the oldest temple in Niigata Prefecture. The temple is surrounded by a Japanese beech forest, highly valued for its unique adaptation to lowland areas. This unique trait has earned the forest a status as a Prefectural Natural Monument. In the early summer, fireflies can be seen dancing under the stars at the base of Mt. Kugami. A species of fireflies called Genji-botaru can be viewed here until late June, followed by sightings of Heike-botaru until early July.

From the Visitor Center, where the parking lot is located, to the mountain peak takes approximately 30 minutes one way, offering a casual and accessible hiking experience. Autumn transforms the landscape into vibrant colors best viewed from the Asahiyama Observatory halfway up the mountain, as well as along the walking paths and near the summit. Another scenic highlight you don't want to miss is the 124-meter-long Sengando Suspension Bridge. The bridge becomes the focal point of the mountain’s seasonal landscape that shifts from the fresh greenery of spring to warm autumnal colors and, finally, to a snowy wonderland in the winter.

Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center is located in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan's largest metalworking region. It displays and sells around 10,000 items, including tableware, cutlery, kitchenware, pots, and pans. Many of these are popular overseas, and tax-free shopping is available for international visitors. It’s also a handy tourist information hub.

FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS is a resort complex run by Snow Peak, one of Japan’s leading camping brands that specializes in high-end camping gear, especially for car camping. Here, you can enjoy spa relaxation, food, and accommodation among lush nature! The sauna and adjoining large hot spring bath offer stunning scenery from the windows, and both can be enjoyed by day travelers. The complex is made up of villas and trailer houses, which are enshrouded in extraordinary atmospheres melting into the nature. Both full-fledged courses or light meals using local ingredients can be enjoyed here, and don’t forget to pick up some Snow Peak gear and Niigata specialties at the store before leaving.

Suwada was established in 1926 in Sanjo City, one of the world’s most renowned cutlery manufacturing hubs, and is a specialist in cutters. It got its start with cutting tools for nails and screws in response to demand following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

Every element, from product development and material selection to the final touches, is meticulously executed by skilled craftspeople. Suwada products are famed for their functional beauty, and receive acclaim both in Japan and overseas.

Visitors are invited to witness the entire manufacturing process, immersing themselves in the craftsmanship that has endured since Suwada’s inception. Beyond the tour, you can enjoy the factory store, restaurant, and café for a full day of shopping and dining.

Suzunone is a restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere offering exceptional eel cuisine. Their method involves slow grilling eel over charcoal fire, yielding a fragrant surface and plump, succulent meat.

While most Japanese restaurants serve grilled eel flavored by soy sauce atop white rice, the proprietor of Suzunone boldly serves the eel and rice separately, allowing diners to fully savor the sweetness and richness of the renowned "koshihikari" rice, cultivated in Niigata.

“Tare” (sauce) and “sansho” (Japanese pepper) are readily available on the table, letting diners customize the dish to their preference.

The Niigata Saito Villa, recognized as a Japan Heritage and a Cultural Property, was constructed in 1918 by Kijuro Saito IV, who was from a prominent merchant family in Niigata. It stands as a masterpiece of modern Japanese-style architecture, showcasing opulence throughout the entire structure. Its spacious grounds cover an area of approximately 4,500 square meters and host three gardens. In particular, the strolling garden has a waterfall and an assortment of large rocks and strange stones. Visitors have the opportunity to revel in the garden's seasonal beauty, with the autumn foliage being particularly mesmerizing. Another noteworthy feature is the panoramic view of the entire garden from the building, which can be enjoyed while indulging in matcha green tea and Japanese sweets!

Ikinariya is a highly esteemed traditional Japanese ryotei-style restaurant with an approximately 300-year history. It prides itself on cooking Japanese cuisine that captures the natural flavors of its ingredients. The restaurant's menu gracefully evolves with the changing seasons, offering an array of delights including sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered specialties, and deep-fried delicacies.

The Japanese garden, spanning over 6,600 m², boasts centuries-old trees, a tranquil pond, and other enchanting elements that undergo captivating transformations with each passing season.

Ten components of this evocative architectural masterpiece, including the stately gate, have been officially recognized as national Tangible Cultural Treasures. There are 11 guest rooms available within the Japanese garden, all of which require advance reservations. The restaurant accommodates vegetarians and guests with allergies, which can be organized when making reservations.

Nestled along the banks of the Shinano River, which flows through the heart of Niigata City, Hotel Nikko Niigata stands as the city's landmark with architecture inspired by a luxury cruise ship adrift on the water. The guest rooms offer the best views of the city, and patrons can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Shinano River and Bandai Island as they dine in the hotel restaurant. Scattered throughout the hotel are various scenic viewpoints, with the highlight being the banquet hall on the 30th floor with glass windows that offer a breathtaking 180-degree panoramic view of the surroundings. Their renowned buffet-style breakfast is prepared with products and ingredients from Niigata, including Uonuma Shiozawa Koshihikari rice.

The hotel is conveniently located approximately 8 minutes by car from Niigata Station and offers direct access to the Sado Kisen ferry terminal. The prime location makes Hotel Nikko Niigata an ideal hub for your explorations around Niigata, providing a smooth and delightful travel experience.

Niigata City proudly bears the title of a "manga and anime town," having nurtured numerous talented manga artists and anime creators. Niigata Manga Animation Museum stands as a testament to this cultural richness, dedicated to showcasing the city's essence through the enchanting realms of manga and anime.

Delve into the profiles of Niigata-linked manga and anime creators, discover their iconic works, and gain insights into the fascinating process of crafting manga and anime. The museum offers a delightful corner where visitors can interact with popular characters, try their hand at voice acting, enjoy a mini-theater experience, and much more. Throughout the year, the museum hosts various special exhibitions, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.