A Gastronomic Tour to Experience the Flavors of Niigata

This is a luxurious resort sightseeing train that runs through Niigata Prefecture’s Joetsu region. The windows, said to be some of the biggest in Japan, look out upon the dynamic scenery that changes from the ocean to mountains and the rural countryside. The first car is a lounge-style car that faces the Sea of Japan and Mt. Myoko, while the second car is a restaurant car equipped with large tables and relaxing seats.
There are four food courses available, including a French cuisine course that pairs wonderfully with Niigata wine, as well as a Japanese cuisine course that uses fresh seafood brought in directly from the fishing harbors. The lounge boasts beautiful Yasuda tiled floors and a bar counter stocked with local sake from breweries in the Joetsu region, so you can try different ones to find your favorite.

Operation period: Year-round
*Only runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
Hours of operation: Departs from Joetsumyoko Station 10:35 am - 1:16 pm, Itoigawa Station 1:59 pm - 4:45 pm

Themed around the "exchange between urban and rural areas," this comprehensive cultural facility uncovers and shares the region's abundant resources. A 2-km stretch of "satoyama" rural landscape, from Matsudai Nou-butai, the base facility, to Matsudai Castle atop the mountain, showcases approximately 40 art installations. Take a leisurely stroll to immerse yourself in the local nature and culture.

Designed by the Dutch architectural group MVRDV, Matsudai Nou-butai is not only a base facility but a work of art itself, featuring rooms designed by various artists. Explore the Matsudai Nou-butai Field Museum to tour these unique artworks, gaining insights into the satoyama landscape, the enduring farming culture of snow country, and the lifestyles of the local community. Whether on foot, by rented bicycle, or by car, you can explore the area based on the length of your stay and your specific interests.

An accommodation where you can enjoy food and sake. A chef from Michelin two store and a owner who is also a sommelier / sommelier will pair Niigata local wine and wine.

Kiyotsu Gorge stands among Japan's three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Gorge. The towering cliffs creating a V-shaped grand canyon over the river are designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument.
The stunning columnar-jointed rock surfaces and the dynamic landscapes along the Kiyotsu River are truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Moreover, the entire tunnel was transformed into an artwork by the Chinese architectural firm Ma Yansong/MAD Architects during the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
Architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres inspired by the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water) were crafted at various points inside the tunnel and at the entrance facility.
The entrance facility offers footbaths, merchandise sales, and a café (closed during winter).
Before planning your visit, please check the official website and X (formerly Twitter) for local conditions.

In the snowy basin of Uonuma, locals have long cherished the pleasures of each season and inherited ancient wisdom born from a life in harmony with nature.

Uonuma no Sato sits in the idyllic countryside that spreads out around the base of Mt. Hakkai. It was born from a desire to share the traditions of “snow country” Niigata and the peaceful lifestyle of the Uonuma region with visitors. The brewery of esteemed sake-maker Hakkaisan takes center stage, complemented by Hakkaisan Yukimuro, which contains a cafe, shop, and kitchenware center, along with soba noodle restaurant Sobaya Nagamori, sweets store Satoya, and plenty more.

Join a brewery tour to see the “snow storehouse,” where over 1,000 tons of snow is placed each year to naturally keep it at a temperature of around 4°C, allowing sake and food to be stored throughout the year.

Nestled between majestic Mount Hakkai and the crystal-clear Uono River in Minamiuonuma City's Osaki district, Ryu Zushi has earned international acclaim in prestigious food guides. The restaurant sources incredibly rare ingredients that even Tokyo's top sushi establishments struggle to obtain, alongside seasonal Niigata delicacies like Sado Island's premium tuna and yellowtail, local prawns, and snow crabs.

The passionate chef-owner's relentless pursuit of excellence goes beyond traditional nigiri - he creates unique combinations you won't find anywhere else, such as sweet shrimp paired with slightly bitter mountain vegetables, or fatty tuna enhanced with black maitake mushrooms. Prepare yourself for a sushi experience that will astonish both your eyes and palate.

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Sasa-dango are a kind of dumpling made from mugwort with a filling of sweet red bean paste wrapped in aromatic bamboo grass. They have been a staple Niigata dessert since long ago, and continue to be one of the region’s definitive dishes.

HOME HOME NIIGATA offers an immersive experience teaching visitors the age-old skill of making sasa-dango from a master. You’ll learn the intricate process of kneading the dumplings, wrapping the sweet bean paste, and more, enjoyable for both children and adults alike. They take pride in sourcing their ingredients with the utmost care, primarily from local suppliers. At the end, you'll be able to savor the freshly steamed sasa-dango you made.

Once a renowned hot spring inn favored by cultural figures and writers, ryugon has been transformed into a hotel set within an old Japanese residence where guests can fully dive deep into Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan's most snowbound areas.

This hotel features two styles of guest rooms: the spacious VILLA SUITE boasting the ambiance of a VIP room, and the CLASSIC, which offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation. The VILLA SUITE features a private open-air bath facing the hotel’s garden. Your bathing experience is sure to become even more relaxing as you gaze out at the seasonal beauty of the garden, such as the snowy landscape of winter.

Minami-Uonuma City, where ryugon is located, is celebrated for its prized Koshihikari rice. This rice is served at the hotel along with other dishes that complement its exquisite flavor. Guests are welcome to join in various activities like leisurely bicycle tours through the natural surroundings and cooking workshops in a traditional kitchen with an earthen floor.

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ryugon is a hotel inside a traditional residence that offers several unique experiences where guests can touch on the customs and traditions of the snowy region of Niigata, accompanied by a friendly guide. For example, there’s a cooking workshop led by a culinary expert specializing in the regional cuisine. Participants will have the chance to learn about the local food culture as they prepare dishes in a doma (a traditional kitchen with an earthen floor). For those seeking adventure, cycling tours and hikes through the natural surroundings of Uonuma are available. Also on the list of activities is a guided tour through the Tsubame Sanjo area, also known as the ""City of Artisans,"" where traditional handicrafts are produced and sold.

These unique experiences at ryugon are intended to provide you with authentic cultural experiences that help you escape the bustle of everyday life and reflect on yourself. They’re highly recommended for those seeking to engage in local and regional lifestyles during their travels in Japan!

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The Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art / KINARE was reopened as the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET on July 22, 2021 with a new permanent collection. The museum features 15 permanent works, including eight additions in 2021, along with a museum store. It also serves as a base for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field.

Permanent Collection: Artists include Asai Yusuke, Leandro Erlich, Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, Carlos Garaicoa, Ryota Kuwakubo, Koichi Kurita, Nicolas Darrot, Marnix de Nijs, Michiko Nakatani, Kohei Nawa, Carsten Nicolai, Massimo Bartolini feat. Lorenzo Bini, Me, Moriyama Daido, and Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger.

The first-floor corridor also hosts a community space, designed and supervised by Muji, used for various events.

Ojiya City's textile heritage dates back to the early 10th century, when historical records first mentioned its hemp cloth production.

In the 17th century, local artisans perfected Ojiya Chijimi, a refined form of linen that remains a beloved traditional craft today. This distinctive fabric is known for its unique wrinkled texture and silky smooth feel against the skin. While traditionally used for kimono, you'll now find it crafted into modern items like shirts, wallets, and accessories - perfect for unique souvenirs.

Visit Orinoza on the first floor of Ojiya City General Industrial Hall “Sun Plaza” to try creating this remarkable fabric yourself. Watch weaving demonstrations by skilled artisans and try your hand at simple projects like coaster weaving (fees apply). Don't forget to visit the Takuminoza boutique on the second floor, where you can browse a wide selection of clothing and accessories made with Ojiya Chijimi, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.

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This inn stands alone in a valley where you can find charming waterwheels and charcoal-making huts.
Its hot spring was unearthed by the inn’s founder, and is used for therapeutic baths.
With gorgeous scenery in each season, the views from the baths, which you can reserve free of charge, are stunning.

Established over 180 years ago, Seiuntei Yamaju is a “ryotei” (traditional Japanese-style restaurant) that specializes in “kaiseki” course cuisine within an authentic Japanese environment. The dishes maximize the flavors of meticulously arranged seasonal ingredients. Relax in a private room amongst ever-changing scenery, like cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

Just a two-minute walk away is also Yamaju’s YamaCafe. Housed in a century-old building designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, this cafe specializes in Japanese sweets and other tasty delights. Try the Japanese Basket Bento, which is packed with small servings of different sashimi along with grilled, steamed, fried, and vinegared dishes, providing a more casual way to savor the essence of ryotei cooking.

The Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate is a private museum in the suburbs of Niigata City, the first of its kind in post-war Japan, which preserves the former residence of the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords.

Spanning 3 hectares and taking 8 years to build, the site captivates visitors with its main house, great hall, tea ceremony room, storehouse, and other structures, along with its pond garden and museum of treasures collected by the Ito family.

Within the courtyard stands a 150-year-old giant wisteria tree, boasting a trunk circumference of over 1.6 meters. Its many sprawling branches blossom with purple flowers emitting a sweet fragrance between late April to early May, illuminated at night during peak bloom.

The garden also becomes a spectacle in November, adorned with autumn leaves reminiscent of a colorful mountain. This vibrant tapestry is visible from the 100-mat tatami hall, and the interplay between the red and yellow maple trees and green pines creates a breathtaking contrast. The garden is also illuminated at night when the foliage is at its best, adding a sense of depth.

There’s also a souvenir shop, café, restaurant (reservations required), and accommodation (reservations required). Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Niigata. While most famous for wisteria and autumn leaves, the garden presents year-round charm with cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, snow in winter, and other seasonal expressions.