Niigata, Japan

Discover the Land of Rice, Sake, and Adventure

A perfect contrast of old and new, where ancient traditions meet modern experiences—you’ll find Niigata prefecture, the largest city on Honshū's Sea of Japan coast.

Start your journey with a relaxing stroll through Niigata’s first citizen park, Hakusan-kōen. Well-manicured gardens, two large koi ponds, the most vibrant cherry blossoms, and the ancient Hukasan Shrine. An inviting space—you’ll find no reason to be “koi” here. Make your way to the bustling Bandai City where you can catch a 360-degree view Niigata and its distant snow-capped mountains from the 20th floor of the Nippō
 observation deck. 
A quick train ride away is the historic cultural Yahiko Village, where amidst the bountiful nature is the Yahiko Shrine. Over 1,000 years-old, this astonishing sacred space is well known for its wish-granting powers.
If you’ve worked up an appetite then you’re in luck—a culinary hotspot, Niigata is home to the sprawling Pia Bandai complex which houses markets and eateries where you can overlook the coast and taste it too. Known for its rice and sake (Japanese rice wine), cap off your day with a visit to Ponshukan Museum, a sake theme park with over 117 varieties for you to try.