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Niigata Prefecture (新潟)
Our Recommendation
4/5
Review: Consider visting if you have time

Niigata is a great place for those who love nature and outdoor activities, with many options to choose from. The region has famous ski resorts like Echigo-Yuzawa and stunning terraced rice paddies in Hoshitoge. Niigata’s coastal areas have beautiful beaches, and there are ferries that can take visitors to the charming Sado Island. The local cuisine, which includes seafood, rice, and sake, is a must-try. The area also hosts lively festivals throughout the year, such as fireworks and cherry blossom festivals, which are some of the best in Japan. Niigata is easily accessible from Tokyo, with a travel time of just over an hour by bullet train.

Niigata Prefecture (新潟)

Our Recommendation
4/5
Consider visiting if you have time

Niigata is a great place for those who love nature and outdoor activities, with many options to choose from. The region has famous ski resorts like Echigo-Yuzawa and stunning terraced rice paddies in Hoshitoge. Niigata’s coastal areas have beautiful beaches, and there are ferries that can take visitors to the charming Sado Island. The local cuisine, which includes seafood, rice, and sake, is a must-try. The area also hosts lively festivals throughout the year, such as fireworks and cherry blossom festivals, which are some of the best in Japan. Niigata is easily accessible from Tokyo, with a travel time of just over an hour by bullet train.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Niigata

Tsunan Snow Festival

Our Recommendation
4.2/5
Popular snow festival held in February
Best time to visit: February
Duration: 1-3 hours
Price: Free
Activities: Sightseeing

Tsunan Snow Festival is a winter event that takes place in the city of Tsunan in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The festival is known for its beautiful snow sculptures and other winter activities, which attract visitors from all over Japan and beyond. The festival usually takes place in early February and lasts for three days…

Hoshitoge no Tanada

Our Recommendation
3/5
Beautiful landscape, best to visit by car
Best time to visit: Spring, Summer
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: Free
Activities: Sightseeing

Hoshitoge no Tane-dai is a scenic rice terrace located in the town of Tainai in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The terrace is known for its stunning beauty, and is considered one of the most picturesque rice terraces in Japan. Hoshitoge no Tane-dai covers an area of about 500 hectares…

Bijin-rin

Our Recommendation
3/5
Symbol of Tokyo with a long history and gateway to the rest of the country
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration:1 hour
Price: Free
Activities: Sightseeing

“Bijin-rin” is a popular tourist destination in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It is located in the town of Tainai, and is a well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves. The name “Bijin-rin” literally means “beautiful woman forest”, 

Kiyotsukyo Gorge

Our Recommendation
3.5/5
A very picturesque gorge worth stopping by
Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Price: Adults: 1,000 yen, Child: 400 yen
Activities: Sightseeing

Kiyotsukyo Gorge is a scenic gorge located in the city of Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The gorge is considered one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan, and is known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural and historical heritage. Kiyotsukyo Gorge is formed by the Kiyotsu River, which runs through a narrow valley surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests…

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Potential Itineraries

A Cultural Day Trip to Kamakura

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
A great travel option if you want to stay close to Tokyo
Number of Days: 1 day
Sub-destination: Kamakura
Best time to visit: All year
Activities:

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

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1~2 Day trip to Hakone

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Experience the Japanese Onsen culture
Number of Days: 1-2 days
Sub-destination: Hakone
Best time to visit: All year
Activities: Onsen, Outdoors

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

1~2 Day trip to Nikko

Our Recommendation
4.5/5
Experience Mother Nature while learning about Japanese History
Number of Days: 1-2 days
Sub-destination: Nikko
Best time to visit: All year
Activities: Onsen, Outdoors

While prices are generally cheap, this is perhaps not the case with transport costs. If you are seeking to maximize your time with limited money, Kamakura, which served as the capital centuries ago, may be a good idea. 

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