Niigata Prefecture is located along the Sea of Japan in the Chubu region. One of the major stations within Niigata is Niigata Station, which is about a two-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
Niigata is one of Japan’s top rice-producing regions and is also famous for its delicious sake. Additionally, being situated along the coast, it offers excellent seafood. As a snowy region, Niigata experiences heavy snowfall in winter, making it well-known for its ski resorts.
Major stations
The major stations in Niigata Prefecture are as follows. Niigata Station is said to have the highest number of passengers.
- Niigata Station
It takes about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. - Nagaoka Station
It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
From Niigata Station, it takes about 20 minutes by Shinkansen and about 55 minutes by regular train. - Echigo-Yuzawa Station
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
From Niigata Station, it takes about 45 minutes by Shinkansen.
From Nagaoka Station, it takes about 25 minutes by Shinkansen and about 1 hour and 20 minutes by regular train.
Please take a look at the photos of the area around Niigata Station! There’s a bus terminal in front of the station, along with restaurants and a station building, creating a lively atmosphere!
Introducing Spots in Niigata Prefecture
- Yahiko Shrine
About 1.5 to 2 hours from Niigata Station, approximately 35 km away. It is one of the most prominent power spots in Niigata Prefecture.
For more details, check out this article: https://eyt-japan.com/yahiko-shrine/ - Kiyotsu Gorge
About 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours from Niigata Station, approximately 120 km away. Why not relax in this gorge created by nature?
For more details, check out this article: https://eyt-japan.com/kiyotsu-gorge/
- Kasugayama Castle Ruins
About 2 to 3 hours from Niigata Station, approximately 130 km away. This is the site of the castle once owned by Uesugi Kenshin, a warlord who left his mark on Japanese history.
For more details, check out this article: https://eyt-japan.com/kasugayama-castle/
- Teradomari Fish Market Street
About 1.5 to 2 hours from Niigata Station, approximately 46 km away. Enjoy a vibrant market with plenty of street food!
For more details, check out this article: https://eyt-japan.com/teradomari/
- “Pia Bandai” at Niigata Station
About a 20 to 25-minute walk from Niigata Station, approximately 1.6 km away. You can buy and enjoy sake, meat, fish, and sushi. Aren’t you hungry? Let’s head there in that state!
Local Food of Niigata
- Hegi Soba
Hegi soba is served cold and uses a binder called nori (seaweed), which gives the noodles a firm and chewy texture.
- Tare Katsu
Tare katsu consists of a pork cutlet soaked in a sweet soy sauce sauce, served on top of a warm bowl of white rice.
- Niigata’s Five Major Ramen
Many people associate Japan with ramen, and Niigata Prefecture is particularly famous for its delicious ramen. Niigata boasts the “Five Major Ramen,” which are:
- Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen
- Back Fat Ramen
- Rich Miso Ramen
- Light Soy Sauce Ramen
- Curry Ramen
The photo is of Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen.