Niigata Prefecture〜One of Japan’s Leading Rice-Producing Regions and Home to Sake〜
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.
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!
Niigata Station. It’s huge!The station building inside Niigata Station, CoCoLoOne of the floors inside CoCoLo. Many people are enjoying shopping.” Niigata Bar★Men Yokocho” inside CoCoLo: A food court with ramen shops and restaurants.The area in front of the station is a bus rotary.There are also many large buildings around the station.The Shinano River, Japan’s longest river. Views during the day and night.Furumachi, an area about 3 kilometers from Niigata Station, is a charming place slightly removed from the station. It’s home to many restaurants.
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.
Koshihikari (a brand name of rice)
“Uonuma Koshihikari” is a rice brand that is widely recognized by almost all Japanese citizens. While you may not find it in major urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, there are rice shops in Niigata. Some stores sell it starting from about 1 kg. Japanese rice is truly delicious.
The photo shows Shiozawa Rice Shop, which sells Uonuma Koshihikari (Google Maps).
Sake
There are various types of sake produced in Niigata. When you visit supermarkets, station buildings, or souvenir shops, you can undoubtedly find a wide selection of Niigata sake available for purchase.
Sasa Dango
Sasa dango is a traditional sweet rice cake from Niigata Prefecture, wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings. The bamboo leaves give it a unique flavor and aroma, making it a popular treat, especially during festivals and special occasions.Some sasa dango can be eaten as is, while others are meant to be heated in the microwave before eating.
Note: This article contains information as of September 21, 2024.