Rural Japan at Its Finest: Why Niigata Will Capture Your Heart
Just over an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, Niigata is a hidden gem of rural perfection. With the peaks of the Japan alps running down one side and the beauty of the sea of Japan stretching out on the other side, there is no better place to enjoy the best of Japanese nature. Even the train journey is an experience in itself – one minute you’re in the outskirts of Tokyo then all is darkness as you travel through the mountain tunnels before emerging into the gorgeous mountains of Niigata.
Soft clouds of snow and rice
In the heart of Snow Country, Tokamachi is an area well off the beaten track that is worth taking the time to explore. Buried in deep snow drifts in winter, nature springs to life with the warmer weather and the contrast is truly a sight to behold. Perhaps most known for the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale, this area is a treasure trove of hidden sights – from the stunning Tunnel of Light to the peace of the forest of Bijin Bayashi. One sight which can be enjoyed year round, but is perhaps most stunning in spring and autumn, are the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces. The stepped rice fields line the mountains and each water-filled field is a calm mirror reflecting the blue skies or the auburn sunsets.
Hot springs and mountain delicacies
A short drive away lies Matsunoyama Onsen Village where visitors enjoy the health benefits of the hot springs, which are considered to be some of the most medicinal in Japan. The village street is lined with various quaint hotels and restaurants, but one of our favourites is Takimiya Soba. A retro restaurant packed with over 100 years of history and a plethora of jazz records, you are sure to be charmed by the atmosphere and delighted by the fresh soba – buckwheat noodles. To savour the best seasonal treats of the local area, Matsudai Nohbutai is the place to visit. Not only can you enjoy some stunning art in the midst of lush rice fields, on weekends you can feast on freshly prepared local delicacies in a mouth watering buffet.
Be exiled in paradise
Travel further up the coast, look out across the clear waters of the Japan Sea and you may see the rugged island of Sado. Once a home for exiles, Sado now welcomes visitors to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and rich culture of the island. Explore the historic Sado Gold Mines, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can learn about the island’s rich mining history. You can even try your hand at panhandling for gold, or take a guided tour to uncover the fascinating techniques and stories of the miners. In addition to the mines, you can learn about the symbol of Niigata, the endangered toki – crested ibis – at the Toki Forest Park. One of the most exciting activities is a trip in the uniquely shaped tarai bune. This barrel-shaped boat is expertly steered using only one paddle and has traditionally been used for fishing, but can now be used to enjoy a quirky tour around the island’s coastline.
From frosty mountain peaks, to verdant forest parks, Niigata is a nature lover’s paradise. Many visit for the ski season, but as you can see, the area has so much more to offer throughout the rest of the year. Niigata is a fantastic place to visit for anyone whether you’re a hiker, self-care enthusiast, foodie, art aficionado or skier. Talk to one of our specialists about how you could include Niigata in your personalised itinerary.