Niigata: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Niigata Prefecture is a prefecture in the Hokuriku region facing the Sea of Japan. It is the second largest rice region in Japan after Hokkaido, and is known as Japan’s largest rice producer. It is also rich in magnificent natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions, and is visited by many tourists throughout the year.

Niigata Prefecture is blessed with a rich natural environment, including a coastline facing the Sea of Japan, mountains such as Mt. Myoko and Mt. Iide, which are among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and islands such as Sado Island and the Noto Peninsula. Myoko Kogen and Lake Okutadami are also famous for their beautiful autumn leaves. Kiyotsu Gorge, one of Japan’s three major canyons, offers a spectacular view of the steeply rising valley, the sky, and the flowing river.

Niigata Prefecture has a history and culture that has flourished since ancient times. There are a variety of tourist attractions, including historical ruins such as Mt. Gozu and the ruins of Gozu Castle, as well as modern facilities such as Toki Messe and Niigata City Art Museum. Shibata Castle, which is counted as one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles, is also famous.

Many of the gourmet foods you can enjoy in Niigata Prefecture are of high quality. In Niigata Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan, you can enjoy fresh seafood such as yellowtail, salmon, and snow crab. It is also famous as one of Japan’s leading rice producers, and Koshihikari is Niigata Prefecture’s brand rice. Because the rice and water are delicious, sake is also famous. Many famous sake brands, such as Hakkaisan and Kubota, are produced in Niigata Prefecture.