Niigata prefecture, locating on the central-western coast of Japan, is packed with sights to see. From vast, lush nature to traditional Japanese landscapes, Niigata is a great destination for those who don’t want to go the mainstream travel route. Here are 8 spots in Niigata that you can’t miss when visiting.
Chuetsu Region
First, here are some spots in the Chuetsu Region with amazing views. The Chuetsu Region locates in central Niigata, with cities like Nagaoka and Uonuma. The region is a famous ricemaking area in the prefecture.
1. Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge locates in the southwestern area of Niigata. The gorge measures 12.5 kilometers long, and is considered one of the Three Major Gorges of Japan, along with Kurobe Gorge in Toyama and Osugi Valley in Mie.
The view at Kiyotsu Gorge is absolutely breathtaking. The gorge has been designated as a national natural monument.
Kiyotsu Gorge in the autumn
In the fall, Kiyotsu Gorge is decorated with colorful autumn leaves.
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
You can get a great view of the gorge from the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. The tunnel just reopened in spring 2018.
The view of the gorge reflects on the water in the tunnel, and allows for a painting-like view.
From the tunnel entrance to the end of it is 750 meters. While you walk through the tunnel, you can find special videos that teach you about Kiyotsu Gorge.
2. Hoshi-toge Terraced Rice Fields
Hoshi-toge Terraced Rice Fields
Hoshi-toge terraced rice fields locate in the city of Tokamachi. This rice field is a collection of around 200 small rice fields built on a slope.
Between late June and early September, you might be able to see the rice field with the sea of clouds phenomenon.
Sea of Clouds
This view can only be seen in the early hours of the day. Some people get to the rice fields before sunrise to prepare for the view.
Rice field reflecting the night sky
Between early spring, when the snow on the fields melts, to June and from late October to early winter, you can see this water-mirror effect. The water spread across the field surface acts as a mirror and reflects the sky.
These rice fields belong to local farmers. Make sure to follow basic manners such as keeping out of the rice fields and not littering when visiting.
3. Jabuchi Falls
Jabuchi Falls can be found in central Niigata prefecture. It is said that a huge python lives in these falls, which is where the name “Jabuchi”, meaning “snake abyss”, came from.
The falls are completely closed off in the winter due to heavy snowfall. It was even nicknamed “the isolated island on land” due to its seclusion.
Autumn is a great time to visit Jabuchi Falls. The surrounding leaves change color, and the view is phenomenal. There is a waterfall observatory located near the parking area.
4. Ryugakubo Pond
Ryugakubo Pond
Ryugakubo Pond, in southwestern Niigata, is known for its amazing clarity. On days with little wind, the pond serves as a mirror for the surrounding scenery.
Sign for Ryugakubo Pond’s water
The water at Ryugakubo Pond is always so clear because it is always fresh. Every day, around 43,000 tons of fresh spring water is naturally pumped into the pond.
Ryugakubo Shrine
At Ryugakubo Shrine, located at the bank of the pond, there is a fountain where you can drink the pond water. Bring your own bottle and fill it up with fresh Ryugakubo water!
5. Shiori Pass
Shiori Pass
Shiori Pass, in southeastern Niigata, is a spot with a spectacular view.
Here, you can see the “takigumo” phenomenon. “Takigumo”, literally meaning “waterfall clouds”, is when a cloud cluster looks like it is falling from the sky on the slope of a mountain or hill.
It can only be seen in the early morning hours when there is just the right amount of wind.
Shiori Pass before sunrise
If you get to Shiori Pass before sunrise, you might be able to see the takigumo phenomenon with the starry skies. Visiting between mid-September and late November will increase your chances of seeing this view.
To see this view, you will need to hike up a hill, so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Since you will be arriving at Shiori Pass before sunset, the area will be dark. Make sure to bring a flashlight with you.
View from Shiori Pass in the fall
Shiori Pass is also famous for views during the autumn. Between late October and early November is the best time to visit for the fall colors.
Kaetsu Region
Next are spots in the Kaetsu Region, locating in the southern area of Niigata. It is where you can find the city of Niigata, which is the capital of the prefecture.
6. Lake Hyoko
Lake Hyoko
Lake Hyoko locates in northeastern Niigata. The wetlands surrounding the lake have been registered under the Ramsar Treaty, which protects wetlands worldwide.
Every year, between October and March, swans from Siberia come to Lake Hyoko.
The number of swans on Lake Hyoko peak in late November. About 5,000 swans gather at the lake.
Feeding swans
You can buy food for the swans at nearby shops. However, you cannot feed them anything else aside from the provided foods.
7. Fukushima Lagoon
Fukushima Lagoon
Fukushima Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Niigata.
Behind the lagoon, you can see the Gozu Mountains, which measure around 900 meters tall. The view of the lagoon and the mountains together is breathtaking.
Fukushima Lagoon is famous as a spot for bird watching. Out of the approximately 400 different types of birds in Niigata prefecture, around 220 can be found at Fukushima Lagoon.
Fukushima Lagoon’s canola flowers
Between early April and early May, over a million canola flowers blossom around the lagoon. The flowers and the snow-capped mountains create postcard-like scenery.
8. Sasagawa-nagare Coast
Sasagawa-nagare Coast
Sasagawa-nagare Coast lies in the city of Murakami in northeastern Niigata.
The 11-kilometer is jagged and rocky, which is a result of erosion. In 1972, the area was designated as a national natural monument,
The views at Sasagawa-nagare Coast are beautiful throughout the year. You can experience the views from a 40-minute tour boat. On the ride, you can see famous sights such as Megane-iwa Rock and Kyoryu Rock.
Seagulls
During the boat ride, you can feed seagulls snacks. It is exciting to see the seagulls fly right in front of your eyes.
Sunset at Sasagawa-nagare
When visiting Sasagawa-nagare Coast, you can't miss the sunset. The view of the sunset varies by season and where you see it from.
Summary
Niigata is great to stay for a few nights, and is also great for a day trip from Tokyo. Explore Niigata’s unknown natural masterpieces!
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