Explore a Shinto shrine and other attractions in the foothills of Mt. Yahiko before driving to the summit to take in the extraordinary views.

Although a shrine was first established there in the 8th century, the Yahiko Shrine that stands today was constructed in 1916. Highlights include its bright vermilion torii gate and two guardian lion dogs carved by one of the great stonemasons of the Edo Period. Nearby, you will find the Teradomari Fish Market, where the bounty of the sea will be on display. It is an inspiring setting to enjoy lunch on your own and an authentic slice of life.

As you proceed up Mt. Yahiko, you will follow a winding road with outstanding views of the fertile Niigata Plains and the Sea of Japan. The vistas will be even more spectacular at the summit, where you will stand atop the rotating Panorama Tower, an aptly named lookout that offers 360-degree views of the natural beauty below.

Explore some of the most intriguing locales within the Shibata area just north of Niigata, beginning with the traditional Japanese garden Shimizu-en. The Shibata clan built the garden in the 17th-century around a large pond with a handful of teahouses along its shore. The setting is extraordinarily beautiful and serene. The city of Shibata is also known for its sake, and Gokaibishi Sake Brewery has been producing it since 1790s. As you will discover, the sake is made from Niigata’s celebrated rice and pure water from snowmelt. Then, you will stop by Suwa Shrine near Shimizu-en garden. Lastly, the remains of Shibata’s namesake castle is also well worth a look, as it has been designated an Important Cultural Property for its unusual design. The moat that surrounds the castle is in its original form, as is one of the castle gates and corner turrets.

OVERVIEW

See Niigata – nicknamed the “Water City” for its many rivers, canals and lakes – from two different coastal perspectives that showcase its natural beauty. The urban oasis Hakusan Park has the distinction of being one of Japan’s first public parks and is particularly impressive for its water views as it borders the Shinano River, which flows through the heart of Niigata. Within the park, you will find a large Shinto shrine from the 17th century where the goddess of marriage is worshipped. The setting is wonderfully serene, especially when the surrounding flora is in bloom. You will enjoy a sweeping 360° view of the city and beyond from the Befco Bakauke Observatory on the 31st floor of the Hotel Nikko Niigata, the highest building overlooking the Japan Sea. The large island that you will see to the west is Sado, once a place of exile for disgraced aristocrats.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Hakusan Park, which features Dutch-style water elements.
• Browse the park’s Shinto shrine, a landmark since the mid-1600s.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of Niigata from a 31-story observation deck.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse a cultural museum housed in the former estate of the region’s largest landowners and enjoy a tasting of sake that has been brewed in a traditional manner for more than a century. While visiting the Northern Culture Museum, you will gain insight into eight generations of the Ito family, who made their fortune through agriculture. Following World War II, their entire estate was donated to preserve its cultural importance. As you will discover, the complex includes multiple residences furnished with rare antiques, a banquet hall, tea house and granary that can hold 3,000 bales of rice. The surrounding Niigata Prefecture is still renowned for its rice, the main ingredient in the sake produced at the DHC Brewery. While touring this landmark institution, you will learn about the production of its Japanese rice wine and sample its main brand of sake, Koshino-Bairi. It is known for its smooth, clean finish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the former estate of the region’s largest landowners, which is now a cultural museum.
• Come away with an understanding of how the local culture changed over eight generations.
• Tour a brewery that has been producing sake from local rice for more than a century.
• Sample a selection of sakes that feature different characteristics.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Try your hand at baking senbei rice crackers and visit a sprawling market where many of the ingredients are sold along with other local specialties. Niigata is one of Japan’s major rice-producing prefectures, so it is only natural that rice-based items such as sake and senbei are made in abundance. These crackers are so popular that one of the largest manufacturers opened a theme park in Niigata, where you can learn more than you ever thought possible about senbei. You will see all sorts of rice products at Minato no Marche at Pier Bandai, a gourmet food market along the Shinano River. Uncooked rice, sake and sashimi rice bowls are just a few of the offerings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch artisans grill crackers made with rice grown in the Niigata Prefecture.
• Bake senbei rice crackers and enjoy them right away.
• See an array of rice products at a bustling waterfront market on the river.
• Dine on your own at the market, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit two museums – one devoted to kites, the other concentrating on Niigata’s history – and come away with a deeper understanding of why this area is so special. The collection at the Shirone Kite Museum numbers in the hundreds and includes some of the world’s largest and rarest kites. Most of them are brightly colored and feature illustrations of fierce samurais and folkloric characters that lend insight into the local culture. Kites are synonymous with Niigata in part because of the annual Shirone Giant Kite Battles held there. You can see past kite battles and how the kites are made by watching a video in the museum. The exhibits in the Niigata City History Museum are just as captivating, especially the ones that explain how Niigata developed around the Shinano, the longest river in Japan. You can expect to see life-size dioramas, ship models and excavated artifacts such as pottery, tools and weapons.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a museum with kites so large it takes dozen of people to fly them.
• Learn how the kites are made and how they battle each other during an annual festival.
• See exhibits in the city museum that explain how Niigata evolved through the centuries.
• Gain an understanding of the critical role that water played in Niigata’s development.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.