🕓 2023/2/5
#Tourist Destination
About Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture is a vast prefecture located in the Hokuriku region of Japan, known for its nature, history, and delicious cuisine.
Niigata Prefecture is one of the largest cities in Japan by area, and its picturesque natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions. Within the prefecture, magnificent mountains, clear rivers, and extensive coastlines create a landscape where visitors can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. In particular, the rural landscapes of Niigata form stunning scenery, with beautiful fresh greenery and golden rice paddies spreading across the fields in summer, and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter.
Niigata Prefecture has a long history, with people living here since the Jomon period, cultivating their own unique culture. During the medieval era, it thrived as a major trading hub, and during the Sengoku (Warring States) period, it became the stage for famous warlords such as Uesugi Kenshin. In the modern era, Niigata developed as the center of the Hokuriku region, with Niigata City in particular promoting domestic and international exchange as a port city.
Niigata Prefecture is also famous for its delicious food. Its rich natural environment enables the production of high-quality agricultural products. Niigata’s rice is considered the finest in Japan, and “Koshihikari” is famous nationwide for its exceptional taste. The sake made from this Niigata rice is also renowned for its high quality, earning top accolades from all across Japan and around the world.
As a tourist destination, Niigata Prefecture is truly captivating. Within its blessed natural environment, visitors can find numerous spots to enjoy, including historic hot spring resorts, historical buildings, and gourmet spots featuring local ingredients.
Top 3 Selected Tourist Destinations in Niigata Prefecture
Kiyotsu Gorge
● Attractions
Kiyotsu Gorge is known for its magnificent natural beauty and cultural value. The sculptural beauty of the gorge is particularly highlighted by the columnar jointing rock formations. This terrain was formed by a specific type of rock called quartz diorite porphyry, characterized by crystals of plagioclase and potassium feldspar.
Kiyotsu Gorge offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. In spring, fresh greenery and clear streams; in summer, deep green foliage and crystalline rippling water; in autumn, spectacular contrast of autumn foliage; and in winter, snow-covered landscapes captivate visitors.
Notably, the gorge tunnel features art installations that utilize light and shadow, offering a unique experience where nature and art merge. Through the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, visitors can safely enjoy the beauty of the gorge. This tunnel was constructed after the former walking trail was closed, allowing tourists to once again appreciate the beauty of the gorge.
● History
The formation of Kiyotsu Gorge dates back approximately 20 million years. This area has been characterized by magnificent landscapes created by the forces of nature over millennia, originating from volcanic eruptions that were active in the region centered on Niigata Prefecture.
Over the ages, the erosive action of rivers carved out the deep gorge as we see it today. The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, opened in 1996, was built in response to requests from local residents and tourists. In 2018, as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the tunnel was renovated by the Chinese architecture collective “Ma Yansong / MAD Architects.”
● Access
- Address: Kiyotsu, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
- By car: Approximately 20 minutes from Tokamachi IC on the Joetsu Expressway.
- By train: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Matsudai Station on the JR Iiyama Line.
- By bus: 25 minutes by express bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on JR East (bound for Morimiyanohara), or 20 minutes by bus from Echigo-Tazawa Station.
- Google Maps: Kiyotsu Gorge
- Official Website: Kiyotsu Gorge Official Site
Sado Gold and Silver Mine Ruins
● Attractions
The allure of the Gold and Silver Mine Ruins lies in its long history and unique cultural heritage. This site is the only place in Japan where the entire process from mining to koban (gold coin) production was carried out in an integrated manner, and more than 100 illustrated mine scrolls depicting these processes survive both domestically and internationally. These scrolls are invaluable records that detail the advanced mining techniques and management changes at the Sado Gold and Silver Mine.
Furthermore, on Sado Island, facilities such as the Kitazawa Flotation Plant and Sado Nishi-Mikawa Gold Park allow visitors to learn about the history and methods of gold extraction, and even try panning for gold themselves. These facilities are the achievements of mining technology that was once called “the best in the East,” allowing visitors to closely experience the history of the gold and silver mines.
● History
The history of Sado Gold and Silver Mine began with its development in the late 16th century, and it became one of Japan’s most important sources of revenue throughout the Edo period. Particularly in the early Edo period, more than 400 kg of gold was produced annually, making it one of the world’s largest gold mines at the time. Its output played a crucial role in supporting the finances of the Edo Shogunate.
Throughout the Edo period, 102 Sado magistrates were dispatched, among whom Okubo Nagayasu and Ogiwara Shigehide contributed greatly to the development of the gold and silver mines. Okubo Nagayasu introduced techniques from the Iwami Silver Mine, developed towns, roads to the mines, and ports, bringing prosperity to Aikawa. Ogiwara Shigehide contributed to increased gold and silver production by excavating the Minamisawa drainage tunnel to solve the problem of underground water seepage.
● Access
- Location: Sado City, Niigata Prefecture
- Access to Sado Island: By ferry or air from Niigata City to Sado Island.
- Getting to Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Accessible by bus or car from within Sado Island.
- Official Website: https://www.city.sado.niigata.jp/site/bunkazai/5180.html
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7afeQXfhnhE3cQ68
Yahiko Shrine
● Attractions
Yahiko Shrine is a representative shrine of Niigata Prefecture, known for its long history, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous points of interest. The shrine is widely revered by many people and is affectionately known as “Oyahiko-sama.” The principal deity enshrined is Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto, also known as Iyahiko-no-Okami.
One of its greatest attractions is the harmonious blend of rich nature and historic structures. A highlight is the grand torii gate, standing over 30 meters tall and considered the largest in Japan. It was erected in 1982 to commemorate the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen and makes a striking impression on visitors as they approach the shrine. The shrine grounds also feature eight subsidiary shrines, each enshrining different deities believed to bestow various blessings. Additionally, visitors can try the unique experience of the “Fire Ball Stones” (heavy-light stones), where they can divine their fortune based on how heavy the stone feels when lifted.
● History
Yahiko Shrine is the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Echigo Province with approximately 2,400 years of history, enshrining Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. As the pioneering deity of Echigo Province, this god taught local people various industries, was enshrined on Mt. Yahiko, and was revered as “Iyahiko-no-Kami.”
During the Edo period, the shrine received donations from Tokugawa Ieyasu and successive shoguns, and its shrine buildings were repaired. In the Meiji era, it was elevated to the rank of Kokuhei Chusha (middle-ranking national shrine), establishing its status as a nationally significant shrine. In the Showa era, the shrine received imperial visits from the Emperor and Empress, and the grand torii gate, the largest in Japan, was erected to commemorate the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen. Yahiko Shrine continues to pray for the safety of the Imperial family and the prosperity of the nation throughout its long history.
● Access
- Address: 7342-4 Yasaku, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture
- Phone: 0256-94-3154 (Yahiko Tourism Association)
- Access:
Train: 10-minute walk from JR Yasaku Station
Car: 20 minutes from Sanjo Tsubame IC on the Hokuriku Expressway - Official Website: Yahiko Shrine Official Site
- Google Maps: Yahiko Shrine Location