🕓 2023/2/5
＃観光地
Niigata Prefecture is the largest city in Japan in terms of area, boasting its scenic natural beauty. It encompasses grand mountains, pristine rivers, and expansive coastlines, offering the beauty of the four seasons. In particular, the rural scenery of Niigata forms a beautiful landscape, with beautiful new greenery and golden rice fields spreading in summer, and a tranquil scenery covered in snow spreading in winter.
The history of Niigata Prefecture is old, with people living from the Jomon period, nurturing their own culture. In the Middle Ages, it flourished as a key point of trade, and in the Warring States period, it became the stage for warlords, including Kenshin Uesugi. In modern times, Niigata Prefecture developed as the center of the Hokuriku region, and Niigata City, in particular, as a port city, promoted exchanges with domestic and overseas.
In addition, Niigata is famous for its delicious food. The rich natural environment enables the production of high-quality agricultural products. The rice in Niigata is considered the best in Japan, and because of its deliciousness, "Koshihikari" is famous nationwide. The sake made from this Niigata rice is also known for its high quality and has received high praise not only from all over Japan but also from all over the world.
As a tourist destination, Niigata is also attractive. In the rich natural environment, there are many spots that entertain visitors, such as old hot springs, historical buildings, and gourmet spots that make use of local ingredients.
Kiyotsu Gorge is renowned for its magnificent natural beauty and cultural significance. The gorge's unique geological formations, particularly the columnar jointing, stand out, formed from specific types of rocks known as diabase, characterized by crystals of plagioclase and potassium feldspar.
Visitors can enjoy the changing beauty of Kiyotsu Gorge throughout the seasons. In spring, fresh greenery and clear streams; in summer, lush greenery and refreshing brooks; in autumn, a stunning contrast of fall colors; and in winter, mesmerizing snowscapes captivate visitors.
The gorge tunnel offers a unique experience where nature and art merge, showcasing art installations that utilize light and shadow. The view from the tunnel allows visitors to safely appreciate the beauty of the gorge. Constructed after the closure of the former walking path, the tunnel was built to enable tourists to enjoy the gorge's beauty once again.
The formation of Kiyotsu Gorge dates back approximately 20 million years. The area has long been shaped by the forces of nature, with volcanic eruptions in the region around Niigata Prefecture being the origin.
Over millennia, erosion by rivers formed the current deep valley. The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, established in 1996, was constructed in response to local residents and tourists' demands. In 2018, as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel was renovated by the Chinese architectural group "MAD Architects."
The allure of the Sado Gold and Silver Mines lies in their extensive history and unique cultural heritage. These sites are unique within Japan, offering a comprehensive look from mining to coin production, a process detailed in over 100 surviving mining scrolls. These scrolls serve as invaluable documents, detailing the advanced mining techniques and the evolution of mine management used at the Sado mines.
Furthermore, Sado Island hosts facilities like the Kitazawa Flotation Plant and the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, where visitors can learn about the history of gold mining and even try their hands at panning for gold. These facilities, once hailed as the best in the East for their mining technology, bring the history of the gold and silver mines closer to visitors.
The history of the Sado Gold and Silver Mines began in the late 16th century and became one of Japan's most significant sources of wealth through the Edo period. Notably, in the early Edo period, the mines produced over 400kg of gold annually, making them one of the largest gold mines of the time. This output played a critical role in supporting the finances of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Throughout the Edo period, 102 officials were dispatched as Sado magistrates, with figures like Okubo Nagayasu and Ogihara Shigehide making significant contributions to the development of the mines. Okubo Nagayasu introduced mining techniques from the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, spearheaded town planning, and improved roads and ports, leading to Aikawa's prosperity. On the other hand, Ogihara Shigehide addressed the issue of water in the mines by constructing the Minamizawa leat, thereby increasing gold and silver production.
Yahiko Shrine, located in Niigata Prefecture, is a leading shrine known for its extensive history, natural beauty, and various points of interest. It has garnered faith from many people over the years, affectionately known as "Oyahiko-sama." The main deity worshipped here is Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto, also revered as Iyahiko-no-Ōkami.
One of the shrine's most significant attractions is its rich natural landscape and historical structures. Among these, the most striking is the giant torii gate, standing over 30 meters tall, making it the tallest in Japan. This torii gate was erected in 1982 to commemorate the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen, offering a profound first impression to visitors. Additionally, the shrine grounds house eight auxiliary and minor shrines, each enshrining deities with various blessings. Another unique experience at Yahiko Shrine is the "Fireball Stones" (heavy-light stones), where visitors can test their fortune by lifting stones to determine the heaviness, which is believed to indicate good or bad luck.
Yahiko Shrine, the chief Shinto shrine of Echigo Province, has a history spanning about 2400 years and is dedicated to Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto. The shrine has been revered as the deity responsible for developing the Echigo region, teaching the local people various industries and thus being worshipped on Mount Yahiko as "Iyahiko-no-Ōkami."
During the Edo period, the shrine received donations and repairs from Tokugawa Ieyasu and subsequent shoguns. In the Meiji era, it was elevated to the status of a national shrine, solidifying its position as a central site for state Shinto rituals. The Showa period saw the imperial visits and the construction of Japan's largest torii gate in celebration of the Joetsu Shinkansen's opening. Yahiko Shrine continues to pray for the prosperity and safety of the imperial family and the nation, alongside its long history.