Niigata Prefecture, nestled along the coast of the Sea of Japan, is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and world-renowned sake, Niigata offers a multifaceted experience for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. This article explores three captivating destinations within the prefecture—Joetsu, Sado Island, and Myoko—each offering unique experiences that highlight the essence of Niigata.
JOETSU
Echigo-Kenshin Sake Festival
Joetsu City, steeped in history and tradition, is home to the annual Echigo-Kenshin Sake Festival, a vibrant celebration that intertwines the region’s rich samurai heritage with its esteemed sake culture. The festival commemorates the legendary warlord Uesugi Kenshin, who ruled the area during the Sengoku period, and pays homage to the art of sake brewing—a craft applied to UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage which should be approved in 2024 or 2025 for its Traditional Japanese Sake Brewing, acknowledging the profound cultural significance and centuries-old techniques preserved by Japanese brewers.
At the Echigo-Kenshin Sake Festival, visitors can sample a diverse array of sakes from 29 local breweries. Notable among them is Kubiki Shuzo, a Joetsu-based brewery renowned for its adherence to traditional brewing methods that produce sakes with deep, complex flavours. Another highlight is Maruyama Shuzojo, founded in 1822 and located in nearby Myoko. This historic, family-run brewery has remained true to the traditional techniques passed down through generations, using the soft water from Myoko’s snowmelt and carefully selected rice varieties to craft sakes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Beyond the sake, the festival features actors in period costumes re-enacting events from Uesugi Kenshin’s life, providing a dynamic and immersive historical experience. Culinary stalls serve Niigata’s specialities, such as squid tempura, allowing attendees to indulge in local flavours while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
SADO ISLAND
Kato Shuzoten Sake Brewery
A short ferry ride from Niigata’s mainland brings you to Sado Island, a place of serene beauty and rich traditions. Among its many attractions is the Kato Shuzoten Sake Brewery, established in 1862 by Kato Yoshitaro. This family-run brewery has been crafting sake for over 160 years, maintaining traditional sake-making methods while refining techniques passed down through generations. Although the brewery is not open to the public, its sakes can be enjoyed throughout the island, reflecting the essence of Sado. Kato Shuzoten’s brewing process sets it apart. Utilising Sado’s soft water and locally sourced rice, the brewery polishes the rice to achieve the perfect balance of flavour and aroma. These time-consuming processes require skilled brewers to closely monitor each stage, creating a product that is both full-bodied and refined. Sustainability plays a key role, with the brewery ensuring its practices respect the island’s environment.
Yakatahan Ryokan
For an authentic Japanese lodging experience, Yakatahan Ryokan provides a perfect blend of traditional hospitality and modern comfort. The ryokan is known for its exquisite kaiseki dinners, multi-course meals that showcase seasonal and local ingredients. During a recent cultural exchange initiative, guests dined alongside local officials, enriching the experience with insights into the island’s culture and community. The kaiseki meal, paired with Kato Shuzoten’s finest sakes, began with Igoneri, a local seaweed jelly, and included delicacies like fried Nodoguro and Amaebi sashimi. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, emphasising the natural flavours of ingredients sourced from the island’s abundant waters and fertile land.
Shukunegi Village and Taraibune
Stepping into Shukunegi Village feels like travelling back in time. This historic hamlet, once a bustling hub for shipbuilders and traders, is characterised by narrow lanes and tightly clustered wooden houses built with ship planks. The village reflects Edo-period prosperity and is a testament to the island’s maritime heritage. Nearby, visitors can experience a ride in a Taraibune, or tub boat, a traditional mode of transportation used by local fishermen. These oval-shaped boats, navigated with a single paddle, offer a unique perspective of the coastline and are an iconic symbol of Sado Island’s fishing culture.
Sado Gold and Silver Mine
The Sado Gold and Silver Mine is a historical site that played a crucial role in Japan’s economic development during the Edo period. Once one of the world’s most productive mines, it has been meticulously preserved and had achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in August 2024. Visitors can explore underground tunnels, witness mining exhibits, and learn about the technological advancements of the era. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the labour and ingenuity that fuelled a significant part of Japan’s history.
MYOKO
Aoshima Ramen
Nestled in the mountains of Niigata, Myoko City is a destination that delights food enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. A must-try local speciality is the Aoshima Ramen, characterised by its ginger shoyu (soy sauce) broth. The soup’s warming ginger flavour is particularly satisfying in the cooler months and reflects the region’s hearty culinary traditions.
Bandai Fish Market
For a vibrant culinary experience, the Bandai Fish Market is the place to be. Although located in Niigata City, it is easily accessible from Myoko and offers an astonishing variety of fresh seafood. From sashimi-grade fish to ready-to-eat snacks, the market is a feast for the senses. It’s an excellent spot to observe the daily life of locals and sample the freshest catches from the Sea of Japan.
Maruyama Shuzojo Sake Brewery
In Myoko, the Maruyama Shuzojo Sake Brewery, founded in 1822, continues the region’s esteemed brewing traditions as a family-run establishment spanning generations. The brewery has a strong connection to the snowy region of Myoko, using the area’s abundant natural resources, including pristine snowmelt water integral to its brewing process. Using the soft water from Myoko’s snowmelt and carefully selected rice varieties, the brewery polishes its rice to the ideal level, ensuring a balanced and nuanced flavour.
They are known for employing the sokujo brewing method which adds lactic acid directly into the fermentation mash resulting in a conventional easy, with a smooth and light sweetness. The brewery is best known for its Daiginjo sake, exemplifying smoothness and a refined aroma. The Junmai Daiginjo offers a delicate yet complex flavour with subtle notes of fruit and a crisp finish. Another standout is their Tokubetsu Junmai, reflecting the purity of the local water and rice, providing a rich yet clean taste. Their Yamahai Junmai, produced using traditional methods, has a robust, earthy flavour with pronounced umami, appealing to those who appreciate more complex sakes.
Café Hayashi
For a cosy retreat, Café Hayashi offers a warm atmosphere and a menu of delightful pastries and beverages. Set against the backdrop of Myoko’s natural beauty, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration. The café prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal fruits and artisanal cheeses.
RRR Restaurant Specialising in Wagyu at APA Resort
The APA Resort in Myoko is home to the RRR Steak & Wine Restaurant, renowned for its specialisation in Niigata Wagyu beef. The restaurant offers a fusion of French culinary techniques with Japanese ingredients, creating a unique dining experience. The charcoal-grilled Murakami beef with Madeira sauce is a standout dish, showcasing the exquisite marbling and flavour of the local Wagyu. The menu also features dishes like marinated Sado salmon and roasted lobster with Antiboise sauce, emphasising the region’s exceptional seafood. The use of Kanzuri butter, made from a local chilli paste, adds a distinctive Niigata twist to the meal. The elegant setting and impeccable service make dining at RRR a memorable experience.
Kiminoi Brewery
Another gem in Myoko is the Kiminoi Brewery, established in 1842 and currently led by President Masaru Tanaka, whose family has overseen operations for generations. Kiminoi upholds a tradition of using high-quality local ingredients, including rice from nearby fields and pristine mountain water, to produce sake that embodies the essence of the region. What makes Kiminoi unique is its emphasis on traditional brewing methods, particularly slow fermentation at low temperatures. This process allows the flavours to develop more complexity, resulting in sake with a rich depth of taste. Among Kiminoi’s offerings, the Junmai Ginjo stands out as one of their most popular sakes, known for its clean, balanced taste and delicate aroma. Another well-regarded bottle is the Junmai Daiginjo, a premium sake praised for its refined texture and fruity notes, appealing to both seasoned sake drinkers and newcomers.
Niigata Kaiseki Culinary Workshop
For those interested in culinary arts, a showcasing called the Niigata Kaiseki Culinary Workshop at Kappo Takahashi in Joetsu led by esteemed chefs Shigeru Kagitomi and Kazuki Sato, demonstrated via a workshop into the fundamentals of kaiseki cuisine, Japan’s traditional multi-course dining. Participants learn to prepare dishes using local Niigata ingredients, such as kubiki-gyu beef and Koshihikari rice. The workshop covers a variety of courses, from appetisers like fresh yuba and uni to intricate dishes like matsutake mushroom dashi and aged kubiki beef roasted with its own fat. The hands-on experience provides a deep appreciation for the meticulous preparation and seasonal sensitivity that define kaiseki cuisine.
Visiting Niigata offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend history, culture, and gastronomy. From the historical streets of Joetsu and the serene landscapes of Sado Island to the culinary delights of Myoko, each destination provides its own unique window into the heart of Japan. Whether you’re sipping sake from a centuries-old brewery, savouring fresh seafood by the sea, or wandering through historic villages, Niigata invites you to immerse yourself in its traditions and create lasting memories.