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This post is about Niigata Prefecture in Japan, with tips on an exceptional "glamping" style accommodation, local food spots, as well as special sights and activities in nature. In my opinion, Niigata is a special prefecture with spectacular scenery, which will especially delight nature lovers.
From Tokyo to Niigata
By car
There are different ways to get from Tokyo to Niigata Prefecture. One of them is to drive there by rental car. We opted for this option and rented a car for three days through the company "Toyota Rental Car". The cost was around 35,500 yen.
The driving time to Niigata is about four hours. During the drive, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Japan.
However, there are tolls. It is best to check in advance about the costs involved, for example via Google Maps, and the available payment options so that you have a smooth journey.
Here you can find out how to get from Tokyo to Niigata by car.
By Shinkansen
Another alternative to get to Niigata Prefecture is by train. I recommend you take the Shinkansen , a high-speed train that is very popular in Japan. Compared to the car, the journey time by Shinkansen is half as long and takes about two hours - there is a direct connection from Tokyo to the city of Niigata.
Prices for Shinkansen tickets can vary. If you book your ticket early enough, your costs may be reduced. You can also find a price estimate via Google Maps. Another alternative is the Japan Rail Pass .
If you are coming to Japan as a tourist, you can use this pass to ride unlimited on all trains on the JR network - including the Shinkansen - and save a lot of money.
Here you can find out how to get from Tokyo to Niigata by Shinkansen.
Our Glamping Accommodation: Tiny House
We decided on a very special type of accommodation: Glamping. This is "glamorous camping" - a mini-house in the middle of nature, within walking distance of a small lake. The toilet and shower are in a building next door and not in the accommodation itself.
Getting there is a bit tricky as public transport is limited. Therefore, I recommend arriving by car.
When we arrived, we found that the Tiny House was not yet ready. Despite prior reservation on the provider's website and confirmation, our booking didn't seem to have gone through. This meant we had to wait about two hours for everything to be prepared. Despite these inconveniences, there were also positive aspects: The owner of the property speaks fluent English, which made communication very easy, and he made every effort to get the accommodation ready for us as quickly as possible.
The accommodation includes a barbecue set for grilling, but you have to bring your own food. The nearest supermarket is about twenty minutes away by car.
Check-in is possible from 3 pm and on the day of departure you should leave the Tiny House by 11 am at the latest. The price for the stay of two people was a total of 52,500 yen for two nights.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/V6g3yKey4KsMZzYM6
Restaurant Vitraux
Since the Tiny House wasn't ready when we arrived, we took the opportunity to eat at the "Vitraux" restaurant. This restaurant is located near Echigo Yuzawa Station (Yuzawa Main Station) and offers Western-style dishes with a Japanese twist.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uFpBGxUpbNNjA5pz5
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Echigo Hillside Park
Echigo Hillside Park is a large park with beautiful gardens and walking paths. It is open every day and normally admission costs 450 yen. However, we were lucky enough to visit the park on a day when admission was free! The park is the perfect place to visit during the spring season, especially in May when the park is adorned with a wealth of beautiful flowers, including tulips.
Overall, Echigo Hillside Park is a nice park for families or couples. With its huge green spaces and family-friendly activities, it's a great place to spend a day or just a few hours to relax and enjoy nature.
Official website: https://echigo-park.jp/
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Teradomari Street Market (Sakana no Ameyoko)
The Teradomari Fish Market is an important part of the local culture in Niigata and a popular destination for tourists. Here you can find a wide selection of fresh fish that can be purchased directly on site. It is said that the fish from the nearby Sea of Japan tastes better than the fish from the Pacific Ocean due to its freshness - I can definitely confirm that I enjoyed it very much here!
The many food stalls offer a variety of fresh dishes - grilled in front of you, fish soup is served and you can also find crab here. We opted for Donburi. A bowl of rice with two kinds of fish, sea urchin and fish roe. The market is located directly by the sea, giving you a great view of the water.
It might be difficult to get to the market by public transport. Therefore, I recommend you arrive by car. The fish market is open every day - public holidays can affect opening hours.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/r2ezbh1RSa1Zxdji7
Kakuda Misaki Lighthouse
Kakukda Misaki Lighthouse is located on a picturesque vantage point right by the sea. The idyllic landscape is reminiscent of the beauty of Ireland - with gentle green hills and surrounded by rocky cliffs, you have a wonderful view of the water there - I recommend you come here for the perfect end to your day at sunset.
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Niigata Prefecture is a popular ski area that attracts many visitors in winter. It offers a variety of slopes and runs for skiers and snowboarders.
The Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is also a popular destination. For 1,400 yen, you can easily reach the top by lift. Once you reach the top, you will also find a restaurant where you can get something to eat. If you visit the resort in the summer, you can also hike here wonderfully.
But even in the summer, there are various seasonal family activities at the ski resort, such as summer bobsledding, where you zoom down the mountain on a kind of toboggan run. This is not only a lot of fun for children, but also for adults. What surprised me was that there is still a snow play area there in May!
Official website: https://www.yuzawakogen.com/
Fishing in Niigata
Fishing is a very popular hobby in Japan. The Niigata region offers ideal conditions for fishing and we also tried our luck at fishing. Thanks to the numerous free parking spaces along the coast, the perfect fishing spot is quickly found here.
We were able to catch small mackerel, which we prepared as fried fish in the evening at our accommodation thanks to the included barbecue set.
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
The Kiyotsu Gorge is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes in Niigata. The gorge is surrounded by lush green forests - a river meanders along there, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is located in this gorge and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. From here you can admire the beauty of the gorge in all its glory and there are always special art exhibitions here. What we unfortunately didn't know: you need a ticket to enter the tunnel! The ticket price is 1,000 yen, which must be purchased online in advance. But: a relaxing foot bath is included!
I recommend getting there by car, as there is hardly any public transport.
Official website (can be switched to English): https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 daily
The regional specialty: Hegi Soba
As an avid foodie, I couldn't resist trying the regional specialty. It's called “Hegi Soba” and is a delicious soba noodle dish garnished with nori (dried seaweed). The bite-sized noodles are served on a tray called "Hegi" and are cold, giving them a refreshing touch.
Conclusion of the Niigata Trip
Niigata Prefecture is an exceptional travel destination with spectacular scenery that has its charm at any time of year. From beautiful gardens and walking paths to gorges and a picturesque vantage point right by the sea, Niigata offers a wealth of sights. Whether in spring when the most diverse flowers bloom, in summer for hiking in the mountains, in autumn to admire the colorful autumn foliage or in winter as a popular ski area - Niigata offers something for everyone.
If you are planning a trip to Niigata, keep in mind that public transport in the countryside is rather rare. Therefore, I recommend you arrive by car to be flexible.
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