5 Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Niigata!

Niigata Prefecture, located along the Sea of Japan on Honshu Island, offers breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Although Echigo-Yuzawa is famous as a ski resort town, the area is also home to Kiyotsu Gorge — one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan — which attracts visitors from all over the country. On top of that, there are many other attractions worth exploring.

This article will highlight five must-visit tourist spots in Niigata to help you experience its charm and diversity to the fullest!

1. Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel

Located in Tokamachi City, Kiyotsu Gorge ranks among Japan’s top three gorges alongside Kurobe Gorge in Toyama and Osugidani Gorge in Mie. This is a must-visit tourist spots in Niigata.

Towering cliffs line both sides of the Kiyotsu River, earning the gorge national recognition as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.

The gorge began forming around 15 million years ago due to volcanic activity that created layers of tuff rock. Lava flow and river erosion over time shaped the dramatic scenery we see today.

The highlight is the Panorama Station at the far end of the tunnel. A shallow pool on the floor reflects the gorge through the tunnel’s frame like a mirror, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.

Each season paints a new picture — fresh greens in spring, deep foliage in summer, fiery colors in autumn, and snowy wonderlands in winter — making it a photographer’s paradise.

Address: 2119-2 Koide, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Opening Hours:
March to November: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
December to February: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). May close temporarily due to snow.
Admission:
High school and older: ¥1,000
Elementary and middle school students: ¥400
Preschoolers: Free

2. Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces in Tokamachi City are among the most iconic in the region.

Around 200 rice paddies layer the mountainside, creating a breathtaking rural landscape that reflects Japan’s deep-rooted rice culture.

Recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a “Heritage Terraced Rice Field” and listed among the “Top 100 Rural Landscapes of Japan,” this area offers a truly scenic escape.

Photographers flock here to capture the magical atmosphere — from the soft morning mist that blankets the hills to the golden waves of rice glowing under the setting sun.

In late June and early September mornings, a sea of clouds often drifts between the mountains.

When the light of dawn hits, the flooded rice paddies shimmer like mirrors, creating a divine and dreamlike scene.

These “water mirrors” reflect the sky so clearly that the view feels surreal. This breathtaking sight has even been featured in TV drama openings, highlighting its emotional and visual impact.

Keep in mind, Hoshitoge isn’t a typical tourist spot. Visitors should follow local guidelines and appreciate the beauty respectfully to help preserve the area.

Address: Hoshitoge, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Opening Season: Closed in winter. For the best mirror-like reflections, visit in spring (after the snow melts and before rice planting) or in autumn (from late October until snowfall).
Admission: Free

3. Northern Culture Museum

The Northern Culture Museum is a grand cultural facility that once served as the residence of the Ito family, one of the wealthiest landowners in the Echigo region.

Taking eight years to complete, the estate spans over 8,800 tsubo (approximately 29,000 square meters) and features traditional buildings like the main residence, a great hall, tea rooms, and storehouses.

A highlight of the property is its pond-style garden, carefully designed by renowned Echigo garden master Yasuami Tanaka.

The museum also showcases valuable artworks collected by generations of the Ito family, offering a glimpse into Niigata’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Visitors can experience the luxurious lifestyle of Niigata’s wealthy farmers from the Edo to Showa periods.

In spring, the garden’s century-old wisteria blooms in vivid purple, accompanied by nighttime light displays.

In autumn, fiery red maples contrast beautifully with the deep green pines. Each season offers its own charm — from cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer to serene snowy landscapes in winter.

The museum also features a gift shop, café, a reservation-only restaurant, and lodging options, making it a destination where visitors can fully enjoy Niigata’s beauty, history, and refined culture.

Address: 2-15-25 Sawai, Konan Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Hours: April–November: 9:00–17:00 | December–March: 9:00–16:30
Admission: Adults ¥800, Children ¥400

4. Ponshukan Sake Museum

Ponshu-kan is a specialty shop designed around the concept of “discovering a side of Niigata even locals don’t know.”

This unique space offers an immersive sake experience, especially popular for its Kikizake Bansho — a self-service sake tasting corner.

For just ¥500, you can sample up to five different types of sake from breweries all over Niigata Prefecture.

Beyond sake tasting, the shop sells a wide variety of Niigata sake products and local souvenirs. It also includes a dining area that serves desserts made with sake, letting visitors savor both the flavor and spirit of Niigata’s rich sake culture.

Address: 1-96-47 Hanazono, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Hours: 9:00–21:00
Admission: ¥500 for 5 tasting tokens

5. Tarai-Bune (Tub Boats)

The Tarai Bune or “tub boat,” is a unique traditional vessel found only on Sado Island.

Around 1868, local fishermen created these round wooden boats by modifying large tubs, allowing them to maneuver easily along the island’s rugged, winding coastline while harvesting shellfish like abalone and turban snails.

Over the years, these boats have been refined into the version we see today — a charming symbol of Japan’s fishing heritage and one of Sado’s most iconic sightseeing experiences.

Today, visitors can enjoy a ride in a Tarai Bune at Ogi Coast. As you gently paddle across the calm, emerald waters, you’ll pass two small floating islands and take in the peaceful beauty of the bay — all while feeling connected to a centuries-old way of life.

The water here is crystal-clear, revealing the seabed below, and the striking red taiko bashi bridge adds a poetic touch to the scenery.