Experience Niigata’s rich traditions and exquisite craftsmanship! An autumn road trip plan through Niigata

2 nights, 3 days

Car

Niigata and Aga Area Yahiko and Tsubamesanjo Area

Niigata is a great place to explore by car! Here’s a road trip itinerary for enjoying its stunning autumn landscapes all while savoring Japanese cuisine in a well-established ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant), shopping for traditional crafts at the Regional Products Center, and immersing yourself in the local handicrafts and culture.

*Driving in Japan requires extra care.

Please refer to the link below for detailed requirements and conditions.

Self-Drive Travel in Niigata

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

START

JR Tsubamesanjo

25 minutes by car from JR Tsubamesanjo

Roadside Station Kugami

A stopover to eat, play, and relax between drives.

Kugami is a roadside station in Tsubame City where you can eat, play, and relax.

Facilities include a farmers’ market, barbecues with gear and food provided, a day camp, footbaths, and natural hot springs, all to help you relax after a long drive. Visitors can also hike up nearby mountains or go on fun cycling excursions through the surrounding countryside!

Roadside Station Kugami is a 1-hour drive from Niigata City, so be sure to stop by if you’re passing through the area!

Address
新潟県燕市燕市国上5866-1

Telephone Number
0256-98-0770
Roadside Station Kugami

Opening Times
・313 Farmers’ Market: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
・Roadside Station Kugami Select: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
・Cafeteria: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
・Temari-no-Yu Hot Spring: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (closed every 2nd/4th Monday)
*Restaurant: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (last order 8:30 pm)
・Footbath Terrace: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
・Day Camp: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
・BBQ (all equipment provided): 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (lunch), 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (dinner)
・Food Container: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
*Information and stamps for stamp rallies available from 9:00 am. Toilets open 24 hours.
*Footbath may close early or for the entire day due to weather conditions.

10 minutes by car

Mt. Kugami

Lush natural surroundings where you can admire fireflies and autumn foliage

With an elevation of 313 meters, Mt. Kugami offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan with the Sado and Noto Islands off in the distance, alongside the Echigo Sanzan (Three Mountains of Echigo).

Halfway up the mountainside is Kokujoji, the oldest temple in Niigata Prefecture. The temple is surrounded by a Japanese beech forest, highly valued for its unique adaptation to lowland areas. This unique trait has earned the forest a status as a Prefectural Natural Monument. In the early summer, fireflies can be seen dancing under the stars at the base of Mt. Kugami. A species of fireflies called Genji-botaru can be viewed here until late June, followed by sightings of Heike-botaru until early July.

From the Visitor Center, where the parking lot is located, to the mountain peak takes approximately 30 minutes one way, offering a casual and accessible hiking experience. Autumn transforms the landscape into vibrant colors best viewed from the Asahiyama Observatory halfway up the mountain, as well as along the walking paths and near the summit. Another scenic highlight you don't want to miss is the 124-meter-long Sengando Suspension Bridge. The bridge becomes the focal point of the mountain’s seasonal landscape that shifts from the fresh greenery of spring to warm autumnal colors and, finally, to a snowy wonderland in the winter.

Address
新潟県燕市国上山

Telephone Number
0256-77-8233

30 minutes by car

Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center

Discover a treasure trove of world-class products proudly made in Tsubame-Sanjo!

Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center is located in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan's largest metalworking region. It displays and sells around 10,000 items, including tableware, cutlery, kitchenware, pots, and pans. Many of these are popular overseas, and tax-free shopping is available for international visitors. It’s also a handy tourist information hub.

Address
新潟県三条市須頃1番地17

Telephone Number
0256-32-2311
Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center

Opening Times
●Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
●Closed: 1st Wednesday of the month and the New Year holiday period.

40 minutes by car

GOAL

[Accommodation] Snow Peak FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS

Relax at the Snow Peak Resort FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS

FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS is a resort complex run by Snow Peak, one of Japan’s leading camping brands that specializes in high-end camping gear, especially for car camping. Here, you can enjoy spa relaxation, food, and accommodation among lush nature! The sauna and adjoining large hot spring bath offer stunning scenery from the windows, and both can be enjoyed by day travelers. The complex is made up of villas and trailer houses, which are enshrouded in extraordinary atmospheres melting into the nature. Both full-fledged courses or light meals using local ingredients can be enjoyed here, and don’t forget to pick up some Snow Peak gear and Niigata specialties at the store before leaving.

Address
新潟県三条市中野原456-1

Telephone Number
0256-46-5650
Snow Peak FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS

Opening Times
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
(Bath reception closes at 8:30 pm)
*May occasionally close for maintenance

START

Snow Peak FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS

25 minutes by car

Suwada

Uncover the art of knife-making at Suwada, a highly regarded manufacturer with a rich 100-year history.

Suwada was established in 1926 in Sanjo City, one of the world’s most renowned cutlery manufacturing hubs, and is a specialist in cutters. It got its start with cutting tools for nails and screws in response to demand following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

Every element, from product development and material selection to the final touches, is meticulously executed by skilled craftspeople. Suwada products are famed for their functional beauty, and receive acclaim both in Japan and overseas.

Visitors are invited to witness the entire manufacturing process, immersing themselves in the craftsmanship that has endured since Suwada’s inception. Beyond the tour, you can enjoy the factory store, restaurant, and café for a full day of shopping and dining.

Address
新潟県三条市高安寺1332

Telephone Number
0256-45-6111
Suwada Blacksmith Works, Inc.

Opening Times
●Factory Store Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
*Closed during New Year holidays, and April 1.
*Tax free shopping is applicable for purchases totaling 5,001 yen (excluding tax, food and beverages) or more at the factory store for overseas visitors.
●Factory tours are available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, with slots at 10:10 am to 12:10 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (breaks: 12:10 pm-1:00 pm, 3:00 pm-3:10 pm).
*Closed Monday, Sundays, public holidays, New Year holidays, April 1.

20 minutes by car

Suzunone

Indulge in the sublime flavors of domestically sourced, premium-quality eel.

Suzunone is a restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere offering exceptional eel cuisine. Their method involves slow grilling eel over charcoal fire, yielding a fragrant surface and plump, succulent meat.

While most Japanese restaurants serve grilled eel flavored by soy sauce atop white rice, the proprietor of Suzunone boldly serves the eel and rice separately, allowing diners to fully savor the sweetness and richness of the renowned "koshihikari" rice, cultivated in Niigata.

“Tare” (sauce) and “sansho” (Japanese pepper) are readily available on the table, letting diners customize the dish to their preference.

Address
新潟県三条市須頃2-110-2

Telephone Number
0256-32-2018
Suzunone

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order at 1:30 pm)
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (last order at 9:00 pm)

45 minutes by car

The Niigata Saito Villa

A magnificent modern Japanese-style building that offers a glimpse into the prosperity of its era. Take a leisurely break while enjoying matcha tea and Japanese sweets, all while taking in the breathtaking view of the extensive panoramic garden.

The Niigata Saito Villa, recognized as a Japan Heritage and a Cultural Property, was constructed in 1918 by Kijuro Saito IV, who was from a prominent merchant family in Niigata. It stands as a masterpiece of modern Japanese-style architecture, showcasing opulence throughout the entire structure. Its spacious grounds cover an area of approximately 4,500 square meters and host three gardens. In particular, the strolling garden has a waterfall and an assortment of large rocks and strange stones. Visitors have the opportunity to revel in the garden's seasonal beauty, with the autumn foliage being particularly mesmerizing. Another noteworthy feature is the panoramic view of the entire garden from the building, which can be enjoyed while indulging in matcha green tea and Japanese sweets!

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区西大畑町576／旧齋藤家別邸

Telephone Number
025-210-8350
The Niigata Saito Villa

Opening Times
[April - September] 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
[October - March] 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Closed on:
Mondays (If Monday falls on a holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day)
The day after a holiday (or Tuesday if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 3)

2-minute walk

Ikinariya

Experience the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine within the elegant ambiance of Ikinariya, a long-standing ryotei restaurant with a rich history spanning over 300 years.

Ikinariya is a highly esteemed traditional Japanese ryotei-style restaurant with an approximately 300-year history. It prides itself on cooking Japanese cuisine that captures the natural flavors of its ingredients. The restaurant's menu gracefully evolves with the changing seasons, offering an array of delights including sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered specialties, and deep-fried delicacies.

The Japanese garden, spanning over 6,600 m², boasts centuries-old trees, a tranquil pond, and other enchanting elements that undergo captivating transformations with each passing season.

Ten components of this evocative architectural masterpiece, including the stately gate, have been officially recognized as national Tangible Cultural Treasures. There are 11 guest rooms available within the Japanese garden, all of which require advance reservations. The restaurant accommodates vegetarians and guests with allergies, which can be organized when making reservations.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区西大畑町573

Telephone Number
025-223-1188
Japanese Cuisine Ikinariya

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

7 minutes by car

GOAL

[Accommodation] Hotel Nikko Niigata

A hotel serving as an iconic landmark of Niigata City

Nestled along the banks of the Shinano River, which flows through the heart of Niigata City, Hotel Nikko Niigata stands as the city's landmark with architecture inspired by a luxury cruise ship adrift on the water. The guest rooms offer the best views of the city, and patrons can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Shinano River and Bandai Island as they dine in the hotel restaurant. Scattered throughout the hotel are various scenic viewpoints, with the highlight being the banquet hall on the 30th floor with glass windows that offer a breathtaking 180-degree panoramic view of the surroundings. Their renowned buffet-style breakfast is prepared with products and ingredients from Niigata, including Uonuma Shiozawa Koshihikari rice.

The hotel is conveniently located approximately 8 minutes by car from Niigata Station and offers direct access to the Sado Kisen ferry terminal. The prime location makes Hotel Nikko Niigata an ideal hub for your explorations around Niigata, providing a smooth and delightful travel experience.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区万代島5-1

Telephone Number
025-240-1888

START

Hotel Nikko Niigata

5 minutes by car

GOAL

Niigata Manga Animation Museum

This facility lets visitors immerse themselves in the world of manga and anime. It introduces manga artists and anime creators from Niigata, and also offers a section where you can interact with beloved characters and try your hand at voice acting.

Niigata City proudly bears the title of a "manga and anime town," having nurtured numerous talented manga artists and anime creators. Niigata Manga Animation Museum stands as a testament to this cultural richness, dedicated to showcasing the city's essence through the enchanting realms of manga and anime.

Delve into the profiles of Niigata-linked manga and anime creators, discover their iconic works, and gain insights into the fascinating process of crafting manga and anime. The museum offers a delightful corner where visitors can interact with popular characters, try their hand at voice acting, enjoy a mini-theater experience, and much more. Throughout the year, the museum hosts various special exhibitions, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区八千代2-5-7 万代シテイBP2 1F

Telephone Number
025-240-4311
Niigata Manga Animation Museum

Opening Times
● Opening hours: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (10:00 am - on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Last admission until 6:30 pm
●Closed: January 1 (temporary closure may occur due to exhibition changes)

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