A Gastronomic Tour to Experience the Flavors of Niigata

Kiyotsu Gorge stands among Japan's three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Gorge. The towering cliffs creating a V-shaped grand canyon over the river are designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument.
The stunning columnar-jointed rock surfaces and the dynamic landscapes along the Kiyotsu River are truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Moreover, the entire tunnel was transformed into an artwork by the Chinese architectural firm Ma Yansong/MAD Architects during the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
Architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres inspired by the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water) were crafted at various points inside the tunnel and at the entrance facility.
The entrance facility offers footbaths, merchandise sales, and a café (closed during winter).
Before planning your visit, please check the official website and X (formerly Twitter) for local conditions.

Address
新潟県十日町市小出癸2119-2
Google Map

Telephone Number
025-763-4800
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Management Office

Opening Times
●Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Reception Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (tunnel closes at 5:00 pm)
Winter (December to February): 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (closing time 4:00 pm)
No regular closing days (during winter, the tunnel may be temporarily closed due to snowfall or snow accumulation)

●Entrance Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
1st floor: Souvenirs, Cafe
2nd floor: free footbath
(*Open from April to November)

In the snowy basin of Uonuma, locals have long cherished the pleasures of each season and inherited ancient wisdom born from a life in harmony with nature.

Uonuma no Sato sits in the idyllic countryside that spreads out around the base of Mt. Hakkai. It was born from a desire to share the traditions of “snow country” Niigata and the peaceful lifestyle of the Uonuma region with visitors. The brewery of esteemed sake-maker Hakkaisan takes center stage, complemented by Hakkaisan Yukimuro, which contains a cafe, shop, and kitchenware center, along with soba noodle restaurant Sobaya Nagamori, sweets store Satoya, and plenty more.

Join a brewery tour to see the “snow storehouse,” where over 1,000 tons of snow is placed each year to naturally keep it at a temperature of around 4°C, allowing sake and food to be stored throughout the year.

Address
新潟県南魚沼市長森459

Telephone Number
025-775-7707
Hakkaisan Yukimuro Hakkaisan Brewery CO.,LTD. (toll-free)

Opening Times
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
(changes depending on facility)

Snow Storehouse Tour Starting Times:
10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm
(Takes approx. 15 mins)

Nestled between majestic Mount Hakkai and the crystal-clear Uono River in Minamiuonuma City's Osaki district, Ryu Zushi has earned international acclaim in prestigious food guides. The restaurant sources incredibly rare ingredients that even Tokyo's top sushi establishments struggle to obtain, alongside seasonal Niigata delicacies like Sado Island's premium tuna and yellowtail, local prawns, and snow crabs.

The passionate chef-owner's relentless pursuit of excellence goes beyond traditional nigiri - he creates unique combinations you won't find anywhere else, such as sweet shrimp paired with slightly bitter mountain vegetables, or fatty tuna enhanced with black maitake mushrooms. Prepare yourself for a sushi experience that will astonish both your eyes and palate.

Sasa-dango are a kind of dumpling made from mugwort with a filling of sweet red bean paste wrapped in aromatic bamboo grass. They have been a staple Niigata dessert since long ago, and continue to be one of the region’s definitive dishes.

HOME HOME NIIGATA offers an immersive experience teaching visitors the age-old skill of making sasa-dango from a master. You’ll learn the intricate process of kneading the dumplings, wrapping the sweet bean paste, and more, enjoyable for both children and adults alike. They take pride in sourcing their ingredients with the utmost care, primarily from local suppliers. At the end, you'll be able to savor the freshly steamed sasa-dango you made.

Address
新潟県十日町市馬場丁1253−2

Telephone Number
025-755-5080
HOME HOME NIIGATA

Opening Times
Including a preferred time slot is optional when making a reservation

Once a renowned hot spring inn favored by cultural figures and writers, ryugon has been transformed into a hotel set within an old Japanese residence where guests can fully dive deep into Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan's most snowbound areas.

This hotel features two styles of guest rooms: the spacious VILLA SUITE boasting the ambiance of a VIP room, and the CLASSIC, which offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation. The VILLA SUITE features a private open-air bath facing the hotel’s garden. Your bathing experience is sure to become even more relaxing as you gaze out at the seasonal beauty of the garden, such as the snowy landscape of winter.

Minami-Uonuma City, where ryugon is located, is celebrated for its prized Koshihikari rice. This rice is served at the hotel along with other dishes that complement its exquisite flavor. Guests are welcome to join in various activities like leisurely bicycle tours through the natural surroundings and cooking workshops in a traditional kitchen with an earthen floor.

The Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art / KINARE was reopened as the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET on July 22, 2021 with a new permanent collection. The museum features 15 permanent works, including eight additions in 2021, along with a museum store. It also serves as a base for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field.

Permanent Collection: Artists include Asai Yusuke, Leandro Erlich, Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, Carlos Garaicoa, Ryota Kuwakubo, Koichi Kurita, Nicolas Darrot, Marnix de Nijs, Michiko Nakatani, Kohei Nawa, Carsten Nicolai, Massimo Bartolini feat. Lorenzo Bini, Me, Moriyama Daido, and Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger.

The first-floor corridor also hosts a community space, designed and supervised by Muji, used for various events.

Address
新潟県十日町市本町六の1丁目71-2

Telephone Number
025-761-7766
Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET

Opening Times
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
●Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (if Tuesday/Wednesday are consecutive public holidays, the next business day will be closed instead).
*Opening hours may be shortened during the winter season.
*Closed during the New Year holidays.

Ojiya City's textile heritage dates back to the early 10th century, when historical records first mentioned its hemp cloth production.

In the 17th century, local artisans perfected Ojiya Chijimi, a refined form of linen that remains a beloved traditional craft today. This distinctive fabric is known for its unique wrinkled texture and silky smooth feel against the skin. While traditionally used for kimono, you'll now find it crafted into modern items like shirts, wallets, and accessories - perfect for unique souvenirs.

Visit Orinoza on the first floor of Ojiya City General Industrial Hall “Sun Plaza” to try creating this remarkable fabric yourself. Watch weaving demonstrations by skilled artisans and try your hand at simple projects like coaster weaving (fees apply). Don't forget to visit the Takuminoza boutique on the second floor, where you can browse a wide selection of clothing and accessories made with Ojiya Chijimi, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.

Established over 180 years ago, Seiuntei Yamaju is a “ryotei” (traditional Japanese-style restaurant) that specializes in “kaiseki” course cuisine within an authentic Japanese environment. The dishes maximize the flavors of meticulously arranged seasonal ingredients. Relax in a private room amongst ever-changing scenery, like cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

Just a two-minute walk away is also Yamaju’s YamaCafe. Housed in a century-old building designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, this cafe specializes in Japanese sweets and other tasty delights. Try the Japanese Basket Bento, which is packed with small servings of different sashimi along with grilled, steamed, fried, and vinegared dishes, providing a more casual way to savor the essence of ryotei cooking.

Address
新潟県加茂市仲町4-15（清雲亭 山重）加茂市仲町2-6（YamaCafe）

Telephone Number
0256-52-0104
Seiuntei Yamaju

Opening Times
Seiuntei Yamaju
Closed: Monday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm

YamaCafe
Closed: Monday and Tuesday (with occasional other closures)
11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Last order for lunch: 2:00 pm
Last order for drinks: 4:30 pm