A Land of Life, Creativity, and Prayer in Harmony with the River

3 days, 2 nights

Car

Murakami and Shibata Area Niigata and Aga Area Yahiko and Tsubamesanjo Area

Discover a land of cultures closely intertwined with rivers, reflected in prayer, craftsmanship and everyday life. As you journey upstream towards Aizu, get an up-close look at the industry and spirituality that have flourished off the back of water transport, from metalworking in Tsubame-Sanjo to Murakami’s salmon culture. Experience unique ways of life in a thriving land surrounded by picturesque waterside scenery.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

START

Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubame-Sanjo Station

(Car from Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubame-Sanjo Station)
30 minutes by car from Tsubame-Sanjo Station

Yahiko Shrine

With a rich history spanning over 2,400 years, Yahiko Shrine stands as the leading spiritual site of Niigata Prefecture, affectionately called "Oyahiko-sama" by the locals.

Yahiko Shrine is a long-revered shrine dedicated to Amenokagoyama no Mikoto, the great-grandchild of goddess Amaterasu and said to have laid the foundations of Niigata's rich industrial and cultural traditions. Considered the leading shrine of the Echigo region (present-day Niigata Prefecture), it is also affectionately known as Oyahiko-sama. The shrine draws over 250,000 worshipers for hatsumode (New Year's visits) each year. Its roots trace back more than 2,400 years, as documented in Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Manyoshu. The shrine is believed to bring blessings to partnerships.

Yahiko Shrine is easy to reach, being within walking distance of JR Yahiko Station or a short car ride from the Sanjo-Tsubame IC, with free parking available nearby. Surrounded by stunning forest, the majestic trees imbue this place with a sacred aura. While most renowned for autumn foliage, the shrine presents scenes of gorgeous nature and opportunities to bask in the forest’s ambiance throughout the year.

Yahiko Shrine’s unique “fireball stone” is believed to tell whether or not your wish will come true based on its weight when held, why not try it for yourself? The shrine is one of the most popular attractions in Niigata Prefecture, so for a more serene experience, visiting in the early morning is recommended.

Amenokagoyama no Mikoto and his consort are enshrined at the summit of Mount Yahiko. A 20-minute walk from the shrine leads to the Mount Yahiko Ropeway station, offering easy access to the summit. A complimentary shuttle bus also runs from the shrine to the station. If you prefer driving, you can reach the summit via the Mount Yahiko Skyline road.

Address
新潟県西蒲原郡弥彦村弥彦2887-2

Telephone Number
0256-94-2001

Opening Times
Year-round
Ofuda talismans, omamori amulets, and goshuin stamps are available at the shrine office from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

20 minutes by car from Yahiko Shrine

Koshuhanten

A time-honored restaurant said to be the originator of Tsubame back fat ramen, a Niigata specialty. Koshuhanten traces its history back over 90 years. Long-beloved by locals in a town famous for its craftsmanship, the store now draws ramen fans from across Japan.

Born from a belief that a hearty meal brings unmatched joy, the Tsubame back fat ramen is Koshuhanten’s original hit and a long-standing favorite. The restaurant’s Chinese founder is said to have taken inspiration from his home country’s cuisine, adding pork back fat to enhance the rich flavor and keep the ramen warm for longer.
Tsubame has a long history of metalworking and tableware manufacturing, and local craftspeople have celebrated back fat ramen as a filling dish, establishing a culinary culture in which food that provides the energy for a solid day’s work is cherished. Just as the developing metalworking industry fostered a culture of artisans, this unique ramen has been further refined through features such as the rich soup and extra-thick noodles made to avoid turning soggy. Back fat from Niigata-produced mochibuta pork, thick homemade noodles, and dried seafood soup come together to create a must-try dish. Be prepared for a line, but this local delight is more than worth the wait.

Address
新潟県燕市燕49-4

Telephone Number
0256-64-3770

Opening Times
11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 - 8:00 pm (weekdays)
11:00 am - 6:30 pm (weekends and public holidays)
*Open while stocks last.

Closed Mondays and the second Tuesday of each month (schedule may change during holiday periods).

10 minutes by car from Koshuhanten

Gyokusendo

A well-established producer of hammered copperware, a traditional Niigata craft. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness skilled craftsmen at work in a century-old factory.

For around 200 years, Gyokusendo has been dedicated to tsuiki (hand-hammered) copperware, one of Niigata Prefecture’s most famous traditional crafts.
By employing an array of hammering and metalworking techniques, they shape a single copper plate into three-dimensional masterpieces. The more these pieces are used, the richer their colors and shine become, making each one truly exceptional.
Gyokusendo offers a diverse range of products that seamlessly complement contemporary living, including tea ware, sake ware, kettles, and coffee ware. Visitors are also welcome to observe the meticulous crafting process within the confines of their 100-year-old factory.
While tsuiki copperware may not come at a modest price, the more you utilize these items, the greater the bond you'll form with them, creating a unique and cherished possession.

Address
新潟県燕市中央通2-2-21

Telephone Number
0256-62-2015

Opening Times
Weekdays: 8:30am - 5:30 pm (closed on Sundays and public holidays, variable hours on Saturdays)
Factory tour start times: 10:00 am, 11:00 am,
1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:10 pm
*Tour duration: About 15 – 20 minutes
*Tour times may be subject to change or cancellation without prior notice

50 minutes by car from Gyokusendo

GOAL

Rankeisou Inn

An inn hidden away amidst a mountain stream, serenaded by flowing water

The Rankeisou Inn stands in serene isolation in a valley, next to the murmuring Sumon River. A charming waterwheel blends seamlessly with the mountain village scenery and the ever-changing nature that provides a backdrop for your stay.
The hot spring source unearthed by the inn’s founder is renowned for its therapeutic properties. As a rich sodium chloride cold mineral spring, the water fits onto the skin and keeps bathers warm. From cherry blossom and wildflowers in spring to summer fireflies, fall leaves, and snow-covered winter landscapes, the river view from the open-air bath is breathtaking throughout the year. Accommodation types range from the Keiryukan with rooms featuring expansive river views to the Ryokufukan, which is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, each offering unique ways to savor this intersection between humanity and nature. The Rankeisou Inn is also renowned for delicious cuisine, including the Yamazato Kaiseki course, which uses local spring water and mountain produce to fully convey the abundance of the river and the mountain village.

Address
新潟県三条市長野1450

Telephone Number
0256-47-2211

Opening Times
April - November: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (last entry, closes at 4:00 pm)
December - March: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (last entry, closes at 3:30 pm）
*Reservation required on weekdays during winter season

START

Rankeisou Inn

60 minutes by car from Rankeisou Inn

Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate

Old buildings, gardens, and art associated with the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords.

The Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate is a private museum in the suburbs of Niigata City, the first of its kind in post-war Japan. This former residence of the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords operating water transport on the river and vast rice paddies, has been preserved and opened to the public. As rice and other goods traveled along the river, the Ito family supported the local economy and culture, achieving prosperity demonstrated by the magnificent estate and its gardens.

Taking eight years to build, the site captivates visitors with its main house, banqueting hall, tea ceremony room, storehouse, and other structures, along with its pond garden and museum of treasures collected by the Ito family.

Within the courtyard stands a 150-year-old giant wisteria tree, boasting a trunk circumference of over 1.6 meters. Its many sprawling branches blossom with purple flowers emitting a sweet fragrance in early May, illuminated at night during peak bloom.

The garden also becomes a spectacle in November, adorned with autumn leaves reminiscent of a colorful mountain. This vibrant tapestry is visible from the 100-mat tatami hall, and the interplay between the red and yellow maple trees and green pines creates a breathtaking contrast. The garden is also illuminated at night when the foliage is at its best, adding a sense of depth. The grounds also host a souvenir shop, café, and restaurant (reservation required). Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Niigata. While most famous for wisteria and autumn leaves, the garden presents year-round charm with cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, snow in winter, and other seasonal expressions.

Address
新潟県新潟市江南区沢海2-15-25

Telephone Number
025-385-2001

Opening Times
●Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April - November), 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (December - March)
●Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays, then closed the following day) *Open every day in April, May, October and November

60 minutes by car from the Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate

Kappo Shintaku

Salmon culture born from the Miomote River lives on in the gastronomy of a castle town. Murakami, renowned for its salmon, delivers seasonal delights for the senses.

Murakami City developed with the abundant gifts of the Miomote River and is renowned for its salmon runs that have long defined its culinary culture. Found amidst a townscape that retains its castle town atmosphere, Shintaku is a kappo multi-course dining restaurant founded in 1867. For over 150 years, this establishment has brought Murakami’s rich nature and seasonal delights to the fore through the lens of Japanese cuisine.

With the local area renowned as a treasure trove of delectable ingredients, the heart of Shintaku’s craft lies in the seasonal flavors. Each dish embodies the peak of each moment in the year, from masu salmon in spring to ayu sweetfish from the Miomote River and rock oysters in summer. Fall brings salmon runs, followed by rosy seabass and snow crab in the final season, with local Murakami beef as a year-round delight. Exclusive to January and February, game meat is a particular highlight of the winter menu.

In this refined setting, taking the time to imbibe the flavors of each dish, every one a testament to the chef’s mastery, is a truly blissful experience. Note that advance reservations are strictly required. Experience culinary delights unique to Murakami, fostered by the blessings of the Miomote River.

Address
新潟県村上市小町3-38

Telephone Number
0254-53-2107

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last entry 12:30 pm)
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (last entry 7:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesdays, the first and third Tuesday of each month, and other irregular holidays
(Closed on some public holidays. Contact the restaurant for details.)
*Reservation required

3 minutes by car from Kappo Shintaku

Sennensake Kikkawa

A historic store that continues to protect and pass down Murakami’s salmon culture. It is most well known for the surreal scene of countless salmon hanging from the ceiling.

There are over 100 salmon dishes in Murakami, and Sennensake Kikkawa continues to preserve this traditional salmon culture. Within the store, around 1,000 salmon are strung upside down from the ceiling beams, creating a sight that feels out of this world.

The salmon are hung to ferment and age. In winter, as they slowly dry, northwesterly winds rich with negative ions blow against the salmon, helping to advance the aging process. Salt is also rubbed in and left on the fish for 4 to 5 days, after which they are hung in a spot with good airflow, letting the enzymes in the fish turn protein into umami-rich amino acids. This method of salting and air-drying was devised to preserve the salmon and help locals endure the long winter, making it a seasonal tradition that symbolizes Murakami’s salmon culture.

The store itself is a traditional wooden merchant house unique to the region. Built around 150 years ago, it is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can view the hanging salmon at any time of the year.

●Viewing Areas: Back of the store, area with 1,000 hanging salmon
●Activities: None
●Opening Days: All year (closed New Year’s Day)

Address
新潟県村上市大町1-20

Telephone Number
0254-53-2213

1 minute by car from Sennensake Kikkawa

Chakan Kikkawa Kamontei

Relax and enjoy a unique tea service at Chakan Kikkawa Kamontei while gazing at the beautiful Japanese garden.

The former castle town of Murakami has continued to be Japan’s northernmost tea-producing region since the Edo Period, around 400 years ago.

At the Tea Salon, you can savor a tea course prepared in Chakan Kikkawa Kamontei's unique style, enjoying Murakami tea in various ways from the first infusion to the fourth. You’ll also be able to choose a handmade, bite-sized, unique dried sweet to accompany your tea. Be sure to admire the utensils, made from Murakami’s own style of traditional carved lacquerware called “Murakami Kibori Tsuishu” and more.

Also on the premises is the Koji Cafe, which has a totally different vibe. It serves casual drinks made with koji (mold used in traditional brewing) and local sake tasting sets. Also take a moment to browse the shop, where you can purchase original tea leaf blends, Murakami lacquerware, and stylish tea utensils.

Enjoy Murakami tea in a slow, relaxing space removed from everyday life, all while experiencing Japanese traditions and culture along the way.

Address
新潟県村上市大町3-7

Telephone Number
0254-75-5711

Opening Times
Opening hours
Tea Salon: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (last order 4:00 pm)
Shop: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed
Wednesdays and Thursdays
(Closed on Tuesday or Friday if Wednesday or Thursday is a public holiday. Variable holiday periods during Golden Week, Obon, etc.)
*Other irregular holidays

4 hours by car and train from Kamontei

GOAL

Mukaitaki (Aizu Ryokan Higashiyama Onsen)

Discover natural hot springs and traditional architecture amidst the history of the Aizu domain. Enjoy truly special moments at Mukaitaki in Higashiyama Onsen.

This traditional inn was once a retreat for members of the Aizu domain and its buildings boasting exceptional architecture are registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. To step into Mukaitaki’s world is to feel transported back to the days of the samurai.

A particular point of pride is the natural hot spring water delivered direct from the source without alteration. This water is renowned for the way it envelops the body and relaxes the mind.
On winter nights, numerous candles throughout the tranquil snow-covered garden create a mystical sight sure to live long in the memory.

Embrace the serene, refined simplicity of the sukiya-style guest rooms and savor Aizu's local cuisine accompanied by fine local sake, enjoying the blissful relaxation of a renowned inn embodying Japanese aesthetics to your heart’s content.

Address
福島県会津若松市東山町大字湯本字川向200

Telephone Number
0242-27-7501

Opening Times
Open year round

START

Mukaitaki (Aizu Ryokan Higashiyama Onsen)

15 minutes by car from Mukaitaki (Aizu Ryokan Higashiyama Onsen)

Tsurugajo Castle

Renowned as an impregnable fortress and the only castle in Japan to boast red roofing tiles, Tsurugajo Castle offers both a window to Aizu’s turbulent history and spectacular views throughout the seasons.

The castle’s unbreakable reputation was forged in part during the Boshin War in 1868, when it withstood a fierce month-long attack. The castle tower standing in the grounds today is a faithful recreation of the structure from that time, down to the unique red glaze of the roofing tiles. These tiles were developed to withstand the challenging winter conditions in this snowy region, a fine example of ingenuity born in the face of Aizu’s unforgiving climate.

Inside, the museum offers insight into the area’s culture and the tragic story of the young Byakkotai warriors at the end of the samurai era, while visitors can take in panoramic views of the castle town from the top of the tower.

You can also experience a traditional tea ceremony at the Rinkaku Teahouse within the walls.
Tsurugajo Castle is an essential part of any trip to Aizu, giving you an up-close look at Japan’s history and culture of spirituality.

Address
福島県会津若松市追手町１−１

Telephone Number
0242-27-4005
(Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau)　

Opening Times
Castle Keep Museum opening hours
8:30 am - 5:00 pm *Last entry 4:30 pm
*Open all year

Tea Room Rinkaku opening hours
8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) *Last order for tea: 4:00 pm

45 minutes by car from Tsurugajo Castle

GOAL

Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku is home to beautiful thatched-roof houses with roots dating back to the 17th century, inspiring the sensation of traveling in the Edo period, when samurai roamed the land.

During that time, the town flourished as a key stopping point for travelers between Aizu-Wakamatsu and Nikko. The main thoroughfare is still lined with about 30 thatched-roof houses and was nationally designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1981. Walking along the unpaved straights and looking up at the houses’ distinctive roofs truly feels like stepping hundreds of years back in time.

One famous local dish is takato soba, which is eaten with a Japanese long onion instead of chopsticks. Using an onion to lift the noodles to your mouth and then also munching on your utensil as a condiment at the same time is a unique way to experience the depth of Japanese culture.

From the nearby viewing platform, you can get a great overview of this idyllic Japanese countryside town. Enjoy a close encounter with history through thatched-roof houses with charms that transform with the seasons.

Address
福島県南会津郡下郷町大字大内

Telephone Number
0241-68-3611

Opening Times
● Stores in Ouchi-juku are also private homes. Opening hours vary by store.
● Individual stores may close or change their opening hours based on the weather and other factors.
● Stores are most likely to be open between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

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