Appreciate the historical landmarks and cherry blossoms of Niigata! The ultimate early to mid-April travel itinerary

Takada Castle Site Park stands on the grounds of Takada Castle, which was built as the residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu's sixth son, Matsudaira Tadateru, and is now a designated historical site. The present park was created in 1907 by breaking up many of the earthen mounds and filling in much of the moat.

Covering roughly 50 hectares, Takada Castle Site Park is among the largest urban parks in Japan. It includes cultural facilities like the restored three-story castle turret, a history museum, art museum, and library, along with sports facilities such as an athletics field, baseball field, and grass field, plus a promenade around the outer moat. Other notable features include the residence of renowned Japanese painter Kobayashi Kokei, and the restored Gokuraku Bridge, which connects the Honmaru and Ninomaru areas.

Takada Castle Site Park is also renowned for its seasonal transformations. In spring, it is covered with around 4,000 blooming cherry blossom trees. Combined with the illuminated turret and paper lanterns, the scene is considered one of the three best nighttime cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party is held when the cherry blossoms are at their best.

In summer, visitors can witness the entire moat covered in lotus blossoms, heralded as the "best in Asia." The Takada Castle Site Park Lotus Blossom Viewing Party is held in mid-July to late August to celebrate.

Address
新潟県上越市本城町44-1

Telephone Number
025-526-5111
Park Management Section, Urban Development Division

Opening Times
Open all year

Takada in Joetsu City once prospered as a castle town, and nestled within one of its heritage-filled corners is Musashino Shuzo. This brewery utilizes the pristine natural water and high-quality rice of Joetsu City, made possible by its heavy snowfall, to make sake.

Musashino Shuzo's signature sake label is Ski Masamune, characterized by its subtle sweetness. The name pays tribute to Japan's skiing culture, which originated in Joetsu City.
By reserving in advance, visitors can take part in a guided brewery tour complete with a sake-tasting session to sample the brewery’s exquisite sake and recognize the care and dedication put into every drop.

[Guided Sake Brewery Tour]
● Available period: All year
● Hours: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Duration will vary depending on the tour)
● Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays
* Reservation is required

Nestled in the heart of Takada, a historic castle town, Ukiyo has been a bastion of culinary excellence for more than 150 years. Its three floors consist of a 153-tatami mat grand hall, along with rooms adorned by evocative names like "Moon," "Spring," and "Water Wheel," all flaunting intricate decor. This esteemed restaurant has even been graced by the presence of Japan’s Imperial Household, yet its exquisite kaiseki meals are also balanced by affordable lunches, facilitating a diverse range of dining experiences.

While at Ukiyo, be sure to explore the architectural treasures that make up the premises, including the main building, north gate, and east gate, which are all designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Before or after your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Japanese garden, a realm of ever-changing beauty that evolves with each season.

Address
新潟県上越市仲町3-5-4

Telephone Number
025-524-2217
Ukiyo

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Closed: Irregular