A Gastronomic Tour of Niigata’s Local Specialties

3 days 2 nights

Car

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

Discover Niigata, where ancient traditions and natural bounties create an extraordinary food culture. This carefully crafted itinerary combines exceptional local cuisine with visits to historic landmarks and breathtaking natural settings. Experience masterful sushi craftsmanship at Benkei Umi, then explore Japan’s finest sake at the Ponshukan, where you can sample an impressive variety of local brews. As you journey through the region, you’ll encounter stunning Japanese gardens, historic architecture, and scenic vistas that change dramatically with the seasons, all while discovering why Niigata is celebrated as one of Japan’s premier culinary destinations.

*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 Murakami Station

Approx. 5-minute drive from Murakami Station on the Uetsu Main Line

Sennensake Kikkawa

This beautiful old store preserves and presents Murakami’s unique salmon culture, most famous for its surreal rows of hanging salmon.

Sennensake Kikkawa continues to preserve Murakami’s traditional salmon culture while showcasing the unique methods used to prepare local salmon dishes to visitors. Inside, around 1,000 salmon hang down from the ceiling beams to naturally dry, creating a surreal sight. The store sits in a traditional wooden townhouse typical of the region, which was built roughly 130 years ago and is registered as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can freely enter to see the hanging salmon and learn more from a guide.

●Tour Location: At the hanging salmon space inside the store
●Activities: None
●Opening Days: All year (closed on New Year’s Day)
●No restrictions on who can visit

Address
新潟県村上市大町1-20

Telephone Number
0254-53-2213
Sennensake Kikkawa/Kikkawa Co.

Opening Times
Hanging Salmon Viewing Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Approx. 3-minute walk

Izutsuya

Experience salmon in all kinds of unique ways, all prepared by hand using time-honored methods and only the best all-natural ingredients.

Welcome to Murakami City's first specialized salmon restaurant, a culinary landmark in a town that has celebrated salmon for over a millennium. Located in a nationally registered historic building, Izutsuya beautifully preserves traditional Japanese architecture while offering both classic tatami rooms and charming Western-style seating areas with antique chairs on the first floor.

The menu showcases an impressive array of salmon dishes, with two standout specialties: “Shiobiki sake” - salmon that's hand-salted and wind-cured for three weeks - and "Sake-bitashi" - salmon that’s been aged for a year, intensifying all its umami flavor. Also don't miss their innovative cured salmon sushi, wherein the salmon is left to ferment and then aged through a unique low-temperature process. For true salmon enthusiasts, this is paradise.

Beyond salmon, Izutsuya takes pride in serving premium rice sourced locally, as Niigata is one of Japan's most celebrated rice-growing regions. Each dish reflects Murakami's deep culinary heritage and showcases the region's finest ingredients.

Address
新潟県村上市小町1-12

Telephone Number
0254-53-7700

Approx. 1-hour drive

Niigata Agano Resort

Experience luxury glamping in a historic Japanese estate.

Welcome to Igarashi Garden, a magnificent property transformed from the former estate of the prominent Igarashi family, once influential farmers and entrepreneurs. The stunning 16,000-square-meter grounds features an exquisite Japanese garden spanning nearly half its expanse.

At Niigata Agano Resort, you can enjoy a unique glamping experience within these historic surroundings! Savor local delicacies with a gourmet BBQ featuring Agano's premium beef and pork, perfectly paired with Niigata's acclaimed Swan Lake beer. This exceptional craft brewery made history as the first Japanese brand to win gold at the World Beer Cup - known as the "Olympics of Beer" - competing against 1,150 global entries! Sample their variety of craft beers to discover your favorite.

After your BBQ feast, retire to JYUBAKO, an innovative trailer house designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, featuring warm wooden elements that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. As an added luxury, guests enjoy complimentary access to the hot springs at Kappo no Yado Imai in Tsukioka Onsen, just a 15-minute drive away.

Approx. 10-minute drive

GOAL

Fuga-no-yado Chouseikan

Relax your heart and soul in one of Japan’s best radium hot springs

Enjoy rare radium hot-spring water in one of the largest open-air baths in the prefecture and three reservable open-air baths.
This hotel also boasts a huge garden full of natural beauty.

Address
新潟県阿賀野市村杉4632-8

Telephone Number
0250-66-2111

START

Fuga-no-yado Chouseikan

Approx. 15-minute drive

Lake Hyoko

Wild swans right in front of your eyes!

Lake Hyoko was created as an agricultural reservoir in 1639. It was designated a national monument as the landing place for swans in 1954 and was designated a wetland by the Ramsar Convention in 2008.
　　The first swans arrive in early October every year and stay until late March. Between 5,000 and 6,000 swans migrate here during the peak season in late November. You can buy food at the lake to feed them.
　　Early morning and evening are the best time to see the swans. There is an air-conditioned observatory room at the lake.
　　In the spring, cherry blossoms decorate the lake. Some swans remain at the lake into the spring every year, and you can see swans swimming alongside ducks. In the summer, the lake is filled with a variety of flowers and plants, so you can enjoy it year round.

Address
新潟県阿賀野市水原313-1

Telephone Number
0250-62-2690
The Agano City Tourism Association

Opening Times
【Cherry Blossoms】
●200 trees
●Illumination Period: Mid-April 6:30P.M. to 9:00P.M.

Approx. 25-minute drive

Gokaibishi

A sake brewery resort full of interactive experiences showcasing the charms of Shibata, a former castle town. Experiences include sake tasting, projection mapping in an old brewing warehouse, and more, plus a range of souvenirs such as sake available for purchase.

Gokaibishi is an interactive “resort” facility situated inside a fully renovated sake brewery, which boasts over 200 years of history stretching back to the Edo period. Visitors can experience guided sake tastings with a concierge, regular sake tastings, projection mapping, and more, all designed to showcase the food and culture of the castle town Shibata.

Gokaibishi is also surrounded by lots of other fantastic spots that further illustrate Shibata’s castle town history and culture. This includes Suwa Shrine, which has been treasured by generations of locals for around 1,400 years; Shimizuen, a Japanese-style garden where many samurai have enjoyed tea ceremonies, and more. These places stand as remnants of old-world Japan, and their charm can be taken in on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Address
新潟県新発田市諏訪町3-1-17

Telephone Number
0254-22-5150
Gokaibishi

Opening Times
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Open all year

Approx. 3-minute walk

Zoshunkaku

Marvel at this masterpiece of East-meets-West architecture! This magnificent century-old state guest house has been lovingly restored to its original splendor.

Built in 1912 along Tokyo's Sumida River by prominent Shibata-born businessman Kihachiro Okura, Zoshunkaku stands as an exceptional example of Meiji-era architecture. This historic guest house, which once hosted political leaders and international dignitaries, has been carefully relocated to Okura's hometown, all while preserving its original grandeur.

The two-story wooden structure draws significant inspiration from the Meiji Imperial Palace, featuring a traditional Japanese exterior while incorporating Western elements like elegant chairs and crystal chandeliers. Today's visitors continue to be enchanted by its unique architectural fusion of Japanese and Western design elements.

For an additional 400 yen beyond the entrance fee, guests can enhance their visit with a seasonal selection of Japanese and Western sweets paired with their choice of matcha green tea, coffee, or other beverages. Take time to immerse yourself in its historic atmosphere while enjoying these refined refreshments.

Learn More

Approx. 50-minute drive

Benkei Umi Furumachi Store

Where master craftsmanship meets the finest seasonal ingredients.

Welcome to Benkei, where expert chefs showcase the bounty of Sado Island's waters through exquisite sushi creations. This beloved local restaurant has earned acclaim from both residents and visitors alike for its exceptional quality.

The Furumachi branch sits in one of Niigata's most historic districts, an area that has long served as a cultural crossroads and still retains much of its traditional charm. In the restaurant's serene atmosphere, you'll experience nigiri sushi crafted with seasonal ingredients at their peak. Whether you're dining with family or seeking a memorable meal during your travels, Benkei offers an authentic taste of Sado Island's renowned seafood culture.

Approx. 3-minute drive

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)

Approx. 10-minute drive

Ponshukan (Niigata Station Store)

A showcase of Niigata’s finest sake from every brewery in the prefecture! Discover the rich culture and flavors of Niigata through its renowned sake and premium rice.

Conveniently connected to Niigata Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train, Ponshukan’s main store lets visitors sample sake from each of Niigata’s breweries. For just 500 yen, you’ll be loaned a sake tasting cup to fill up with five varieties from their enormous rows of unique sake vending machines. If you’re unsure of what sake to choose, the store has recommendations and popularity rankings on the walls.

Even if you don’t drink sake, there’s plenty to enjoy at Ponshukan. Also inside the same Niigata Station shopping center is Ponshukan Complex Bakudan Onigiri-ya, which serves giant onigiri (rice balls) made with top-grade Koshihikari rice from Minamiuonuma. Across from here is Ponshukan Craftsmanship, selling tools and goods crafted by local artisans. Sweets made with sake and other original products make authentic souvenirs of your trip to Niigata. Whether you’re interested in sake, rice, or other local specialties, you’re bound to find your new favorite at Ponshukan.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区花園1-96-47

Telephone Number
025-240-7090
Ponshukan (Niigata Station Store)

Opening Times
Ponshukan (Niigata Station Store): 9:00 am–9:00 pm *Sake tasting 9:30 am–8:30 pm (last entry 8:15 pm)
Ponshukan Complex: 9:00 am–9:00 pm *Onigiri 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Ponshukan Craftsmanship: 9:00 am–8:30 pm

Approx. 50-minute drive

GOAL

Yumeya

Experience tranquility at its finest: a boutique hot spring inn where traditional elegance meets culinary artistry.

Nestled in Iwamuro Onsen, Niigata City's exclusive hot spring district, Yumeya offers an intimate retreat in authentic Japanese style. The main building, crafted in the refined “sukiya” architectural style, houses ten elegant Japanese-style rooms, some featuring private open-air baths fed directly from the inn's own hot spring source. The public bathing area includes an outdoor bath surrounded by seasonal blooms, creating a serene natural sanctuary. Each meal is a celebration of Niigata's seasonal bounties, presented as artfully composed Japanese cuisine. For those seeking ultimate privacy, check out the two-story villa overlooking its expansive gardens - a perfect choice for a secluded getaway.

START

Yumeya

Approx. 10-minute drive

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.

Widely revered as the leading shrine of the Echigo region (the former name of Niigata), Yahiko Shrine, or Oyahiko-sama, draws over 200,000 worshippers for “hatsumode” (New Year's visit) each year. Its roots trace back more than 2,400 years, as documented in the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest poetry anthology. The shrine is believed to bring blessings in marriage, and is dedicated to Amenokagoyama no Mikoto, the great-grandchild of goddess Amaterasu.

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. It is nestled within a stunning forest, full of giant majestic trees imbuing it with a sacred aura. While most renowned for autumn foliage, the shrine presents scenes of gorgeous nature and opportunities for forest bathing 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ーfeel free to give it a try! The shrine is one of the most popular attractions in Niigata Prefecture, so for a more serene experience, we suggest visiting in the early morning.

Amenokagoyama no Mikoto and his consort are enshrined at the summit of Mt. Yahiko. A 10-minute walk from the shrine leads to the Mt. 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 Mt. Yahiko Skyline road.

Address
新潟県西蒲原郡弥彦村弥彦2887-2

Telephone Number
0256-94-2001
Yahiko Shrine

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

Approx. 30-minute drive

Tsubamesanjo Bit

Tsubamesanjo Bit is a restaurant promising a journey for all five senses. With Italian cuisine and projection mapping displays, a unique culinary encounter awaits!

Tsubamesanjo Italian Bit comprises four Italian restaurants in Niigata Prefecture (including a takeout restaurant and cafe) and two in Tokyo.

The flagship restaurant, Tsubamesanjo Bit in Sanjo City, contains over 100 seats! Its unique spin on Italian cuisine combined with the crafts and technology of the Tsubamesanjo area has earned it a reputation as one of Niigata’s top restaurants.

The restaurant’s tableware, cutlery, and decorations are made in Tsubamesanjo, one of Japan’s leading metalworking and tableware-manufacturing regions, along with other areas of Niigata Prefecture to showcase the incredible range of local crafts and technology. Guests will be treated to food, tools, and an interior design created by some of Japan’s leading artisans.

The “5D” room also enhances the creative course meals with immersive projection mapping displays, designing a culinary journey that engages not only your sense of taste and smell, but also your eyes.

Address
新潟県三条市須頃1-17（燕三条地場産業振興センター 1階）

Telephone Number
0256-46-0680
Tsubamesanjo Bit Tsubamesanjo Main Restaurant

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 2:30 pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 9:30 pm)

Closed: Wednesdays and some other days
*Occasionally opens, refer to the restaurant calendar for details (Japanese only).

Approx. 15-minute drive

GOAL

Makoto Susa

A master metalwork artist blending centuries-old Tsubame-Sanjo crafting techniques with contemporary vision.

In the renowned metalworking region of Tsubame-Sanjo, Makoto Susa continues a craft tradition spanning over 200 years. Using traditional tsuiki (hand-hammered) copperware techniques - designated as part of a National Traditional Craft - he creates exquisite pieces ranging from tea and sake vessels to flower vases, traditional pipes (kiseru), and jewelry. This time-honored crafting technique involves skillfully hammering copper sheets into three-dimensional forms, a process that demands both strength and delicate precision.

Visitors can arrange advance tours of his workshop to witness this fascinating craft in action. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Susa offers workshops where participants can create their own copper and pure silver accessories, small plates, keychains, and bookmarks (workshop availability should be discussed during visit arrangements).

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