As we explained why you need to travel to Niigata in Japan on the another article, Niigata is full of real Japan with quality. In this article, I introduce one of the most important part of your travel = Food !! Please read and imagine how enjoyable Eating and Drinking in Niigata is. Here you go!!

1. SUSHI / SASHIMI / CRAB (SEAFOOD)

2. NIHONSHU (JAPANESE SAKE - ALCOHOL)

3. NOPPE (VARIOUS INGREDIENTS - SOUP)

4. SOBA (HEGI SOBA - NOODLE)

5. SASA DANGO (SWEET MOCHI SNACK)

You may not have known yet, but Niigata is one of the best city to have the best foods. I list up the 5 local must try food and drink in Niigata so that you will not regret to miss something great. Niigata has millions of delicious cuisine, but at least please add these 5 in your list.

Yes. You know SUSHI - SASHIMI. But what I am saying here is .... SUSHI - SASHIMI in Niigata is the next level. I can say TOP of the TOP (*personal opinion). Anyway, do you know why I say "SUSHI - SASHIMI in Niigata is the next level"? Actually Niigata is blessed by Nature. Niigata has very long ocean area & Flat land & Mountain area. Which generates a great weather for cultivating crops & animals (inc. Fish, Pig, Cow....etc.). 

Thanks to the greta geological advantages, all the food from nature are with excellent conditions in Niigata.

Niigata is one of the best-known city for Nihonshu (Japanese Sake) in Japan. Once you arrive in the Niigata airport or Niigata train station, you will find millions of Nihonshu. Once you know these 3 factors below, you understand why.

【Geographical Factors】

Niigata is known as one of the top rice-producing areas in Japan. It has a cold climate and good-quality water, which allows for the harvest of high-quality rice. Since sake, a Japanese alcoholic drink, is made from rice and water, Niigata's abundant fresh sake rice is perfect for brewing sake. The reason Niigata's sake is delicious is because of the suitable soil for rice cultivation and the clean, soft water available.

【Historical Factors】

From the Edo period until around 1800, Niigata was said to have the highest population in the country. The economy centered around agriculture, and rice held a value equivalent to currency. The Japan Sea coast provided a suitable environment for rice cultivation, and the "Kitamae-bune" maritime trade route was active. Especially since Niigata was a base for the Kitamae-bune trade, a large workforce was required.

In other words, rice cultivation has a long history in Niigata, making it a region flourishing in rice production. As a result, there was an availability of rice suitable for brewing, a workforce, and the preservation of brewing culture.

【Human Factors】

Niigata Prefecture has the most Shinto shrines in the country. During the Edo period, people migrated from various regions, bringing different cultural influences, which led to the proliferation of shrines. To offer to the shrines, a desire for better sake arose. This increased the demand for sake production, attracting a skilled workforce.

As a result, Niigata has had many sake breweries for a long time, and its sake production volume is one of the highest in Japan.

"Noppe" is a comforting home-cooked dish with a unique thick texture, made by simmering plenty of vegetables like taro, carrots, and bamboo shoots. The gentle umami from ingredients like scallops and dried shiitake mushrooms, along with the vegetables, creates a warm and cozy flavor. It's a traditional New Year's dish loved by the people of Niigata Prefecture. Enjoy this "Irresistible home-cooked dish with a unique sliminess."

"Hegi Soba" refers to a slightly greenish soba (buckwheat noodles) where seaweed "funori (a kind of seaweed)" is used as a binder. The noodles have a smooth and slippery feel when you eat them, and they have a firm elasticity. There's a subtle scent of the sea, and once you try it, you'll be hooked by its unique taste.

By the way, "hegi" is the name of a square utensil made from a peeling board. In this utensil, the noodles are neatly rolled and presented. A unique feature is that many shops use mustard instead of chopped green onions or wasabi for seasoning, and some places also serve it with kinpira (a type of sautéed dish).

You feel impressive delicate sweetness and aroma! A classic local sweet treat.

"Sasadango" is a type of round rice dumpling, shaped like a bundle, made by wrapping it in bamboo leaves and tying it with a string. It's a famous confection from Niigata and a comfort food as well. The special thing about it is that it's a chewy dumpling with mugwort, and it's filled with refined sweet bean paste. The bean paste mainly comes in two varieties: coarse and smooth.

When you hold it, you can smell the gentle scent of bamboo and mugwort. When you eat it, a refreshing taste spreads in your mouth. Since the way the string is tied, the amount of mugwort, and the sweetness of the bean paste can vary from shop to shop, it's interesting to try different "Sasadango" and compare their flavors.

If this is the first time to visit Japan and the schedule is less than 1 week, then just visit the most popular location which you cannot miss such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto...etc. But if this is the 2nd time for you, then visit Niigata. You travel really as a local, enjoy the feeling of Japanese local, and you get unforgettable memories which can impress all of your friends. 

Enjoy all the natures in Niigata to cover all of your wishes during your stay in Japan.