Have you ever hard of Niigata City in Japan, which is just 2 hours away from Tokyo.

If you have visited Japan at least 1 time, and looking for a place to experience "Real Japan", then definitely going to Niigata is the best option.

Let me explain why you need to experience Niigata City.

According to a research (multiple answer);

1. Enjoy Nature and Scenery (33.5%)

2. Watch Sakura - Cherry Blossom (32.8%)

3. Enjoy traditional Japanese Cuisine (32.3%)

4. Enjoy Onsen - Hot spring (28.8%)

5. See Famous traditional or historical architecture (28.2%)

6. Enjoy watching Snow scenery (26.5%)

Not well known among foreigners, but the reality is Niigata City covers almost all of the wishlist of foreign travelers. Among Japanese, Niigata city is popular and famous about Nature (inc. Snow, Onsen), Food, Drinks. Of course, traditional or historical architecture are well known in Kyoto City, but Kyoto cannot compete to Niigata about other parts.  We can say, Kyoto is the great place to visit for your 1st Japan visitation. But 2nd time or later, you must try Niigata City to explore "Real Japan".

Niigata is a place in Japan that has clear changes in the seasons. It's a treasure trove of beautiful scenery created by the rich nature of mountains and seas, as well as peaceful rural landscapes. It's also known as one of the snowy regions in Japan, on the other hand, during the green season (Spring and Summer), it's filled with photogenic views and spots.  Many tourists visit Niigata throughout the year. Unfortunately, now, only deep Japan lovers know how great Niigata is.

In the history of Japan, Niigata has been one of the legendary place for Sakura "Cherry Blossom".
In Niigata Prefecture, there is a place called Kaji River in Shibata City, where used to have 6,000 cherry blossom trees line up. This used to be known as "Kaji River's Cherry Blossom Avenue of Ten Miles," and it was considered the most famous cherry blossom spot in Japan and even the world. Now, you can still see around 2,000 cherry blossom trees along the Kaji River, just like before.

If we recommend a place for you to visit, then maybe we suggest "Takada-joshi-Koen (高田城址公園)" to enjoy Sakura.  The cherry blossoms in Takada-joshi-Koen are considered as one of Japan's top three night cherry blossom views.

Takada-joshi-Koen is a large park built on the site of Takada Castle, which was the residence of Matsudaira Tadakatsu, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu(Edo Era).

The park has vast inner and outer moats surrounding it, and around4,000 cherry blossom trees bloom in the area. The beauty of the cherry blossoms illuminated by the lanterns alongside the Triple Turret is renowned as one of the best in Japan.

Rice is one of the symbols when we consider about Japanese Cuisine, as you may also agree. Actually, Niigata is well known as one of the best city which has the most delicious rice in Japan.  Niigata is located on the Japan Sea side and is surrounded by the Echigo mountain range. Because of this, the average temperature during the rice ripening period (the time when the rice grains develop after the ears appear) is 24.5℃, which is the ideal temperature for rice growth. The significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is also a factor that contributes to the deliciousness of the rice.

Sine Japanese sake (Nihonshu) in Niigata is also the best thing to experience as Japanese sake is made from rice. You can imagine how delicious it is as Niigata has one of the best rices in Japan. 

Due to the geographical advantage of Niigata, Niigata also has a great range of seafoods. Sushi? Sashimi (raw fish)? Fish, Prawn, Crab....etc. are all super delicious. Locally cropped, Locally consumed is the best way to enjoy cuisine in Japan.

In Niigata, there are a whopping 144 hot spring areas with accommodation facilities, making it the third-largest hot spring region in Japan. It can be called "the Kingdom of Onsen (Hot-Spring)". There are many historic hot springs and ones with ocean views, which, along with Niigata's delicious rice, local sake, and seafood, provide a soothing experience for visitors. Let me introduce you to some of the charming and unique hot spring areas with plenty of attractions to enjoy.

Even for foreigners living in Japan, it is very famous that Niigata is one of the 1st choice to enjoy snow activities such as Ski, Snow-boarding...etc. Yes! Niigata is very confident that we have fantastic snow scenery. You have no need to fly to Hokkaido which is also famous for snow scenery. You can just spend several hours to come to Niigata from Tokyo.

Recently it is hard to see Snow scenery among key cities such as Tokyo, Osaka...etc. Just step out from big cities and achieve a great experience to enjoy how Japanese snow is like. But do not forget you visit Japan in Winter (December - February). 

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.