'''Niigata prefecture''' (_V____ ''Niigata-ken'') [http://www.pref.niigata.jp/sougouseisaku/kokusai/english/] is on the Japan Sea coast of the central Chubu region of Japan.

Understand

Niigata was formerly divided into the provinces of '''Echigo''' (_z__), on the mainland, and '''Sado''' (___n), a large island off the coast.

Further reading

[http://www.trafford.com/04-2705 My Mother is a Tractor], by Nicholas Klar. A former English teacher with a witty and informative take on Japanese society. Written from the depths of the Niigata countryside.

Cities

  • Niigata — the prefectural capital.
  • Izumozaki — birth place of the 18th century monk-poet Ry?kan.
  • Joetsu — train hub also featuring the port of Naoetsu
  • Other destinations

  • Sado Island — with a tragic history of exiles and slave labor gold mines, now known for its scenic beauty and a large music festival
  • Yuzawa — popular spa and ski resort
  • Mt. Yone (''Yoneyama'') —
  • Myoko - well known for its onsen and great skiing. Nearby Lake Nojiri is also a popular summer retreat.
  • Get in

    By train

    The '''Joetsu Shinkansen''' line connects Niigata to Tokyo in around 2 hours, passing through Yuzawa on the way. Alternatively, the '''Nagano Shinkansen''' line connects Nagano to Tokyo also in around 2 hours. From Nagano one can take an express or local train onwards to Myoko and Naoetsu in Niigata Prefecture

    Get around

    See

    Do

    Niigata is the heart of Japan's '''Snow Country''', which means it's a great place for skiing (see above destinations).

    Eat

    Niigata is famed for its ''koshihikari'' rice, generally considered one of the best grades in the country.

    Drink

    Thanks to its famous rice and abundance of mountain streams, Niigata produces some of the best '''sake''' in the country including famous labels like '''Kubota''' (_v___c), '''Koshinokanbai''' (_z_T___~) and '''Hakkaisan''' (___C_R).

    Get out

  • Yamagata Prefecture
  • Fukushima Prefecture
  • Tochigi Prefecture
  • Gunma Prefecture
  • Nagano Prefecture
  • Toyama Prefecture