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Furumachi is the old town of Niigata City. This area has long been a cultural hub and a base for river and marine transportation. Niigata prospered in the Edo period (1603‐1868) as a port of call for ships carrying cargo between Hokkaido and Osaka, and Furumachi retains its 17th century townscape. It was known as one of Japan’s 3 main geisha quarters, alongside Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo. The performances of elegant geisha played a central role in hospitality for esteemed visitors from the capital. Furumachi was also famous for its cuisine and sake, and even today it has plenty of great restaurants. You can also encounter geisha at the Furumachi Ryuto Cafe, which opened in 2018 .

Furumachi SangyoOpens in a new window

Furumachi Ryuto CafeOpens in a new window

Situated in the northernmost part of Niigata Prefecture, Murakami City is home to the Miomotegawa River, which is famous for being the first river in the world where salmon were successfully hatched and propagated naturally. Murakami still retains its famous salmon culture, including traditional fishing methods and different events. You can enjoy traditional Murakami salmon dishes all year round at Sennenzake Kikkawa Izutsuya, a restaurant specializing in the famous local product. The restaurant's building has even been designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, and you can enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.

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Did you know that there are many ski resorts close enough to Tokyo for a day-trip from the capital? One of the very best options is GALA Yuzawa, which is just 75 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen and has its own station connected directly to the slopes. Simply grab a ticket, rent some gear on-the-spot, and get changed in the locker room before taking a ski lift to the summit. You’ll find 3 different slope areas, the largest of which is the central area, and there is a peak at 1,181m altitude where you can take stunning photos of the beautiful scenery.

You can also head to the Canyon Snow Sports School to take lessons (available in English, Chinese, and Thai) and level up.

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Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET is located in Tokamachi, a town in the south of Niigata Prefecture. It’s a 10-minute walk from JR Tokamachi Station, making it perfect as a stop on a railway journey. Reopened in 2021, the museum features modern art and special exhibitions. Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara worked on its design, and the pond in middle of the building is a truly magical place. Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial is an international event held across Tokamachi and Tsunan once every 3 years. 2022’s Triennial (the 8th so far) brought together. 95 groups of artists from 13 countries and regions, with more than 300 pieces displayed to appeal to people of all ages.

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