Itoigawa

Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture is famous as a source of jade. is the beach where jade and rodingite can be collected (ヒスイとロディン岩の採れる浜). Itoigawa Beach is also a great place to relax. For swimmers, Nou Beach (能生海水浴場) is very popular, while Oyashirazu Beach (親不知海水浴場) is known for its dramatic cliffs and historical significance as a difficult travel route. The city is Japan's first UNESCO Global Geopark. Gastronomy is dominated by the treasures of the Sea of Japan, especially 'Benizuwaigani' (red snow crab) from Nou port. The city has excellent connections to Tokyo and Kanazawa via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. In addition to the beaches, the hinterland has impressive mountains and geological formations. Itoigawa uniquely combines the rugged beauty of the sea with fascinating earth sciences and delicious local cuisine.

Nearby cities

Niigata

Niigata is the largest port city on the Sea of Japan coast in the Chubu region.

Joetsu

A port city on the Sea of Japan, famous for Kasugayama Castle and its deep-rooted sake culture.

Yahiko

A spiritual hub in Niigata, famous for the Yahiko Shrine, hot springs, and the nearby Teradomari fishing coast.

Izumozaki

A historic fishing village on the Niigata coast, famous for its traditional architecture and as the birthplace of the monk Ryokan.

Hakuba

A world-renowned winter sports paradise in the Northern Japanese Alps, made famous by the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

Nagano

Nagano developed historically as a temple town around Zenko-ji, one of Japan's most important and oldest Buddhist temples.

Tateyama Kurobe

A world-renowned mountain sightseeing route famous for its massive snow walls and the record-breaking Kurobe Dam.

Nozawa Onsen

A charming historic village famous for its natural hot springs and as one of Japan's oldest ski resorts with a rich cultural tradition.

Toyama

Toyama is located on the bay of the same name and is the starting point for the spectacular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

History & landmarks

Matsumoto

Famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior.

Nature

Shinano River

The longest and widest river in Japan, flowing through Nagano and Niigata prefectures.

More places

Japanese Alps

A series of mountain ranges in central Honshū, comprising the Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi Mountains.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant

Once the world's largest nuclear power plant by net electrical power rating.

Sado Gold Mine

The most productive gold mine in Japan during the Edo period, contributing significantly to the finances of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Echigo Plain

The largest plain on the Sea of Japan coast, known for its production of high-quality Koshihikari rice.

Chūbu-Sangaku National Park

Encompasses the Hida Mountains, or Northern Alps, and is known for its dramatic peaks and valleys.

Mount Yari

A distinctive mountain in the Hida Mountains, known for its spear-like shape.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Famous for its Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, that bathe in the hot springs (onsen) during the winter.