Spots List

Matsudai Castle Ruins Viewpoint

Matsudai Castle Ruins Viewpoint

The Matsudai Castle Ruins offer a spectacular panoramic view often called the "Longed-for View." Located on a hilltop, the site provides a 360-degree vista of the surrounding Satoyama landscape and terraced rice fields. The combination of historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty makes it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience the scale and charm of the Echigo region.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsunoyama Amamizukoshi

Matsunoyama Amamizukoshi

Matsunoyama Amamizukoshi is a breathtaking rural area in Tokamachi famous for its iconic terraced rice fields. These "tanada" reflect the changing seasons, with water-filled paddies in spring acting as mirrors and golden stalks in autumn. It is a prime location for landscape photographers seeking the quintessential, nostalgic beauty of Japan’s agricultural heartland.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsunoyama Onsen

Matsunoyama Onsen

Matsunoyama Onsen is one of Japan’s "Top Three Medicinal Springs," famous for its highly concentrated mineral waters with ancient seawater origins. The hot spring town is surrounded by a beautiful terraced landscape and heavy snow in winter. It offers a nostalgic and healing atmosphere with historic inns, providing relief for various ailments and a peaceful escape into nature.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Komatsubara Marshland

Komatsubara Marshland

Komatsubara Marshland is a vast and pristine high-altitude wetland located at the foot of Mt. Naeba. It is famous for its diverse alpine flora and its hundreds of small ponds (gaki-ta) that reflect the sky. Reaching the marsh involves a challenging trek, making it a reward for hikers seeking untouched nature and a serene, mystical mountain landscape.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kyororo (Museum of Natural Science)

Kyororo (Museum of Natural Science)

Echigo-Matsunoyama "Mori-no-Gakko" Kyororo is a unique natural science museum in Tokamachi that serves as a research and education center for satoyama ecology. Housed in a striking rusted steel building with a tall tower, it offers hands-on exhibits and programs about local wildlife, snow, and forest life. It is an engaging place for families to learn about the harmony between humans and nature.

Niigata
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bijin-bayashi Forest (Beech Forest)

Bijin-bayashi Forest (Beech Forest)

Bijin-bayashi, meaning "Forest of Beauties," is a stunning 100-year-old forest of slender beech trees in Tokamachi. The forest is famous for its vibrant green canopy in summer, brilliant orange in autumn, and its ethereal beauty when covered in snow. It is a popular spot for photography and forest bathing, providing a deeply peaceful and healing experience for all who visit.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tamakiya (Matsunoyama Onsen)

Tamakiya (Matsunoyama Onsen)

Sake-no-yado Tamakiya is a sophisticated and innovative ryokan in Matsunoyama Onsen that focuses on the perfect pairing of local sake and fine French-inspired Japanese cuisine. With a sommelier and sake master on staff, it offers a unique gastronomic experience. Guests can also enjoy the medicinal benefits of the famous Matsunoyama hot springs in a stylish and intimate setting.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kyukamura Myoko

Kyukamura Myoko

Kyukamura Myoko is a scenic national park resort hotel located on the high plateau of Mt. Myoko. Surrounded by lush forests and fresh mountain air, it offers comfortable lodging and activities like guided nature walks and stargazing. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and relax in the open-air baths while immersed in the tranquility of nature.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hot Arena Myoko Kogen

Hot Arena Myoko Kogen

Hot Arena Myoko Kogen is a convenient public hot spring facility that serves as a relaxing hub for both locals and visitors. It features modern communal baths and a popular footbath (ashiyu) located at the entrance. It is an ideal spot for hikers and skiers to soothe their muscles after outdoor activities while enjoying the friendly community atmosphere of Myoko.

Niigata
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akakura Onsen

Akakura Onsen is a world-class hot spring resort at the foot of Mt. Myoko, founded in the Edo period. It is unique for having two distinct types of high-quality spring water, known for their skin-beautifying and therapeutic properties. The charming town is filled with traditional ryokans, footbaths, and local eateries, providing a warm and nostalgic atmosphere year-round.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Seki Onsen

Seki Onsen is a hidden gem in Myoko, famous for being one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the region and for its exceptionally heavy snowfall. The resort is known for its "red" mineral-rich water and its traditional, authentic atmosphere. It is a favorite spot for powder hounds seeking deep snow and travelers looking for a quiet, historical hot spring experience.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Valley

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Valley

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area is a premier winter destination known for its long, high-quality powder runs and spectacular views from its slopes. Established in 1937 as part of Japan's first international mountain resort, it offers a refined atmosphere with diverse terrain for all skill levels. The iconic red-roofed hotel on the slopes adds a touch of classic luxury to the skiing experience.

Niigata
Activities
Nature
Winter

Akakura Onsen Ski Area

Akakura Onsen Ski Area

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort is a historic and popular ski destination known for its high-quality powder snow and its charming, nostalgic hot spring town at the base. It offers a wide variety of runs for all skill levels and is famous for its long history as one of Japan's earliest international ski resorts. Visitors can enjoy the perfect combination of winter sports and relaxing sulfur baths.

Niigata
Activities
Nature
Winter

APA Hotel & Resort Joetsu Myoko

APA Hotel & Resort Joetsu Myoko

APA Hotel & Resort (Joetsu Myoko) is a large-scale mountain resort that offers various seasonal attractions, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a grand illumination event during summer and autumn. Nestled in a lush forest, it provides comfortable lodging with stunning views of the Myoko mountain range, making it a versatile destination for families and luxury seekers.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Myoko Kogen Sky Cable

Myoko Kogen Sky Cable

The Myoko Kogen Sky Cable takes visitors on a scenic 11-minute ride up the slopes of Mt. Myoko, reaching an altitude of 1,300 meters. From the top, guests can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Shonai Plain and the surrounding mountains. It is a popular way to access hiking trails or simply enjoy a relaxing mountain coffee with a spectacular view.

Niigata
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Imori-ike Pond

Imori-ike Pond is a beautiful pond in the Myoko Kogen area famous for the spectacular reflection of Mt. Myoko on its calm water surface. Surrounded by a well-maintained walking path, it is particularly stunning in spring when thousands of skunk cabbages bloom and in autumn during the peak of the foliage. It is a serene spot for nature lovers and landscape photographers.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oobarahara

Oobarawara is a scenic plateau in Myoko known for its vibrant seasonal flower displays and its stunning backdrop of Mt. Myoko. In summer, the area is famous for its vast sunflower fields, while in autumn, cosmos flowers cover the landscape. It is a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks, offering a picturesque view of Niigata’s agricultural beauty.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sasagamine Plateau

Sasagamine Plateau

Sasagamine is a vast highland plateau at the foot of the Myoko Mountains, known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. It features sprawling meadows, ancient beech forests, and clear streams, making it a popular destination for trekking, camping, and cattle grazing. The area offers a refreshing escape with its cool mountain air and spectacular alpine scenery.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Koya-ike Hutte

Koya-ike Hut is a scenic mountain lodge located high in the Myoko Range, famous for its unique triangular architecture and its location next to the stunning Koya-ike Marsh. It serves as a vital base for hikers climbing Mt. Hiuchi and Mt. Myoko, offering a peaceful environment surrounded by alpine flowers in summer and vibrant autumn colors that reflect in the marsh's clear waters.

Niigata
Accommodation
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Myoko

Mt. Myoko, known as the "Mt. Fuji of Echigo," is an active volcano and the iconic symbol of Myoko City. As one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it offers challenging trekking routes through diverse terrain, including steep ridges and rocky peaks. The mountain is central to the region’s rich hot spring culture, with many famous spas located at its base and along its slopes.

Niigata
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort boasts the longest ski run in Japan, stretching over 8.5 kilometers. It is renowned for its magnificent vertical drop and expansive slopes that offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding mountains on clear days. The resort caters to all levels, from beginners seeking long scenic cruises to advanced skiers looking for challenging powder terrain.

Niigata
Activities
Winter

Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort

Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort

Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort is famous for having one of the widest and flattest slopes in Japan, making it an ideal destination for beginners, families, and snowboarders looking to practice. The resort offers high-quality powder snow and a relaxed atmosphere, with various restaurants and a craft brewery at the base, providing a complete mountain resort experience.

Niigata
Activities
Winter

Tsubame Onsen Kogane-no-yu

Tsubame Onsen Kogane-no-yu

Tsubame Onsen Ougon-no-yu is a famous open-air hot spring hidden in the high mountains of Myoko. Known for its milky-white sulfuric water and natural setting, it offers a primitive and liberating bathing experience with stunning views of the valley. This free, public outdoor bath is a beloved spot for hikers looking to soothe their bodies after a long climb.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akakura Golf Course (Akakura Kanko Resort)

Akakura Golf Course (Akakura Kanko Resort)

Akakura Kanko Resort Golf Course is a prestigious mountain golf course offering an exceptional playing experience with breathtaking views of Mt. Myoko and the surrounding highland. Known for its well-maintained fairways and sophisticated clubhouse, it provides a luxurious and scenic setting for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the cool mountain air and natural beauty of Myoko.

Niigata
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter