Spots List | V-Trip Japan

Aga Town

Aga Town is a scenic area along the majestic Aga River, famous for its "Fox Wedding" festival and lush natural beauty. It offers unique experiences like river cruising and historic steam locomotive (SL) sightings, making it a nostalgic and charming destination for nature and history lovers.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
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Niigata

Yudagami Onsen Hotel Koyanagi

Hotel Koyanagi is a well-established hotel in Yutagami Onsen offering stunning panoramic views of the Echigo Plain from its hilltop location. Known for its rooftop open-air baths and creative cuisine that blends tradition with modern flair, it provides a high-quality resort experience. It is an ideal destination for families and couples seeking comfort, scenic beauty, and the rejuvenating benefits of Yutagami’s thermal waters.

Niigata
Accommodation
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Niigata

Echigo no Oyado Wakatake

Echigo-no-Oyado Wakatake is a refined and hospitable ryokan in Yutagami Onsen that focuses on creating a relaxing atmosphere inspired by the local bamboo forests. Guests can enjoy soothing hot spring baths and exquisite multi-course meals featuring the finest seasonal ingredients from Niigata. With its warm service and tranquil setting, it is a perfect sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.

Niigata
Accommodation
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Niigata

Tagami Town

Tagami Town is a peaceful and scenic town nestled at the foot of Mt. Gomaido, famous for the therapeutic Yutagami Onsen hot springs. The town is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including lush bamboo groves and a vibrant hydrangea park that blooms in summer. It offers a relaxing and slow-paced environment where visitors can enjoy traditional hospitality and Niigata’s authentic rural charm.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Niigata

Ojiya Bullfighting (Ushi-no-Tsunotsuki)

The Ojiya Bullfighting Arena is the stage for "Ushi-no-Tsunotsuki," a traditional bull butting ritual with a history of over 1,000 years. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the matches emphasize the power and spirit of the bulls rather than victory or defeat, as most end in a draw to respect the animals. It is a powerful and unique cultural experience that reflects the deep bond between the local people and their livestock.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer
Autumn

Niigata

Ojiya Balloon Festival

The Ojiya Balloon Festival (Balloon Ikki) is one of Niigata’s major winter events, where dozens of colorful hot air balloons fly over the white, snow-covered plains. The highlight of the festival is the "Glow Balloon" event at night, where the balloons light up to the beat of traditional drums, creating a mystical and warm atmosphere against the cold winter sky. It is a spectacular celebration of winter and community spirit.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Winter

Niigata

Sawayama Pocket Park

Sawayama Pocket Park is a scenic rest area and observation point in Ojiya that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast terraced rice fields (tanada) and the Shinano River. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers to capture the seasonal changes of Niigata’s agricultural landscape, especially during the harvest season when the fields turn golden and the river reflects the clear autumn sky.

Niigata
Activities
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Niigata

Katakai Festival

The Katakai Festival is a unique and spiritual fireworks event where each shell is launched as a personal dedication to celebrate milestones like birth, marriage, or recovery from illness. The highlight is the launch of the "Yonsahkudama," the world's largest single firework shell, which reaches a height of 800 meters. It is a deeply moving experience that combines grand pyrotechnic artistry with the heartfelt prayers of the local community.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Niigata

Katakai Town, Ojiya City

Katakai-machi in Ojiya City is a historic town celebrated for its deep-rooted passion for fireworks, a tradition spanning over 400 years. It is home to the world-famous Katakai Fireworks Festival, where the community comes together to launch magnificent shells as offerings to the local shrine. The town’s narrow streets and traditional atmosphere provide a nostalgic glimpse into the spiritual connection between the people and their craft.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Niigata

Ojiya City

Ojiya City is world-renowned as the birthplace of "Nishikigoi" (ornamental carp) and is famous for its rich traditions in a heavy snowfall region. The city offers a unique blend of culture and nature, featuring the spectacular Katakai Fireworks and traditional Ojiya Chijimi textiles. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like "Hegi-soba" noodles while experiencing the deep history and warm hospitality of this resilient community.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Niigata

Izumozaki Town

A historic coastal town that flourished as a gold-shipping port. It is the birthplace of the Zen monk Ryokan and is known for its unique "Tsumairi" architecture, with narrow houses lining the streets facing the Sea of Japan, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Niigata
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Niigata

Sekikawa Village

A picturesque village famous for its grand merchant residences and the scenic Arakawa River. It hosts the "Great Snake Festival" and offers an authentic encounter with Japan’s traditional countryside life, where history and nature remain beautifully preserved.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Niigata

Kamo City

Known as the "Little Kyoto of Echigo," Kamo City features an elegant townscape and a rich history. It is famous for traditional Kamo paulownia chests and the scenic Kamo River. The city blends cultural heritage with natural beauty, especially at Kamo Park.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Niigata

Jiko-ji Temple

An ancient Buddhist temple in Gosen famous for its magnificent approach lined with 500-year-old giant cedar trees. It offers a powerful spiritual atmosphere and a peaceful retreat into nature, allowing visitors to experience centuries of history and tranquility.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
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Niigata

Gosen City

Gosen City is a scenic region known as a major center for high-quality silk textiles and knitwear. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it is also famous for its vibrant flower displays, including peonies and cherry blossoms, reflecting its rich natural environment and long history of craftsmanship.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Niigata

Kadoya Ryokan

A cozy and welcoming inn in the Gozu area known for its nostalgic atmosphere and private radium-rich hot springs. As its name suggests, it evokes a sense of returning to one's hometown. It is highly regarded for its warm hospitality and healthy local cuisine.

Niigata
Accommodation
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Niigata

Murasugi Onsen Kansuirou

A historic and elegant inn set within a sprawling 6,000-tsubo forest. With its traditional architecture and private hot spring baths, it offers an exclusive sanctuary where time seems to slow down. Guests can immerse themselves in nature and experience the profound peace of a classic Japanese retreat.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
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Niigata

Fuga no Yodo Choseikan

A prestigious ryokan in Murasugi Onsen featuring one of the largest private Japanese gardens in the prefecture. Famous for its high-radium hot springs and exquisite seasonal cuisine, it provides a luxurious and serene atmosphere where guests can relax while admiring the garden's beauty.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
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Winter

Niigata

Gozu Onsen Village

A cluster of historic hot spring villages (Murasugi, Deyu, and Imogawa) located at the foot of Mt. Gozu. Known for its radium-rich waters and therapeutic benefits, it offers a peaceful "Toji" experience. Surrounded by lush nature, it's a perfect place for relaxation and spiritual healing.

Niigata
Accommodation
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Niigata

Suibara Magistrate’s Office

This reconstructed Edo-period government office served as the administrative center for the Shogunate's lands. It features traditional architectural techniques and historical exhibits, offering visitors a detailed look into the local governance, lifestyle, and history of Agano City from centuries ago.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Niigata

Hyoko Iris Garden

The Hyoko Iris Garden, located by the famous swan lake, features hundreds of thousands of beautiful irises in various colors. During the blooming season in early summer, the garden becomes a vibrant sea of purple, white, and yellow. It is a stunning spot for photography and peaceful walks, reflecting the seasonal beauty of Agano City.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer

Niigata

Mt. Gozu

Mt. Gozu, meaning "Five-Headed Mountain," is a iconic peak famous for its five distinct summits. It is a popular destination for hikers of all levels, offering well-maintained trails and breathtaking views of the Echigo Plain and the Sea of Japan. The mountain is also closely associated with the nearby Gozu Onsenkyo hot spring resort at its foot.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Niigata

Agano City

Agano City is a picturesque city located in the Niigata Plain, famous for its majestic swan migration at Lake Hyoko and the rejuvenating Gozu Onsen hot spring resort. It is a place where nature, tradition, and agriculture thrive together, offering visitors beautiful mountain views and high-quality local products like Yasuda Yogurt and premium rice.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Niigata

Seirozan Hoshaku-in Temple

Hoshaku-in Temple, located on Mt. Seiro, is an ancient Buddhist temple with a long history and deep spiritual significance. Surrounded by tranquil forests, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer. The temple is respected for its historic structures and the serene natural environment that provides a sense of calm to all who visit.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter