NIIGATA PREFECTURE

NIIGATA HOTELS

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NIIGATA MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Niigata is the capital city of Niigata Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan. Niigata became a free port following the Meiji Restoration, and today is the largest city along the Sea of Japan coast.

NIIGATA CASTLES

Kasugayama Castle, also known as Hachigamine Castle, was a flatland style Japanese Castle is located in Joetsu in Niigata Prefecture in the Chubu region. Kasugayama Castle was originally constructed by the Nagao Clan and in 1548 Nagao Kagetora took over control of the castle. When Nagao Kagetora (who changed his name to Uesugi Kenshin) died in 1578, control passed to his nephew Uesugi Kagekatsu, who had to battle Uesugi Kagetora (Kenshin adopted son) several times to maintain control of the castle. In 1597 control of Kasugayama Castle passed to Hori Clan, who abandoned the castle in 1607 when they moved their base to the new Fukushima Castle. Today only earthworks remain from Kasugayama Castle.

Shibata Castle is a flatland style Japanese Castle is located in Shibata in Niigata Prefecture in the Chubu region. Construction of Shibata Castle started under Mizoguchi Hidekatsu, but was not completed until 1654. Today the original Omote-mon Gate and the Sumi yagura (turret) of Shibata Castle still remain and are designated Important National Properties. The Tatsumi and Sangai yagura (turrets) were restored in 2004.

NIIGATA MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Northern Culture Museum, located in Niigata, is a museum displaying the distinct history and culture of the northern parts of Honshu. Northern Culture Museum uses the stately traditional Japanese manor and former estate of the wealthy Bunkichi Ito. The manor features 65 rooms and was completed in 1890. Northern Culture Museum features an extensive beautiful Japanese garden which includes five tea houses.

NIIGATA LANDMARKS

Furumachi is a district within Niigata, which is still an active Geisha district. The Geisha of Niigata are known as the Furumachi Geigi.

Toki Messe, located in Niigata, is the tallest building on the Sea of Japan coast and features an observation deck on the 34th floor which provides excellent views of Niigata and when the weather is clear, Sado and Awashima islands. Toki Messe also includes a hotel, restaurants, art museum, conference rooms and basketball stadium where the Niigata Albirex Basketball team host their home games.

NIIGATA GARDENS and PARKS

Muramatsu Park, located in Kosen Niigata, is famous for its 3,000 cherry blossom trees consisting mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety, but with some of the Hosaki-yae-higan-zakura variety. Muramatsu Park is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Okotsu Canal, also known as the Okouzu flood-control channel, located in Tsubame Niigata Prefecture, is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Takada Park, located in Joetsu in Niigata, is most famous for its cherry blossom being considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

NIIGATA SKI RESORTS

Naeba Ski Resort is located on Mt Takenoko near Echigo Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture. Naeba Ski Resort features a maximum course length of 4,000m and a drop of 889m and was used in the FIS Ski World Cup Races in 2005. Naeba Ski Resort can be reach in 40 minutes by express bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station which connects to Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen. Naeba Ski Resort is connected to Tashiro, Mitsumata and Kagura ski areas via gondola. In summer the Naeba Ski Resort plays host to the Fuji Rock Festival.