Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Niigata
A unique winter experience in Uonuma offers snowy forest night walks and snow tent sauna sessions for those seeking alternatives to traditional winter sports, taking place on March 7 and 14, 2026.
Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, presents the 50th Ojiya Fusen Ikki (Balloon Fiesta), the only snow-covered hot air balloon competition in Honshu, featuring balloon championships, glowing balloon displays, fireworks, and lantern releases on February 21-22.
In mid-April 2026, the Tainai River Natsui Riverbed Thousand Cherry Trees will bloom along both banks, offering approximately 1km of stunning Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
Niigata Youth Nature House will host a bonfire experience event on March 7, 2026. Participants aged elementary school 4th grade and above will enjoy fire-starting experiences and outdoor cooking activities.
Experience Sado Island's winter delights in Niigata City! The second Tabisuru Sado Festival features local cuisine, sake tasting, ferry tours, and special behind-the-scenes experiences at the Sado Kisen Terminal.
Experience the ultimate strawberry sweets at Strawberry choco, a specialty store making its Niigata debut for a limited-time run from February 1 to February 28, 2026, at AEON Mall Niigata Kameda Inter.
Joetsu City Aquarium Umigatari hosts Heartful Winter 2026 from January 31 to March 15, 2026, featuring seal presentations, chocolate-themed fish displays, and the enchanting underwater dolphin performance Art of Dolphin.
A special seasonal display at Joetsu City Aquarium Umigatari showcases conger eels gathering around cylindrical tubes resembling ehomaki sushi rolls. The installation runs from January 20 to February 3, 2026.
From January 10 to 12, 2026, Joetsu Aquarium Umigatari will hold a limited-time event called "Seal Story" in honor of the traditional Japanese Kagami-biraki (mirror-opening) ceremony, featuring insights into spotted seal health management.
To commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Sado Island Gold Mines' World Cultural Heritage registration, a special "Trial at Oshirasu Court Innocent Release Prize Campaign" is being held in the "Time Slip to Edo-era Sado Metaverse" until March 2026.
Cupid Valley ski resort in Niigata Prefecture begins its 2025-2026 season on December 27, 2025, featuring a newly renovated second quad lift that extends to 1,425m and operates at Japan's fastest speed of 5m per second.
Muica Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture will begin operations for the 2025-2026 season on December 27, 2025, offering a 200m-wide slope, diverse courses for all skill levels, and direct access to Muika Onsen Hotel's hot springs.
Innovation Partners launches a pilot stay program at the renovated Suzuki Inn in Joetsu City, Niigata, running through February 28, 2026, inviting local residents to experience the historic inn's transformation into a multifunctional hub.
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, located just 5 km from Yuzawa IC, opens on December 28, 2025. The resort features family-friendly areas including the Angel Gelande beginner zone and Smile Kids Park with dome-covered snow escalators, alongside varied terrain for advanced skiers.
Umiterasu Nadachi Roadside Station in Joetsu City, Niigata hosts a seasonal winter festival featuring snow crab and yellowtail. Enjoy live crab tasting challenges, yellowtail butchery shows, limited-edition seafood dishes, and special accommodation packages from December 27, 2025, through February 28, 2026.
The Sauna Stamp Rally "Hojosai" will be held in Niigata Prefecture from October 25 to December 7, 2025, featuring 29 diverse sauna facilities including new venues, special aufguss events, and prize giveaways for participants collecting stamps across the region
UONUMARCHE, a special market event celebrating Uonuma City's renowned rice harvest and regional products, will be held on November 8, 2025 at the Regional Promotion Center in Niigata Prefecture.
Kashimaya, a renowned specialty food shop in Niigata, releases exclusive collaboration products featuring new original artwork by manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Urusei Yatsura. The collection includes gift sets with premium salmon tea-infused rice topping and soy-marinated salmon roe, along with special packaging and eco bags.
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort will begin autumn foliage gondola operations from October 11, 2025. Enjoy stunning views from the 1,500m summit, early morning gondola rides, yoga experiences, and special events including the Myoko Oktoberfest on opening day.
The Tagami Bamboo Boo 2025 International Bamboo Festival opens in Tagami Town, Niigata Prefecture this September, featuring mystical bamboo illuminations, local gourmet night markets, and special experiences.
A magical autumn illumination event will be held at the Important Cultural Property former Sasagawa family residence from September 27 to October 19, featuring projection mapping and garden illumination.