If it isn’t the food and onsens that get you it’s the evening festivities and regional events. We will cover a few reasons why Niigata is so interesting and deserves more attention.
It has already been several years of discussion of Niigata back in 2019 where students from overseas would discuss what they knew about Niigata. It wouldn’t be until 2022 that the contact of Minami-ku of Niigata City would set off for a Hawaii collaboration to track down all the things that make Niigata full of charm. As a group of people from Hawaii, Japan, China, California, Europe, Texas and other places around the world through the international program. This would be to see what people in Japan think that are not from Niigata, Foreigners think, and Globally how Niigata is viewed. 01. Because Niigata is fascinating Art installations that have contemporary feels that seamlessly merge into the natural atmosphere of the experience. The prefecture has proven an important message and that is that Contemporary is in harmony with Nature, and that moving to the future is always alongside thoughts of nature itself. Art intermingles with nature, this brought a lot of interest in artistic carpentry as found in Shukunegi or Toge Village (Junichi Kurakake) that would show the beauty of wood with a contemporary twist while maintaining the natural feel of its 200 year age. Even though there is depopulation in the rural area, people kept working with others to find solutions to bring back the interest in Niigata with events and revitalization projects. Kiyotsu Gorge, The Tunnel of Light has remained to show that such a stretch of nature can be an artistic expression that compliment one another and still have a sense of natural beauty. Niigata has been stormed on, dangers of snow, and somehow ends up having many of creation’s coming out okay with designs based around nature like the ice and cold climate in winter. Niigata’s harmonious design concepts is what makes it work so well with nature. What can be seen is Niigata coming out from its remoteness from its richness of design that speaks so loudly that it can be attention grabbing. Niigata will remain where it is, and have its richness, something to be found from the people who go there. 02. Because Niigata City could be many places within a place Niigata City has 8 Wards, many towns and villages that have their own distinct history that is important to understanding how the city functions. Each piece of history can influence the personality of an area, a mood of an area, and the experience of an area from the cool to the old-fashioned in each ward for distinct theming to give it its own character. 03. Because Niigata has the potential to harvest snow power In Niigata, blankets of snow can cover solar panels and freeze electronics, but has the potential to move towards snow-based triboelectric nanogenerators (Snow Teng). Snow is positive-electron charge, which means when landing on a negative-electron charge it creates “Static Electricity”. It could be looking at its own way in Snow-country to reach lower emissions and have a more sustainable way to provide more energy through snow as a renewable source. 04. Because Niigata is always evolving with nature through the contemporary Niigata has been looking at ways to reinvent itself with places like Tokamachi “Art Town”. The modernization doesn’t look out of place and seems to emphasize natures beauty, and revitalization and renewal is happening in many towns showing a similar feel. Tokamachi brings out artistic ties to create a sense of community with the “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale” that can show that artistic pursuits can be well worth it as displayed at the “Matsudai Snow Country Agricultural Culture Village Center”. Niigata City seems like a great place that could be following such ideas of natures bond with the contemporary arts. Parks, Chic Shopping Malls, and unique indoor venues to have things to do in the cold winter where transportation is a huge issue. It would be a huge undertaking to create a new kind of Niigata city that has contemporary designs that seamlessly feel natural. 05. Because Niigata City has contrasts Niigata City has areas that emphasize modernity and places that are really traditional and are really walkable. Grabbing snacks at a local market, catching a traditional geigi performance, and stopping by for something warm like rice balls or soup are close by. The more each ward in the city grows the attraction to Niigata city becomes the center of visitor attraction as they make their way from the modern and later on the traditional. 06. Because in Niigata futuristic ecology is part of everyday life There aren’t many places like Niigata where people are looking into hydro turbines for rivers and self-heating whirlpool turbines for free flowing water energy. Finding out ways to both harness the power of nature during a time of snow as well as when water flows works with nature rather than against it through unique ways. This all has to do with maximizing the hydrologic cycle and how it can be converted into energy no matter the season in Niigata. There are some really interesting ideas out there from the youth of Niigata who suggested there be next-level infinity-bathtubs that can make hanging indoors during the snow time a real treat and better than other prefectures. All the while saying “Tokyo may have futuristic Toilets, but Niigata can have futuristic bathtubs”. 07. Because everything has a mascot Niigata likes rebellious characters, like Black Bancho to Lerch-san, and if they are Japanese they feel like they are part of a rock band or have an attitude. Or Lerch-san embraces the foreign aspect of skiing that is not so Japanese, but seeing life-sized costumes around the train stations has its appeal without question as well as embracing skiing. It might be silly to think there is a mascot marketing team, but having really likable mascots can bring lots of interest from people who live in Japan to that particular area, such as Kumamon from Kumamoto prefecture. Sado Island has the very strange design and dynamic with demons to the mascot Burikatsu-kun. A Tuna witha bright yellow hat and represents the main catches of the winter season. He has been paired with the very cute Ondeko-chan who is a performer of the demon dance unique to the island. 08. Because Niigata is a city of that lacks global icons its unknown Every great city has its iconic landmarks with Niigata not having enough of its own to easily know where you are going. Is there a large transportation area that shows something marvelous like Tokyo's “Shibuya Scramble Crossing” to show the cities liveliness? Hyogo’s Tetsujin 28-go Statue in the city, or in the case of Niigata City, Niigata’s Naohiro Washio’s Gundam Barbatos (Iron Blooded Orphen). Or other thoughts like…Is there the opportunity of shopping for goods displaying Niigata at the “Saifukuji Temple” that is often compared in itineraries to the Asakusa Senoji Temple (Tokyo) with its many shops or Kiyomizudera Water Temple (Kyoto) that survives from tourist overflow. It is much desired that the Saifukuji Temple have a definitive nighttime scene across from another landmark equally as tantalizing. One thing that really makes Saifukuji Temple stand out from the rest of Japan’s temples is the Niigata-temple style “ceiling carving portraits” and their connection in history of Uncho Ishikawa, artisanal feeling of handicrafts, and comparisons of Uonuma versus Kanazawa. Niigata’s Kokujoji Temple went viral online and became one of the most famous temples due to Ryoko Kimura that is a missed opportunity that could have been the first place for “Fujoshi Pilgrimage”. There really isn’t anything that is out of the ordinary to see in Niigata and that makes it not so memorable in the ways of iconic things, but maybe it could be the lack of iconic things in the prefecture in general that are hidden under a blanket or not yet been designed. 09. World Renowned Sake Vending machines Japan is the vending machine capital of the world and where people usually go is Tokyo to see the strange and the weird, but in Niigata there is the sophisticated. Ponshukan Sake Museum is at the JR Niigata Station and has a wide amount of prefectural offerings. Area Specialties within Niigata on other hand tend to not have Sake Vending machines in their Stations and thats a real shame, because if such Sake Vending Machine venues were in each of the areas sake producing areas main Stations there could be a whole reason to just go Station Traveling to taste the Niigata specialty areas of sake brewing. No where else does sake vending machine like Niigata exist and it is a prime reason to travel, especially if there were more. When people think sake vending machines or 10. Because Niigata is not very Cycle friendly Cycling is one of the best ways to discover Niigata’s scenic and food-filled neighborhoods that make a great alternative to a car. Otherwise, depending on expensive cars or limitations of public transportation are the only other options that can limit places to go. There also has to be research into gaining traction in loose terrain in the rainy season and snow season, two-contact front wheels with optional studs, for bike examples: the exciting Yamaha Leaning Multi-Wheel Technology (Dual gyroscopes, Dual Inverted Forks, Quad Suspension) with Niken but a tricycle version instead of motorcycle that shows the dual-front wheel spacing, dual front wheel size. Along with ideas like Rungu Dualie Technology (Ackerman Steering, Extra-long Wheelbase, 75/25 weight distribution). Modders suggest: Dual-Sprocket (heavy steel-teeth, light aluminum inside), Dashboards (snow-proof, digital screen), battery powered carbon-fiber heat system with heat shield for a warm seat in cold weather, Warming Hand Guards (Givi EH2139 Handguard Extensions) kind of like a Kotatsu for your hands. . Niigata needs Safe-Paths for Walking and double as Bicycle Paths without sharing the roads with cars, effective snowplows, with ice crushing (Gryb Company), because Niigata has Wet-snow and not Dry-snow. In places like (example. Oulu, Finland) that talks about such ways to lower gas use and quieter cities with winter issues are spoken at the Winter Cycling Congress. It's not the cold, not the snow preventing people from snow biking, only the convenience. If it's convenient through infrastructure with no competition with traffic, has many fashionable options and is a way to have more safety as well as fun in the winter time. Winter maintenance is important, because more people begin biking when cities provide 2.0 cm (3 hours) maintenance, and fewer people are biking when cities provide 5.0 cm (8 hours) maintenance. 11. Because the public transport system is second to none Tokyo's train system is ridiculously efficient. In fact, punctuality is such an obsession here that railway companies will apologize if a train departs a few seconds earlier than scheduled. There’s also a network of buses and trams criss-crossing the capital, ready to take you anywhere the trains don’t reach. 12. Because Niigata is a city of hidden subcultures While places like Tokyo attract the weird, bizarre, and strange to show new fashion for the sake of something new, Niigata brings together people of a specific style. While much lower in number of those dedicated like-minded people there are a few that spot out what makes Niigata different in its approach. Such as: Winter stylized and modified Niigata schoolgirl uniforms, slit-cut Chi Lolita with designer body harnesses and chains, Manga Otaku with Ranma ½ inspired outfits (Ranma Aestethics), Rock and Roll Oraora style (soul Japan, soul sister). You will rarely if ever spot groups of these subcultures sporting their style since it is such a small number of people, many of which have moved to Tokyo for their careers and hang out in the Shibuya district proudly saying their influence came from Niigata. Subcultures have not been really explored with specific venues or neighborhoods catering to them in Niigata, so the hunt for merchandise often takes them away from Niigata in general and exclusively purchased online or in Tokyo. There is no fashion area dedicated to being socially accepted as Harajjuku in Niigata for fashion or Akihabara for Otaku as of yet. 13. Because the Female Anime Otaku community is small but aggressive With the near endless amounts of snow and reasons to stay indoors it is no surprise that there might be many who are interested in characters (yumejoshi), anime (female otaku), boys (fujoshi), or voice actors (voice ota). There are passionate people online that really are interested in being part of Fujoshi community in a tireless fight for gender equality of eye-candy, representations of BL fandom, and being part of a gender target audience. More than just a few international Niigata-based female anime otaku reach out to people overseas to have discussions about Fujoshi Culture. Fujoshi numbers have grown not only in Japan but all around the world with many becoming interested and heading down the mecca for Female Otaku in Japan “Otome Road” in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo that is especially welcoming to Female Otaku. While there is growing interest in Niigata as being a place of community meet ups and a base of initial online meetings there are still no places to be physically engaged in the community itself. Because of that, those who are female otaku that really love handsome male characters have no place of refuge from judgment or escape where they can find workshops, counseling on relationships, and employment issues as a woman, etc. For those reasons is why a previous 14. Because Niigata is becoming more visual Visuals can be a challenge in a city that has many foreign speakers like Niigata, but there are initiatives from tour groups and community teams every so often. Having more signs, maps, brochures, and audio recordings help communicate the charms of the place to someone who likely doesn’t speak Japanese. The visuals make things easier for everyone and help people locate where they might be in town without using too much brain power, since they remember where the sign is located. While Niigata is becoming more visual it is not that accessible yet and that really is dragging down the potential of visitors to tourist attractions like temples, observation decks, museums, and having no transportation or language barrier. Being barrier-free is a big part of allowing people to access places and bring income into Niigatas economy. Sharing with people the hot spots of town and not being afraid is important in bringing more and more new people into Niigata. 15. Because in Niigata there are no Niche sites we don’t go Niigata is not known for a diverse, specific, interest of goods and services with hangout spots and that makes it difficult to go to. Tourists to Japan see traditional things as a value-added cultural experience perk than a main attraction. Foreign visitors choose unique facilities based on their own preferences depending on what they are looking for and what Niigata has to offer and when they don’t find it they look around for another prefecture that does have their preferences. There are common people looking for: A town of souvenirs, a vintage clothing town, an otaku shopping area, a kitchen supply or restaurant area, a wholesale fish market, and other sorts of specialty towns. The main reason is not always for foreigners to be on the hunt for a particular product, but to meet like minded individuals who are from Japan. 16. Because Niigata put the world spotlight on onigiri Can you imagine going to Niigata, the land of rice and seeing no onigiri? Onigiri became onigiri as we eat now during Heian period (794-1185) known as a carrying food for travelers. It is really important to Japanese food culture, with a hand full of places that emphasize the rice with the quality like Niigata. Chefs distinguish themselves through food preparation skills and their unique take on the cooking niigata rice, resulting in a perfect tasting rice, with really delicious rice balls are affordable, but gourmet, on the go, or dine in. Thanks to places like Teradomari Street Market all sorts of ingredients makes its way into a unique onigiri made by people who live nearby. 17. Because Niigata still has a long way to go with Food Treasure hidden under snow is the best way to think about it when it comes to the delicious foods of Niigata. It still needs more talent to reach the attention it needs to become a place that foodies want to visit with modern executed Japanese meals and more modern dishes that may be well respected by the local residents. 18. Because Niigata produces great Alcoholic drinks As a rice-producing region and making peoples lives with some of the best sake in all of Japan naturally there are focuses on excellent water, snow nutrients, and soil care. Niigata needs lots of work when it comes to making its cocktail bars against competition like Tokyo, but have an emphasis on sake. There needs to be “omakase cocktail tasting courses” and more creative in showing that they are positioned to be a unique bar and nightlife place. 19. Because Niigata Izakaya Connect people When going to abar it might be uncomfortable but in the izakaya in Niigata the managers want the customers to be at the same level as the staff to really know each other. Actually trying to build relationships with a closeness that is unlike other parts of Japan and that leads to being invited to events outside of the shop. Customers become close with the bar workers and the customers also become close with other customers, so the social atmosphere is meant to be disarming and comforting. Even those who are quiet will know that people are trying to break the silence and discomfort of those not from Niigata who might be foreign or on business trips. As long as they respect there can be relationships built, but customers that do not respect that are politely asked to leave. This was first observed at a famous izakaya that wanted to form a Niigata Izakaya culture called “Dangerous Chicken”. 20. Because Niigata italarian resemble the ports When looking at the ski lodges it might be a thought that resort food is the only thing Niigata does right, but there is Japanese food that builds on a mixture of foods from the ports. While it is a very casual food that is even considered fast-food the yakisoba noodle dish can step up the excellence by making B-gourmet versions as well. By no means is being a fast food or street food degrade a foods importance, but it just needs more people interested in it to elevate it as a Niigata food to bring people from all over to try it. While the dish is from Niigata there is also a concern of precision and obsession with authentic sauces with italian noodles, so that Itarian (yakisoba italian) can be made with the same quality and respect as the influenced culture. People in Niigata are interested in both types of noodles and really like eating many italian things. Places like Pizzzeria La Laconda del Pittore (Isao Tsuji) have really set the stage for revolutionizing “Niigata-Italian Cuisine” and affecting “Japanese-Italian Cuisine”. 21. Because Tokyo has a café for everything Themed cafés are all the range in Tokyo. Almost every franchise and character, regardless of whether it's Japanese or an import, has its own café in Tokyo, from Gundam and Pokémon to the Moomins and Snoopy. And it’s more than just the decor; these hangouts even serve up food and drinks presented in the likeness of their namesakes. Fashion brands are also getting in on the game. Louis Vuitton recently opened Le Café V, which doesn’t exist anywhere outside of Japan, in its jaw-droppingly beautiful Ginza Namiki store. 22. Because the city's Niigata cuisine is constantly evolving The world loves Japanese food for its clean flavours that celebrate seasonal ingredients. Tokyo takes the cuisine a step further by exploring its versatility, marrying Japanese techniques and produce with some of the world’s most revered cuisines – to great effect. Here you’ll find bold, innovative restaurants offering inspired takes on Japanese-French (Florilège), Japanese-Vietnamese (Andi) as well as Modern European-Japanese food (Kabi; pictured). To experience what’s new and next in gastronomy, Tokyo’s the city to be in. 23. Because no one can do Senbei like Niigata Niigata’s addiction to crunchy rice crackers that are made everyday as can be seen at the Niigata Senbei Okoku (Bakauke, www.baka.ne.jp). Furikake Nori Ochazuke, or traditional crackers that are eaten plain or coated in a sauce are light and tasty. There are spicy ones or those that are wrapped in seaweed that there are dedicated senbei shops freshly grilling outdoors or added to a side with soup or even with sweets or even mochi for a contrast of chewy and crunchy. Some of the favorites are: Soy Sauce, Sesame Soy Sauce, Cheese, Sweet Curry, and Corn Potage. 24. Because you won’t find unique, themed restaurants, and places to game There really aren't too many attractions when stepping off the train to Niigata, but maybe it should take things a bit more seriously with its karaoke experience to the next level, or an immersive contemporary private art onsen-hotel charged for partial days or full days attached to an onsen theme park. Areas around the city that are instagrammable photogenic, or a themed restaurant based on Fuji Rock Festival fashion with Yanki vibes (Rock Cafe) or Butler Cafes, ideas that even the locals can get into. It would be nice for people to have some things that the city could specialize in and have as things you may not otherwise see in a neighboring prefecture. 25. Because Niigata is home to some of the world's most revered mangaka Who in the world doesn’t know Rumiko Takahashi (Chuo, Niigata), Shuichi Shigeno creator of Initial D, or Nobuhiro Watsuki (Nagaoka, Niigata), Some of the most celebrated names in the Heisei Era were brought up in Niigata. 26. Because Niigata-ken are Fashionable Explorers Niigata follows the oversized boxy silhouette followed by most in Japans fashion world of popular styles, but the experience of the season makes the wardrobe. From the beaches of the coastal regions to the mountainous and even snowy winter outfits all art part of the travelwear found in the city. Niigata has its own designers with their own boutiques, but not much is covered in the media about it. But, it is associated with the people in Niigata that they have clothes for: Swimming, Hiking, Training, and all the while create art, direction, a message, and a path towards snow living. 27. Because Niigata is a manga city Manga and Anime may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Niigata art is seen in many places from the traditional to the modern in character form. Magikarp from Pokemon is on the manhole covers in Ojiya City. There is the Niigata Manga Animation Museum that exhibits certain titles and there is also the Niigata City Manga House Museum. With people staying in from the cold weather or if they are just interested in staying indoors there are many people who want to draw as a way to pass the time. It might not be a place for an Anime pilgrimage. The anime tourism boom is starting to get people talking about the possibility of sculptures, an Initial D themed car museum with automotive repair services, or a Rumiko Takahashi Museum with similar projects bringing in travelers being the Osamu Tezuka Museum. 28. Because Niigata is starting to become photogenic Niigata’s has lots of scenery that allows people to see the natural beauty of the rice fields and that is starting to be part of thinking if it would be a good photograph. It draws the tourists in when they see the usual spots like Takada Castle, Marinepia Aquarium, and Ojiya City Bridge, but also taking into consideration a photo or video shared to social media. Showing that a place is adventurous needs something eye-catching and ultimately worthy of sharing to show proof that something is really unique and designed well with aesthetic promise and makes people want to see it themselves in person. It's all about being eye-catching online and while there are shot locations popping up slowly there needs to be more places to discover in Niigata to really bring in people to places that have a lot of promise. Having an internet presence is a must! 29. Because the architecture in Niigata highlights the Meiji era Niigata architecture sort of goes under the radar - its contemporary and traditional. Ancient buildings like Risen-ji Temple is quietly preserved with its traditional architecture. The Kanai Cultural Property Musuem has a story of the time period that holds much interest in the westernization of the culture that have a bit more of a Japanese feel. Then there is the strong and well designed Kina Saffron Sakehompo that sticks out with its level of craftwork that does not go un noticed. While the exterior isn’t much to see of the Konan Ward Cultural Center, the interior is really a step above in showing the contemporary design that really stands out. 30. Because the Niigata city needs to pay more attention to shopping You may think that shopping can’t be an amazing experience, but when its cold in the snow and shopping in Niigata people think of the lonely Nishibori Rosa and Next 21 that has much to be desired. It would be really cool if there were homegrown Niigata designers and have special editions regularly through collaborations, exclusive to Niigata. It could bring some new life if there was places to spend some time all dressed up under a heavy coat to keep warm. There would have to be many stores that offer clothes and many places to sit down to pass the time throughout the day of the winter. Not only Chuo-ku of Niigata City needs more of a certain type of shopping, but so do other wards as well. A kitchen ward? Fabric ward? Metalworks ward? Manga and anime ward? Music ward? 31. Because the Niigata can compete with its Ramen There aren’t many places that want to compete with Ramen in the way that Niigata does and people are taking notice from the Niigata Ramen shops in Tokyo. Niigata Ramen in Katsushika has shown what heights ramen in Niigata has risen to, but Niigata Sanpō-tei Tokyo Lab Nakameguro shows gourmet ramen that could make Niigata ramen rock stars. Then there is Ramen Jun Kamata shop from Niigata that brings the style to the crowds and makes people know a distinct difference from Tokyo Ramen and Niigata Ramen. Nothing is better then some soup in cold weather, so it is no wonder that the noodles inside that soup to make ramen makes it even better. There are enough variations of Niigata Ramen that can satisfy anyone who is a Ramen Otaku on a mission to try the prefectures most delicious variations.
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Discover authentic Niigata culture and a mountain of adventures with guides of the past and present. Where the mysterious ways of snow country meet Echigo Hospitality. Meet with the nature to feel at peace, delivered in Niigata history. Experience going around the prefecture with each place having its own impact.
From snow coated mountains to the melting snow moving to the rivers and green rice paddies, Niigata has far reaching backdrops that brings moments of wondrous peace with a respected culture that sends travelers to a balancing act of should be and what could be in the distance. Check on the growing farm-to-food scene. Find the chilling scenery of natural sounds. And, for a charming experience of Niigata, be sure to visit the local areas that make for a parallel to the larger cities with the older places with unlocked cultural discoveries. Prepare for your Adventure, to Niigata’s mountain to the ocean landscapes there is much research to be done ahead of time. Understand the laws and follow Japanese signs. Check ahead for current hours and operations. Pick the right activity for your budget level. Bring the appropriate gear for the time of year, including layered-clothes and a all weather-jacket. Enjoy your Visit, to the Prefecture with understanding the social etiquette of others for the best experience. Be considerate to those who are nearby and think of sound pollution as well as being respectful of others time. Be sure to be in well heated areas from the cold, many of which quickly flood with large snow fall. Look for places of danger and avoid entering and carry your trash with you in a bag. Slow down time, to absorb the gifts of nature and learn about the cultural significance of each region. Support the long-standing local businesses to help the area continue with families and the community. Express appreciation with throwing away ones ego to be at plain level of each person who is met. The Niigata of today passes by as a background that slowly fades out of view with houses emerging from the mist of winter that have stories to them and those who lived in them as well, but only on closer inspection it can be hard to trace where these stories can be properly brought out and shown to those who would like to know about them. A experience from the eyes of those who dive into the past and trace times back into the past to connect the place to the present and the messages that it holds for those who live there or would like to live there in these modern times.
Age old photos found in homes are all that can be found from people who were once living in a town with people checking on one another to see who is still actively living their life with the depopulation struggles and youth leaving for other prefectures. Luckily there are people who study the past and take a great interest in helping recover some of the more historical homes in the area that can give some insight into how things were and how it can be used for revitalization in the area. Those contributing to such texts like this one are not the absolute authority, but the history of Niigata can be expressed through words of residents, visitors, and others around Japan as a way to see many perspectives. That might be different and eye opening to see what may not have been seen by a single perspective. A brighter and more wonderful Niigata by all those who contribute. Guiding tours and recording things alone may not be enough for people to keep up with the ever changing landscape of Niigata itself, but also to keep up with competitors of other prefectures, so changes in ways of looking to improve is also crucial in this time to continue telling the story of Niigata. Otherwise the history and the people through their legacy will be covered by the snow and even more difficult to pull out than ever before. The past is an opening to the future, because a story can tell people what is the meaning of a place and the figures that the place was built upon. The good times and the bad that really gave the place life and that leads the way with explaining what the area was known for and that is a part of history that people can choose to build upon from past stories and past knowledge to build their own paths in the same place. While it doesn't have to be exactly from the past the past can give a person some inspiration into what they may want to do and there might even be traces of it around the part of Niigata they are from. It can also show that a place like Niigata that is said to be a place that is very much asleep is actually very much alive. |
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