Unusual Facts About Niigata Prefecture That Will Blow Your Mind

Facts about Niigata

Niigata Prefecture is more than just a picturesque location.

It’s a place brimming with rich history, stunning natural scenery, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

We’ll show you some fun facts about Niigata, with surprises and insights beyond the usual tourist brochure.

Here are some great tours and excursions in Niigata:

  1. Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
  2. Private Japanese Sake Tasting Lecture in Niigata
  3. Private Historical Walking Tour of Niigata Port Town

Need a Place to stay?

  1. Art Hotel Niigata Station 
  2. Hotel Nikko Niigata 

Here are 14 cool facts about Niigata prefecture.

1) Home to stunning rice paddy art

Niigata Prefecture is famous for its stunning rice paddy art.

Artists plant rice in intricate designs, creating detailed pictures and patterns.

These rice plants bring landscapes, animals, and even famous characters to life.

2) Spaghetti ice cream at the local dessert parlour

When you visit Niigata Prefecture, you must try the unique spaghetti ice cream at the local dessert parlour.

Though originally Geramn, this has become popular in some places here.

Spaghetti ice cream
Spaghetti ice cream

This treat looks like a plate of spaghetti, but it’s just vanilla ice cream.

Topped with strawberry sauce and white chocolate shavings, it tricks your eyes and delights your taste buds.

3) Trees are hand-pruned into unique shapes

In Niigata’s many parks, trees are pruned by hand into many unusual shapes.

These trees are also left to grow naturally.

Skilled pruners carefully shape them.

4) Matsunoyama Onsen has healing properties

Matsunoyama Onsen is a tiny village in Niigata Prefecture.

The hot springs here have healing properties.

Matsunoyama Onsen
Matsunoyama Onsen

People believe these waters can help with various ailments.

5) Snow Country Museum’s echigo snow hut recreated indoors

When you visit the Snow Country Museum in Niigata, check out the echigo snow hut.

You can see how these traditional Japanese snow shelters were built.

It’s like stepping into a real-life snow village without needing a coat!

6) Hakkai-san involves firewalking rituals

At the Hakkai-san, you can witness a fantastic firewalking ritual. This event blends tradition and spirituality.

Participants, known as yamabushi, walk across hot embers. They believe this act purifies their souls and bodies.

However, such events are more often linked to specific religious practices like Shugendo at various sites across Japan.

7) Nagaoka fireworks festival’s ‘Phoenix’ display

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a massive event in Niigata Prefecture. You’ve got to check out the ‘Phoenix’ display. It’s one of the festival’s biggest highlights.

Nagaoka Fireworks
Nagaoka Fireworks

The ‘Phoenix’ is a breathtaking sight. It spans an incredible 2 kilometres in length.

Thousands of colourful fireworks light up the night sky, creating a memorable visual spectacle.

This display symbolises rebirth and renewal, adding a deep cultural significance to the show.

The ‘Phoenix’ display truly encapsulates the magic of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.

8) Teradomari fish markets host auctions

You can sometimes witness auctions at the Teradomari Fish Market in Niigata.

These are thrilling events.

Fishmongers gather early, competing to get the freshest catches.

The coast of Teradomari
The coast of Teradomari

9) Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden’s 20,000 plants

You’ll find over 20,000 different plants at the Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden.

This massive garden spans 19.8 hectares and features plants in every season.

Located in Akiha Ward, Niigata City, it’s a perfect spot for plant lovers. Cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and other blooms make it vibrant all year round.

The garden also has an ornamental greenhouse for rare plants.

Entry usually costs 500 yen, but special events sometimes allow free access.

10) Tsubame-Sanjo Cutlery

You’ll find Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture.

This region combines Tsubame City and Sanjo City.

Together, they make some of the best cutlery worldwide.

Their kitchen knives are especially famous.

Many professional chefs swear by them.

The cutlery here has a reputation for being sharp and high-quality.

11) Climbing the Yahiko Shrine, a sacred mountain

At Mount Yahiko, you’ll find beautiful trails and scenic views.

Mt Yahiko
Mt Yahiko in Niigata prefecture

The trails offer fun challenges to both beginners and seasoned climbers.

The area combines natural beauty with a bit of adventure.

12) Naeba Fuji Rock Festival

Despite the name, this has nothing to do with Mt. Fuji, which is in Niigata prefecture.

I first went here in 2000 and saw acts like Run DMC, Ian Brown of the Stones, Roses and many local bands.

It’s a bit like Glastonbury in the UK, with less trouble.

13) Yamakoshi Gourmet Village

Yamakoshi village is a remote area widely known for its koi fish breeding.

Yamakoshi village in Niigata Prefecture
Yamakoshi village in Niigata Prefecture

It’s a surreal place surrounded by mountains and rice fields.

It’s tricky to get to as it is very remote.

But it’s worth the effort if you have time.

The Final Word

And that just about wraps up our fun facts about Niigata.

If you visit this prefecture, let us know how your trip was!