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Known as ‘Kiyotsukyo’ in Japanese, Kiyotsu Gorge is known for its unique rock formations created by a volcanic eruption around 16 million years ago. Today, the Kiyotsu River runs through the gorge, f...

Located in the beautiful area of Matsunoyama – around 60 minutes drive for Echigo-Yuzawa Station – the ‘Echigo Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science’ was one of the first major projects of Echigo-Tsu...

Translating as both Beauty Forest’ or ‘Forest of Beautiful Women’, Bijinbayashi is a small yet picturesque forest of 90-year old beech trees in the Matsunoyama area of Niigata. The slender and smooth...

Located in the Matsudai region of Niigata – not too far from Kyororo Forest School and Bijinbayashi – the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are one of the region’s most photographable landscapes. Approximately...

Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Niigata and Nagano prefecures, the area known collectively as ‘Akiyamago’ is a group of villages set among the beautiful forests surrounding the Nakatsugawa River. Be...

Yuzawa Onsen is a popular hot spring town in Niigata first made famous by a renowned novel, ‘Yukguni’ or ‘Snow Country’. Published in 1968, the acclaimed novel was set in Yuzawa, making the town an...

Naeba Ski Resort is one of the most popular winter destinations in Niigata. Serviced by the immense Prince Naeba Hotel and connected to Kagura Ski Resort by the ‘Dragondola’, staying at Naeba provi...

Visitors heading to GALA Yuzawa can considered staying in the area of the connected ski resort of Ishiuchi Maruyama. Only 11 minutes by train from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, the area around Ishiuchi ...

Offering 380 hectares of connected ski fields, Joetsu Kokusai is the second largest ski resort in Japan. Known for its mellow but picturesque terrain including plenty of tree-lined runs, the reso...