Activities Tokamachi Snow Festival 2026 Mid Feb The Tokamachi Snow Festival has been held annually since 1950, and provides a fun way to enjoy the snow that this region of Japan..
Activities Ojiya Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 Late Feb Ojiya, in Niigata's snow country, has an annual hot air balloon festival. There's both a hot air balloon competition, as..
Culture Niitsu Railway Museum Kim Bergström The Niitsu Railway Museum highlights the importance that rail transportation has had on this Niigata town. There are various exhibits..
Activities As Autumn Turns to Winter Kim Bergström The onset of winter in Niigata's snow country is fast and furious, but after the first snow of the year, many fall elements..
10 Accommodation Kozantei Ubuya Peter Lin Kozantei Ubuya is an excellent traditional Ryokan in Kawaguchiko. It offers excellent food, great views of Mt. Fuji and a relaxing..
Accommodation Slow House Villa, Tokinosumika Lynda Hogan Tokinosumika is an attractive resort for families. The accommodation isn't particularly fancy, but what they lack in bling,..
Transportation How to Ride the Train From Kanazawa to Tsurugi Susan May The Hokuriku Rail Road, Ishikawa Line, is the easiest way to access the ancient town of Tsurugi. Simply ride the train for the beautiful..
Recommended Culture Fuji Rock Festival 2026 Late Jul The biggest outdoor music festival in Japan, Fuji Rock Festival takes places in Naeba, Niigata prefecture each summer.