5 sightseeing spots in Myoko, Joetsu and Itoigawa areas recommended by Niigata Prefecture residents

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Sado Gold Mine on Sado Island Celebrates First Anniversary of World Heritage Registration
Niigata is attracting more and more attention as it marks the first anniversary of the registration of the gold mine on Sado Island as a World Heritage site. Why not take the Shinkansen to enjoy the charms of Niigata while experiencing the four seasons?
Enjoy the gastronomy of Niigata, a treasure trove of gourmet foods such as rice, sake, and seafood, as well as hot springs, the ocean, and sightseeing spots and cultural experiences that change with each season. Among them, we would like to introduce some of the best spots in the Myoko, Joetsu, and Itoigawa areas!

Take a walk through time along the Wild Goose Trail.

Gangi Street in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, is a historic street where the wisdom of life in the snow country lives on. Gangi is a roof-like structure that extends in front of buildings, designed to allow visitors to walk while sheltering from snow and rain. The street is dotted with wooden townhouses, old-fashioned cafes, and fashionable general merchandise stores, creating an atmosphere that blends retro and warmth. Whether it is a snowy day or a sunny day, just taking a leisurely stroll along the street is a place where one can unwind.
Streetscape of geese trees
A stopover during your stroll along Ganki Dori is the Takata Sekai-kan, one of the oldest movie theaters in Japan. You can enjoy a discount on the tour fee and a movie with a set price. Why not take a tour of the retro theater, a cultural asset, during the interval before the screening? As a souvenir, you can buy "O-ame" candy, which has been loved for more than 300 years at Takahashi Magozaemon Shoten. O-ame," which is characterized by its simple sweetness, is made by hardening mizuame (starch syrup) with agar (agar) over about a month and a half. With its light sweetness and sticky texture, you are sure to find yourself craving another piece.
Takata Sekai-kan", one of the oldest movie theaters in Japan
O-ame," a candy with a simple sweet taste
Takada Sekai-kan" official website is here
Magozaemon Takahashi Shoten website is here

Enjoy the spectacular view from the air! Myoko Plateau Sky Cable

Myoko Kogen Sky Cable is a gondola lift that connects the mid-slopes of Mt. It is a 15-minute one-way aerial walk to the summit of the 1,300-meter-high mountain. Visitors can spend a relaxing time while viewing nature in each of the four seasons, such as the fresh greenery in spring and the changing leaves in autumn. The clean mountain air and panoramic view will gently heal your body and mind. Why don't you leave your daily life behind and enjoy a luxurious moment to take a deep breath in nature?
Myoko Kogen Sky Cable
At the Sky Terrace near the Myoko Kogen Sky Cable summit station, you can enjoy lunch or coffee in front of a spectacular view of the 1,300-meter-high mountain. Of all the coffee shops in the area, we recommend the superb mizu-dashi coffee, which is carefully dripped for over eight hours using Myoko's famous Akakura fresh water. The coffee has a mellow taste with no hint of artificial flavors, and the rich aroma of the beans slowly unfolds. The cup of coffee that is not heated and contains the gentle spring water as it is has a clear taste as if you are taking a deep breath in the forest. The cool breeze of Myoko gently falls in the glass. How about tasting a cup of "spring water coffee" at an altitude of 1,300 meters, perfect for the hot season?

*Sky Cable is currently closed for maintenance.
*Bakery&Table Akakura is open for business.
Operation period: Friday, July 18, 2025 - Sunday, November 9, 2025 (scheduled)
Weekdays 8:00 - 16:00 (last uphill service at 15:30)
Weekends and holidays 8:00 - 16:30 (last uphill service at 16:00)
Spring Water Mizudashi Coffee" carefully dripped for more than 8 hours
"Myoko Kogen Sky Cable" official website is here

Alpenbrick Beer made with natural water from the deep snow of Myoko Plateau.

Alpenbrick Beer was created in 1997 with the idea of "bringing a specialty product to Myoko Plateau. This unfiltered beer is brewed with pure natural water unique to the Myoko Plateau, a land of deep snow. The malt and hops are made from high quality European ingredients, and the beer is characterized by its rich aroma, delicious flavor, and refreshing taste. Why not try Alpenblick Beer, brewed with natural water from Myoko Kogen, European techniques, and our own ingredients?
Alpenbrick beer
Alpenblick Beer is carefully brewed at Tatrakan, a beer brewery surrounded by a white birch forest, and is available in a total of seven varieties: three standard, three limited-quantity, and one seasonal. It can be tasted at Alpenbrick Resort hotels, ski resorts, and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) in day-trip hot spring facilities, and can also be purchased at stores and online. We invite you to experience a cup of Myoko Plateau's nature and technology as a memorable part of your trip.
Brewing scenery
"Alpenbrick Beer" official website is here

Be enveloped in the morning silence at the Tanimura Museum of Art.

The Tanimura Museum of Art, located in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, is an art museum surrounded by silence and beauty, as if you were lost in another world. The museum offers "Morning Tours" at 9:30 a.m., where staff members guide visitors around Gyokusuien and the Tanimura Museum of Art. There are also two "Natural Light Viewing" times each day, at 11:00 and 15:00, when all the lights in the museum are turned off and visitors can enjoy the museum in natural light only. This is a special 15-minute time to visit the museum when you want to adjust your mind and face yourself.
Tanimura Museum of Art
At the Gyokusuien Tea House, you can enjoy the "Batata Tea Experience Set" at a jade table. Batabatacha, which is drunk in the Itoigawa area, is made with kawaraketsumei, tea flowers, roasted soybeans, bancha, barley tea, and salt, and is served with bubbles. The experience of making your own tea is a great way to remember your trip. The batavatara tea is available in limited quantities, so calling or making reservations in advance is recommended. Why not spend a relaxing time looking out over the tranquil garden?
Gyokusuien, overlooking a garden
Batata-batata tea
"Tanimura Museum of Art" official website is here

Feel the ocean at Umi-no-Tari, a healing spot with a sense of openness.

Joetsu City Aquatic Museum Umi-no-Tatari (Sea Tribe Museum), located by the sea in Joetsu City, is an aquarium where visitors can encounter 45,000 living creatures of about 300 species. In particular, the "Umigatari Large Tank," which represents the Sea of Japan stretching out before your eyes, is bathed in natural light and is home to 38,000 living creatures of about 50 species, including schools of Japanese eagles, snappers, and stingrays. The mysterious tank, whose expression changes depending on the angle from which you look at it, is sure to make for a special photo that will remain in your memories of your trip.
Umitari Large Water Tank" overlooking the Sea of Japan
Another attraction of Umitari is the Magellanic penguins, the largest breeding population in Japan. Many chicks were born this year, and you can see their adorable appearance. While being soothed by their smooth swimming and waddling, you can also experience the strength of life in a unique way. This is an aquarium where you can make new discoveries and memories every time you visit.
Magellanic penguins
"Joetsu City Aquatic Museum Umi-tari" official website is here

Why don't you go on a trip to "Myoko, Joetsu and Itoigawa area" full of attractions?

How was your visit? The clean air, the fantastic sea, the retro townscape, and the delicious local craft beer. The Myoko, Joetsu, and Itoigawa area is a healing destination where you can forget about everyday life and reset your mind and body. The Myoko, Joetsu, and Itoigawa area is a relaxing destination where you can forget about everyday life and reset your mind and body.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.

Niigata Tourism Fan Club "Niicle

If you are planning a trip to Niigata, we recommend registering with the "Niigata Sightseeing Fan Club Niicle! You can receive special offers at approximately 600 cooperating stores mainly in Niigata Prefecture, as well as receive the latest sightseeing information and information on local specialties in a timely manner!

Click here for information on other areas in Niigata Prefecture recommended by Niigata Prefecture residents.

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