Discover the Real Japan in Niigata
Uncover Niigata's culinary and natural highlights at the Fukushimagata Lagoon, an area retaining its unique regional culture.
Niigata Prefecture lies in the northwest of Japan, famed for its spectacular natural scenery and flourishing food culture. The region is rich in natural resources, being located near both the Sea of Japan and plentiful farmlands, so people flock to Niigata to sample their fresh seafood and prized Koshihikari rice.
The name Niigata itself means "new lagoon" and was given to the region after its two major rivers overflowed and formed marshlands and lagoons of all sizes, of which 16 still remain. Today these wetlands are still integral to life in Niigata, homing hundreds of species of fish and bird and providing water for rice cultivation.
On the outskirts of Niigata City lies one such natural preserve - the Fukushimagata Lagoon. The lagoon's water supports the area's rice fields, while local fishermen make a living from its marine wildlife. For those seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience, you can take a two-day tour of Fukushimagata - meeting locals, exploring the natural wonders of the lagoon, relaxing in a luxurious onsen and sampling local sake!
For more information and to book the tour, visit: https://omakase-tour.com/contact/
What is the Fukushimagata Lagoon?
The Fukushimagata Lagoon lies on the outskirts of Niigata City and is a sanctuary of nature for the locals, providing access to lakes, ponds and wetlands spread across 9 square kilometres. Wetlands in Japan have been used historically not just as a water source, but as a source of food and means of transportation. For the people of Niigata, the Fukushimagata Lagoon embodies the deep connection between people, nature and water in Japanese culture.
The wetlands are home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, from rare aquatic plants to migratory birds that find sanctuary in the lagoon during the winter.
When is the best time to visit Fukushimagata Lagoon?
Winter is a bird watcher's paradise, as the lagoon is part of the East Asia-Australasia Flyway and many bird species such as swans, ducks and herons can be found when the air takes on a winter chill.
Spring is a highlight for anyone who loves beautiful scenery, as thousands of canola flowers can be found blooming along the banks of the waterways.
How do you get to the Fukushimagata Lagoon?
Flights run from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya directly to Niigata Airport. You can also take a shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station, which is covered by the JR East Pass.
Fukushimagata Lagoon tour
Niigata Prefecture and the local people have created an English-language luxury tour for visitors wishing to delve deeper into nature's blessings and see what Niigata has to offer, in style.
For more information and to book the tour, visit: https://omakase-tour.com/contact/
Day 1
You will begin the tour by embarking on a helicopter ride over the lagoon. You'll see Niigata from a bird's-eye view, flying over rice paddies and waterways, with the sweeping peaks of the Gozu mountain range towering in the background.
Following the helicopter ride, you'll then be driven to the lagoon for a "katafune" boat cruise amongst the lotus plants, some of which grow to over 1 metre wide. A katafune is a narrow wooden boat, traditionally used in Japan to navigate lagoons. This boat ride is unavailable to the general public, exclusively offered to tour participants.
A local boatman will row deep into the waterways with old-style wooden panels, pointing out the flowers that can be found in the lagoon's water along the way.
If you visit in summer, the lagoon will be full of water chestnuts, which you can pick and taste during the boat ride as you weave between the maze of floating flora.
The lagoon is home to many species of fish that are integral to the livelihood for the fisherman of Niigata City. In this tour you will get to try fishing like a local and ask questions about the lives of the fishermen of the lagoon.
After the boat ride, you will see a traditional thatched roof farmstead. The boatmen of the lagoon spend their free time there, chatting and snacking on natural snacks from the lagoon such as lotus seeds found in the stalks of the flowers.
The local people want to share the lagoon's treasures with you, so they will also offer you other delicacies such as Niigata rice cooked with lotus seeds, vinegar flavoured lotus stems and fresh crayfish and even a few mystery appetisers which were all sourced from the lagoon. While eating, you'll be able to chat around the sunken hearth with the local fisherman and lagoon workers and hear their stories.
After eating your fill, you'll be driven to the nearby onsen town of Tsukioka, where you will spend the night in Koshi no Sato, a luxury hotel overlooking the expansive fields of rice ubiquitous to Niigata Prefecture.
Niigata is known for being a foodie paradise, being surrounded by sea, mountains, rivers and fertile plains. Koshi no Sato has partnered with expert chefs who transform the ingredients into a fabulous Japanese-style kaiseki meal. You will dine on a luxurious dinner made using locally sourced ingredients and of course, Niigata's famously delicious rice. The dishes are artfully arranged into seasonal displays, highlighting the region's culinary artistry and commitment to fresh, local flavours.
After sampling all the delicacies, unwind in the Shiratama no Yu onsen, a sulphur spring which has the highest concentration of sulphur in Japan and is said to beautify the skin.
Day 2
Wake up bright and early the next morning to continue your adventure in Niigata's natural paradise. You will trek through a hiking trail that winds around the Fukushimagata Lagoon, passing by numerous ponds and unique flora. You will be guided by a local park ranger who will teach you all about the native flowers that grow along the path.
The lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers, with 220 species of bird having been spotted. Who knows, perhaps you can spot a rare bird species yourself!
At the end of the hike, you'll go up the Fukushimagata Observation Deck where you can not only look out over the water but also view the many exhibits related to the region's history and wildlife.
Leaving the lagoon, you'll head back to Tsukioka Onsen where you can stroll around and check out the daytime vibe. Soak your feet in the town's scorching footbath, then sample local delicacies on the main shopping street
Lunch will be at Nora Cucina, an Italian restaurant housed inside a 100-year-old Japanese banquet hall. The area is famous for its produce, and the chef makes full use of this fact, serving up dishes of local eggs and vegetables, and even the famous Niigata rice gets an Italian twist!
Niigata has more sake breweries than anywhere in Japan, so no tour to Niigata would be complete without a trip to one such brewery. You will visit the DHC Sake Brewery, founded in 1908 and mixing sake making tradition with fresh, modern tastes.
You'll be shown around the inside of the brewery by a guide, learning about each step of the brewing process while having a chance to see the machinery up close. After the tour you'll be ready to see if the Niigata sake really is as good as is claimed. You will have the opportunity to take part in a sake tasting session, where three bottles of premium sake made with Niigata rice will be served: Yuten, a typically Nigata tasting sake; Koshi no Bairi GOLD, which has an interesting sweet aftertaste; and Koshi no Bairi Daiginjo Genshu, which has a deep and savoury taste that will delight your tongue.
During your journey through the Fukushimagata Lagoon, you'll encounter a variety of native wildlife and explore the rich, longstanding traditions of Niigata City. From foraged foods by the lagoon to refined Italian cuisine, this tour offers a true taste of Niigata's diverse culinary landscape with insights shared by local guides.
If you want to extend your stay in Niigata, there are several tour add-ons you can choose from.
Option A - Geisha experience
Niigata City was once a thriving post town with bustling streets full of merchants. You can experience donning a kimono and strolling through the old streets, followed by a geisha performance and dinner.
You will sleep in Niigata City and then have a tour around the mansion and stunning garden of one of Niigata's wealthiest residents, before dining over a traditional Japanese lunch.
Option B - Relax in the nature
You'll visit an ancient Shinto shrine said to bring luck in love. After the shrine, you'll take a rope-way to the summit of the mountain where you can see splendid views over the Niigata Plain and the Japanese Sea. Lunch will be served at a Michelin star sushi restaurant and you will sleep in a hot spring ryokan.
Option C - Winery tour
Did you know that Niigata is the birthplace of Japanese wine? In this add-on, you get to tour around the grape fields of one of Niigata's top wineries, then taste test the local wine, followed by lunch in one of the oldest restaurants in the city. You'll sleep in a hot spring ryokan.
Option D - History and Gardens
You'll get to learn more about Niigata City's history by visiting one of the most tranquil and peaceful Japanese gardens in Niigata. You'll also pay a visit to a samurai's garden where you will relax with a traditional tea ceremony, followed by a Michelin star sushi restaurant for lunch. You'll sleep in a hot spring ryokan.
For more information and to book the Fukushimagata Lagoon tour, visit: https://omakase-tour.com/contact/
