2025 Itoigawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Itoigawa City is one of the world's leading jade producing areas. The area around Itoigawa Station, the city's main station, is an area where traditional streetscapes remain. Just a few years ago, there was a tragic fire, but the buildings that escaped the disaster still adorn the city. #retrotownscape #itoigawa #itoigawacity

The Soma Gofu Pavilion is a workspace that seamlessly blends history with modernity, offering a tranquil environment for creative professionals. Its design emphasizes the use of natural light, infusing every corner with vitality and inspiration. Whether in the office or meeting rooms, visitors can experience an open and comfortable atmosphere. Equipped with modern facilities, the pavilion caters to various work needs. From shared spaces to private meeting rooms, it provides suitable areas for both team collaboration and focused individual work. The surrounding greenery further enhances the working experience, inspiring creativity and bringing a sense of joy. Additionally, the pavilion frequently hosts lectures and workshops, offering users opportunities for learning and interaction. This dynamic exchange makes Soma Gofu Pavilion not just a workplace but a hub for creative synergy. Conveniently accessible, visitors can reach the pavilion by taking a bus to the "Soma Gofu Pavilion" stop. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Costs vary depending on the space used, so it is recommended to check in advance. Reminder: Please adhere to the pavilion's rules, maintain silence, and contribute to a pleasant working environment.

Ramen Shop in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture With a wide selection of menu items and table seating, it's perfect for families with children. 👌🏻 This seaside restaurant is open from the morning, so you can enjoy breakfast ramen. For around 1000 yen, you can eat your fill, so it's highly recommended. ✨ The char siu is thick, and the rich flavor of the soup seeps into your body. We were able to get in easily after lunchtime. 🙆♀️ Highly recommended. ✨ #TravelingWithPochiKatsu #NiigataPrefecture #ItoigawaCity #NiigataRamen

The Xiangfeng Yuma Memorial Hall is dedicated to commemorating this renowned literary figure, showcasing his life and the richness of his creations. The museum houses a vast collection of manuscripts, personal belongings, and photographs, offering visitors an in-depth understanding of the author's background and creative process. Each exhibit area vividly recreates the living environment of Xiangfeng Yuma, making visitors feel as if they are traveling back in time to experience his thoughts and creative inspirations. You can read his works, admire his artistic creations, and explore his profound influence on literature and art. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts various lectures and cultural events, attracting literature enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Xiangfeng Yuma Memorial Hall is not only an essential place to learn about this author but also a wonderful space to appreciate and experience the beauty of literary art.

#September2025 The Soma Mikaze Memorial Museum in Japan commemorates the renowned school song composer, Soma Mikaze. This talented musician created many beloved school songs that are still used by many schools today and have become an integral part of their culture. The museum showcases Soma Mikaze's life and musical works, offering visitors a deeper understanding of his influence and contributions. Exhibits include manuscripts, sheet music, and materials related to his creative process, showcasing his passion for music and his dedication to education. Here, you can listen to various school songs, experience the emotions and stories they carry, and learn how these melodies have inspired generations of students. The Soma Mikaze Memorial Museum is not only a pilgrimage site for music lovers but also a vital cultural resource for the education community, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of school songs.

Yuza in Niigata is renowned for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. The coastal scenery here is truly captivating, showcasing nature's artistry through its rugged rocky shores and golden sandy beaches. In Yuza, you can indulge in fresh seafood delicacies. The fish and shellfish caught by local fishermen are incredibly fresh and mouthwatering. Strolling along the coast, listening to the waves crashing against the shore, and feeling the sea breeze on your face is an experience that uplifts the spirit. Moreover, the sunrise and sunset views here are unforgettable. The sun rising or setting over the horizon bathes the sea in a golden glow, allowing every visitor to feel the grandeur and harmony of nature. Yuza's coast is not only a great destination for sightseeing but also an ideal place to relax your mind and connect with nature.

On my first trip to Niigata, I went to Itoigawa and Joetsu Nira 🙌 #NiigataTrip #Itoigawa #Joetsu #HokurikuTrip #JoetsuCityAquariumMuseumUmiGataRai #TakanamiPond #niigata #니가타여행

Located in the Niigata region of Japan, this lesser-known attraction offers a unique experience. While the Koson Museum of Art may not have an extensive collection, its distinctive architecture and serene atmosphere make it worth a visit! Additionally, don't miss the adjacent Gyokusuien, a traditional Japanese garden. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped scenery while sipping matcha and savoring small treats. The view through the glass adds a special charm, making it an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax and unwind. 🕰️ Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 💰 Admission: 500 yen per adult for both the Koson Museum of Art and Gyokusuien 🚇 Access: About 10 minutes by bus or a 20-minute walk from JR Itoigawa Station 📍 Address: 2 Chome-1-13 Kyogamine, Itoigawa, Niigata 941-0054, Japan

[Jade Coast | Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture] "A Journey in Search of Jade, Nature's Jewel" — [Jade Coast] is a stony stretch of coastline in Itoigawa City. Among the pebbles washed by the waves, you'll find genuine natural jade! This is a unique, interactive beach in Japan, where jade hunters and travelers gather to search for their own treasures. 💎🌊 📍 [Location Information] ・Location: Aomi, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture (main jade spot) ・Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Aomi Station / Approximately 15 minutes by car from Itoigawa Station ・Parking: Free parking available (multiple locations) 🕰 [Opening Hours] ・Since it's a beach, access is free 24 hours a day. ・We recommend searching for jade during daylight hours. ☀️ ⸻ 🌊 [How to Enjoy & See Things] • Picking up stones from the shore → Even adults will get serious about it. 💎 • You may even find jade. → The thrill of finding it is incredible. ✨ • If the weather is nice, the spectacular view of the Tateyama mountain range combined with the Sea of Japan is unbelievable! ⛰️🌅 • A leisurely stroll while enjoying the sea breeze is also pleasant.🌿 ⸻ 🎒 [Quick Tips] • Jadeite is a greenish stone that's easy to identify when held up to the light. • It's easier to find it if you're carrying a light load and wearing clothing that allows you to use both hands (a backpack is recommended).🎒 • The stones on the beach are large and difficult to walk on. → Sneakers are essential.👟 • There are facilities where you can have the stones you find appraised on the spot (such as the Fossa Magna Museum). • Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun and heatstroke in the summer.☀️🥤 ⸻ #JadeCoast #Itoigawa #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Roadside Station Marine Dream Nou | Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture "Crab heaven! A gourmet spot along the Sea of Japan where you can fully enjoy the ocean and its flavors." — Marine Dream Nou is a hugely popular roadside station located on National Route 8 along the Sea of Japan. 🚗 A particular highlight is the Crab Alley! ️ This is a rare crab theme park in Japan where you can buy and eat red snow crab on the spot! 🦀✨ 📍 [Basic Information] ・Address: 3596-2 Nou Kodomari, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Nou IC on the Hokuriku Expressway / Approximately 25 minutes by car from Itoigawa Station ・Parking: Large parking lot (accommodates over 100 standard-sized vehicles) 🕰 [Business Hours] ・Crab Alley: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may vary seasonally) ・Also available: A local product center, restaurant, and gelato shop ・Closed: Open daily (except for New Year's holidays) ⸻ 🦀 [Fun Points] • Purchase red snow crab at the famous "Crab Alley" → They'll boil it for you right there! ✨ • Eat-in space available → Enjoy the time spent digging into the crab with your fingertips • A wide selection of souvenirs available at the local product center → They also serve Sea of Japan delicacies and local sake. • Enjoy gelato and seafood bowls while gazing at the ocean. 🍦🍚 • There's a playground perfect for families with children. 👨👩👧👦 ⸻ 🎒 [Quick Tips] • The best time to visit Crab Yokocho is in the morning → There's a wide selection, so you can take your time choosing. 🕘 • Your hands will get dirty, so bring wet wipes. 🧻 • The sea breeze can be strong, so be sure to pack a hat and warm clothing. 🌬️ • After your meal, we recommend taking a stroll along the neighboring Nou Beach. 🌊🚶♂️ ⸻ #MarineDreamNou #RoadsideStationGourmet #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

A bath with a spectacular view at an altitude of approximately 1,500m. After paying the bathing fee at the lodge, you will walk about 15 minutes along the mountain path to reach the open-air bath with a spectacular view. The view you can enjoy while soaking in the hot water will leave you feeling moved and satisfied.

Starting from Toyama Prefecture for breakfast, taking a stroll in Niigata Prefecture, enjoying Starbucks in Nagano Prefecture, having afternoon tea in Toyama & Ishikawa Prefectures, collecting Pokémon manhole covers in Fukui Prefecture, sightseeing through Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka Prefectures, and ending the day with dinner and accommodation in Hyogo Prefecture. Day 2 begins in Toyama with breakfast at 6:30 AM. Although there’s no live cooking station, the buffet features main dishes made to order, allowing you to choose one out of three options. After a hearty breakfast, check out and head to Itoigawa Station in Niigata Prefecture. There’s a 30-minute layover each way, so take the opportunity to explore the northern exit, which offers a view of the Sea of Japan. This area, once part of the ancient Echigo Province, is known for the statue and character of Princess Nonakawa, who was born here. Collect the princess-themed manhole cover before taking a leisurely train ride to Minami-Otari Station in Nagano Prefecture. After a one-hour nap on the train, transfer to a Matsumoto-bound train. This section is outside the pass coverage, so purchase a ticket for 240 yen. It’s been six years since visiting Hakuba, which was at its autumn peak back then. Hakuba’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it a delightful destination to revisit. The main reason for this visit is to check out a newly opened Starbucks, reputed to have the best view in Japan. The staff are incredibly friendly, and one of them recently visited Korea, specifically Jeju Island. They shared their experiences, mentioning the challenges of public transportation and finding single-serving meals. I empathized and offered some comforting words. They appreciated Jeju’s affordability and beautiful beaches compared to Okinawa. I even received a personalized message cup, albeit with a typo in Korean, which I praised as perfect, making them very happy. After enjoying the breathtaking view and coffee at Starbucks, return to Itoigawa Station and explore the southern exit this time. Here lies a hidden gem for train enthusiasts: a preserved Twilight Express dining car, a Kiha 52 model, and an SL Kurohime. The Kiha 52 even offers a driving experience. The small but well-curated space also features moving miniature trains and various railway memorabilia. It’s free to enter and includes a playroom for kids. I encountered a Korean-speaking child and their grandfather, who greeted me warmly. The grandfather shared that his daughter married a Korean man, and he could speak a little Korean, such as “thank you.” With these unique experiences, I returned to Toyama, where a new Starbucks Teavana had recently opened in a modern building. Since Teavana locations are rare, I decided to give it a try. The first round of afternoon tea was enjoyed in Toyama, with a view of trams passing by. Despite the scorching summer heat of 35°C (feeling like 40°C), I appreciated the charm of Japan’s summer. Walking on melting asphalt and sweating profusely, I soon found relief in the icy indoor air conditioning. Next, I traveled to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture for the second round of afternoon tea, featuring a lavish spread of fruit-laden treats. Afterward, I visited a Starbucks featured on their official website, which I had been to last year. I recreated the same photo angle as shown online, feeling satisfied before heading to Fukui Prefecture. Using the Shinkansen, I collected Pokémon manhole covers. The Happy Line Fukui train was adorable, and Echizen-Takefu Station was in the middle of nowhere, with ongoing construction making the area quite desolate. The itinerary concluded with a journey through Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka Prefectures. Utilizing the pass, I comfortably traveled to Shin-Osaka via the Thunderbird Limited Express and then took the Nozomi to Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. From Shin-Kobe, I took a one-stop subway ride to Sannomiya, where my hotel was located. Arriving in Sannomiya past 10 PM for the first time, I was surprised by the bustling nightlife, with countless people engaging in aggressive solicitation. Despite the chaos, I safely checked into my hotel and was assigned a room on the 11th floor. Interestingly, I was given a ladies’ room—thank you for the unexpected upgrade!

Roadside Station Marine Dome Noe in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture This roadside station is crowded with many people every day, and you can enjoy crab, skewers, and seafood on the spot🦐 The crabs vary in size depending on the price, but the store staff will give you extras, so you can eat your fill at a great price🤤 The free parking lot is large, so you can park safely, so it's recommended✨️ #AbsolutelyFreeTrip 📍Address: 3596-2 Noe Kodomari, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture 949-1351 🕰️Business Hours: 9:00-17:00

#0yentrip When I visited Jade Coast in winter, the wind was cold, sometimes blowing strongly and chilling me to the core. Even though I was dressed warmly, I felt the cold gradually growing. The waves were high, crashing on the shore and stirring up the rocks, making a loud "clacking" sound, and I felt a different power from the calmness of summer. I walked a little in search of jade, but the shore was dangerously rough, so I couldn't look for long. Still, the scenery of the rough winter sea and countless rocks was very impressive. I wasn't able to find any jade, but it was a good memory and I would like to try again if I have the chance!

#Spring0yentrip Itoigawa, where the Hokuriku Shinkansen station is located, is a quiet town surrounded by the Sea of ​​Japan and mountains, where you can feel the dynamism of nature. As soon as I got off the station, I could see the expanse of the Sea of ​​Japan and the rugged rock coastline. The sea breeze felt nice, so I walked along the sea for a while. In the town, there is the Fossa Magna Museum, where the exhibits on the formation of the Japanese archipelago and minerals were surprisingly authentic, and the stories about jade were also interesting. In front of the station, there were benches and monuments with a jade motif, and the whole town had an atmosphere of a "geological town." Rather than a tourist destination, it had a tranquility that blended into local life, which was somehow comfortable. It was a simple and powerful town that is typical of the Sea of ​​Japan side.

#2月好地方2025 "Is it true that this carriage stopped running in 1974?" She wiped the frosted glass. The old timetable was nailed to the back of the faded velvet seat. The boss brought a pancake in the shape of a railway track: "Be careful not to touch the emergency brake lever. Last time a customer started the love train." He turned his hat brim and said, "Next stop, our tenth anniversary of marriage." She pressed the virtual whistle: "Woo--passengers, please fasten your seat belts."

#Register for February Hotel Test Sleeper 2025 The intertidal zone waves swept away her left slipper. "I told you to wear rain boots!" He sighed and squatted down, only to catch a glimpse of a green light flashing among the gravel. "It's a jadeite stone! Legend has it that whoever picks it up will..." Before she finished her words, she had already snatched the stone and looked at it in the sun: "It will make you rich! Help me find a few more!" He smiled bitterly and searched, suddenly holding up a heart-shaped stone: "What about this? Can it be exchanged for my wife's smile?" She was stunned, the salty sea breeze mixed with the heartbeat when she confessed her love many years ago. When he came to his senses, he had already slipped away and turned over a rock. *Professional tools: You can rent a mirror and a collecting shovel at the visitor center. Remember to declare the amount you collect. *

Fer Egg in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture 🥚 As the name suggests, it is famous for sweets that boast eggs ✨ There are so many sweets, such as puddings, chiffon cakes, and roll cakes, made with eggs from their own chicken farm, that it's hard to choose 😂 There are also rice dishes such as egg sandwiches! You can eat in, but there is also a takeaway and online shop, so you can try out the products at your leisure ☕️ Since I visited on a weekday, the place was completely booked and I was able to spend my time leisurely 😌 The store also sells miscellaneous goods, so it was fun just to look around ✨ #FritaviWinter #Fer Egg

Searching for the national stone jade in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture Rare jadeite stones born in the Kotakigawa Jade Gorge wash down from the river on several beaches in Itoigawa City Easy access from the highway, and the beach is right in front of you when you get off the interchange! You can silently enjoy picking up stones at Ichiburi Beach, Oyashirazu Beach, Jade Beach, etc. Rather than a sandy beach, you'll be soothed by the sound of the stones rattling as they are washed away by the waves! If you take a car and head to the Jade Gorge in the mountains, you can enjoy the autumn leaves and scenery along with Japanese macaques 🍁 Crab fishing is popular in the neighboring town of Noe, and there are many crab stores that don't even have information on Google Maps! If you're lucky, they'll even give you a free gift! #0 yen trip November

It's a good place to learn what kind of jade is before collecting jade at Itoigawa Jade Coast. There are many different types, including white, green, black, and purple. In addition to jade, there is a wide selection of fossils. The museum shop also has a variety of jade, and you can purchase Itoigawa jade from affordable to expensive pieces. I think the prices are very reasonable. I wasn't able to go this time, but it seems there is a place nearby where you can excavate fossils. If you go, I recommend going in the morning! #Itoigawa #jade #FossaMagna #fossil

Kaniya Yokocho Marine Dome Nou in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture This is a hidden gem that only those in the know know about. There are crab fishing shops lined up, and the prices vary from 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen per crab, but the bonuses are amazing. On this day, I bought three crabs worth 6,000 yen, but they gave me three more crabs as a bonus. They don't always give you a certain number of bonuses, but I've been there many times and they always give me a bonus. The taste and value for money are excellent! Please go and try it. #0 yen travel autumn 📍Address: 3596 Nou Kodomari, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture 949-1351 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00

There is a path from the public restroom next to the parking lot that leads down to the old Oyashirazu Tunnel, which is about 300 meters away. From there, you can take a path down to the beach, and as you descend a little, the view suddenly opens up. The clear emerald green sea is refreshing to the soul. Although the descent is steep and has a significant drop, it is worth the effort.

#summerdestination #japan #farming #adventure This is a story about connection, creation, and local culture in Japan's countryside! A few months ago, during my solo backpacking journey across Japan, I arrived at Sanraku Guest House in the village 能生, owned by Shin-San and his beautiful family. We quickly formed a connection and felt we could trust each other. Within 24 hours, I found myself volunteering on his farm and at the guest house! We combined our different skills to create together! I managed the kitchen, cooking both Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, such as homemade HUMMUS and making RAMEN and MOCHI from scratch. Check out the Pictures 😜 Shin-San taught me about rice cultivation, and I helped him (manually—wow, that was tough!) prepare the land for seeding Japanese rice. He also showed me what WILD VEGETABLES we can gather in the mountains around us. We built a new fence for Jackson, his strong, lovely male goat, right next to the wild river.After three weeks full of surprises, we said farewell and thanked each other. I hope to visit again one day. Thank you to Trip.com for assisting me in booking my flight tickets to and from Japan. It was a wonderful adventure 🇯🇵🌾🍜🙏

The 'Oyashirazu Coast' offers breathtaking seascapes, perfect for any time and setting. The 'Oyashirazu Coast' is located at the westernmost point of Niigata Prefecture, in the city of Itoigawa. Nestled on the edge of the Sea of Japan side of the Hida Mountain Range, it features a cliff line that stretches about 15 kilometers long. The cliffs, reaching heights of around 400 meters, were naturally formed by the erosion from the pounding sea waves and have long been recognized as a treacherous spot along the Hokuriku road. In 1988, the Hokuriku Expressway was opened, and from the overpass near the Oyashirazu Interchange, one can overlook the Sea of Japan and the Oyashirazu Coast. In 2014, this area was designated as a national scenic spot known as 'The Scenery of Oku-no-Hosomichi Oyashirazu'. In addition to the stunning beach and seascape, there is also a snack shop next to the beach where you must try the famous seafood tempura bowl and the locally renowned fish species. The seafood is exceptionally fresh and not to be missed!

📍Itoigawa Geostation Geopal It's great that it's free to use! In addition to the Geopark-related exhibits, there are tourist information, Plarail, and railway-related exhibits! A great spot for train lovers🚃! It's also convenient as a rest area🫶✨ You can actually get inside the trains, and there's also Plarail, so it's a spot that both adults and children can enjoy! 【INFORMATION】 Itoigawa Geostation Geopal 📮1-7-47 Omachi, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture 🕐10:00-18:00 #Travelingwithme

I went to #Hisui Coast in #Itoigawa City, #Niigata Prefecture ((((((っ･ω･)っ It's not a sandy beach, but a wide expanse of rocks, and you can sometimes find jade among them ∑(⸝⸝⸝º ᵜ º⸝⸝⸝)!! This time, I was going on a tour, so I didn't have much time, so I walked around a bit without looking for jade and then left. ｡･*･:≡(　ε¦) The weather was nice, and the coastline was beautiful (ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)♡ As a landlocked resident, just seeing the ocean gets me excited ＼(｀*▽*´)／ Touring along the coastline is also great ( ´͈ ᵕ `͈ ) #Traveling with Me #Shinobi-chan

There was a beach where you might be able to find jade, Japan's national stone. It seems that jade is found among the stones that flow from the upper reaches of the Itoigawa River, and they wash up on this coastline. You can also go down to the beach at this roadside station and look for jade and other minerals. They also have samples so you can do your own appraisal. The roadside station also has the Jade Hometown Museum, which displays the world's largest jadeite rough stone. There's also a lot to see at this roadside station. The IC nearby is apparently Japan's first offshore IC, and the huge rock just offshore is said to have been thrown by Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, and it was once called the "great straits of the world" and divided Japanese culture into east and west. There was a lot of interesting information. By the way, this reminded me of the choral song "Oyashirazu, Koshirazu" lol #Niigata #Niigata Prefecture #Niigata Trip #Niigata Tourism #Niigata Tourism Recommendations #Niigata Prefecture Tourism #Niigata Prefecture Itoigawa City #Itoigawa City #Itoigawa #Jade #Jadeite #Jewelry #Jewelry Hunting #Treasure Hunt #Oyashirazu #Oyashirazu Pier Park #Roadside Station #Ore #Ore Mining #Stone Picking #Beach

#2024wish