NIIGATA Joetsu Flowers, sake, ski resorts, and centuries-old ruins on the mountaintop

Joetsu City is known for its culinary delights of sake and rice, but there is more to discover here. Takada Park boasts some of the country's most beautiful cherry blossoms, and the castle ruins atop Mt. Kasuga speak of the city's fascinating history.

The Joetsu area is best accessed by train or car.

From Tokyo, you can reach Joetsu in two hours via Shinkansen. Get off at Joetsumyoko Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, then take the local train (Myoko Haneuma Line) to Takada or Naoetsu.

By car, the city is easily accessible by the Joetsu or Joetsu Takada Interchange on the Hokuriku and Joshinetsu expressways.

The most important landmark in the area is undoubtedly the castle ruins located high on Mt Kasuga . This was once the fortress of Uesugi Kenshin, a powerful 16th-century feudal lord renowned for his fearsome skills in the martial arts. You can visit Uesugi's grave in Rinsen-ji Temple.

After a gentle hike up Mt Kasuga , you will reach the top and be rewarded with a panoramic view of Joetsu City.

Head to Kasugayama Shrine near the base of the mountain for some post-hike tranquility.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the city's samurai actors, who hold dramatic sword fights in front of the shrine.

To see hundreds of modern samurai marching as they once did in ancient Japan, be sure to check out the annual Kenshin Festival held at Mt. Kasuga in late August.

Located 15 minutes away from Mt. Kasuga is Takada Castle Site Park. A large number of visitors flock here every year to see 4,000 cherry blossoms bloom under magical pink and purple lights from early to mid-April.

In summer, Takada Castle Site Park's moat is covered in bright green and pink lotus flowers, a perfect excuse for another colorful local festival.

Near Naoetsu Port, there was once a prisoner of war camp where many Australian soldiers lost their lives during World War II.

A visit to the Peace Memorial Park and the accompanying exhibition allows you to dig into the city's emotional history as well as its current international ties. Beautiful yet sobering, the park is well worth a visit to see the friendship formed between two completely different countries and their efforts to commemorate a shared history.

After the Peace Memorial Park, visit nearby Naoetsu Beach, where you can wade in the beautifully clear waters and check out the iconic statue of a mermaid.

Being in the heart of rice country makes Joetsu a thriving hub for sake breweries. Among them, Katafune Sake Brewery—the winner of the International Wine Challenge 2015 and 2019—is definitely worth a visit. It is a family-owned brand, and you need to call ahead to schedule a brewery visit. Although the brewery is small, the warm welcome provided will make you feel right at home.

Between the cities of Joetsu and Tokamachi lies the Cupid Valley ski resort in an area known as Yukidaruma Kogen or "Snowman Heights." The Kanayasan resort is also located in Joetsu and easily accessible from the city in case you want to spend a few hours on the slopes.

We recommend setting aside a couple of days to explore Joetsu and other nearby sights.

To the south is Myoko, where adventurers can explore Mt. Myoko, Naena Falls , Tsubame Onsen , and numerous ski resorts, such as the Ikenotaira and Akakura Onsen resorts.

To the east, there is charming Tokamachi, where the striking Hoshitoge terraced rice paddies, Bijin-bayashi Forest, and Kiyotsukyo Gorge are located.

Northwards, you will find Kashiwazaki, a great little beach town perfect for those looking for an unfussy, simple getaway undisturbed by flocks of tourists. Sightseeing spots of note include Lovers' Point and Akasakayama Park.