Location: Itoigawa
Top Things to do in Itoigawa
The 10 Best Things to Do in Itoigawa, Japan
Itoigawa is a city located in north-central Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan. As of 30 June 2016, the city had an estimated population of 44,684 and a population density of 59.9 persons per km².
Restaurants in Itoigawa
1. Michi-no-Eki Marine Dream Nou
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By oscarette - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
We took a train from Itoigawa to No (note the spelling is No not Nou as Hyperdia does not recognise the latter). Then we took a local bus to the venue (230 yen/person). We reached there at 4.30pm which is 1/2 hour before closing time. There was a fish shop and 4 or 5 shops selling crabs from 1000-5000 yen depending on the size. The meat was really fresh and sweet. We went later to a restaurant upstairs and had 3 set menus (think there were 4), all with crabs in them. The menu was in japanese only but they have pictures at the front of the restaurant. Although the staff could hardly speak English, they were helpful. Food was delicious. The restaurant closes at 6pm. We asked the cashier to call for a taxi to bring us back to the train station (1300 yen).
2. Fossa Magna Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By kobekko - Kobe
We tend to associate the culture of Jade with China, and this museum tells us otherwise. Jade as a stone was formed about 500 million years ago, but its use as jewel originated in Japan about 7,000 years ago. This history was substantiated by the recent discovery of ancient workshop, where jade had been shaped into accessories as valued tradable items. This discovery solved one of the long-standing puzzles of ancient Japanese culture. The fact is that jade had been valued accessories for those people who were powerful enough to be buried in their individual funeral sites, and such accessories were found in those funeral sites throughout Japan for millennia. However, the source of its supply had not been known until the last century.
The name of this museum stems from the geological feature of the region where it stands, and this geological feature has much to do with the formation of jade stone. This museum is outstanding in many ways. It explains well the geological history of the region, as well as the formation of Japanese archipelago. It explains that the formation of jade stone is very limited to a few locations in the world, and this region happens to produce the top quality jade. Obviously that must have led to its use as jewel 7,000 years ago. It also explains well the geological history of the earth, with enlightening display panels and explanations, as well as rare and beautiful geological samples. Many explanations are provided in English, and they are sometimes better than the Japanese counterparts. For more substantial explanations in English and other languages, one can take out the audio equipment.
One drawback of this museum is its poor accessibility by public transportation. However, anybody who hazards the trip will be well rewarded. It is located in the well landscaped large recreational area on the hillside, and one can spend a relaxing day (weather permitting, of course).
3. Itoigawa Geostation Geopal
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By rupan - Kobe, Japan
新幹線の糸魚川駅舎の構内にあるジオラマ鉄道展示コーナーに立ち寄りました。
キハ５２車両、Ｃ５８の動輪、行先のプレート、多くのミニチュア展示、プラレールなどファンだけでなく楽しいひと時を過ごせます。
4. Oyashirazu Pier Park Michi-no-Eki
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By sinjoorAntwerp - Antwerp
This place is highly recommended and probably highly appreciated by Japanese tourists. For overseas nature lovers I would like to inform them that this a concrete pier underneath a highway, squeezed between sea and boring hill side. No idea what makes this the most appreciated place to visit while there are absolute gems around. Maybe we missed something but I doubt that.
5. Tanimura Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By sinjoorAntwerp - Antwerp
We visited this museum early in the morning, so we had the entire place for us alone.
A short note in English gave some important background information : this museum is carefully created to show the artworks.
The building was meant to evoke impressions of the desolate landscapes of the old silk road. And the light inside the building has to enhance the beauty of each work.
The architect was already very accomplished when he created this building. In fact the building is a work of art on its own.
Every detail is purposeful and thought of : the changing sunlight makes different patterns during the day and during different seasons.
Worth a visit to the otherwise unimpressive little town.
Please visit slowly and respectfully, and enjoy the view of the magnificent garden at the end. I encourage you to sit down and think about beauty and happiness.
Visiting this very Japanese gem made me at least feel humble and very happy. I wish you the same.
6. Charmant Hiuchi Snow Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By BryanBaier - Nara, Japan
Secure in the control my board generated in the powder I left my speed unchecked and aimed for a broad area of untouched snow infront of me. It was the first run of the day and I'd yet to cover 50 yeards but I was already in the groove and knew the day would be good.
Learning to snowboard on the powder-covered slopes of Colorado's great ski resorts has made me a jaded rider quick to dismiss small hills as good for nothing more than beginning skiers and riders. Charmant Hiuchi defied that mold and gave me the best day of snowboarding I've had in my six years in Japan. The small size meant that the number of runs I took stacked up really quick leaving me feeling like I'd been riding all day long before the lunch hour arrived. Smooth turns and soft confident speed blasts in shin-deep to waist-deep powder from first run to last. On a powder day I almost don't want to ride anywhere else.
7. Hisui Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 五条桂
富山から泊→宮崎海岸へと電車で行きました。乗り換えは同じホームです。海は
広く開けていて水もきれいです。きれいな小石がたくさんあります。ヒスイを探す人が案外多くいました。周囲に面白いものはありません。海を眺めるにはいいところです。水辺までは砂ではなく全て石なので裸足になれず歩きにくいです。
8. Takanami Pond
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By sinjoorAntwerp - Antwerp
This pond is not worth a trip on its own, but makes a perfect combination with a visit to the Jade Gorge.
And it is a logical way to get back : the road makes a nice loop so you do not have to do the same route twice.
Visit the gorge first and come here to relax. We had a wonderful dessert here too !
9. Mt. Amakazari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By naojinchan - 静岡
紅葉を見に麓の鎌池へ行きました。
鎌池の紅葉は綺麗でした。
山登りの初心者でしたが、雨飾山の紅葉も見たいので３合目まで登りました。
ここまででも充分綺麗な紅葉を見ることができて、満足しています。
10. Hisui Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By sinjoorAntwerp - Antwerp
We were surprised to find such a beautiful garden in the modest town of Itoigawa. The location and the borrowed scenery is hiding it completely from the busy traffic lanes near the sea and the industry near the river.
A relief to come here. It has a wonderful collection of rocks. And it has quietness ! An essential part of a Japanese garden that is missing in some of its more famous brothers.
Another reason to visit Itoigawa not just in passing by but staying a few days.
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