Inhabited for 4,000 years, Niigata overflows with history and beauty. Its location on the Sea of Japan, at the mouth of the country’s longest river, makes it ideal for agriculture. In fact, it’s the top producer of rice in the nation, which brings on the sake breweries, over 90 in all. And talk about fresh seafood. Culinary aficionados flock here to savor the finest in shrimp, crab and fish. This ideal climate and rich soil produces seemingly endless fields of colorful tulips, too. Come hungry and bring your camera.
The local language is Japanese.
To say thank you in Japanese, say “Arigatou.”
For a more formal thank you, say, “Doumo Arigatou.”
Niigata's local currency is the Yen (pronounced without the Y).
Goods and products for sale include Hand-forged metal goods, sake, koshihikari rice (the highest quality sushi rice available), Marunao 16-sided chopsticks and Murakami lacquerware.