Niigata

Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments

Tagami Village Tsunagigaya Grove

Discover the Tsunagigaya Natural Habitat in Tagami, Niigata — a nationally designated Natural Monument on Mt. Gomado, home to a rare variety of Japanese nutmeg-yew tree tied to the legendary Seven Wonders of Echigo.

Hirabayashi Castle Ruins

The Hirabayashi Castle Ruins in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, are a National Historic Site that served as the stronghold of the Irobe clan from the Muromachi through Azuchi-Momoyama periods. Abandoned in 1598 and remarkably unchanged for over four centuries, the site preserves medieval earthworks, moats, and fortifications in near-original condition, offering a rare glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Miyagawa Shrine Grove

The Sacred Grove of Miyakawa Shrine in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, is a 5.4-hectare National Natural Monument harboring over 400 plant species. Featuring the northernmost pure stand of Neolitsea sericea along the Sea of Japan coast, this ancient forest offers a rare glimpse into the coexistence of warm-temperate and cold-climate flora within a single sacred woodland.

Ryogenan's Tsunagigaya

Explore the Tsunagigaya at Ryogenji Temple in Tagami, Niigata — a 700-year-old kaya tree designated as a National Natural Monument. Linked to the legend of Shinran Shonin and one of the Seven Wonders of Echigo.

Shobudsuka Tomb

Araya Ruins

Awashima Island's Streaked Shearwater and Japanese Cormorant

Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line in Nechi, Itoigawa City

The Large Zelkova Tree at Ukawa Shrine

Umataka/Sanjuinaba Ruins

Jadeite Sources and Jadeite Boulders in the Omi River

Ogi's Gosho Cherry Blossoms

Okinohara Ruins

Okuyamaso Castle Ruins

Oyamada Higan Cherry Grove

Kasabori's Serow Habitat

Kasugayama Castle Ruins

Kannondaira and Tenjindo Burial Mounds

Former Saito Family Villa Garden

Former Shibata Domain Lower Residence (Shimizudani Palace)