Three Recommended Family Vacations in Niigata, Japan

Family vacations don't always have to mean going to crowded places. If you are looking for a quieter place and want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Niigata could be the right destination for you. This prefecture in the northern part of Japan offers a variety of interesting tourist attractions, from the charming mountains to the exotic beaches. Niigata is also famous for its excellent rice quality. So, besides traveling, you can also treat your tongue by tasting various delicious dishes made from rice.

Are you interested in a holiday to Niigata? Let’s check out the following recommendations for family vacations in Niigata!

Hakusan Park

Located near Hakusan Station, which is only one station away from Niigata Station, Hakusan Park is a must-visit destination in the prefecture. This park is very popular for its remarkable cherry blossoms. In spring, thousands of cherry blossoms bloom stunningly, creating a very romantic view. In addition to cherry blossoms, there is the Hakusan Shrine, which is often visited while enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Hakusan Park also offers various facilities that will make you want to stay. There are man-made waterfalls, calm canals, and large green areas to relax. You don't need to spend too much money to enjoy that since Hakusan Park does not charge an entrance fee. You only need to pay for parking if you bring a private vehicle.

Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort

Located in Yuzawa City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is one of the must-visit winter tourist destinations while having a holiday in the Land of the Rising Sun. Known for its thick and soft snow, the ski resort offers a great skiing and snowboarding experience for winter sports enthusiasts.

The ski resort has two main areas, namely the Kogen Area and the Sanroku Area. The Kogen Area or Highland Area is suitable for beginners and intermediates, while the Sanroku Area or Base Area is perfect for beginners. Beside skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy various other activities, such as snow tubing, soaking in onsen (hot springs), or simply enjoying the beautiful mountain views.

The entrance fee for Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort varies depending on the ticket type, duration, and age. Generally, a full-day ticket costs 2,500 to 6,000 yen. For the latest information on ticket prices, it is recommended to visit the ski resort's official website or contact them directly.

Sado Island

Sado Island is located off the west coast of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. This island is famous for its gold mines that have existed since ancient times. Therefore, if you are on vacation to this island, you can explore the dark mine tunnels and learn about the history of gold mining in Japan.

Sado Island is also famous for its beautiful underwater scenery. Snorkeling is on of the most popular activities here, and you can see various types of fish and colorful coral reefs. Many options exist for those who prefer land activities, such as cycling or strolling along the beach.

You can reach Sado Island by ferry from Ogi or Ryotsu ports in Niigata. The ferry ride takes about 1-2 hours. In addition to the ferry, you can take a small plane from Niigata Airport to Sado Airport.

After exploring the island, you must not forget to taste Niigata’s culinary specialties. One of the most famous dishes is kushiage rice, which is rice cut into bite-sized pieces, skewered like satay, coated in flour and fried. Besides kushiage rice, you can also try hegi soba (soba noodles made from coarsely ground buckwheat flour), fresh fish, and various types of sake.

With the natural beauty in Niigata, your holiday will definitely be an unforgettable memory. Don't forget to buy Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia to make your vacation safer and more comfortable.

Let's plan your holiday with your family to Niigata!