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Home , Amatsu Shrine, Oito Line, Shinonoi Line

Guide Map of Itoigawa City 's First Global Geopark

Oyashirazu Pier Park Omi Seaside Park Amatsu Shrine Marine Dream Nou Road Station Suzawa Seaside Park （Itoigawa Kenkamatsuri Festival） Road Station

Teraji Site Itoigawa Oyashirazu Coast Museum of History Benten-iwa Rock Nou Marine Park Lavender Beach and Folklore Oyashirazu Nou Coast Momokawa Coast Memorial Plaza ITOIGAWA Touzaki Coast ITOIGAWA Soma Gyofu Itoigawa Coast House Oyashirazu Community Road Yamatogawa Coast Nou Hakusan Shrine Tsutsuishi Nou （Nou Hakusan Shrine Spring Festival） Ichiburi Coast Jade Furusato 8 Nou Interchange Museum Itoigawa Kajiyashiki Nihonkai Hisui Line Hokuriku Expressway Uramoto 8 Omi Choja Onsen Hot Spring Ichiburi Oyashirazu Interchange Oyashirazu Itoigawa Interchange Shindosan Park Line 155 Miyama Park TOURISM GUIDE Green Park Oyashirazu Itoigawa Onsen Himekawa Chojagahara Site Hot Spring Echigo Ichiburi no Seki Fossa Magna Museum Green Messe Nou 222 Road Station Kubiki Ono Yunowaki Onsen Hot Spring Natural Monument of Japan Oito Line Tsukimizunoike Pond Omigawa Jade Gorge 148 Fudotaki Falls Maseguchi Onsen Hot Spring Fudotaki Itoigawa City “Michi no Eki” Road Station Fossa Magna Park Nechi Joetsu City Park Natural Monument of Japan Kotakigawa Jade Gorge Yakeyama Onsen Beach Umidani Sankyo Park Hot Spring Kotaki Hot Spring Charmant Hiuchi Hisuikyo Fishing Park Shionomichi Onsen Hot Spring Sasakura Onsen Snow Resort Campground 483 Hiyoshi Shrine Hot Spring （Otetekomai Festival） Jade Niigata Prefecture Takanaminoike Pond Amakazari Sanroku Shrine Shiroikenomori Forest Park Myoko City Ski Resort 148 Kijiyanosato Amakazari Onsen Fishing Park 505 Hiraiwa Hot Spring Golf Course Seaside Valley Shiraike Forest Park Himekawa Onsen Ski Resort Renge Onsen Hot Spring Hot Spring Niigata Itoigawa City

Map of Directions to Itoigawa ●When Using Japan Railway ●Traveling by Car

(JR) Services Approx. 4 hours Niigata Niigata Tsutsuishi Airport Osaka Approx. 5 hours Itoigawa Saigata Tokyo Approx. 2 hours Naoetsu Nou Nagaoka Niigata Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes Omi R8 west Osaka Approx. 4 hours Oyashirazu Nagaoka Joshinetsu Expressway Junction Niigata Approx. 2 hours Joetsu Joetsu Nagoya Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes Hokuriku Expressway Kanazawa Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Junction Shinkansen Niigata Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes Oyabe・Tonami Junction Toyama Kanazawa Itoigawa Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Interchange Nagano Echigo Kanazawa Approx. 50 minutes Oito Yuzawa Hukui Toyama R148 Line Approx. 40 minutes Hokuriku Line Nagano Nagano Toyama R18 Turuga Hukui Airport Matsumoto Koshoku Komatsu Junction Hokuriku Takasaki Airport Shinkansen Airport Nagano Takasaki Takayama Expressway Matsumoto Matsumoto Hujioka Contact Information Tokai Hokuriku Saku Joshin-Etsu Junction Expressway Expressway Maibara Takayama Shiojiri Osaka Kyoto LIne Kan-Etsu Itoigawa City Tourism Itoigawa City Tourism Association, Expressway R19 Okaya Suwa Suita Maibara Junction Komaki Chuo Expressway Exchange Division Tourist Information Center Junction Junction Junction Iida Ueno Nakatshugawa Shinjyuku 1-2-5 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa-City, 1-7-11 Omachi, Itoigawa-City, Nagoya Niigata-Prefecture 941-8501 Niigata-Prefecture 941-0061 Tomei Expressway Tokyo TEL. 025-552-1511 FAX. 025-552-7372 E-mail [email protected] Toyohashi Shizuoka Tokaido Shinkansen Hamamatsu Itoigawa City Tourism Association, URL http://www.city.itoigawa.lg.jp/ Tourist Information Center E-mail [email protected] (located within the Hisui)

Itoigawa Geopark Itoigawa Geopark is a certified member 500 Million Years of Earth’s History and the World’s Oldest Jade Culture of the Global Geoparks Network. http://geo-itoigawa.com/eng/ Itoigawa City, Printed 2015.7 Niigata ITOI GAWA

Come Visit ITOIGAWA! Cool Off in the Sea of Japan Enjoy a range of marine activities at one of our beautiful beaches

Yamatogawa Coast E

Pebbles cover this small beach. Clear, gentle water and a convenient location make this a popular beach among the Suzawa Seaside Park & G locals. Omi Seaside Park Nou Coast D

An outdoor recreation area featuring excellent sports facilities Benten-iwa is the name of the impressive rock just offshore of and equipment, these parks provide something for all ages. this popular sand and gravel beach. Located in the fishing com- Touzaki Coast A Momokawa Coast B munity of Nou, the rock has long been revered as a holy site of Hokuriku Expressway Contact 2052-4 Suzawa, Itoigawa 949-0301 the goddess of the sea. The waters here are calm and shallow, This is a shallow, wide, and sandy beach Scattered with fascinating rocks carved by the Information TEL.025-562-1360 perfect for swimming with the family. rarely seen in the Joetsu Region. Perfect raging Sea of Japan, this beach is in sharp A Nou Interchange B swimming for the whole family! contrast to nearby Touzaki. Momokawa is D C well-known for the iconic Tottokoiwa, or Nihonkai Hisui Line Be Aware ! ‘Chicken Rock’. Itoigawa Interchange E 8 Oyashirazu Interchange F H G J I Hokuriku Shinkansen K Enjoy Our 148

Beautiful Sea Oito Line Cool, clear water flows from the steep mountains which surround the city, providing Itoigawa with clean and beautiful coastal water. Marine Museum Kaiyo & C Tenka-no- Oyashirazu & These same rivers carry a rich variety of stones and pebbles to the shores, including precious jade. Museum Ship Etsuzanmaru Oyashirazu Community Road J Each summer, the beaches come alive with bathers, stone hunters, and hamajaya, traditional seaside lodges offering drinks,fresh seaside delicacies, Located beside Marine Dream Nou, this museum features the Oyashirazu is the name given to these cliffs where the Japanese or even just a cool place to relax in the shade. history of the local fishing community and nearby Kaiyo High Alps collapse into the Sea of Japan. Also called ‘Tenka-no-ken” School. The Etsuzanmaru is the former training ship used by the or “The steepest precipice under heaven,” these cliffs were high school to train new generations of fishermen. infamously dangerous in ages past. Now, you can enjoy breath- taking scenery and walk along the old roads at the parks here. 3596-2 Noukodomari, Itoigawa 949-1351 Contact Information TEL.025-566-3456 (Marine Dream Nou)

Omi Coast Geosite G H After hunting for jade along the coast, What is a Geopark? visit the Teraji Archaeological site and The word ‘Geopark’ is derived from the words Benten-iwa Geosite C D imagine the jade culture that flour- ‘geology’ and ‘park.’ Geoparks are areas ished here millennia ago. Benten’iwa, along with nearby Totto- Oyashirazu Coast I Itoigawa Coast F Lavender Beach H recognized for exceptional geological koiwa, were formed as a result of Oyashirazu Geosite I J heritage. But they are more than just full of With a clear blue sea surrounded by majestic This popular beach has been nicknamed This charming seaside park features a rocks! Geoparks offer us opportunity to submarine volcanic activity. Nearby is Known since ancient times as a particu- cliffs and a fantastic sunset, Oyashirazu is ‘The Jade Coast’ for the jade pebbles occa- statue of Princess Nunakawa, a goddess learn more about the deep relationship the historical cultural property of Haku- larly precipitous and dangerous route, without a doubt one of the most popular sionally found on its stony shore. It’s the who ruled this area millennia ago. Lavender between mankind and the Earth and how the san Shrine, home of the Himeharu don’t miss your chance to behold the beaches among visitors from both within and closest beach to Itoigawa Station and has a Beach gets its name from the lavender- land has shaped our history. In 2009, Cicada, a nationally-recognized natu- majestic cliffs along this rugged coast. outside Niigata. Many fish can be seen here, sunset view that you simply cannot miss! colored jade that can be found here. Itoigawa Geopark was recognized as Japan’s ral monument. Ichiburi Geosite K making for an excellent snorkeling opportunity. first Global Geopark by the UNESCO Global This village, along the old Hokuriku Road Geoparks Network, due to the global signifi- Itoigawa Coast Geosite E F cance of its geological and cultural heritage. began as a ‘post town’, a small Edo-era Ichiburi Beach K Beautiful minerals, greenery, seas, cultural Try hunting for jade and other various village where travelers could rest along history, food, hot springs and more await you rocks on this seacoast. their journeys. Some remnants of the This mixed sand and pebble beach has at Itoigawa Global Geopark. Edo era can be found here. exceptionally clear water and is popular with swimmers, anglers, and snorkelers alike. Located near Ichiburi Station, the beach also features ample parking. Locations marked with this symbol may be closed or inaccessible due to snow during the winter Winter Warning! season. Please contact the respective offices in advance for further accessibility information.

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Come Visit ITOIGAWA! Adventure and Beauty Await in the Mountains Mysterious Landscapes Formed Winter Warning! Winter Warning! Winter Warning! by Awesome Forces

Winter Warning! Winter Warning! Winter Warning!

Fudotaki Falls H Takanami-no-ike Pond I

Legends speak of an ancient dragon god This tranquil pond can be found 540 meters that lives in the basin of this 70m tall, above sea level, near Mt. Myojo and the 3-step waterfall. Located nearby are a Kotakigawa Jade Gorge. Enjoy camping, park, walking path, and campground, all of ground golf, scenic walks and more in this Fossa Magna Park E Umidani Sankyo Park C Salt Trail D which are particularly popular attractions natural paradise. Anglers will want to check out during the summer. the nearby Jade Gorge Fishing Park, too! Visitors to this park can see an exposed This campground and nature park sits at the In ancient times, the “Salt Trail,” also known as section of the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic entrance to the Umidani Highlands and the the “Matsumoto Highway,” was walked by Line, a massive fault which divides Japan base of the trail up to Mt. Komagatake. people carrying heavy packs burdened with Kotakigawa Jade Gorge J between the North American Plate to the Hiking trails and a viewing deck offer awe- salt and other sea produce to be traded in Winter Warning! Winter Warning! east and the Eurasian Plate to the west. inspiring views of the rock face of Mt. Senjo- Shinshu Province (Modern-day Nagano Also called the Kotakigawa Jade Deposit, The park also features a walking trail and gatake, adorned with lush greenery in Prefecture). Many sections remain unchanged this gorge found deep in Itoigawa’s moun- beautiful scenery. spring and brilliant red and gold leaves in today. Walk along this path and let your imagi- tains is truly a sight to behold. Located at autumn. nation take you back through history. the base of the impressive Mt. Myojo, mas- sive boulders of raw jade lie strewn about this clear-running stream. Mt. Myojo itself is Locations marked with this one of the premier rock climbing sites in Powder Snow, Wide Slopes, symbol may be closed or Japan. The entire gorge is a National Natu- Winter Warning! inaccessible due to snow ral Monument, so collection of jade or other and Views of the Sea of Japan during the winter season. minerals is strictly prohibited. Amakazari Foothills G Shiraike Forest Park L Please contact the respective offices in A advance for further accessibility information. Shiroikenomori Forest Park Located on the forest road to Renge Hot Charmant Hiuchi Snow Resort Across the pond stands Mt. Amakazari- Springs, Shiraike reflects the nearby moun- Known for its abundant powder snow and natu- Hokuriku Expressway Winter Warning! yama, one of Japan's 100 famous moun- Oyashirazu Interchange tains to create a scene of mysterious ral, off-piste slopes. This resort below Mt. Hiuchi- tains. Visitors can enjoy a forest experience Nou Interchange beauty. In spring you can enjoy the wild yama offers gorgeous views of the distant Sea of in the great wilderness and observe a swamp lantern flowers that grow around this Japan. Nihonkai Hisui Line variety of animals and plants in their own pond. habitat. At night, the views of the star-filled 1821 Nishihiyama, Itoigawa Interchange 8 Contact Otokoro, Itoigawa Itoigawa 949-1322 sky are spectacular. Contact Information Information TEL.025-552-1511 TEL.025-568-2345 (Itoigawa City Tourism Exchange Division) Hokuriku Shinkansen F D Seaside Valley Ski Resort B K 148 E Located conveniently close to Central Itoigawa. C A Omigawa Jade Gorge K H F Winter Warning! This resort has trails for skiers of all skill levels. As G its name suggests, skiers can enjoy views of the The Omigawa Jade Deposit is another mag- J I nificent sight with raw jade boulders large Tsukimizu-no-ike Pond B Sea of Japan as well as Mt. Amakazariyama here. L Oito Line and small scattered about the Omigawa 151-1 Yamaguchi, River at the base of Mt. Kurohimeyama. This pond is famous for the many wisteria Contact Information Itoigawa 949-0554 This gorge is also a National Natural Monu- vines which surround it, and its name is said TEL.025-558-2311 ment, so please be respectful and do not to derive from the fact that the wisteria collect or damage the jade or other minerals makes it difficult to see the moon’s reflection here. in the pond. ( ) Salt Trail North Kotakigawa Jade Gorge Geosite I J Geosite D E This is the first known jade-bearing site in At Fossa Magna Park you can study Japan. The view of the Jade Gorge with Adventure and Beauty pillow lava. Many people come to walk the cliff of Mt. Myojo is superb. Also the ancient road used for centuries to nearby is Takanami Pond. transport salt to Nagano. Salt Trail (South) Omigawa Jade Gorge Geosite K Await in the Mountains Tsukimizu Pond Geosite B Geosite F G This gorge contains valuable lavender Itoigawa is located atop a tectonic line which separated Japan between two continental plates. Located at the end of an enormous land- This is the location of Shiroike Pond and jade. This is also the location where the the Salt Trail Museum. Many ancient minerals ohmilite and nunagawaite were This location is the secret to its dynamic scenery where massive mountains loom over the coast and rare slide, this pond is fed by spring water. In May, potted wisteria plants bloom beauti- relics including signposts and tea houses first discovered. and beautiful stones including jade lay scattered in scenic canyons. fully along the roadside. remain along this part of the trail. The city is a paradise for mountain climbers, hikers, or anyone with a love for the outdoors. Renge Geosite L Umidani Gorge Geosite C Imai Geosite H Refresh your body, mind, and soul while enjoying unspoiled natural beauty. This was the first glacial topography Or hit the slopes at one of our exciting ski resorts! Submarine volcanic activity formed this Location of the Western Course of the Salt discovered in Japan. Everything from steep, wall-like group of mountains. Popu- Trail, as well as Fudotaki Falls and the lakes, hot springs, and outstanding vistas lar for its scenic hiking. remains of Mushikawa Checking Station. are here in abundance!

Itoigawa is located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, and Hakuba Sanroku Prefectural Nature Park. These parks all offer a variety of trails suitable for climbers and hikers of all skill levels.

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Come Visit ITOIGAWA! Encounter Excitement and Romance

Tsutsuishi Station A

Tsutsuishi Station is an unusual station that surprises most people when they first see it. Famously located in the middle of the 11 km long Kubiki Tunnel, the boarding platform is separated from the station build- ing by 300 steps. 928 Sennou, Itoigawa Contact 949-1302 Information Nou Hakusan Shrine B TEL.025-567-2101 This shrine’s current main sanctuary () Chojagahara Site and F Soma Gyofu House D was built in 1515 and is a National Important Chojagahara Archaeological Museum Cultural Property. The shrine’s treasure hall Soma Gyofu, who made his mark in the has a number of unique articles of faith on mainstream literary world during the Meiji display. The Chojagara Site was the location of an Fossa Magna Museum F and Taisho periods, lived in this house. The nearby Nou Museum of History and ancient settlement 5000 year ago that Gyofu is also famous for composing the Folklore features exhibits of traditional farming Completely renovated in March 2015, this played a central role in the development of lyrics for “Miyako no Seihoku,” the alma implements and household utensils. “Museum of the Earth” features exhibits on the world’s oldest jade culture. The nearby mater of Waseda University. The living room the formation of the Japanese Islands and museum houses a number of artifacts and library are kept the same as when he Address the unique and beautiful natural history of Contact unearthed from this and similar sites around lived there, making it as if time has stood 7239 Nou, Itoigawa 949-1352 the Itoigawa region. The museum also Information Itoigawa. The museum also offers a variety still over the many years. TEL.025-552-1511 possesses a massive collection of fascinat- of interactive programs for visitors of all Itoigawa Board of Education, Gyokusuien Gardens and C Hisuien Gardens C ing fossils, minerals, and jade. ages. Address ( Cultural Promotion Division ) Tanimura Art Museum Contact 2-10-1 Omachi, Itoigawa This traditional Japanese garden features a 1313 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa Information Hokuriku Expressway Contact 1383 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa 70-ton cobalt jade boulder and beauty that (within Miyama Park) 941-0056 Contact TEL.025-552-1511 Nou Interchange Information (within Miyama Park) 941-0056 This museum, designed by famed architect changes with the seasons. An art museum in Information TEL.025-553-1880 TEL.025-553-1900 Itoigawa Board of Education, Nihonkai Hisui Line Togo Murano, features the Buddhist sculptures the garden exhibits a collection of exquisite ( Cultural Promotion Division ) Itoigawa Interchange B A of woodcarver Seiko Sawada. The Gyoku- jade sculptures. suien Garden is a beautifully crafted garden Oyashirazu Interchange D C that can be enjoyed from within an adjoining 2-11-1 Rendaiji, Itoigawa H Contact 941-0055 E tea room. Information G TEL.025-552-9277 2-1-13 Kyougamine, Itoigawa 8 F Encounter Contact 941-0054 Information 148 TEL.025-552-9277 Excitement and Romance Hokuriku Shinkansen Oito Line Itoigawa’s historical tapestry is woven with many stories. The Jomon people who lived here in ◉Itoigawa Kenka Matsuri ◉Omi Takenokarakai ancient times developed the world’s first known jadeworking culture. Japan’s oldest records tell [Dates] April 10 & 11 [Location] Amatsu Shrine [Date] January 15 [Location] Omi Station of the romance that unfolded here between the god Okuninushi-no-mikoto and the beautiful Also called the Amatsu Shrine Spring Grand This unusual festival is held to celebrate Princess Nunakawa. The Fossa Magna Museum virtually resonates with the Earth’s heartbeat. Festival, two teams of young men from the the 15th day of the New Year. Men wearing districts of Oshiage and Termachi shoulder colorful makeup vie in a symbolic game of And Itoigawa’s own Gyofu Souma left a lasting mark on modern Japanese literature. heavy portable shrines and chase each other tug of war using two large bamboo stalks around the grounds, meeting occasionally to while the community prays for a bountiful Legends speak of Nunakawa, a princess who ruled Itoigawa in ancient times. Japan’s fight by pushing the shrines into each other. harvest. The excitement of the fight then gives way to oldest historical record, the Kojiki, described her as beautiful and wise. the elegance of a series of ‘bugaku,’ tradi- tional court dances set to ancient melodies. ◉Otetekomai Festival ◉Nou Hakusan Shrine Spring Festival [Date] August 31 and September 1 [Location] Hiyoshi Shrine [Date] April 24 [Location] Nou Hakusan Shrine This ancient festival in the mountain village In this ancient festival, local men lift of Yamadera consists of a series of elegant portable shrines on their shoulders and run and fanciful dances performed primarily by them in circles around the shrine. Follow- local children. It has a long history and has ing this, a series of ‘bugaku,’ traditional been designated a National Treasure. court dances, are performed in costume. In the brilliant red glow of the setting sun, the festival reaches its climax with the dance of the Ryo’ou.

Contact Information 1-2-5 Ichinoimiya,Itoigawa 941-8501 TEL.025-552-1511 (Itoigawa Board of Education,Cultural Promotion Division) Itoigawa GeoStation GeoPal H Teraji Archaeological Site G Itoigawa Museum of E Benten-iwa Geosite B Itoigawa Coast Geosite C D E A perfect place to start any trip to the Itoigawa This thatched roof hut looks out of place in History and Folklore Geopark, this new information center is located the middle of a residential neighborhood in This geosite features Benten’iwa and Totto- This geosite offers a variety of attractions, on the first floor of Itoigawa Station. In addition to the Oumi district, but it is actually a recon- This museum features permanent exhibits koiwa, interesting boulders formed by subma- from the popular swimming beach known as regional tourist information, the facility features a struction of a dwelling that was built over on Gyofu Soma, including his personal rine volcanic eruptions. Nearby is the historic “The Jade Coast” to a statue of Princess cultural property Hakusan Shrine, home of Nunakawa, as well as a shopping street in large model railroad diorama gallery and an old 4,000 years ago. It was the home of a jade effects, collected works, and research on the beautiful Himeharu Cicada. front of Itoigawa Station and an art museum diesel train repurposed as a waiting room! artisan. the poet-monk Ryokan. The museum also exhibits a variety of artifacts from Itoigawa’s Miyama Park & exhibiting Buddha sculptures. Address cultural history. Tsutsuishi & Contact Museum Geosite F Omi Coast Geosite G Teraji, Itoigawa Hamatokuai Geosite A Information 1-2-2 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa The perfect place to begin your adventure Hunt for jade along the coasts of Omi and visit TEL.025-552-1511 Contact 941-0056 Exposed seabeds exhibit a beautiful through Itoigawa Geopark, this site offers a the nearby Teraji Archaeological Site. Itoigawa Board of Education, Information TEL.025-552-7471 striped pattern. Fossils of whales and beautifully maintained park, the Chojagahara ( Cultural Promotion Division ) bivalves can be found here. Archaeological Site and Museum, and the Fossa Magna Geological Museum.

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Come Visit ITOIGAWA! Enjoy the Bounties of Mountains and Sea

◉Benizuwai Crab ◉Sasazushi ◉Monkfish Stew ◉Gengyo ◉Codfish Soup ◉Ego This delicacy is best enjoyed boiled whole with salt (Sushi on Bamboo Leaves) Monkfish, a type of anglerfish, is an Another winter favorite, you won’t find this If you try one winter season dish in This sea plant is collected and then dried for and eaten by hand right at the market. Of course, extremely popular dish during the winter fish on the menu in the big cities! Served Itoigawa, make sure it is this one. Truly storage at the end of the rainy season. It is This popular local specialty is made with you can also enjoy it prepared in a variety of dishes months, often enjoyed at festivals and other dried, grilled, fried, or in soup, this strange- simple yet surprisingly rich, this dish brings then simmered in sake and water, then mountain vegetables, fish, and rice color- at local restaurants, inns, bars, and hotels. related events. It is not only enjoyed as a looking fish is irresistibly good. out all the best flavors of this coldwater fish. formed into blocks and allowed to cool. It is fully arranged on bamboo leaves. Each stew, but also grilled, fried as tempura, or in extremely healthy and has a mild flavor area of Itoigawa has its own method of soups. The liver is particularly delicious, reminiscent of the beach. preparing this dish, try and taste them all! with a flavor similar to foie gras, so please try some if you can. Indulge your senses Enjoy the Bounties with the bounties of the land and the sea of the Mountains Bon appétit! and the Sea! Spring brings freshly-picked wild vegetables from the mountains and summer means fresh seaweed and shellfish. Newly harvested rice and delectable mushrooms mark the autumn season and fish caught in the cold waters of Amaebi (Pink Shrimp) ◉ ◉Locally-brewed Sake winter are exceptionally delicious. Locally called ‘Nanbanebi’ or ‘pepper Itoigawa boasts a cornucopia of flavors from both the mountains and the sea. shrimp’ in Japanese, this is a standard dish Niigata Prefecture is the place for sake lovers and Itoigawa is no Gourmets and gourmands alike will not be disappointed! from the Sea of Japan that is best enjoyed exception! Clear streams and bountiful rice make it ideal for sake as sashimi. Here, they are popularly served brewing. With a wide selection of locally crafted sakes, it may take with their eggs as a special treat. a few nights to appreciate them all! Kanpai!

◉Itoigawa Black Yakisoba ◉Itoigawa GeoDon Echigo Ichiburi no Seki Oyashirazu Pier Park Jade Kingdom Center Marine Dream Nou This unique variety of stir-fried noodles is combined Rice Bowls During the Edo Period, this was the This road station is built underneath an Located next to Itoigawa Station, this This expansive road station includes a with local squid and squid ink to create a jet black location of the Ichiburi no Sekisho unusual offshore interchange and was building houses numerous restaurants local produce market, a fish market, dish that definitely makes an impact. After you’ve These “GeoDon” are ‘donburi’ style rice bowls Checkpoint between the provinces of created under the creative direction of and souvenir shops. In the corner of the museum, outdoor recreation area, had a plate, you might want to check your smile in a drawing from Itoigawa’s rich palette of local flavors Echigo (Niigata) and Ecchuu (Toyama). famed artist Kiyoshi Awazu. The nearby building, you can watch as skilled and more, all along the beautiful Nou Now, this place is called “Echigo Ichiburi beach is open for swimming throughout workers demonstrate jade processing. mirror! to produce gourmet rice bowls inspired by Coast. The ‘Kaniya Yokocho’ crab no Seki” and serves as a rest area for the summer. During winter, try codfish market is always bustling with visitors. It’s offered up by many restaurants and bars around Itoigawa’s 24 Geosites. Nanban shrimp, Benizuwai travellers. soup at the seaside restaurant! The sunset over the Sea of Japan is town, each with their own unique spin. Make sure to crabs, and other local delicacies are served atop Contact Information beautiful here. try more than just one! bowls of locally grown koshihikari rice. Taste the Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information Geopark! 1-7-11 Omachi, Itoigawa 1035-50 Ichiburi, Itoigawa 903-1 Tonami, Itoigawa (Next to Itoigawa Station) 3596-2 Noukodomari, Itoigawa 949-0111 949-0308 941-0061 949-1351 How does Itoigawa have such a variety of delicious foods? The secret lies in the Geopark. Itoigawa’s peaks TEL.025-564-2922 TEL.025-561-7288 TEL.025-553-1210 TEL.025-566-3456 reach nearly 3,000 m high while the sea plunges over 1,000 m deep. In between these two extremes are countless ecosystems and contrasting environments, home to a staggering variety of plants and wildlife. In spring, the deep snowfall melts to provide clean, cool water perfect for rice. A climate of warm days and cool nights imparts extra sweetness to local vegetables. Itoigawa’s many rivers pour into the sea, providing nutrients for the fish there. This same water is also used to produce our full-bodied, flavorful sake. So eat up, drink up, and enjoy! 9 ITOI GAWA

Come Visit ITOIGAWA! Unwind in a Hot Spring Bath

Winter Warning! Winter Warning! Therapeutic waters warm both body and soul

Renge Onsen Hot Spring J Himekawa Onsen Hot Spring H Amakazari Onsen Hot Spring F

The outdoor hot spring baths of Renge Onsen 1,500 liters of hot therapeutic water gush from This hot spring is to be found 900 meters above are located 1,475 m up a mountain, offering the earth at Himekawa Onsen, near the border sea level, at the foot of Mt. Amakazariyama, one unparalleled views of the Northern Alps. Hike with . Located deep within the of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It’s a popular from the lodge to the baths, then strip down and Himekawa Gorge, the view here is gorgeous all basecamp for climbers of all ages. D A commune with nature! year round. The onsen is easily accessible from Yakeyama Onsen Hot Spring Choja Onsen Hot Spring C Maseguchi Onsen Hot Spring Hiraiwa Station on the Oito Line. Hakubadake Renge Onsen Lodge Amakazari Sanso Lodge Yakeyama Onsen is located practically next door Choja Onsen is located in a traditional Japanese The village of Maseguchi is nestled at the foot of Mt. Contact Contact 1870 Kajiyama, Itoigawa to Sasakura Onsen, but its mineral qualities are farmhouse, complete with thatched roof! The Gongendake and is home to multiple hot spring inns. 991 Otokoro, Itoigawa Information Information 949-0544 949-0464 Hotel Kunitomi Suisenkaku very different. The waters here are so mineral waters here are soothing and said to be curative. They are great for relaxing after hiking in the summer Contact 885-1 Otokoro, Itoigawa TEL.090-9016-3212 rich that white flecks can be seen dancing or skiing in the winter. Make sure to try the seafood, TEL.090-2524-7237 Information 949-0464 (satellite phone) through the slightly cloudy spring water. Yutorikan Inn caught fresh from nearby Nou Fishing Port! (satellite phone) Contact ※ 18778 Konoura, Itoigawa TEL.025-557-2000 From mid-May to early November Information ※Open from late March to mid-October Seifukan Hotel 949-1342 Gongenso Hotel Contact ※Automobiles are allowed in from late Contact 6429 Odaira, Itoigawa 26-1 Tamugidaira, Itoigawa 949-1323 Information TEL.025-566-3485 Information June to mid-October. 949-1221 TEL.025-568-2201 TEL.025-559-2011 Contact Taigakuso Hotel Information 1097-1 Maseguchi, Itoigawa 949-1324 TEL.025-568-2720 Sasakura Onsen Hot Spring E

This hot spring has a rich concentration of sodium Contact Yamashiroya Hotel Information bicarbonate and a unique mineral composition that is 1057-2 Maseguchi, Itoigawa 949-1324 Unwind in a very gentle to the skin. The hot spring is famous for TEL.025-568-2121 serving delicious Onsengohan rice and Onsengayu rice porridge, cooked by the water of this hot spring.

Hot Spring Bath Shionomichi Onsen Hot Spring G Ryuunso Hotel Contact 5804 Odaira, Itoigawa Information While it is located at the Seaside Valley Ski 949-1221 Itoigawa is known for its abundance of hot spring baths, some famous, some off the Resort, this hot spring bath stays open all year. TEL.025-559-2211 beaten track. Unwind after a long day of exploring Itoigawa at one of the many baths It’s also called ‘bijin no yu’ or ‘bath of beauties’ here, each with a unique mineral composition. because it gives bathers silky smooth skin. From young to old, all ages can enjoy the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of Itoigawa’s hot Hotel White Cliff spring baths. Contact 151-1 Yamaguchi, Itoigawa Information 949-0554 Yunowaki Onsen Hot Spring B TEL.025-558-2316 Gongendake Geosite A Salt Trail(South)Geosite G This facility is a part of Green Messe Nou, a golf country (Within the Seaside Valley Ski Resort) Landslides and avalanches are a constant issue An old Japanese cedar, ponds, and a museum club surrounded by beautiful forest of beech trees. It’s a in this area. However, this rugged region boasts are to be found at this site. At Bokka Tea House, clubhouse offering not just a hot spring but also a restau- an abundance of natural gas and hot springs. you can try your hand at making soba noodles. rant. So, after playing golf, visitors can have a nice sweat Shindosan Geosite B C Himekawa Gorge Geosite H in the hot spring and enjoy a hearty meal in the restaurant. This triangular mountain range is said to be the In this ravine, carved over millennia by the Hime- Odaira Yasuragikan Clubhouse birthplace of the goddess Princess Nunagawa. kawa River, you can see not only nature’s Contact 1302-2 Shimamichi, Itoigawa Information Come visit and challenge Shindoyama Park, with majesty, but also manmade erosion control facili- 949-1333 its 1088 stone steps. ties, showcasing man’s ever-present struggle TEL.025-566-5512 against natural disaster. Yakeyama Geosite D E ※Mid-April to late November Himekawa Gorge(Oito Line) Geosite I A young, active volcano formed only 3000 years Hokuriku Expressway ago, steam still rises from this mountain. On top After visiting the Hisui Oukoku Center, take a trip Nou Interchange you can witness ongoing volcanic activity and a through the ravine on one of the Oito Line’s popu- Nihonkai Hisui Line lava dome left behind by a previous eruption. lar diesel carriages. Oyashirazu Interchange 8 Amakazariyama Geosite F Renge Geosite J Itoigawa Interchange C B Itoigawa Onsen Hot Spring I This is one of the 100 famous Japanese moun- The nature walk footpath through this geosite tains. From the summit you get striking gives you a perfect opportunity to observe alpine Hokuriku Shinkansen This salty spring originates from the Fossa panoramic view over mountains and the hot flora and fauna. Traditional woodworking crafts I A Magna, 1,000 meters below the surface of the spring at the hillside too. are exhibited at Kijiya Village. D earth. The water is also boiled down and reduced G H F E to make a natural salt called umajio. Tsugami Shindo Geosite Maikomidaira Geosite Contact Information Contact Information This mountain trail, opened in 1971, connects the Sea Located on the southern side of Mt. Kurohime, this of Japan with the Northern Japanese Alps. An abun- Oito Line is the location of the deepest limestone cavern in dance of beautiful alpine flora grows along this path. Hotel Kunitomi Annex Hisuinoyu Hot Spring 148 298-1 Ono, Itoigawa 298-1 Ono, Itoigawa Japan. You must obtain official permission before J climbing this mountain. Tsukimizu-no-ike Geosite 941-0071 941-0071 Hashidate Gold Mine Geosite Located at the edge of an enormous landslide, this TEL.025-550-1000 TEL.025-553-2222 spring-fed pond’s name means ‘the pond which The ruins of a former gold mine, this geosite is cannot see the moon.’ In May, wisteria plants come features an old mining shaft and the remains of a alive with blossoms around this pond and along the 11 refining facility. roads.