Niigata Prefecture is located along the Sea of Japan and stretches in a long, narrow shape from northeast to southwest. Covering an area of approximately 12,584 square kilometers, it ranks as the fifth-largest prefecture in Japan. Its coastline extends about 634 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the country. Thanks to this extensive coastline, Niigata boasts the largest number of swimming beaches in Japan, attracting many tourists during the summer.
Geography and Terrain
Niigata Prefecture is often classified as part of the Chubu or Hokuriku regions, but it also shares strong ties with the Kanto and Shinetsu regions. In terms of transportation, the prefecture is closely connected to the Kanto region via the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Geographically, Niigata is broadly divided into the following four areas:
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Joetsu Region: Located in the western part of the prefecture, centered around Joetsu City, Itoigawa City, and Myoko City.
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Chuetsu Region: Situated in the central area, including cities such as Nagaoka, Sanjo, and Minamiuonuma.
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Kaetsu Region: Covering the northeastern part, centered around Niigata City, the prefectural capital, along with Shibata City and Murakami City.
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Sado Region: Comprising Sado City on the offshore island of Sado.
The inland areas are surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Asahi Mountains, Echigo Mountains, and Kubiki Mountains. In the northern and central parts of the prefecture, the vast Echigo Plain stretches out, through which the Shinano River and Agano River flow. The Shinano River is Japan's longest river, and the Echigo Plain, the largest alluvial plain along the Sea of Japan, is known for its thriving agricultural industry, particularly rice cultivation.
Climate and Natural Environment
Niigata Prefecture belongs entirely to the Sea of Japan climate zone and is known for its heavy snowfall in winter. Particularly in the inland and mountainous regions, it is regarded as one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas. Towns like Tsunan and Tokamachi often experience snow depths exceeding two meters even in average years and are designated as special heavy snowfall zones. In 1927, a record snow depth of 818 centimeters was recorded in the Karayama settlement of Joetsu City's Itakura Ward.
On the other hand, the coastal urban areas experience relatively little snowfall. Cities like Niigata and Kashiwazaki often see many winter days with little to no snow accumulation.
Summers are hot and humid, sometimes influenced by the foehn phenomenon, leading to some of the highest temperatures recorded in Japan. In 2020, Sanjo City and Tainai City experienced record-breaking September temperatures exceeding 40°C. There have also been years when nighttime temperatures did not fall below 30°C, resulting in what is known as "super tropical nights."
Additionally, Sado Island, influenced strongly by its maritime climate, remains relatively mild even in winter and features small daily temperature variations throughout the year.
Industry and Culture
Niigata Prefecture is widely recognized as one of Japan's premier rice-producing regions, with the Koshihikari variety enjoying national fame as a top-quality brand. Agriculture, especially rice farming, flourishes, and the prefecture is also one of Japan’s leading producers of sake.
The inland and mountainous areas make good use of the heavy snowfall, hosting many ski resorts that are popular winter tourist destinations. Along the coast, the rich fishing grounds provide abundant seafood.
Niigata City is the only government-designated city on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, with a population of around 700,000. It serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region. With its port, Niigata City also thrives as a logistics and international trade center.
Summary
Niigata Prefecture is a region blessed with rich nature, diverse terrain, and a distinct four-season climate. It boasts a strong agricultural industry as Japan’s top rice-producing area, offers winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, and is rich in coastal tourism resources. With deep historical and cultural roots, Niigata attracts many tourists year-round.