The Murakami and Shibata area, in the northern part of Niigata, is known for its natural beauty and the atmosphere and culture of a castle town. From the Tsukioka Onsen, known for making skin beautiful and the Sasagawa-nagare, where you can see some of the most beautiful coastline in the prefecture, to the dignified castle town of Shibata and Awashima, where time moves more slowly, this is a great area to have a relaxed, nostalgic trip!
The Tsukioka Onsen is a sulfur hotspring boasting the highest mineral content in Japan and is known for its vibrant, emerald-green water. The exfoliative properties of the water and its bleaching and anti-bacterial properties leave your skin feeling smooth, which has made this hotspring very popular among women.
A long coastline featuring the clearest water in the prefecture. The view is excellent from a train window, but it's taken to the next level from a boat! You can also try feeding seagulls on board the Sasagawa Nagare Steamboat.
Murakami has been known as the Town of Salmon for many years. You can try over 100 different types of salmon dishes at the local restaurants: salted and grilled, simmered in a sweet sauce, steamed in rice, and more.