8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture!

We want to share 8 recommended tourist spots in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. Uonuma City once flourished as a post town along the Mikuni Kaido highway. It is also famous for its delicious rice, especially the locally grown Koshihikari, which is highly praised for its exceptional quality.

Uonuma City offers many attractions, including scenic spots where you can enjoy its rich natural landscapes, activity facilities for physical recreation, and historical sites where you can learn about the region’s history and culture. It’s an ideal destination for fulfilling and enjoyable sightseeing. Be sure to use this guide as a reference when visiting Uonuma!

1. Hibiki no Mori (Okutadami Recreation Urban Park)

Hibiki no Mori features various attractions, including "Hana to Midori to Yuki no Sato," where beautiful moss phlox bloom, and "Yairo no Mori Park," which has ponds and playground equipment. The open grassy areas are ideal for running and playing, making it a popular destination.

The spacious grounds invite physical activity, and the "Koide Cultural Hall" hosts music and theater events. For families, the park offers attractions like the "Snow Colosseum" for younger children. The park’s theme, "Forest of Sensibility," encourages visitors to reconsider cultural values, making it an excellent spot to experience Uonuma’s culture. It’s a must-visit for families and tourists alike.

2. Echigo Herb Fragrance Garden Irihirose

Echigo Herb Garden Irihirose is a popular tourist destination in Uonuma that offers different experiences each season. The park is filled with refreshing herbs and beautiful flowers, providing a relaxing setting where visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Uonuma.

The park features 4 distinct gardens, including a herb garden that grows approximately 100 varieties of herbs and a rose garden filled with vibrant colors and fragrant roses. These spots are highly recommended, especially for those who love flowers and greenery.

In addition to admiring Uonuma’s stunning natural beauty, visitors can also take advantage of the grassy lawn area to play ground golf, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities in the spacious grounds.

The park also includes an auto-camping site and barbecue facilities, offering even more ways to enjoy your time there. This versatility is one of the highlights of Echigo Herb Garden Irihirose. For a memorable experience during your Uonuma sightseeing, be sure to visit Echigo Herb Garden Irihirose!

3. Lake Okutadami

With an impressive water storage capacity of 600 million cubic meters, Okutadami Lake is a spacious, man-made reservoir in Uonuma that attracts many visitors. Fishing enthusiasts often refer to it as "Ginzan Lake", showcasing how cherished it is by both locals and tourists alike.

From late May to early November, sightseeing cruises operate on the lake, offering an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing boat ride. Visiting Uonuma during the cruise season is highly recommended! The views from the boat are simply breathtaking, especially during the autumn foliage season when the colorful scenery creates a spectacular sight. The surrounding mountains of Uonuma exude a unique, almost foreign atmosphere, adding to the charm of this destination. It’s an experience you won’t find elsewhere, making it an incredibly attractive spot. Be sure to include Okutadami Lake in your itinerary when visiting Uonuma!

4. Fuyama Toge no Furusatohiroba (Fuyama Campground)

Fuyama Toge no Furusatohiroba (Fuyama Campground) offers hands-on experiences like charcoal-making and fishing, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The spacious campsite is perfect for camping trips with family and friends.

Visitors can also try soba noodle-making and other nature-based activities. Uonuma offers great sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed for various purposes, such as school events and family trips. Next to the fishing pond, there is a gazebo where you can relax and feel the cool breeze while enjoying the fresh, clean air of Uonuma.

The park also features highland asparagus fields, which are spacious and beautifully maintained. Uonuma’s asparagus is highly praised for its crisp texture and natural sweetness—a must-try delicacy! Fresh asparagus grown between mid-May and early July is available for purchase, making this the best season to visit.

Don’t miss the "Setsujozakura" (Snow Cherry Blossoms), which bloom with pink petals against lingering snow—a breathtaking sight! It’s highly recommended for anyone looking to create special memories during their visit to Uonuma.

5. Meguro Residence

If you’re looking to experience the history of Uonuma, the Meguro Residence is a must-visit tourist spot. Built in 1797, the construction is said to have taken 5 years to complete. As a wealthy farmer’s residence, it features a spacious layout and exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of medieval samurai estates, offering a solemn and dignified experience. It is a designated Important Cultural Property, making it a historically significant site in Uonuma.

The Meguro family is believed to have once served the Aizu Ashina clan, a feudal lord family during the Sengoku period. After the wars, they are said to have settled in Uonuma and returned to farming, establishing a lineage with samurai roots. This makes the Meguro Residence the perfect place to connect with Uonuma’s rich history. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about Uonuma’s past, a visit to this historic landmark is highly recommended!

6. Echigo Yukikura Museum

The Echigo Yukigura Hall was founded by the head of the Meguro Residence, which we previously introduced as a designated Important Cultural Property, under the name Tamagawa Sake Brewery. This facility takes advantage of Uonuma’s climate, using “Yukigura,” a natural refrigerator made of snow, to preserve sake. Visitors can tour the sake brewery and learn about the sake-making process. It also features an area dedicated to exploring the history of Japanese sake, offering an enriching experience for all visitors.

Adults can particularly enjoy this spot, as it offers sake tastings, allowing you to sample some of Uonuma’s delicious local brews. There’s also a shop where you can purchase products made with sake lees (such as ginjo sake)—perfect as souvenirs from your trip to Uonuma. This destination provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Uonuma’s traditional sake-making techniques and its cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. Be sure to stop by Echigo Yukigura Hall during your visit to Uonuma!

7. Eirinji Temple

One of the must-see temples in Uonuma City is Eirinji Temple, which boasts a history of over 500 years. It is highly recommended as a tourist spot in Uonuma, primarily because visitors can admire the masterful carvings created by the renowned artisan Uncho Ishikawa.

Among its highlights is a wooden transom relief that took 13 years to complete—truly a masterpiece worth seeing. Many visitors are captivated by its extraordinary beauty. The carvings are notable for their deep engravings and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting meticulous attention to detail. Uncho Ishikawa's unique and original works continue to be highly popular even today.

Another attraction is the abbot’s sermons, which are widely praised for their humor and uniqueness. They were even featured on NHK’s "Radio Midnight Express" program. Whether you want to admire Uncho’s artworks or experience the serene atmosphere of the temple, Eirinji Temple is a fantastic destination to include in your Uonuma sightseeing itinerary. Don’t miss the chance to visit this culturally rich and historic location!

8. Roadside Station "Yunotani" Snowy Village

If you’re looking to buy local specialties from Uonuma City, we highly recommend Michi-no-Eki "Yunotani Fukayuki-no-Sato". This popular roadside station is a favorite stop for many visitors to Uonuma. A morning market is held here, offering seasonal ingredients such as wild mountain vegetables in spring and mushrooms in autumn. The station also features a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional local dishes made with fresh Uonuma ingredients—perfect for experiencing the authentic flavors of the region.

Conveniently located just 2 minutes from the Koide I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway, this spot is easily accessible and features a spacious parking lot, ensuring a stress-free visit. For a memorable souvenir from your trip, be sure to stop by Michi-no-Eki "Yunotani Fukayuki-no-Sato" to pick up exclusive Uonuma products you won’t find anywhere else!

◎Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced some of the top recommended tourist spots in Uonuma City! Did any of the locations catch your interest? Uonuma City offers a wide variety of attractions, including historical and cultural landmarks where you can reflect on their significance, nature-filled spots perfect for outdoor activities and fresh air, and family-friendly facilities where even young children can have fun. With such a rich selection of tourist destinations, Uonuma is a place that truly has something for everyone.

If you’re thinking, “I want to go somewhere new” or “I’d like to explore a place I’ve never been before,” why not plan a visit to Uonuma City? We hope this guide will be helpful as you plan your Uonuma sightseeing adventure!

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8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture!