13 Recommended Tourist Spots in Itoigawa City♪ Learn, See, and Feel at Geosites!

Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture was the first place in Japan to be officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. Known as a major production area for jade, Itoigawa boasts magnificent natural landscapes that are both rugged and breathtaking, making it a must-visit destination within the geopark.

With its deep history and natural beauty, choosing where to start your journey can be overwhelming. To help you explore, we introduce 13 must-visit tourist spots selected from the city's vast natural environment, which is divided into 24 Geosites.

1. GeoStation GeoPal

GeoStation GeoPal, known as the central hub for tourism information in Itoigawa, opened in 2015 at the Alps Exit of Itoigawa Station.

The facility is divided into three main sections: the Tourism Information Center, the Diorama Railway Model Station, and the KiHa 52 Waiting Room. The name "GeoPal" combines "Geo" from Geopark with "Pal," meaning friend in English.

Upon arriving at Itoigawa Station, head to the Tourism Information Center, where you can experience simulation activities like the Myojo Mountain Slider and Kids Climbing Zone, as well as find plenty of tourism guidance.

At the Diorama Railway Model Station, you’ll find a large railway diorama modeled after the Echigo Tokimeki Railway and JR Oito Line. There are also Plarail toy trains, making this a popular attraction for children.

The KiHa 52 Waiting Room is an actual train car that was used until 2010, repurposed as a waiting area—a must-see for railway enthusiasts.

This is a recommended stop for anyone exploring Itoigawa. Be sure to visit with your family, friends, or travel companions!

2. Fossa Magna Museum

With the opening of GeoStation GeoPal, the Fossa Magna Museum was also renovated. The museum features six major exhibition zones, including displays of Itoigawa’s famous jade and information on the Fossa Magna, the geological rift where the Japanese archipelago was formed. It is an excellent place to learn about natural disasters and environmental changes.

One highlight is the Fossa Magna Theater, where a large immersive display on the floor and walls showcases the formation of Japan’s islands. Another must-see is Nipponites, a uniquely shaped ammonite fossil named after Japan, found in a section displaying fossils from around the world.

This museum offers a rare opportunity to see valuable fossils and minerals up close—definitely worth a visit!

3. Hisui-en, Gyokusuien, and Tanimura Art Museum

These three sites—Hisui-en (Jade Garden), Gyokusuien, and the Tanimura Art Museum—were created by renowned Japanese artists. Designed by architect Togo Murano, woodcarving artist Masahiro Sawada, and landscape designer Kin Saku Nakane, these gardens and museums are must-visit locations in Itoigawa.

Hisui-en is a strolling garden featuring raw jade stones from Itoigawa. It showcases different seasonal landscapes, from plum blossoms in spring to snow-covered scenery in winter.

Gyokusuien is a vast scenic garden designed to resemble two rivers and distant mountains. The view from inside the building, through large glass windows, looks like a living painting.

Tanimura Art Museum, next to the gardens, displays Buddhist sculptures by Masahiro Sawada. The museum’s architecture, designed by Togo Murano, resembles a stone cave, with sculptures like Kongouou Bosatsu (Vajra King Bodhisattva) and Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva) beautifully illuminated by natural and artificial light.

These three attractions are among Itoigawa’s most visited sites and are perfect for those interested in both nature and art.

4. Chojagahara Archaeological Park & Chojagahara Archaeological Museum

Chojagahara Archaeological Site is a vast excavation area, spanning about three times the size of Tokyo Dome. It is a nationally designated historical site in Itoigawa, containing remnants of a Jomon-period (5,000 years ago) settlement. This site was an important production and trading hub for jade ornaments and stone tools. The park features reconstructed pit dwellings, providing a glimpse into ancient life.

At the Chojagahara Archaeological Museum, visitors can see excavated artifacts, dioramas, and interactive exhibits that bring the Jomon period to life. The museum also has archaeological journals and local history materials for those interested in further study.

A variety of hands-on experiences are available, including magatama (jade bead) crafting, fire-starting using Jomon techniques, and pottery making. You can even experience life in a pit dwelling! These activities require reservations, so be sure to contact the museum in advance.

5. Kotakigawa Jade Gorge

Itoigawa City is known as a major jade production area. The Kotakigawa Jade Gorge, located along the Kotaki River at the base of Myojo Mountain, is one of the main jade deposits, also known as the Kotakigawa Nephrite Deposit.

Jade ornaments found in ancient Japanese ruins all originate from Itoigawa. While collecting jade here is prohibited, visitors come from all over just to see the stunning jade formations in their natural setting.

Another notable site is the Aokawa Jade Gorge, located upstream of Aokawa River at the base of Mt. Kurohime. This area is rich in serpentine rocks, with jade deposits embedded within them. As these stones are carried down the river, they reach Lavender Beach, a coastal area known for its lavender-colored jade stones. Exploring both the jade gorge and the coastline is a great experience!

6. Benten Rock

Benten Rock is a large rock formation formed by underwater volcanic deposits from ancient times, approximately 3 million years ago. A red bridge, Akebono Bridge, connects the rock to the mainland. Near the bridge, a stone monument features a poem written by lyricist Ujo Noguchi about Benten Rock. A torii gate stands at the entrance of the rock.

At the top of Benten Rock, you'll find Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the sea deity Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto. A lighthouse also sits atop the rock, serving as a vital landmark for fishing boats.

Every summer, the Furusato Nou Fireworks Festival is held here, and in May, colorful koinobori (carp streamers) are displayed across the bridge. It’s a great spot to visit during these events!

7. Oyashirazu & Ko-shirazu Cliffs

Oyashirazu & Ko-shirazu Cliffs are famous for their dramatic coastline and challenging terrain, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Roads. The Oyashirazu section lies between Oyashirazu Station and Ichiburi Station, while Ko-shirazu extends between Oyashirazu Station and Omi Station.

In the past, these cliffs were so dangerous that travelers had to focus solely on passing through, forgetting even their own families—hence the name "Oyashirazu" (parent not knowing child) and "Ko-shirazu" (child not knowing parent). To celebrate the renovation of the national highway, the Oyashirazu Memorial Plaza is nearing completion. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Oyashirazu, which vividly conveys how rugged and challenging travel used to be in the past.

Also, along the Oyashirazu Community Road, a bronze statue of W. Weston—often referred to as the father of modern mountaineering in Japan—has been erected to commemorate his visit to Itoigawa. It’s a must-see attraction when touring the Itoigawa area!

8. Tsukimizu-no-Ike (Moon-Hidden Pond)

Tsukimizu-no-Ike is a pond formed by accumulated spring water in a depression created by a landslide in Itoigawa.

The water level changes with the seasons, but the spring water remains so clear that it is even used as drinking water. A sake brand named "Tsukimizu-no-Ike" is brewed using this water. The pond, surrounded by giant and oddly shaped rocks, creates a breathtaking and majestic natural landscape that captivates visitors.

It is also famous for its wisteria flowers, and every May, the "Tsukimizu-no-Ike Wisteria Festival" is held, featuring wisteria sapling sales and other activities. The name "Tsukimizu-no-Ike" comes from the way the wisteria vines extend over the water’s surface, covering it so completely that the reflection of the moon becomes invisible.

A night spent sipping sake while watching the moon through the wisteria is an unforgettable experience!

9. Umi no Shiryokan Etsuzan-maru & Marine Museum "Kaiyo"

The Etsuzan-maru is a former training ship used by Niigata Prefectural Marine High School (formerly Nou Fisheries High School) in the Nou region of Itoigawa. The actual ship is now displayed in Nou Marine Park, where visitors can explore it. This ship once sailed across various oceans, including the North Pacific and the Indian Ocean, for student training in fishing and marine research. Since training ships like this are rare, visiting Etsuzan-maru during your trip to Itoigawa is highly recommended! Inside, you can see the control room, student meeting rooms, and other unique features of the ship.

The Marine Museum "Kaiyo" was established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Marine High School. On the 1st Floor, there are exhibits about the school's history and marine-related documents, on the 2nd Floor there are real marine specimens, old ship models, and on the Top Floor there is a full minke whale skeleton display.

10. Roadside Station "Marine Dream Nou"

Located near Etsuzan-maru, Marine Dream Nou is famous for crabs! The Benizuwai-gani (Red Snow Crab), which thrives in the deep sea where the water temperature remains stable, is sold here almost year-round (except January and February). There are nine crab vendors, each competing to offer the best flavors. Since the boiling method varies by shop, you can enjoy different tastes at each stall.

11. Echigo Tokimeki Railway "Tsutsuishi Station"

Tsutsuishi Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway is a "Mole Station"—an underground station that train enthusiasts must visit! Built deep underground, it looks like a secret base. Since trains only stop here about once an hour, make sure to check the timetable before visiting.

12. Takanami-no-Ike (Takanami Pond)

At 540 meters above sea level, Takanami-no-Ike is a serene pond in Itoigawa. It is 13 meters deep and was naturally formed by a landslide. Surrounded by lush forests, it offers a relaxing natural retreat with beautiful scenery all year round.

In the summer, a campsite opens, where visitors can go boating and fishing. This is a great place to escape the crowds and unwind in Itoigawa's peaceful nature.

13. Umidani Gorge

Located in the mountains of Itoigawa, Umidani Gorge offers multiple scenic points of interest. At the entrance is Umidani Sankyo Park, which serves as a gateway to the Umidani Highlands.

Umidani Sankyo Park: Features camping grounds and an observation deck with views of the massive rock walls of Mount Senjogatake. These walls have alternating layers of lava and volcanic ash, revealing their ancient origins.
Zenmai Jizo Rock: A uniquely shaped rock inside the cliff resembling a fiddlehead fern, beloved by visitors.

Umidani Highlands: A wide river formed by landslides and sediment deposits. Also called "Echigo's Kamikochi", this area is one of Itoigawa’s most breathtaking landscapes, especially during the fall foliage season. Be cautious when visiting during the snowmelt season, as the river may swell.

◎ Summary

This guide introduced some of the best tourist spots in Itoigawa. From nature, history, and art, Itoigawa offers diverse attractions for all types of travelers.

As part of the Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark, the city strives to preserve its natural beauty while making it accessible to visitors. The landscapes here have remained unchanged since the formation of the Japanese archipelago, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's ancient past.

Why not explore Itoigawa Geopark and discover the origins of Japan’s geological history?