Enjoy both the sea and the mountains with many attractions! 14 tourist spots in Teradomari, Nagaoka City

Nagaoka City, with the second largest population in Niigata Prefecture, is the central city of the Chūetsu region. In the Echigo Plain, which spreads from the foot of the Echigo Mountains running vertically through the Japanese archipelago to the city of Nagaoka, rice farming is active, as you may know. Among them, "Koshihikari," a brand of rice from Niigata, is highly regarded for its excellent quality. As a tourist destination, there are plenty of historical spots and natural attractions in the mountains.

The points of interest are not limited to the mountainous and inland areas! Nagaoka City also faces the Sea of Japan, and in the Teradomari district (which was incorporated into Nagaoka City in 2006), you can find a different set of attractive tourist spots compared to the city center of Nagaoka. Nagaoka City, full of history and nature, offers both sea and mountains to enjoy. Let’s take a look at the tourist spots in the Teradomari district, which you must visit.

1. Chūō Beach

The coastline of Teradomari, Nagaoka City, stretches for 16 kilometers from north to south. It features four beaches, popular not only with the locals of Nagaoka but also with many tourists.

The sandy beach of "Chūō Beach" is wide, and the rows of palm trees give it a resort-like atmosphere. Some tourists can be seen enjoying beach volleyball on the sand. In the summer, many beachside shacks line the shore, and the beach houses welcome visitors. There are three restrooms, and paid hot showers are available. On the other hand, changing rooms are available at the beach houses.

The waters of Teradomari are shallow, making it safe for families with children to enjoy beach activities. On a clear day, you can also relax in the adjacent Chūō Seaside Park while enjoying the sea breeze.

2. Nozumi Beach

This beach is popular with tourists who enjoy marine sports, as well as locals from Nagaoka and Niigata City. The area to the south is designated for marine sports, making it especially popular with young people.

For families, there are also fun spots to enjoy. The northern part of Nozumi Beach is perfect for rockpooling, and children will love encountering crabs and shells. It's a great place for making memories during the summer break. Of course, the shallow beach is ideal for swimming. There is one public shower and one restroom available. Beachside shacks and beach houses provide food and changing facilities. The wide sandy beach offers a refreshing sense of openness, and the view of Sado Island and the sunset adds to the experience.

3. Gōmoto Beach

Among the beaches in Teradomari, Nagaoka City, "Gōmoto Beach" is a compact and tranquil spot. The shoreline consists of sandy beaches and rocky reefs, offering a different experience from other beaches. You may also spot some people fishing. It's a recommended spot for tourists looking to relax. The seawall ensures safe swimming in the waters.
Facilities include a public shower, restroom, and changing rooms. There are three beachside shacks, so tourists might consider bringing their own lunch and enjoying a picnic.

Additionally, nearby the beach, three times a year, an event called "HAMA FES" is held, featuring free live music and workshops. Be sure to check it out during your visit.

4. Kanayama Beach

Kanayama Beach, opened in 1916, is the birthplace of beach tourism in Teradomari, Nagaoka City. It is another compact beach, made of sandy shores and rocky reefs.

The highlight of this beach is its stunningly clear water. The transparency of the seawater is high, and the gradual deepening of the blue as you move offshore is mesmerizing. Snorkeling in the clear waters lets you enjoy the beautiful underwater world.

It is crowded with tourists every summer and is a historic beach that has been loved by many visitors to Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

5. Fish Market Street

This street has the atmosphere of a seaside town, lined with fish shops and souvenir stores. Fresh seafood is brought in every morning from the nearby Teradomari Port and Izumozaki Port.
The highlight of the market street is the grilled seafood.

As you walk through, you'll immediately be greeted by the pleasant aroma of grilled squid, shellfish, and grilled mackerel. Try one of these treats, and you'll be filled with joy from the rich flavors, complemented by the seaside ambiance! You can even buy oysters and scallops and eat them on the spot.

Don't forget to try the crabs from the Teradomari fish market. The green shop at the beginning of the street, "Teradomari Chūō Suisan," has a variety of crabs on display. There are many other stores that sell crabs, and some even offer samples to try.

The variety of seafood sold here is vast and reasonably priced. Additionally, there is a selection of rare treats and processed goods, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs from Teradomari, Nagaoka City. Many tourists visit early in the morning, and it's a popular and bustling spot.

6. Teradomari Aquarium Museum

The aquarium is home to around 400 species and 10,000 fish from around the world. The building, which extends out over the coast, almost appears to float on the sea. On sunny days, you can often spot turtles basking in the sun in front of the building, greeting visitors.

The museum is structured over three floors. The first floor features a large tank displaying marine and freshwater creatures from various climates. The loggerhead sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle were both protected in Teradomari, Nagaoka City, and raised at the aquarium. Additionally, there are fish feeding shows four times a day.

On the second floor, smaller tanks display rare creatures. Outdoors, there is a "Touching Pool" where visitors can touch starfish and sea cucumbers, and a tank with Magellanic penguins.

On the third floor, which serves as the observation room, amphibians and other species are displayed, and special exhibitions are occasionally held. From the hall, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, making it a great spot to relax during sightseeing. On the terrace, seagulls and black-tailed gulls can be seen flying overhead. The Teradomari Aquarium Museum offers a chance to experience the nature of Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

7. SOWA Museum of Art

A unique experience different from ordinary art museums! The "SOWA Art Museum" delights visitors with its rare trick art.

Trick art is a form of optical illusion created using special inks and lighting, creating a magical world by inducing visual and cognitive illusions. The museum features about 80 works, primarily based on famous European paintings, created by the leading trick artist Kazumune Ken.

Interestingly, the exterior of the museum itself is also trick art, surprising visitors as soon as they arrive. All of the works are interactive, and flash photography is allowed. Try taking photos from various angles—you’ll capture amusing and unexpected shots.

The SOWA Art Museum is truly a "participatory museum." Visitors of all ages can enjoy it, and guided tours are available. With free parking for up to 100 cars, it’s a great stop during your sightseeing in Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

8. Handmade Wood AIDA

Located by crossing the Okōzu Bunsui Bridge in the opposite direction from the Fish Market Street, you’ll find "Handmade Kids AIDA," a workshop for wooden toys along the coast of Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

The owner started creating toys for his grandchildren and continues to make and sell items like rocking horses, seesaws, and mini cars that delight children.

Visitors are welcomed by toys made from paulownia wood. It's a fun space, especially for children, but adults will also enjoy the nostalgic warmth. From the gallery, you can enjoy views of Teradomari’s coast, and children can play with small wooden toys, slides, swings, and seesaws.

You might lose track of time here, as it’s a place where you can enjoy peaceful moments. It’s a perfect addition to your sightseeing in Nagaoka and Teradomari.

9. Shōmō-ji Mitsuzō-in Temple

Ryōkan, a Zen monk born in Izumozaki, Niigata Prefecture, never owned a temple throughout his life, though he visited Teradomari, Nagaoka City. One of the places connected to him is Shōmei-ji Mitsuzō-in Temple, said to be a place where he stayed three times in his lifetime.

Mitsuzō-in, located within the grounds of Shōmei-ji, has a simple charm, reflecting Ryōkan’s character. Shōmei-ji was damaged in a fire in 1841, and the temple buildings were destroyed. The main hall was rebuilt shortly after the fire, and Mitsuzō-in was reconstructed in 1958 in a tea-house style. Visitors are free to explore the grounds, but must contact in advance if they wish to tour the interior.

There is a statue of Ryōkan within the temple grounds, watching over visitors, and there are also stone monuments inscribed with his poems. Visiting places connected to Ryōkan could be a meaningful addition to your sightseeing in Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

10. Saishō-ji Temple

Located in Teradomari, Nagaoka City, Saishō-ji Temple enshrines Japan's oldest "sokushinbutsu" (mummified monk), a body of a monk who rigorously practiced asceticism under his own will. The sokushinbutsu of Kōbō Daishi is housed in the "Kōchi-dō" hall, where visitors can pay an entrance fee to view it. When visiting, don’t forget to recite the mantra, "Namu Kōchi Daishi."

Saishō-ji also features a treasure hall, which is open to the public free of charge. The temple grounds are filled with magnificent trees, giving a solemn atmosphere. In the treasure hall, visitors can see mummies of thunder beasts and taxidermy of wolves, which are said to be beast gods—quite a rare sight.

Additionally, the temple is connected to Ryōkan. When Ryōkan stayed at Saishō-ji in 1803, he visited the sokushinbutsu and was so moved that he wrote a poem, which is displayed near the "Kōchi-dō."

Located just off the Yahiko Mountain Skyline from Nozumi, Saishō-ji is a must-see spot during your sightseeing in Nagaoka and Teradomari.

11. Shirayama Hime Shrine

Located on a hilltop, there is a shrine that oversees the port town of Teradomari, Nagaoka City. Although the exact year of establishment is unknown, various investigations suggest that it was built during the Kamakura period. For many years, it has been revered by the people of Teradomari for enshrining deities of national peace, maritime safety, and local development.

Upon passing through the granite torii gate, visitors are greeted by a long stone staircase leading to the shrine. After passing through the second torii gate, you will reach the worship hall. The Shirayama Hime Shrine in Teradomari was rebuilt after a fire in the past. However, the weathered wood of the worship hall has a historic charm, giving it the ambiance of a seaside shrine. From the hilltop, you can enjoy views of the port, and on clear days, you can also see Sado Island. It’s easy to feel as if the deities are watching over the people of Teradomari and the tourists visiting, offering a moment of calm.

The 52 ema (votive wooden plaques) donated by fishermen from 1774 to 1889 are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Along with the "Nimen Shrine" built based on a divine message received by local fishermen, this shrine is worth a visit during your sightseeing in Teradomari. Take a moment to reflect on the history of this coastal town.

12. Minato Park

This park is located near Teradomari Port, nestled between the coast and the port, a little inland. Pine trees are planted throughout the park to shield it from the sea breeze, and true to its name, it offers the charm of a seaside town park.

The park features a large grassy field, and in some areas, there are playgrounds where children can play. Many tourists use this park as a rest spot after strolling around Teradomari Port or Fish Market Street. On sunny days, it's nice to buy some grilled seafood and have a picnic in the park with your family or partner.

Every summer, the "Teradomari Port Festival" is held in and around Minato Park. On August 6, various performances, such as local folk arts and musical instrument performances, take place at the park, and on the following day, August 7, a grand fireworks display is held at Teradomari Port and Chūō Beach. During the day, visitors can relax in the park, and at night, enjoy the fireworks. It’s highly recommended to time your visit with the festival period.

The park is also bustling with sports events such as marathons, making it a multipurpose park in the seaside town of Nagaoka City, Teradomari. Whether you are visiting for sightseeing or attending an event, it’s worth a visit.

13. Nozuminomori Exhibition Hall

Located further north from "Handmade Kids," there is an exhibition hall on a hill along the Yahiko Skyline Road. Surrounded by greenery where Japanese bush warblers sing, the quiet location offers a different atmosphere from the coastal areas of Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

The exhibition hall has a gallery displaying artworks by famous artists, such as works by Tsutaro Kataoka, Koji Ishizaka, and Shizuka Kudo. You can take a break while enjoying the artworks in the café space.

In the sales corner, visitors can find beautiful works by local artists, including pottery and metal jewelry, making it an exciting spot for tourists. You may find the perfect souvenir for your trip. After enjoying the seaside or while taking a scenic drive, consider visiting this art-filled journey through Teradomari, Nagaoka City.

14. Nozumi River Park

When it comes to cherry blossom viewing in Teradomari, Nagaoka City, Nozumi River Park is the place to go. In spring, the park on the hilltop in Nozumi, by the Sea of Japan, comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms. Every year, tourists flock to see the stunning combination of the sea and the sakura. On sunny days, the sea breeze makes for a refreshing experience.
It’s also a perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunset. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, with a beautiful sunset on display. It’s an ideal date spot as well.

This is a great spot to conclude a day of sightseeing in Teradomari, Nagaoka City, and is recommended for visitors of all ages.

◎ Summary

Teradomari, a port town in Nagaoka City, is an attractive tourist destination with plenty to see, including coastal scenery, activities, historic sites, and art.

While summer is typically seen as the best season for sightseeing in Nagaoka, there are also many enjoyable spots during other seasons. By combining different attractions, you can enjoy Teradomari, Nagaoka City all year round.

Nagaoka City offers diverse landscapes, including mountainous areas, inland regions, and the coastal zone, which makes it a unique and captivating place to explore. Adding Teradomari to your sightseeing plans will give you a deeper understanding of Nagaoka.

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Enjoy both the sea and the mountains with many attractions! 14 tourist spots in Teradomari, Nagaoka City