A Town Where Nature Comes Alive! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture!

Tainai City is located in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture and has a population of about 30,000. Between the plains and the mountainous areas lies the Kushigata Mountain Range, through which the Tainai River flows.

Tainai City thrives with various industries including rice farming, vegetable and flower cultivation, livestock such as pigs and chickens, and fruit growing. In particular, tulips and Tainai Highland Wine are famous, and there are many sightseeing spots. The delicious spring water known as “Dokkon-sui” is also a major attraction, drawing many visitors.

This time, we’ll introduce some recommended tourist spots in this beautiful city where river, sea, mountains, and countryside come together.

1. Tainai River Grand Fountain

Located along the Tainai River next to the Royal Tainai Park Hotel, the Tainai River Grand Fountain is a perfect water play area for hot summers. It features water tunnels, water machine guns, and more. The fountain has three types of displays, shooting up to a height of 50 meters—an impressive sight! It's also illuminated at night, making it an ideal spot to end your sightseeing day or enjoy a drive date.

During the day, you can ride boats around the fountain, including swan boats and rowboats that get up close. It's a popular spot for couples and kids, and friends can enjoy it too. Surrounded by greenery, it's a refreshing place to visit and have fun.

2. Tainai Flower Park

Located in the Tainai Highland Resort, Tainai Flower Park is a city-run botanical garden. From spring to fall, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and a collection of rare bonsai.

The garden consists of two main parts: a giant petal-shaped flowerbed and a circular flowerbed. Around 80,000 flowers of about 50 varieties bloom from spring to fall, attracting many visitors.

A central fountain sits in the petal-shaped flowerbed, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flower-filled park.

There are canola flower mazes and colorful tulips, making this a popular destination for flower lovers. The scents and vibrant colors are sure to bring peace and joy.

3. Tarugahashi Amusement Park

Featured on TV Asahi’s show “Nanikore Chin-hyakkei” with a talking parrot that shouts “Okaasan!” (Mom!), Tarugahashi Amusement Park became famous after being registered as a rare sight. Here, about 20 types of animals are raised, including Ezo deer, ponies, Japanese monkeys, and ostriches.

The popular alpacas can be petted and fed inside their enclosure, making it a great hands-on experience for families and children.

There’s also a petting zoo area with rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as go-karts and a merry-go-round. It’s a place where you can spend a whole day with kids or friends while exploring Tainai City. Definitely stop by if you're in the area!

4. Nagaike Ikoi-no-Mori Park

Nagaike Ikoi-no-Mori Park in Tainai City is made up of a forest area centered around Nagaike Pond and a flower field zone. The park offers a place for learning, play, and relaxation through its natural waterfront and surrounding forest. There's also a farmers’ market selling local produce, seasonal flowers, fresh vegetables, and processed goods.

The Tulip Festival is held from late April to early May, with about 800,000 tulips of 60 varieties blooming across 4 hectares. An additional 2 hectares of canola flower fields also delight the eyes of visitors. This is one of the liveliest times of year in Tainai City, buzzing with energy and beauty.

Since the area is spacious with sandy paths, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

5. Matsubara Stables

Located in Tainai City, Matsubara Stables (Matsubara Farm) offers not just close encounters with horses but also horseback riding experiences.

The farm owner deeply loves horses, and many tourists come from other prefectures just to meet the owner and the horses. With the owner's wish to “let as many people as possible experience the joy of being with horses,” this spot is a must-add to any Tainai sightseeing plan.

◎ Summary: Recommended Tourist Spots in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture

Tainai City offers a rich mix of zoos, amusement parks, and flower gardens—places where you can connect with nature and animals. The Tainai River flows with snowmelt from the Iide Mountain Range, and the Sea of Japan stretches out before your eyes. With each season, the scenery changes beautifully. With ski resorts, resort hotels, and various facilities taking advantage of the natural environment, it’s a great destination for all kinds of travelers.

Be sure to check your destination in advance and come discover connection and wonder in Tainai City!

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A Town Where Nature Comes Alive! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture!