Niigata Prefecture

Niigata Prefecture (新潟県) is a Japanese prefecture located on Honshu along the Sea of Japan. The capital of Niigata Prefecture is Niigata City.

History

Originally comprised of Echigo Province and Sado Province, Niigata Prefecture was consolidated during the Meiji Restoration after the abolition of the Han System.

The city of Niigata is the most important city currently situated on the Sea of Japan, a role that developed in the 1850s when Matthew Perry arrived. Trade with Russia and Korea was done through this port and was one of the first Sea of Japan ports opened to foreign trade.

Region

The prefecture of Niigata currently stretches about 250 km along the coast of the Sea of Japan with a stretch of mountains and a coastal plain, as well as the Island of Sado. Considered part of either the Hokuriku or Koshin’etsu region, the prefecture is divided into four main parts – Joetsu, Chuetsu, Kaetsu, and Sado Island. It also holds the mouth of the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan.

Cities

The cities currently located in Niigata Prefecture include:

• Agano
• Nagaoka
• Niigata
• Uonuma
• Minamiuonuma
• Mitsuke
• Ojiya
• Tainai
• Jōetsu
• Kamo
• Sado
• Murakami
• Gosen
• Itoigawa
• Tōkamachi
• Tsubame
• Myōkō
• Sanjō
• Shibata
• Kashiwazaki

Districts and Towns

The districts and towns currently located in Niigata Prefecture include:

• Higashikanbara District – Aga
• Iwafune District – Awashimaura, Sekikawa
• Kariwa District – Kariwa
• Kitakanbara District – Seiro
• Kitauonuma District – Kawaguchi
• Minamikanbara District – Tagami
• Minamiuonuma District – Yuzawa
• Nakauonuma District – Tsunan
• Nishikanbara District – Yahiko
• Santo District – Izumozaki

Sources of Income

The primary and historically most important source of income in Niigata Prefecture is rice farming, with Niigata as the second ranking producer after Hokkaido of rice in Japan. Other rice industries including the sake, arare, senbei, and mocha industries are well known in Niigata, with Niigata sake ranking third in the country for production after Kyoto and Gunma. Additionally, Koi were originated in Niigata and are still bred and sold from here.

In addition agricultural industry, Niigata is well known for its crude oil sources, with multiple companies that produce kerosene heaters here as well. Metal manufacturing is also prominent with Tsubame and Sanjo especially providing a lot of the silverware used in Japan, along with wrenches and scissors.

Attractions

Niigata Prefecture is well known for its wintertime attractions, including skiing and hot springs located in the mountainous regions of Myoko and Yuzawa. Another popular destination is located on Sado Island, accessible by ferry from Niigata City.

External Links

• Official Homepage, Niigata Prefecture