Itoigawa between the Sea of Japan and jade history

A view across the Sea of Japan, jade being worked behind glass, and historical traces lend different accents to a trip to Itoigawa. The landscape, craftsmanship and history each offer something to discover. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Itoigawa, one simple question can help you choose what to focus on: would you most like to enjoy the views, learn about jade working, or explore historic sites?

Views of the sea and mountains

The Sea of Japan observation platform offers views across the Sea of Japan. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Noto Peninsula on the distant horizon. To the south are the Kubiki Mountains, to the west Mount Kurohime, and to the east Mount Hoko. In the distance, Cape Torikubizaki in Nadachi is also visible. Visibility is part of the experience: the landmarks mentioned can only be seen when the weather is clear. If you enjoy taking in landscapes, you can also get to know Itoigawa through the different directions of its views.

A close-up look at jade working

At the jade workshop in Hisu Kingdom Hall, visitors can watch jade being worked and polished through a glass window. This brings a hands-on craft element to the visit: instead of seeing only finished jade, you can follow the process. For families, it’s an engaging opportunity to talk together about the material and the steps involved. The observation platform and workshop offer different focuses: one highlights views of the landscape, the other the work involved in shaping the material.

Soma Gyofu and historic sites

Itoigawa History and Folklore Museum is also known as the “Soma Gyofu Memorial Museum.” It primarily preserves and displays materials related to Soma Gyofu. The collections also include works, as well as old pictures and documents, by his companions. If you’re interested in personal and cultural history, you’ll find several kinds of materials here related to Soma Gyofu and his circle.

Soma Gyofu’s house has been designated a Niigata Prefectural Historic Site since December 10, 1952, and has been preserved in its original state. It offers a different way to explore his history from the collection at the museum: here, the focus is a historic house that has been designated a site since that date.

Railways and traces of old routes

Railcar KiHa 52-156 is on display at Itoigawa Geostation “Geopal.” It was in service on the Ōito Line until March 12, 2010. Visitors can view it up close and step inside. For railway enthusiasts, this brings the history of a specific vehicle to life; the information about the Ōito Line and its last day in service refers specifically to this railcar.

Historic routes are also part of the area’s history around the station. Remains of the historic Salt Road can be found there, including a historic road marker. The Kaga Kaido is a route that was used for sankin-kōtai processions during the Edo period and is included in the walking route around Itoigawa Station. The two routes reveal different aspects of earlier travel: the Salt Road is represented by its surviving remains, while the Kaga Kaido is associated with Edo-period processions.

Getting around and more to discover

Bicycles can be rented at the tourist information center on the Alpine Exit side of Itoigawa Station and at Ito Shokai. Ito Shokai is a three-minute walk from the station’s Sea of Japan Exit. If renting a bicycle suits your travel plans, these are two specific places to go; the walking time applies to Ito Shokai and the station exit mentioned.

Nunakawa Shrine is next to Amatsu Shrine. Nunakawa-hime and Okuninushi are enshrined there. This glimpse into Itoigawa’s religious traditions adds another cultural focus to the views, the chance to observe craftsmanship, and the historic landmarks.

More places to consider when planning your trip: Sanjo, Nakauonuma District, Yuzawa, Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki, Yahiko, Shibata and Tsubame.

For the broader travel overview: Niigata Prefecture.