Itoigawa: The Sea of Japan, Jade and History

Itoigawa offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip: views across the Sea of Japan, jade working, railway history and places associated with Soma Gyofu. If you are looking for a hotel, this selection can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. Views, craftsmanship and historical remains each offer a different way to experience the area.

Views of the Sea of Japan

The Sea of Japan observation platform offers views across the Sea of Japan. On a clear day, you can see the Noto Peninsula on the distant horizon, the Kubiki Mountains to the south, Mount Kurohime to the west, Mount Hoko to the east and, in the distance, Cape Torikubizaki in Nadachi. These different directions provide several specific landmarks to look for as you take in the sea view. If you enjoy identifying landscape features, you can distinguish the horizon from the named mountains as you look out.

Jade and railway history

At the jade workshop in the Hisu Kingdom Hall, you can watch jade being worked and polished through a glass window. This makes the process itself the focus: you can see the work being done and the individual steps involved in working the jade. For travellers interested in craftsmanship, this offers a distinct focus alongside the coastal scenery.

The Geopal geostation offers another perspective on Itoigawa’s history: the Kiha 52-156 railcar is on display there. It was in service on the Ōito Line until March 12, 2010, and can be viewed up close and entered. The vehicle number and date place the exhibit in its historical context; being able to enter the railcar offers another way to experience the vehicle on display.

Soma Gyofu and historic sites

Itoigawa’s History and Folklore Museum is also known as the “Soma Gyofu Memorial Museum.” It preserves and displays materials primarily related to Soma Gyofu; the collection also includes works and old pictorial and written materials by his associates. The focus therefore extends beyond Soma Gyofu to works and historical documents from his circle.

Soma Gyofu’s house has been designated a historic site by Niigata Prefecture since December 10, 1952, and has been preserved in its condition at that time. The museum and the house offer different points of interest: the museum focuses on its collections and displayed materials, while the house is notable for its historic designation and preservation in its former condition.

Remains of the historic salt road, including a historic road marker, have been preserved in the area around Itoigawa Station. The Kaga Kaido is included in the walking route through the station area and was used for sankin-kotai processions during the Edo period. This brings two historical connections into focus: along the salt road, preserved features such as the marker form part of the area’s history; the Kaga Kaido is notable for its former use for processions.

Nunakawa Shrine is next to Amatsu Shrine and enshrines Nunakawa-hime and Okuninushi. Their neighboring locations make it easy to distinguish the two shrines, while the names of the deities enshrined give Nunakawa Shrine a specific religious association.

Getting around the station

If you would like to include cycling in your plans, there are two places to rent bicycles: the tourist information center on the Alpine Street side of Itoigawa Station and Ito Shokai. Ito Shokai is a three-minute walk from the station’s Sea of Japan Exit. This gives you a specific landmark for the rental shop; the tourist information center is located on the Alpine Street side of the station.

Discover more destinations: Gosen, Minami-Uonuma, Shibata, Nagaoka, Yahiko, Nakauonuma District, Jōetsu, Yuzawa.

For the broader travel overview: Niigata Prefecture.