Mt. Yahiko Sado

Niigata is a prefecture located on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu (mainland) with mountains and mountain passes. Due to the different geological factors, it can be divided into four areas: Joetsu, Chuetsu, Kaetsu, and Sado.

Since there is a lot of snowfall in this prefecture, there are many ski resorts especially in the mountain areas of Chuetsu and Joestu regions where many skiers visit every winter from all parts of Japan.

Additionally, Niigata is also famous as one of the nation's manufacturers of rice. Especially, "Koshihikari" made in the Uonuma region is a top rice brand acclaimed to be the most delicious in the country.

During the Sengoku era (war-raging period between the late 15th Century to late 16th Century), this land was unified by Kenshin Uesugi and as a result of his policy, mines were opened very rapidly. From the silver mine on Sado Island, 20 tons of gold and silver were excavated annually in the Edo period which later turned into a valuable financial source for the government of Edo.

Although the Japanese Toki (Japanese Crested Ibis), Niigata's prefectural bird, became extinct in 2003, there currently are two Toki given to the prefecture by China that are being carefully raised in Sado City.