Joetsu

Joetsu

Joetsu prospered as a castle town of the Kasuga Castle, the residence of the famous warlord Kenshin Uesugi (1530-1578) who lived during the age of provincial wars. In the area are many historic sites such as castle sites and old temples.
Today, Joetsu serves as a transportation junction with a number of railway lines such as JR and Hokuhoku lines as well as expressways running through it. The Naoetsu Port is located here as well.
The site of the Takada Castle built in the early Edo era is now a park loved by the local residents. It is also a major nighttime cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting lots of visitors every year when the flowers bloom.
Myoko is an alpine resort at the foot of Mt. Myoko where you can find a ski resort and other leisure facilities. Because there also are many hot springs in the area, bathing in the public baths and bathing facilities can be enjoyed.
The Itoi River is located on top of a Fossa Magna. Therefore, it produces many minerals such as jades while a number of fossils have also been discovered.