National GeographicOct 20, 2026Why Snowy Niigata, Japan, Is a Great Year-Round DestinationBeloved by skiers for its endless accumulations of powder, the prefecture also has great beaches, festivals, amazing sake, and more.15 things in this storyEchigo MountainsSightHome to 55 ski resorts beloved by freeboardersIpponsugiSightMicro-piste with a single ski liftAkakura Kanko ResortHotelHistoric 1930s ski-in/ski-out resort with a red roofMyoko SuginoharaSightEnormous resort with 222 acres of skiable terrainDancing SnowPlaceReputable backcountry outfitterEarth CelebrationFestivalRenowned taiko drum festival held every AugustFuji RockFestivalOutdoor concert extravaganza with midnight raves and DJ setsEchigo Tsumari Art TriennaleFestivalWorld's largest outdoor art festival across 200 villagesNagaoka’s Hakko TripTrailMile-long fermentation trail with miso producers and bakeriesHakkō HouseRestaurantServes an 11-course meal of seasonal fermented foodsYuzawa Snow FestivalFestivalNunoba Ski ResortSightKujiranamiSightFutatsugameSightSado StraitSightRead the full piece at National Geographic →
