Niigata | The Snow Country Home to the Finest Rice

Niigata. You might be more familiar with its older romanization, "Niigata," but "Niigata" is becoming increasingly common these days. Speaking of Niigata, we have to mention a few key elements. ❄️Snow Niigata is one of the snowiest regions in Japan. This is mainly due to its unique geographical environment. Cold air from Siberia meets the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, and upon encountering the mountainous terrain, the moist air rises rapidly and cools, resulting in heavy snowfall. 🌾Rice Among Niigata rice, the most prestigious is Koshihikari, which has become synonymous with premium Japanese rice. Since 1989, Koshihikari rice produced in the Uonuma region of Niigata Prefecture has been rated as Special A grade rice by the Japan Grain Inspection Association for many years. Niigata Prefecture has abundant snowmelt. When spring arrives, the snowmelt carries nutrients from the mountains and irrigates the rice paddies. At the same time, the area has long sunshine hours and a large temperature difference between day and night, which is conducive to the accumulation of starch in the rice, providing unique environmental conditions for the growth of delicious rice. 🐦Crested Ibis In 1981, only five wild crested ibises remained on Sado Island, Japan. After that, Japan tried to borrow crested ibises from China for breeding. In 1998, in response to the Japanese people's desire, China decided to donate a pair of crested ibises to Japan. In January 1999, "You You" and "Yang Yang" arrived at the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center. In May of the same year, they hatched their first child, "You You," and the good news spread throughout Japan. ⛰️Mount Myoko: Known as the "Mount Fuji of Echigo," it has an altitude of 2,454 meters and is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. It is also a famous ski resort. Myoko Plateau, Niigata Prefecture 🏝️Sado Island: The sixth largest island in Japan, the island has attractions such as the Sado Gold Mine and was once an important gold producing area in Japan. Sado Island