Mi Yu Chuan Shi Chang Zhe keYuan Kao Gu Guan🏛 museum
An archaeological museum in Itoigawa exhibiting finds from the Chojagahara site.
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Itoigawa
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Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture is famous as a source of jade. is the beach where jade and rodingite can be collected (ヒスイとロディン岩の採れる浜). Itoigawa Beach is also a great place to relax. For swimmers, Nou Beach (能生海水浴場) is very popular, while Oyashirazu Beach (親不知海水浴場) is known for its dramatic cliffs and historical significance as a difficult travel route. The city is Japan's first UNESCO Global Geopark. Gastronomy is dominated by the treasures of the Sea of Japan, especially 'Benizuwaigani' (red snow crab) from Nou port. The city has excellent connections to Tokyo and Kanazawa via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. In addition to the beaches, the hinterland has impressive mountains and geological formations. Itoigawa uniquely combines the rugged beauty of the sea with fascinating earth sciences and delicious local cuisine.
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A postcard from Itoigawa
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Create a postcard- Location: Japan
- Highlights: Mi Yu Chuan Shi Chang Zhe keYuan Kao Gu Guan · Fossa Magna Museum · Railroad Gallery
- Nearby: Joetsu (35 km)
- Population: ~40.765 (2024)
Geography
Facts
- Niigata Prefecture
- UNESCO Geopark
- Jade findings
- Sea of Japan
- Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Snow crabs
- Oyashirazu cliffs
- Fossa Magna
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Sights in the town Itoigawa (10)
Fossa Magna Museum🏛 museum
A museum in Itoigawa focused on the geology of the Fossa Magna and regional jade.
Chang Zhe keYuan Yi Ji🏺 historical
A significant archaeological site from the Jomon period located in Itoigawa.
Frequently asked questions
What is Itoigawa known for in Japan?
The city is famous for its jade deposits and is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Where can one find jade?
At the Itoigawa Jade Beach, visitors can search for raw jade stones washed up by the river.
Is the city well-connected?
Yes, Itoigawa has a Hokuriku Shinkansen station, making the trip from Tokyo very fast.
What culinary specialties are there?
Beni-zuwai Gani (Red Snow Crab) and fresh sushi are among the local delicacies.
How much time should one plan?
One to two days is enough to visit the geopark museum, the beach, and the gorges.
Itoigawa: where is it located?
Itoigawa is located in Japan.
Itoigawa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mi Yu Chuan Shi Chang Zhe keYuan Kao Gu Guan, Fossa Magna Museum, Railroad Gallery.
Itoigawa: why is it worth visiting?
Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture is famous as a source of jade.
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