Niigata Koshihikari: The Allure of Japan's Top Rice Region

Japan's Top Rice Production Area

Niigata Prefecture is Japan's premier rice production area and the origin of "Koshihikari" rice. The fertile soil of the Echigo Plain, spring snowmelt water, strong summer sunlight, and day-night temperature differences cultivate premium Koshihikari.

Farm Stands and New Rice Season

During the autumn harvest season (September-October), new rice can be purchased at farm stands. Tasting freshly cooked new rice at a farm teaches you the true deliciousness of rice.

Sake Rice and Japanese Sake Culture

Niigata is also a famous sake production area. Many breweries including Nagaoka, Niigata City, and Hakkaisan are scattered throughout, and Niigata's dry, clean sake is nationally popular. Sake brewery tour experiences are also available.