#Japan #Tokyo #Niigata #Nodoguro #Edamame

Discover the Culinary Delights of Niigata

From August 23 to 24, 2026, an exciting two-day bus tour will take food enthusiasts from Tokyo to the beautiful Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its summer delicacies like edamame and the luxurious nodoguro fish. Organized by the Ginza Niigata Information Center, this tour is already the fifth installment of a series that has seen all previous trips sell out, with a total of 128 participants enjoying these remarkable experiences. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with a satisfaction rate of 98%.

As part of this immersive culinary journey, participants will engage in hands-on experiences such as early morning harvesting of fresh edamame directly from the farm. This opportunity is paired with visits to bustling fishing ports where the catching and auctioning of nodoguro occurs. Guests will be treated to exclusive dining experiences at local kappo and ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), where they will sample the finest seasonal flavors of Niigata, gaining insights into the region’s rich food culture and the dedicated producers behind it.

This tour is a collaborative effort between the Niigata Prefecture Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Humming Tour Co., Ltd. (KOKK), and THE NIIGATA, offering special programs that are difficult to experience on individual trips. Attendees will be able to feel the allure of Niigata’s local producers through these exclusive programs, such as farm visits and guided port excursions.

The itinerary consists of two jam-packed days. On Day 1, the group will gather at Tokyo Station and head towards Niigata Station, then proceed to a local eatery for a delightful lunch featuring the famed hegisoba noodles. After a cultural visit to the Northern Culture Museum, the journey continues to a historic tea shop for a tasting session and a chance to purchase exquisite local teas.

Later, participants can relax and roam the charming streets of the historic merchant district of Murakami before making their way to Iwafune Port for an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the nodoguro auctions, culminating in a special dinner at Kappo Zenzo, where they will enjoy various local delicacies made from nodoguro, Murakami beef, and traditional salmon dishes. The day wraps up with an overnight stay in Niigata City.

On Day 2, the adventure begins at a premium edamame farm, where guests will partake in harvesting the acclaimed “Kurosaki Chama” edamame, enjoying freshly boiled samples and receiving a portion to take home. Next, a visit to the Niigata Wine Coast, nestled amidst splendid natural beauty, provides a chance to shop and explore the local wineries. The tour concludes with a sumptuous lunch at Mikasa-ya, a historic ryotei, featuring seasonal dishes that highlight the freshness of Niigata vegetables like edamame and eggplant. After shopping at the newly renovated Niigata Station, participants will return to Tokyo, filled with unforgettable gastronomy and memories.

Pricing for the tour is set at 49,800 yen, and interested food lovers can sign up via the official THE NIIGATA website or by checking the promotional pamphlet. This unique culinary journey not only promotes Niigata's rich food culture to the metropolitan area but also aims to foster a loyal following and a community that cherishes repeated visits to this beautiful region of Japan.