Kashiwazaki city is located in the middle of the Niigata prefecture. It has a long coast along the Japan Sea. This region is richly endowed with nature, consisting of maritime plains and inland mountain areas. It is about 300 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, and takes about 3 hours via car by the expressway or minimum 2 hours by the JR Joetsu-Shinkansen bullet train.
One of Kashiwazaki's most colorful summer events starts with 3,000 citizens taking part in a "street dancing procession." After which, there is the Minato(sea port) Festival where citizens pray for safety and prosperous fishing for the upcoming season. There is also the Taruniwaka Festival. This vibrant festival has many gallant floats that parade through the streets. The festival continues with fireworks being launched over the Japan Sea. Kashiwazaki's fireworks display is one of the three biggest displays in Niigata. This fireworks show is worth seeing at least once.
Nearly 500 years ago, Ayako-no-kata, her husband was a defeated general, Uesugi Fusayoshi, escaped into Kashiwazaki, and performed the "Akakomai" dance in remembrance of him. The Ayakomai is formed from three dances, "Kouta Odori," "Hayashi Mai," and "Kyogen." Of these three, Kouta Odori is the remaining image of the beginnings of the Kabuki dance culture. It is an intangible cultural folk asset of Japan. Every September, a public performance is held at Ukawa, the traditional place of Ayakomai.
Spring Enma-ichi FestivalIt is a proud traditional event with a history of more than 200 years. Every June 14-16, about 600 street stalls cover several kilometers centering around Enma-do. |
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summer Bathing ResortKashiwazaki's 42km seaside line has 15 bathing resorts. You can enjoy various beach, capes, and rocky stretch, sandy shores etc. |
Autumn The Fox Night FestivalIt is held at Tochigahara and Urushijima Area in Kashiwazaki. It is a festival that dwells on the fox's particular fancies, such as dancing, a masked lantern parade, and deep-fried bean curd the size of a tatami mat. The festival was born out of the folk tale called "Tohgoro-gitsune". |
Winter Stopover for swansEvery year when winter comes, swans come as messengers from the north to Lake Nagamine. As fitting place for photography, many photographers visit it. |