Location: Joetsu
Top Things to do in Joetsu
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Joetsu, Japan
Jōetsu is a city located in southern Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan. As of 1 June 2016, the city has an estimated population of 195,713, with a population density of 201 persons per km².
Restaurants in Joetsu
1. Kasugayama Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Jason Z - Montague, Michigan
A very nice experience of the Joetsu area and Japan in general. Excellent hiking around the levels of the castle! Tons of unique scultures and shrines to see. Bring water and your hiking shoes. It's a good work out if you want it to be! I was one of the first to arrive around 7am. I especially liked that as it became very busy around 11 or so. I enjoyed the views and stops where I found myself meditating (mostly to catch my breath).
2. Takada Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By HotEarth - Melbourne, Australia
By mid morning we were at the park vicinity. Noticably, sakura blossoms have passed its peak. However, the wet gound and cold morning provided a clear and crisp appearance, especially with the snow covered Mountains in the background. Its still very pretty despite being here late in the sakura season. Its well worth the trip.
3. Takada Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Whangs - Manila, Philippines
You need tickets to get in (cheap). Try to get a 360 degree view of the surrounding moat and park from the top most floor of the castle. Great exterior architecture, but ho-hum interior.
4. Sado Steamship
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By John R - Fontainebleau, France
When I arrived at the Ferry terminal in Niigate, I was met by 2 gentlemen from Sado Kison who annonced that the ferry service was cancelled. I was later looked after by a charming lady from the company Michiko Saito, who kindly telephoned my Ryokan and Rose Rentals. Her english was excellent and Michiko was very helpful.
I later took the 16.00 ferry and arrived on Sado island around 18.30. (in the rain).
5. Rinsen-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By TakadaEnglishCrew - Joetsu, Japan
Rinsen-ji is tucked away in the forest at the base of the hill below Kasugayama Shrine, and can be explored for a small fee. The temple has an impressive wooden mon (gate), behind which is a lovely little temple garden before steps lead to the main temple building. Off to one side is a small museum presenting the history of the temple and its most famous devotee: Sengoku Period regional hero, Uesugi Kenshin.
A visit to the temple on the day of the annual festival held in Kenshin's honour (late August) sees the temple come alive with taiko drums and a procession of samurai, reenacting the day Kenshin and his generals prayed for victory before heading into battle with their infamous rival, Shingen Takeda.
Rinsen-ji is a beautiful little temple and well worth a visit.
6. Kasugayama Shrine
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Yuya K
One of the strongest commander of samurai army, Kenshin Uesugi is enshrined there. A shrine is solemn and you can get toughness to survive busy life.
7. Gochi Kokubunji Temple
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By TakadaEnglishCrew - Joetsu, Japan
In 8th century, Syomu Emperor ordered to build a temple per state to stabilize its situation. Gochi Kokubunji Temple is one of these temples. Later, this temple was burned out in the 16th century. But, Uesugi Kenshin who was controlling around here at that time--one of the most famous warriors--reconstructed this temple.
This temple was built as the stronghold of people since then. Also, there is a five-story pagoda in the grounds. Because it is very high, you will be able to feel that it is magnificent! In addition, there are some cherry blossoms in the grounds. So you had better go there in spring!
8. Joetsu City Cultural Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By TakadaEnglishCrew - Joetsu, Japan
Long years ago, there was a strong general whose name was Uesugi Kenshin, in
Mt.Kasugayama. He won many battles and had a castle in Mt.Kasugayama. We can`t see that now, but we can see the things that he used.
The place is Joetsu City Cultural Heritage Center. We can see the things for free.
For example, Kasugayama Castle`s model and helmets. Kasugayama castle`s model is easy to understand. We can wear a helmet. And we can meet the people who have general`s cosplay. So, both children and adults will enjoy. In addition, we can have a quiz about Uesugi Kenshin. The quiz is made for children so children will enjoy.
If you go to Mt.Kasugayama, you should go to Joetsu City Cultural Heritage Center too.
9. Joetsu Municipal Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
10. Koshino Shu Kura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By P4ssepartout - Copenhagen, Denmark
Resort Shu*Kura train is really a treat, and definitely recommendable. If you are in the area try to get on it. As with other resort trains travel time is a bit longer than express trains, but it's worth it.
This specific train has a sake theme. There was a sake tasting (free of charge) along the route and a live performance by a band playing classical and evergreens. The train itself is newly renovated for this purpose and has an observation car with seats facing the sea, a lounge car with a bar and where the performance and tasting takes place, and a car with reclining seats (and large windows of course). We spent most of the time in the lounge car, which offered big windows along with the entertainment.
Along with the other JR East joyful trains this is a fun and joyful way of traveling in Japan. It might be a detour, but it's a beautiful and fun one!
Please note: The tickets and seat Reservations are free if you have a JR Rail Pass. However, JR does not own the railway from Joetsumoyoko to Naoetsu - so you might only get seats from Naoestu and onwards (if you travel from Joetsumoyoko). The procedure is easy. When you get off the Shinkansen at Joetsumoyoko, proceed to the track (run by a different rail company) and pay at the ticket gate. The ticket to Naoestu Is 210 yen, and with that you're good to go. This can also create some problems when booking the tickets for the resort train - so if the JR employee says he/she cannot book from Joestumyoko, just ask him/her to book from Naoestu. It's only one stop so no one will be in your seat (highly unlikely).
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