2026 Murakami Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

Recommended Sushi in Niigata 🍣 "Benkei" is famous in Niigata, but it's a bit pricey and the wait time is quite long. Recently, a local recommended "Umi Ten Sushi Makoto," which has locations in Murakami and Toyosaka in Niigata Prefecture. The tuna is cheap! And delicious! 😋 Plus, the fish bone soup is free and all-you-can-drink! I was very satisfied.

#japanhotel A stay at Premium Shiomiso Hotel offers a refreshing blend of contemporary style and subtle coastal charm. From the sleek lobby design to the thoughtfully arranged rooms, every detail feels curated for comfort and ease. The atmosphere strikes a balance between luxury and warmth, making it suitable for both short getaways and longer, relaxing stays. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, often featuring large windows that invite in natural light and glimpses of the surrounding scenery. Cleanliness and attention to detail stand out, creating a welcoming environment that immediately puts guests at ease. One of the highlights is the dining experience, where the “shiomiso” concept shines delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creative twist on traditional cuisine. Service is attentive without being intrusive, adding to the overall sense of calm. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of exploring or simply enjoying the hotel’s amenities, Premium Shiomiso Hotel delivers a stay that feels both indulgent and grounding.

The hot spring water at Senami Onsen makes your skin incredibly smooth and has amazing beautifying effects! And the all-you-can-eat salmon roe and tuna at Haginoya's breakfast is insane! 😱💧 It's so delicious, you won't be able to stop getting seconds! #Niigata #MurakamiCity #SenamiOnsen

Calling all sushi lovers! Murakami is home to a truly delicious spot where your sushi dreams come true. Here at Kappa Sushi, you’ll be spoiled for choice with their wide array of sushi creations, and the creamy cheese cake is a hidden gem you can’t miss! Kappa Sushi 📍 Address: Japan, 〒958-0823 Niigata, Murakami, Chugenmachi, 字大沢600-1 Signature Dishes: Go all in on their sushi platters featuring fresh raw fish and creative rolls—each piece pops with flavor and perfect rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the seasonal specialties for a taste of local catches. But whatever you do, save room for their cream cheese cake. It’s silky, perfectly sweet, and the ideal finish after all that sushi goodness. Vibe: Casual and upbeat, with a rotating sushi bar and friendly staff. It’s a great place to relax, sample your favorites, and try something new. Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Why You’ll Love It: The variety here is unmatched, making it easy to sample a little bit of everything. Locals pop in for lunch breaks and busy evenings, so it’s perfect for both quick bites and chill dinners. If you love sushi, this spot delivers on both freshness and flavor—and the cream cheese cake is unforgettable! Pro Tip: Go during off-peak hours to snag the freshest picks and avoid waiting. Don’t skip dessert—trust me, that creamy cheesecake is a game changer! #Murakami #Sushi #JapanEats #Niigata #FoodieJapan

Location: Senami Onsen Area, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture Business Hours: Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out around 10:00 AM 🏖️ Atmosphere/Facilities: The facility has a retro and charming vibe, and the baths are perfect for relieving travel fatigue♨️. The old-fashioned analog scale is a cute touch🕰️. 💞 Recommended Reasons: The staff's service is incredibly warm and attentive. The hotel is located right in front of the sea, offering opportunities to play on the beach or enjoy fishing—an unbeatable location. The price, which includes two meals, is very reasonable! 👛 Budget per Person: Around 13,000 yen (with a two-meal plan) 🌟 Rating: ★★★★★ (A place you'd want to visit again!)

I went to a restaurant called "Sennensake Kikkawa" in Niigata Prefecture! 📍 1-20 Omachi, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture 958-0842 Founded 400 years ago during the Kan'ei era of the Edo period, Kikkawa is the original salmon processing company in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, where salmon has a long history dating back to the Heian period. They use domestically caught wild salmon and produce over 70 types of products in-house, all additive-free. Inside the store, a large number of salmon hung from the ceiling, creating a unique smell! The atmosphere was very relaxing and calming. This is a place where you can experience the traditions of Murakami! #TravelWithPochikatsu

I took a local train from Niigata Station to Murakami Station, about 1 hour and 10 minutes away, for 1,200 yen. I stayed at a ryokan in Senami Onsen and headed there for a relaxing weekend. Murakami is a compact city, and in the few hours before my stay, I visited Mt. Gagyu (the ruins of Murakami Castle), Sake Shop Kikkawa, and Iyoboya Kaikan. A 20-minute hike from the castle ruins takes you to a hilltop overlooking the city. It offered a bird's-eye view of Murakami's topography and a beautiful view. At Kikkawa, I observed the salting process for sake, and at Iyoboya Kaikan, I learned about the life cycle and ecology of salmon, which was fascinating. Perhaps because I'd learned so much, the salmon I had for dinner was delicious.

📍Niigata Prefecture Sasagawa Nagare, a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument The 11km long coastline features a variety of landscapes, including strange rocks, reefs and caves eroded by the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan. It is also a spectacular spot that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots. Here you can board a sightseeing boat to feed the seagulls and view the crystal clear sea. In the summer, it is also a popular spot for swimming ⛱️ ⚫︎Access Get off at Imagawa Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line and walk for about 6 minutes _ _ _ _ _ Please use this as a reference for your trip 🔖 #Spring 0 yen trip

|Sasagawa Nagashi Coast—Japan's "Great Ocean Road," Hiding the Most Beautiful Coastline! 👍 Recommended Reason: A hidden gem along the Sea of Japan coast, offering stunning views of unique rock formations, azure waters, and breathtaking sunsets! 📍 Sasagawa Nagashi Coast is located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. This stunning 11-kilometer coastline is known as "Japan's miniature Great Ocean Road"! With its deep blue sea, uniquely shaped rock formations, and crystal-clear waters, it's ranked among Japan's top 100 coastlines. Driving along this coastal road feels like entering a painting of the Sea of Japan—it's truly captivating! ✅ The most beautiful coastline of the Sea of Japan—a stunning landscape where the blue ocean meets unique rock formations; ✅ Crystal-clear waters—perfect for snorkeling, boating, and swimming; ✅ Breathtaking sunsets—the sunset over the sea is considered one of the most beautiful in Niigata; ✅ Ideal for driving or cycling—the scenic coastal road offers unparalleled views! ⸻ 📅 Travel Guide: Must-see spots! 🌊 1. Sasagawa Nagashi Observatory—Panoramic views of the most beautiful coastline! 🚗 Drive to the observatory for a bird's-eye view of the entire coastline and admire the magnificent scenery where the sea meets the sky! The water here is so clear that you can see the rocks on the seabed on a clear day—it's truly amazing! 🪨 2. Megane Rock (Eyeglass Rock)—A unique rock landmark 👀 As the name suggests, this large rock has a natural circular hole in the middle, resembling a pair of eyeglasses from afar! Taking photos from a specific angle creates a stunning composition of "eyeglasses reflecting the sea"—super interesting! 🚣‍♂️ 3. Snorkeling & Glass-Bottom Boat Experience 💦 The water here is incredibly clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world! Even if you can't swim, you can take a glass-bottom boat and see the fish and rocks below through the bottom of the boat. 🌅 4. Sunset Views (Best Sunset Photo Spot) 🌞 In the evening, stand on the shore and watch the sun slowly sink into the sea, painting the sky with hues of gold and purple—the whole scene is like something out of a movie! ⸻ 🚗 Transportation Guide: How to get there? 📍 Location: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, near the Sea of Japan 🚄 JR Murakami Station → Sasagawa Nagashi Coast (approx. 30-minute drive) · 🚌 Bus: Take the Niigata Kotsu Sightseeing Bus from Murakami Station (longer travel time, check the timetable); · 🚗 Car: Renting a car from Niigata City is recommended. Drive along National Route 345 for stunning scenery along the way! · 🚴 Cycling: Outdoor enthusiasts can rent bicycles and enjoy a leisurely ride along the coastline! ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔ Best time to visit: · Summer (June–September): The sea is at its bluest, perfect for snorkeling and other water activities; · Autumn (October–November): The sunsets are most beautiful, ideal for scenic drives; · Winter (December–February): Strong sea winds, but offers a unique winter seascape of the Sea of Japan. ✔ Who should visit? ✅ Driving enthusiasts—one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the Sea of Japan, offering a fantastic driving experience! ✅ Photography lovers—sunsets, coastlines, unique rocks—every shot is a masterpiece! ✅ Beach lovers—a must-visit for those who enjoy snorkeling, boating, and simply admiring the sea! ⸻ 🌊 Sasagawa Nagashi Coast, a low-key yet stunning coastal paradise. Come and experience the azure beauty and wonder of the Sea of Japan! 🚗🌅

#2月好去地方2025 "This white fog is simply the grumpiness of a demon when he wakes up." She clutched his backpack tightly, and dew dripped down her neck from the thousand-year-old pine needles. He suddenly imitated the tree spirit's low voice: "Offer the hair ornament as a sacrifice..." But she grabbed his wrist: "Offer the breakfast rice ball first!" The moment he walked out of the fog, the coastline emerged like a faded Ukiyo-e painting, and she took out the pine cones she had hidden: "This is our treasure in the fog."

In the spring cherry blossom season, take a self-driving trip to Murakami City, slowly driving along the 2-kilometer cherry blossom tunnel on the Arakawa embankment. The falling pink snowflakes on the car window resemble special filter effects. While parking and strolling, you may encounter elderly women in kimonos who will hand you homemade sakura mochi, saying 'Young people should be happy.' For lunch, savor the dreamy Murakami beef at the century-old restaurant 'Itoya,' where charcoal-grilled beef tongue is sprinkled with sansho pepper, and the aroma of the fat mixes with the falling cherry blossoms. On the way back, detour to the Five-Story Pagoda on Mount Haguro and ring the bell of happiness at dusk.

Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is famous as a salmon town. If you want to experience that tradition, you can't miss the long-established restaurant "Izutsuya." Here, you can enjoy exquisite salmon dishes filled with Murakami's history and culture. [Izutsuya's charms] 1. A long-established restaurant with over 400 years of history Izutsuya is a restaurant that has been in business since the Edo period, and the building is charming and timeless. The tatami room and Japanese interior create a calm atmosphere. 2. A luxurious experience with a full salmon course At Izutsuya, we recommend the "salmon course" where you can enjoy different cooking methods for each part of the salmon. You can enjoy every part of the salmon from head to tail, so you can rediscover the deliciousness of salmon. Izutsuya's salmon dishes are filled with Murakami's traditions and craftsmanship. Be sure to visit to experience the history and enjoy the luxurious time and exquisite salmon. #Fritabi Winter #Niigata Trip #Murakami City #Salmon Fish Dishes #0 Yen Trip

I heard that you can see something very unusual at 'Sennen Sake Kikkawa' located on Machiya Street in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, so I went to check it out! Believe it or not, you can see a thousand hanging salmon and traditional townhouses here🐟 When you enter the 130-year-old townhouse (a registered tangible cultural property), you can see many salmon hanging from the beams of the ceiling. It's grand and impressive. And it doesn't smell at all! It's quite surprising. By the way, there are many restaurants on Machiya Street that serve salmon dishes, so I recommend going there for lunch or dinner✨ · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: Sennen Sake Kikkawa Address: 1-20 Omachi, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture Access: About a 20-minute walk from JR Uetsu Main Line 'Murakami Station' Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Closed: Only on New Year's Day (may be temporarily closed on other occasions) · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We went to see the traditional salmon fishing method "Iguriamiryo" that takes place every autumn on the Miomote River in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture! This fishing is done with three boats 🚣♀️ First, pairs of people board a boat. The fishermen on the downstream side of the two boats that set the net skillfully steer the boat. The fishermen on the upstream side work together to set the net between the boats, and then ride the current of the river from upstream to downstream. The third boat downstream hits the water surface with a bamboo pole to drive the salmon into the net. Once the salmon is caught in the net, the two fishermen operating the net work in unison to pull the salmon into the boat. Then, hit the salmon with a club to knock them unconscious in one go 😇 It's a truly spectacular fishing technique, and I was moved the first time I saw it ✨ · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: Mizumen River Address: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - #0 Yen Travel Autumn #Mizumen River #Murakami City #Salmon Fishing

A place where you can observe the making of salted salmon and buy souvenirs. Salted salmon is a representative dish of Murakami, made with carefully selected salmon and natural coarse salt only. When I entered the store, the staff recommended that I visit the area where the salted salmon is hung. As I went there, I was greeted by the pleasant aroma of salmon and the sight of many salmon hanging, which was a truly impressive scene✨ There are products that can only be bought here, making the souvenir selection process very enjoyable👍️ After the tour, I purchased some salted salmon-related products. 【Name】Millennium Salmon Kikkawa 【Location】1-20 Omachi, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, 958-0842 #0yenTravelAutumn #NiigataTravel #NiigataTourism #DomesticTravel

Sasagawa Nagare, located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is a national scenic spot and natural monument designated by Japan and a scenic spot designated by Niigata Prefecture Natural Park. It is one of the 100 scenic spots in Japan and a coastal scenic area. Even in Niigata, which is close to the sea, the coastal landscape here is second to none. 😀 The coastline from Murakami City Hamashinbo (Torogeyama) to Samukawa (Kitsunezaki) is about 11 kilometers long. This sea area is famous for its clear sea water. There is a reef on the shore that looks like glasses, which is also affectionately called "Glasses Rock" and is very popular. 🥰 Different from the endless sea level, the sea surface here is floating with rugged rocks, steep cliffs, and deep caves are endless, and they are naturally formed. There are bare rocks hit by the waves of the Sea of Japan, forming a variety of rocks and caves. The magnificent natural landscape. 🌳 Tourists can take a boat to explore the magical cave scenery. The sunset and the blue sea reflect each other. It is a wonderful scenery that friends who love to watch the sea must not miss.

Murakami in Niigata Prefecture was once a castle town. Since the Heian period (794-1185) a thousand years ago, salmon has been an important part of their diet. Kikkawa was established in 1626 and is an expert in the production and sale of salmon products using traditional techniques of ancient salmon cuisine. It has been passed down for 15 generations. Salmon is a treasure, and the people of Murakami Town have created more than a hundred different salmon dishes. In addition to fish, heads, skeletons, fins, and internal organs can be enjoyed. Doing one thing to the extreme is a typical Japanese national culture and character. In the evening we came to Tsukioka Onsen, where there is a transparent green hot spring water, which is said to be immortal and youthful. This is of course an exaggeration, but it is enough to illustrate the Japanese obsession and love for hot springs.

You can feed the seagulls while on the boat.

#Winter travel, travel to Niigata City, Japan, beautiful in every corner, cold every minute, but it's worth it to experience the snow..

Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. The specialty of Murakami City is the salty Shiohiki salmon. Shiohiki salmon is made from fresh male salmon and salt, and is prepared carefully one by one by hand in the traditional way without any preservatives or additives. I was quite surprised by the salmon hanging at the entrance of the store. It made quite an impact. It is said that the salmon was hung with its head down because they hated hanging, and that in the castle town of Murakami, even salmon could not hold their heads up high in front of the lord. It is a respect for the samurai who made a great contribution to the proliferation of salmon, and is a unique feature of the castle town of Murakami. When you enter the store, there are many products, including Shiohiki salmon. I love the salmon soaked in sake here. I especially recommend the miso flavor, and I eat it soaked in sake, or put it on crackers and eat it with cheese. I always buy it online, but I was finally able to buy it at the original place. Shiohiki salmon is a little salty, but it goes well with rice and also goes well with sake, and it is very delicious. Shiohiki salmon is full of the attention to detail of Murakami, Niigata. Please try it once. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍4-5 Shiomachi, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture #besttrip2023#Niigata #Murakami #Eitoku #Salmon #Souvenir #Gourmet #Useful Travel Info #Winter Travel #Domestic Travel

Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture❗️I went to Iwafune Port Fresh Fish Center, a short drive from Senami Beach, where you can see a spectacular sunset. The Fresh Fish Center is a great place to shop and dine. This time, I had a seafood bowl and draft beer at Banya Seafood Restaurant on the second floor. The seafood bowl was very large, fresh, and delicious. It went perfectly with the beer. There was also a wide variety of other dishes on the menu, including grilled fish such as Murakami's specialty salted salmon, various seafood bowls, curries, and fried foods, and the prices were quite reasonable. I went there after 1pm on a weekday, and the inside of the store was calm. The seats are spacious, so you can sit back and relax while eating. This is a hidden gourmet spot in Niigata. Why not visit it once? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍 3-6-38 Senami Onsen, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture Iwafune Port Fresh Fish Center 2F ☎️ 0254-52-1261 #besttrip2023#Niigata #Murakami #Gourmet #Lunch #Seafood #Sashimi #Japan

Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. Senami Beach is a spectacular spot that spreads out behind Senami Onsen. The beach stretches for about 1 kilometer, and every summer it is crowded with beachgoers. You can go to the beach in your swimsuit from the inns at Senami Onsen. In summer, the waves of the Sea of ​​Japan are calm and it looks like a lake. The water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming. Of course, you can also fish. And the sunsets at Senami Beach are truly beautiful. I went on a weekday at the end of August, and there were hardly any people there. *Please note that the waves get rough in winter. A wonderful place that provides the ultimate relaxation from your busy daily life. Please visit at least once. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍Senami Onsen, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture🚃10 minutes by bus from JR Murakami Station on the Uetsu Main Line🚗15 minutes by car from Murakami Senami Onsen IC on the Japan Sea Tohoku Expressway #Niigata #Murakami #Senami Coast #Ocean #Seaside scenery #Spectacular scenery #Spectacular scenery spot#Place I want to go again #Nature #Domestic travel #Trip #Trip #Solo trip #Going out

A beach with natural formations of nature, with unique rocky outcrops.

★Chitang Hot Springs, Hotel Taiwaya Stay at the local hot spring hotel, Chitang Hot Spring, Chitang Hot Spring, Hotel Taiwaya. With a history of 300 years. Outside the inn looks like a Japanese style, but the interior decoration is Western style. Dinner room is also decorated with many replica paintings that the shop owner likes, which creates a great artistic atmosphere. Dishes are a combination of Chinese and Western styles, each one delicate. A yuzu-flavored aperitif, grilled corn tofu with caviar, chicken Nanjing-style in the appetizer, pumpkin salad roll, summer vegetable jelly, Vichyssoise, lotus root and ginger sushi, three kinds of sashimi stewed with Yamagata beef, pork hotpot, pickled hairtail and kimchi, eel, winter melon jelly soup and dessert, including the best seasonal cherries Satonishiki. The hotel room has an indoor hot spring that can be enjoyed 24 hours a day. Next time, I will find a whole day of free time to enjoy it to the fullest.

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