NIIGATA

Police officers in the city of Tsubame, about 300 kilometers north of Tokyo, spent five hours chasing a wild boar after the animal was spotted roaming near rice paddies.

Home of the northern Japanese Alps, Chubusangaku National Park is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors!

One buddhist temple in Niigata Prefecture is hoping to draw attention and crowds with sexy, anime-style art of its historic patrons.

Some sleepy hot spring towns are coming up with innovative local products and activities to attract new visitors.

This frosty brew from Echigo Beer in Niigata Prefecture gets its seal of approval (and label!) from the masterful animation legend, Hayao Miyazaki.

Each year about 38,000 visitors hike through the verdant trails of the Shin-Etsu trail in northwestern Japan.

These stylish license plates feature iconic imagery from prefectures throughout Japan, so you can show off your prefectural pride every time you hit the road!

Golden Week is Japan's most anticipated holiday—and these Instagrammers give us some great ideas for things to do this holiday season!