NIIGATA

Find the top eight places to visit for snow!

Some of the best powder in Japan is only a day trip from Tokyo!

From urban planning and fish farming to food recycling and the re-invigoration of traditional techniques, a number of great ideas have come out of Japan's smaller towns and cities.

Most of the subjects of this story didn't see themselves where they are now—but all of them found something incredible in the Japanese countryside, leading each to develop a unique and indelible bond to the local community.

Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the most scenic train rides Japan has to offer.

Sado is a large island off Niigata located in the Sea of Japan. There are an express vessel and a regular ferry that leave from Niigata, taking about an hour by express and 2.5 hours by regular ferry.

Niigata has a rather surprising tourist attraction thanks to the leftover straw from farmers—and the creative mind of Amy Goda.

Hop on the train to Niigata to get your hands on this monstrous 48-piece bucket.