Niigata Food Guide: Koshihikari Rice, Hegi Soba & Tare Katsudon

Niigata Koshihikari

Japan's finest rice brand, grown in Niigata's fertile paddies with abundant snowmelt water.

Hegi Soba

A uniquely Niigata noodle made with funori seaweed as a binding agent. The chewy, slippery texture is enjoyed cold in wooden trays.

Tare Katsudon

Niigata's style of katsudon — fried pork cutlet dipped in soy-based sweet sauce and placed over rice. No egg.

Niigata Sake

Niigata produces some of Japan's most celebrated sake. Koshi no Kanbai, Hakkaisan and Kubota are among the most respected labels.

Sasa Dango

Wild mugwort mochi with red bean filling, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed — Niigata's most iconic sweet.

Access

Niigata City's Furumachi area has excellent restaurants. Hegi soba is best in Ojiya and Uonuma.