Introduction to Nagaoka

Nagaoka is the second largest city in Niigata Prefecture, behind the prefectural capital Niigata City. It occupies an are of 840.88km², larger than the 23 wards of Tokyo. It's boundaries stretch as far as the coast with the Sea of Japan.

Nagaoka is situated on Japan's largest river, the Shinano, and it's location has for many years made it a hub for transportation and commerce.

Following it's merger with a number of surrounding districts, including the famous Nishikigoi area of Yamakoshi, in 2006 the population rose to 281,797.

Nagaoka is the most popular location for people visiting Niigata to purchase Nishikigoi. The mountainous area of Yamakoshi is just 20 minutes drive from the centre of the city where there are a number of reasonably priced hotels for visitors to stay in. There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in which to take refreshment after a days Nishikigoi hunting.

As well as Nishikigoi there is a wide range of other things to see and do in and around Nagaoka.