Introduction to Ojiya

Like its larger neighbour Nagaoka, Ojiya is also situated on the Shinano River around 15km upstream. Whilst called Ojiya City it really is more of a town than a city.

Ojiya occupies an area of 155.12km² and has a population of around 40,000 residents although feels much smaller.

The main hub of Ojiya is situated either side of the Shinano River. On the edges of the new part of town to the west of the river, Jyonai, there are seveal fairly large retail developments.

The centre of Ojiya has a couple of hotels that are popular with visitors purchasing Nishikigoi. There are a variety of restaurants and bars around the the city although it is perhaps not as 'western' friendly for visitors in terms of choice.

Whilst the birthplace of Nishikigoi, Yamakoshi, is now part of Nagaoka, Ojiya rather more celebrates them as being a local speciality product. Around Ojiya there are a variety of things, drain covers, road side bollards and various signs and shop shutters, that clearly depict the Nishikigoi heritage of the area.

Amongst a variety of others places of interest to visit Ojiya is also home to Nishikigoi no Sato (literally Nishikigoi Village), perhaps more commonly known as the Koi Museum.