Itoigawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Local cuisine highlights seafood and mountain ingredients. Try Itoigawa-zushi (using fish bred in jade-filtered springs), "Raigo" fish dishes (a regional specialty), and onsen-steamed buns cooked by geothermal heat. The morning Itoigawa Fish Market delivers fresh catches.

Buses (200-500 yen/ride) cover major attractions. Bike rentals (1,000 yen/day) at JR Itoigawa Station suit short trips. Taxis (680 yen base fare) are advised for remote geopark sites. Note snowy mountain roads in winter require snow tires for self-driving.

May-October is ideal with mild weather (15-28°C) and jade hunting availability. July-August has geopark festivals but crowds; September-October offers autumn foliage and calm seas. Winter (Dec-Feb) suits hot spring lovers though some sites close.

1. Obtain a jade collecting permit (500 yen) – damaging geological samples is prohibited
2. Carry windproof layers even in summer due to mountain microclimates
3. Heed sudden wave warnings at coasts
4. Most eateries are cash-only
5. Remove shoes and avoid photographing Buddha statues in temples
6. Buses run infrequently – check schedules in advance
7. Respect local norms of quietness in public spaces

Language: Basic English signs exist at stations; translation apps are helpful. Payment: Credit cards accepted only at major hotels; 7-Eleven ATMs dispense cash. Internet: Buy DOCOMO/SoftBank 4G SIMs (available at Itoigawa Station). Emergency: Itoigawa General Hospital provides 24/7 service (+81-255-53-3111); geopark emergency shelters are clearly marked. Note: Japan is earthquake-prone – confirm evacuation routes upon accommodation check-in.