Discover Abundant Marine Life and Rich Traditional Culture in a Historic Port Town by the Sea of Japan

Teradomari, Nagaoka City, Niigata

Local stories

Teradomari, a port town facing the Sea of Japan, is often likened to the famous city of Kamakura on the Pacific side. This town embodies two historical facets: one of commerce, reflecting its success as a port of call for merchant ships that sailed between Osaka and northern Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868), and one of faith, with numerous Buddhist temples having offered refuge to travelers. The merchant ships that brought activity to the Minatomachi port district also handled the distribution of iron, the material used to forge the all-purpose makiri knives used by fishermen. Makiri knives were essential for everything from cutting fish to severing sturdy ropes while out at sea and thus had to be exceptionally sharp and durable. Craftsmen in the Tsubame-Sanjo area honed their skills by meeting the demands of these professionals, supporting Teradomari’s fishing culture through the creation of their tools.

At the same time, Teradomari served as a hub for faithful travelers crossing the sea to Sado Island. Based on the Buddhist spirit of salvation, free rest houses known as “fuseya” once welcomed travelers, forming the foundation for this town’s culture of charitable hospitality. Bustling commerce and warm hospitality toward travelers—the spirit of this unique port town comes from the fusion of these two elements, combined with a local seafood-based cuisine found only at a port town, welcoming all who visit.

Local culinary delights

The meals prepared for this tour are designed to immerse you in Teradomari’s fishing culture. Take in the irresistible aroma of hamayaki, seafood grilled right before your eyes in the sea breeze. Savor banya jiru, a soup fishermen once consumed to stay warm in their huts. Or enjoy a local sake pairing course prepared by the Japanese restaurant Uoyuki. All of these flavors can only be experienced at a port town and convey Teradomari’s history and the warmth of its people through all five senses.

Recommended model course

Embark on a gastronomic tour of Teradomari, delve into a world of flavors and techniques, and experience its artisanal spirit

Example itinerary

Fish are nurtured in the bountiful sea off Teradomari. Fishermen use their skills to bring out their flavor, which chefs then elevate into a premium dining experience. Their techniques are made possible by knives crafted in Tsubame-Sanjo. The entire process of transforming fish into a delicacy is connected by a single thread. This community-focused journey invites participants to trace this unbroken connection for themselves, bringing together the local treasures scattered throughout the region to tell a single, cohesive story.

Reservation Website URL:

Schedule

Day One

9:00 a.m. | Meet at Tsubamesanjo StationTour a workshop and experience making a knife

Crafting workshops for visitors are offered at a warehouse that has played a role in the history of manufacturing in Niigata’s Tsubame-Sanjo area. At a blacksmith’s shop that has been in operation for over 100 years, you will craft a one-of-a-kind knife from start to finish, handling every step of the process from forging to sharpening. A knife engraved with your own name will make for a wonderful souvenir. You will also learn knife maintenance skills to keep it in good condition for many years to come.

Eat lunch3:00 p.m. | Arrive at Teradomari Kazemachi (may change to Villa Voix depending on the number of people)5:00 p.m. | Experience filleting a fish with your own knife and making banya jiru soup with direct instructions from a fisherman

Stay at a guesthouse that also doubles as the home of an active fisherman in the Teradomari area. For dinner, enjoy a hearty fisherman’s meal featuring plenty of fresh fish. Learn how to fillet fish with your own knife and make banya jiru, which contains seafood, seasonal vegetables, and miso, directly from the fisherman.

Day Two

Depart from your accommodations9:00 a.m. | Eat breakfast at a fish market10:00 a.m. | Go on a fisherman-guided walking tour of the fish market and the Minatomachi port district and eat lunch3:00 p.m. | Arrive at Villa Voix, then enjoy free time in the facility and the surrounding area

Villa Voix is a vacation-rental property that will serve as the home base for this tour. This large space can accommodate up to 22 people. With a private sauna, hot tub, and fully equipped kitchen, you can be sure that your stay in Teradomari will be a vibrant one.

6:30 p.m. | Have a local sake pairing course for dinner prepared by a chef dispatched from the Japanese restaurant Uoyuki

Day Three

8:30 a.m. | Observe a fish auction at the Teradomari Fisheries Cooperative, then try the shinkei-jime technique

The Teradomari Fisheries Cooperative works to expand sales channels and promote fish consumption through collaboration with the government as well as the fish processing and tourism industries. The cooperative improves freshness preservation techniques, implements strict hygiene management, and handles shipments of live fish. Here you can observe a fish auction and try the shinkei-jime technique, which destroys the spinal cord of a fish to optimize freshness. Experience the professionalism displayed by workers at a bustling fish market.

11:00 a.m. | Eat lunch, buy souvenirs and gifts, and part ways at Tsubamesanjo Station

Access

From Tokyo Station to Nagaoka Station (1 hour and 40 minutes) or Tsubame-Sanjo Station (1 hour and 50 minutes) by JR Joetsu Shinkansen
From Tsubame-Sanjo Station to Yoshida Station by JR Yahiko Line (12 minutes)
From Yoshida Station to Kita-Yoshida Station (3 minutes) or Teradomari Station (15 minutes) by JR Echigo Line
From Niigata Airport to Teradomari by car (2 hours)

Recommended Accommodation

VILLA VOIX

This luxury hotel near Teradomari Port features three guest rooms, each accommodating a maximum of 12 people. The entire building can be rented for up to 22 people. Amenities include a private sauna, jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, and projector, making it ideal for work vacations. Guests can also enjoy local experience plans and catering services.

Address :

9773-21 Teradomari Uetamachi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Telephone Number :

+81 (0)50-1809-1630
Telephone Languages :

Japanese, English, Chinese
Access :

From JR Nagaoka Station, take the Echigo Kotsu Bus bound for Teradomari Sakaimachi to Sakana-no-Ichiba Dori bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes. Or, a 15-minute drive from JR Teradomari Station.
Check-in :

3:00 p.m.
Check-out :

10:00 a.m.
Rates :

Single-room rental from ¥110,000, Hekiten from ¥82,500, Garan from ¥27,500, Soukai from ¥24,750 *Room rates vary by season
Accepted Credit Cards :

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
Bedroom :

Private room for up to 12 persons, lockable, Western beds
Bathroom :

Lockable bathroom available, bathtub available (from check-in until check-out)
Toilet :

Western style
Meals :

Breakfast only
Wi-Fi :

Available

Website URL :

https://villavoix.com/teradomari/#
Reservation Website URL :

https://villavoix-booking.airhost.co/en/houses/257452

Recommended Accommodation

Teradomari Beach Tsubaki Onsen Sumiyoshiya

This 300-year-old traditional Japanese hot spring inn is located in front of Teradomari Fishing Port. Renowned for its cuisine, the inn offers dishes featuring fresh seafood from the local port, with some stay plans including luxury crab and northern sea bream. Guests can enjoy the Japanese cypress bathtub with a perfect view of the Sea of Japan at sunset. The main building features Japanese-style rooms, while rooms with beds are available in the ‘Yunagi’ villa. The private sauna boasting sea views is also popular.

Address :

7745 Teradomari Omachi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Telephone Number :

+81 (0)258-75-3228
Telephone Languages :

Japanese, English
Access :

From JR Nagaoka Station, take the Echigo Kotsu Bus bound for Teradomari Sakaimachi to Omachi Station bus stop (70 minutes), then walk for 2 minutes. Or, a 15-minute drive from JR Teradomari Station.
Check-in :

3:00 p.m.
Check-out :

10:00 a.m.
Rates :

From ¥13,200 per person per night with 2 meals
Accepted Credit Cards :

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
Bedroom :

Private room for up to 5 persons, lockable, Japanese futons and Western beds
Bathroom :

Large public bath available, private room with bathtub available (from check-in until check-out)
Toilet :

Western style
Meals :

Not available
Wi-Fi :

Available

Website URL :

http://www.h-sumiyoshiya.net/en/
Reservation Website URL :

https://www.hpdsp.net/sumiyoshiya/en/hw/hwp3100/hww3101.do?yadNo=357600&dspn=lABwNHEgVXZ18Eyx-cJN7ox0Sg4fLL74KO8DRCwiSOurvLsFtBNslG8nPrd3IK-wxSYJiJutD4idLABW_xkUfQ

Recommended Restaurant

Teradomari Street Market (Sakana-no-Ameyoko)

This bustling fish market, situated along the national highway by the Sea of Japan, is lined with eleven fresh fish and souvenir stores. Visitors can buy fresh fish and processed goods sourced from the local Teradomari and Izumozaki ports at reasonable prices. Enjoy a meal at the second-floor cafeteria or purchase fresh ingredients to cook at your inn.

Address :

Teradomari Shimoaramachi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Telephone Number :

+81 (0)258-75-3363
Telephone Languages :

Japanese, English
Access :

From JR Nagaoka Station, take the Echigo Kotsu Bus bound for Teradomari Sakaimachi to Sakana-no-Ichiba bus stop (60 minutes), then walk for 1 minute.
15-minute drive from JR Teradomari Station, 30-minute drive from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station, or 60-minute drive from JR Nagaoka Station.
Opening Hours :

8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed :

No holidays
Cuisine :

Japanese cuisine (seafood, etc.)
Foreign Language Menu :

Not available
Accepted Credit Cards :

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Website URL (Japanese only) :

https://nagaoka-navi.or.jp/spot/5823

Recommended Restaurant

Japanese Restaurant Uoyuki

This Japanese restaurant in the Yonozu district of Tsubame City is renowned for its flavorful cuisine, showcasing the local bounties of nature. Listed in the Michelin Guide, it offers various kaiseki course menus for both lunch and dinner, paired with local sake from Niigata, a famous sake brewing region. A chef can be dispatched to VILLA VOIX in Teradomari from ¥15,000 (Sachi course) per person.

Address :

3216 Yonozu, Tsubame-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Telephone :

+81 (0)256-93-2657
Telephone Languages :

Japanese, English
Access :

10-minute drive from JR Yoshida Station or JR Kita-Yoshida Station
Opening Hours :

11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (last seating 1:30 p.m.), 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. (last seating 7:00 p.m.)
Closed :

Tuesdays
Cuisine :

Japanese cuisine
Foreign Language Menu :

Available
Accepted Credit Cards :

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB (pay at the restaurant)

Website URL :

https://villavoix.com/teradomari/food/food2/#
Reservation Website URL :

https://www.instagram.com/nihonryouri_uoyuki/

Recommended Experience

Pastel Painting and Calligraphy (Postcard) Experience at a Historical Temple (available for VILLA VOIX guests only)

Try your hand at traditional and modern calligraphy at the historic Yosen-ji Temple in Teradomari. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the temple, which resembles a movie set. The temple features a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western-style rooms, offering peaceful and quiet surroundings.

Address :

Tsuyasan Yosen-ji Temple, 3883 Teradomari Ichirizuka, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Telephone :

+81 (0)258-75-2210
Telephone Languages :

Japanese, English
Access :

From JR Nagaoka Station, take the Echigo Kotsu Bus bound for Teradomari Sakaimachi to Sakana-no-Ichiba Dori bus stop, then walk for 8 minutes. Or, a 15-minute drive from JR Teradomari Station.
Duration :

1 hour and 30 minutes
Fee :

Brush Script ¥3,500, Penmanship ¥3,000
Languages Supported :

Japanese, English
Accepted Credit Cards :

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB (advance payment required)

Website URL :

https://villavoix.com/teradomari/activity/#
Reservation Website URL :

https://villavoix-booking.airhost.co/en/houses/257452

Recommended Experience

Wild Vegetable Picking Experience (available for VILLA VOIX guests only)

Explore the wilderness of Teradomari and harvest wild vegetables in this exciting agricultural experience. Available only during the wild vegetable season from mid-April to the end of May, this activity is highly recommended for guests staying at VILLA VOIX during this time of the year. At the end of the tour, local farmers will cook the harvested wild vegetables for you, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor!