Niigata City, with a population of 800,000, is the capital city of Niigata Prefecture, located in the northwest of the main island, facing the Sea of Japan. It is about 300km north of Tokyo, and it takes only two hours by bullet train (so-called Shinkansen in Japanese) or five hours by car. On clear days, Sado Island can be seen from Niigata University.
Enjoy characteristic four seasons in Niigata!
Enjoy warm, comfortable days with cherry blossoms blooming in early April, then fresh green and flowers in May and June. Not only the cheery blossom festivals, but also tulip festivals are held at various places, as tulip has been declared as the Niigata Prefectural flower. With refreshed winds and minds, a new academic year starts on April 1.
Average Temperature in April
High: 16℃
Low: 7℃
Hot, sunny days with high humidity are waiting after a rainy season lasting for about four weeks from mid-June. Enjoy swimming and BBQ at the beach, located 10 minutes from the campus. Sado Island is also a great place for various sea sports. Summer is a festival season in Japan as well. Firework festivals are being held in many places almost every week with people wearing YUKATA, Japanese traditional summer wear. The two most popular firework festivals in Niigata are Nagaoka Fireworks and Niigata Festival held in August.
Average Temperature in August
High: 31℃
Low: 23℃
Beautiful autumn leaves and delicious seasonal dishes attract people in Niigata. After rice harvest in September, enjoy fresh rice and food with Sake. Niigata University festival is also held in October with student-oriented activities, including food booths, dance shows, calligraphy performances, and prince/princess contests. The local people in the community enjoy the festival together with students.
*20 years old or over are able to drink alcohol in Japan.
Average Temperature in October
High: 20℃
Low: 12℃
Niigata Prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall, and there are nice ski resorts in the mountain areas. Be ready for wet, heavy snow with strong winds around the campus. Wear a jacket or coat and boots to stay warm. But no need to be too anxious, though, as nice soothing spring will always come! March is also a graduation season, and many graduates with lots of hope are getting ready to go out to the society or take the next step in their education.
Average Temperature in January
High: 5℃
Low: 0℃