[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2025/04/08-230457.webp)
In Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, an event called "Murakami Castle Town Spring Garden Hundred Views Tour" is held every year from May 1st to 31st. Fifty participants, including shrines and temples, samurai residences, townhouses, and private homes in the city, meticulously maintain their gardens, seasonal flowers and trees, bonsai, and wild plants, which are then opened to the public free of charge.
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Murakami City, located at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, has a townscape full of historical atmosphere centered around the ruins of Murakami Castle, as well as the scenic beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare, which boasts a splendid seascape, mountains, rivers, and countryside that bring bountiful blessings, and Senami facing the Sea of Japan. You can spend quality time relaxing in the hot springs while watching the sunset. There are many delicious dishes that can only be tasted in Murakami, such as salmon dishes such as ``salted salmon'', Murakami beef, and Koshihikari rice from Iwafune. We will introduce you to the charms of Murakami, a city of history, tradition, rich nature, and gourmet food.
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Table of Contents
- What is "A Tour of 100 Spring Gardens in the Castle Town of Murakami"?
- Top 6 Must-See Items
- Other events during the period
- How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
- Souvenirs from Murakami City
- Climate and clothing in Murakami City
What is "A Tour of 100 Spring Gardens in the Castle Town of Murakami"?
Millennium Salmon Kikkawa (Front Yard)
The "Murakami Castle Town Spring Garden Hundred Views Tour" is held every May. Through the garden, a part of Japanese culture, visitors can feel the breath of spring from the plants that change and grow day by day, and enjoy strolling through the town and interacting with the people.
Each year, around 50 participants open their meticulously maintained gardens, the trees and flowers growing within them, and potted plants such as bonsai and wildflowers, to the public free of charge.
The 12th Annual Tour of 100 Spring Gardens in the Castle Town of Murakami
Event period: May 1st (Fri) - May 31st (Sun), 2026 *Holidays vary depending on the participant.
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Opening hours vary depending on the participant.
Venue: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture - Castle town area *Mainly around JR Murakami Station, Murakami City Hall, and Murakami Castle ruins
Admission: Free
Organizer: Jōkamachi Murakami Niwa no Kai
Note: This event is being held thanks to the generosity of the participants. Please observe with good manners.
Request ▶ When visiting, please greet the garden owner or the homeowner.
▶The garden owner enjoys it as a hobby. Please refrain from making careless criticisms.
▶Please do not bring pets into the yard.
▶Please do not enter the garden wearing high heels.
▶Even during the event period, the garden may not be available for viewing due to the garden owner's circumstances.
▶Please do not touch or damage the plants in the garden, or pick or pull them out.
▶When walking around town, please follow traffic rules and walk inside the white lines.
▶Please be considerate of other visitors and local residents and enjoy the art quietly.
▶Please refrain from ringing the doorbell if you do not need to enter or exit the yard, such as if it is a front yard that can be seen from outside.
inquiry
Murakami Station Tourist Information Center "Murakami Tabinavi-kan" TEL 0254-53-2258 (9:00-17:00)
Top 6 Must-See Items
Machiya Gallery Yamakichi
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/04/18-177374.webp)
It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Murakami Station, and the courtyard is open to the public during the event period. The well-maintained trees and flowers (such as azaleas and peonies) are magnificent.
Masujin
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/04/18-177375.webp)
Masujin, formerly a sake brewery, features a building constructed in the traditional Murakami townhouse style, while its courtyard has been transformed into a strolling garden. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant trees and wildflowers.
Sennenzake Kikkawa
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/04/25-178104.webp)
This shop manufactures and sells processed salmon products, one of Murakami's specialties. The front and inner courtyards, though small, are meticulously maintained and feature moss-covered garden stones that exude a charming atmosphere.
Manpuku-ji Temple
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/04/25-178121.webp)
Taishinzan Manpukuji Temple, located in Haguro-cho, Murakami City, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple. Maintaining a beautiful garden is one of the teachings of Zen Buddhism. The courtyard located behind the temple is a garden that incorporates the surrounding mountains as borrowed scenery.
Ganjoji Temple
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/04/25-178122.webp)
Ganjoji Temple, located in Teramachi, Murakami City, is a temple of the Shinshu Otani sect. The short approach from the gate to the main hall is lined with lush green trees and blooming early summer flowers. Be sure to look out for the dove-shaped ridge ornament on the roof of the main hall.
Fujimoto Shrine
![[Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata, to encounter a garden overflowing with the joy of spring and lush greenery.](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2025/04/08-230449.webp)
The shrine building is entirely constructed of zelkova wood and is built in the same Gongen-zukuri style as Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was built in 1849 by craftsmen of the time who pooled their skills and spent eight years constructing it. It features masterpieces of carving known as kagobori, created by Ariiso Shusai, a craftsman born in Murakami. The ancient trees such as camellias, cedars, and cherry trees growing on the shrine grounds are also magnificent.
Other events during the period
During the "12th Murakami Castle Town Spring Garden Hundred Views Tour" (May 1st to 31st), other events that can be enjoyed alongside this event are also planned. Please come and enjoy them!
Murakami Donburi Battle 2026 Spring/Summer Edition (April 1st - September 30th)
You can enjoy donburi (rice bowls) featuring Murakami beef, locally produced salmon, and plenty of fresh seafood at 25 participating restaurants.
Fujimoto Shrine Annual Festival (May 15th)
This is the most important festival of the year at Fujimoto Shrine, and a symbol of early summer in Murakami. It features dances performed by shrine maidens and children, as well as demonstrations of iaido (sword drawing) and kyudo (Japanese archery).
The 36th Murakami City Omakuba Tea Ceremony (May 17)
A rare outdoor tea ceremony will be held in the pine forest (Omakuba Forest Park), where a refreshing May breeze blows through.
[May] Antique Market at Jūrinji Enma-dō (May 24th)
Antique folk implements, vintage fabrics, tableware, and jewelry line the "Echigo Murakami Machiya Street." Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
If you are going by plane
Direct flights to Niigata Airport are available from major airports in Japan.
● Osaka (Itami) → Niigata Airport…approximately 65 minutes ● Nagoya (Komaki/Chubu International) → Niigata Airport…approximately 60-65 minutes
● Hokkaido (New Chitose/Okadama) → Niigata Airport… Approximately 90 minutes
Please take the limousine bus (approximately 25 minutes) from Niigata Airport to JR Niigata Station.
There is also the "Senami Onsen Direct Liner" (reservations required) which connects Niigata Airport to Murakami and Senami Onsen.
If you go by train
Please use the Shinkansen (bullet train) to travel from major Japanese cities to Niigata Prefecture (Niigata City).
●Tokyo Station → (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Niigata Station…Approximately 2 hours ●Shin-Osaka Station → (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Tokyo Station → (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Niigata Prefecture…Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Please use the Uetsu Main Line to travel from Niigata City to Murakami City.
●Niigata Station → (Uetsu Main Line) → Murakami Station …Limited Express Inaho: approx. 1 hour / Local train: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
How to get around within Murakami City
The distance from Murakami Station to the old merchant town area, where the old townscape remains, is about 2km, a perfect distance for a stroll, taking about 20-30 minutes on foot. Other transportation options include taxis, loop buses, and rental bicycles.
Souvenirs from Murakami City
In Murakami City, processed salmon products are particularly popular as souvenirs. The city also produces sake such as "Shimeharitsuru" and "Taiyozakari." Murakami tea, with its mild flavor, is recommended for those unfamiliar with green tea. Among crafts, affordable chopsticks and accessories made with Murakami wood carving and lacquerware are popular with women.
Climate and clothing in Murakami City
In May, Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture typically enjoys stable weather and many days with high temperatures. However, it can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it's a good idea to have a light jacket or scarf that you can easily put on.
Murakami City, located at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, has a townscape full of historical atmosphere centered around the ruins of Murakami Castle, as well as the scenic beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare, which boasts a splendid seascape, mountains, rivers, and countryside that bring bountiful blessings, and Senami facing the Sea of Japan. You can spend quality time relaxing in the hot springs while watching the sunset. There are many delicious dishes that can only be tasted in Murakami, such as salmon dishes such as ``salted salmon'', Murakami beef, and Koshihikari rice from Iwafune. We will introduce you to the charms of Murakami, a city of history, tradition, rich nature, and gourmet food.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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