[About 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] A trip to Murakami, Niigata to encounter a garden filled with the joy of spring and fresh greenery

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Every year, Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture holds an event called "Castle Town Murakami: 100 Spring Garden Scenes" from May 1 to 31. Fifty participants from shrines, temples, samurai residences, townhouses, and private homes in the city open their lovingly maintained gardens, seasonal flowers, trees, bonsai, and wildflowers to the public free of charge.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

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.

Table of Contents
What is "Castle Town Murakami 100 Spring Garden Scenes Tour"?
6 Must-see Spots
Other events during the period
How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
Souvenirs from Murakami City
Murakami City's Climate and Clothing

What is "Castle Town Murakami 100 Spring Garden Scenes Tour"?

Sennen Salmon Kikkawa (front yard)

The "Castle Town Murakami Spring Garden Tour" is held every May. This is an event where you can feel the breath of spring through the plants that change and grow every day through gardens, which are one of the Japanese cultures, and enjoy walking around the town and interacting with the people.
Every year, about 50 participants open to the public for free their lovingly tended gardens, along with the trees, flowers, bonsai, wildflowers, and other potted plants that they grow there.

11th Murakami Castle Town Spring Garden 100 Scenes Tour

Event period: May 1st (Thurs) to 31st (Sat), 2025 *Holidays may vary depending on participants.
Time: 9:00-17:00 *Opening times vary depending on participants
Venue: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, castle town area *Mainly around JR Murakami Station, Murakami City Hall, and Murakami Castle ruins
Admission: Free
Organized by Murakami Castle Town Garden Association
Note: This event is being held thanks to the generosity of the participants. Please be mindful of your manners.

Request : When visiting, please say hello to the gardener and the people living in the house.
▶The garden owner is enjoying the garden as a hobby. Please refrain from making unnecessary criticisms.
▶Please do not allow pets in the garden.
▶Do not enter the garden wearing heels.
▶Even during the event period, the garden may not be open to the public due to the owner's circumstances.
▶ Never touch or damage plants in the garden, or pick or pull out any plants.
▶When walking around town, please follow traffic rules and stay inside the white lines.
▶Please be considerate of other visitors and local residents and view the exhibits quietly.
▶Please do not ring the bell if you do not need to enter or exit the garden, such as the front garden which can be seen from outside.

inquiry
Murakami Station Tourist Information Center "Murakami Tabinabikan" TEL 0254-53-2258 (9:00-17:00)

11th Murakami Castle Town Spring Garden 100 Scenes Tour

6 Must-see Spots

Gallery Yamakichi in Machiya

Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Murakami Station, the courtyard will be open to the public during the event, and the well-maintained garden trees and flowers (such as azaleas and peonies) are stunning.

Gallery Yamakichi in Machiya

Masujin

Masujin, which once operated as a sake brewery, is built in the traditional Murakami townhouse style, while the courtyard is a garden that you can stroll around in. You can see vibrant trees and wildflowers.

Masujin

Sennen-zake Kikkawa

This store manufactures and sells processed salmon products, one of Murakami's specialties. The front garden and courtyard, created to let in light, are small but carefully maintained, and the moss-covered garden stones give the store a sense of elegance.

Sennen Salmon Kikkawa Official Website

Manpukuji Temple

Taishinzan Manpukuji Temple in Haguro-cho, Murakami City is a Soto Zen temple. Maintaining a beautiful garden is one of the teachings of Zen Buddhism. The courtyard at the back of the temple was created to take advantage of the mountain scenery.

Taishinzan Manpukuji Temple

Ganjoji Temple

Ganjoji Temple, located in Teramachi, Murakami City, is a hermitage temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism. The short approach from the gate to the main hall is lined with lush greenery and early summer flowers. The dove ridge ornament on the roof of the main hall is also worth checking out.

Ganjoji Temple

Fujimoto Shrine

The main shrine is made entirely of Japanese zelkova and is built in the same Gongen-zukuri style as Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was built in 1849 by artisans of the time who pooled all their skills and took eight years to complete. There are masterpieces of carving called "Kagobori" by Murakami-born artisan Ariso Shusai throughout the shrine. The ancient trees, including camellia, cedar, and cherry trees, that grow within the grounds are also magnificent.

Fujimoto Shrine Official Website

Other events during the period

During the "11th Castle Town Murakami Spring Garden 100 Views Tour" (May 1st to 31st), there will be other events that can be enjoyed together with this event. Please come and enjoy them together!!

Murakami Donburi Gassen 2025 Spring/Summer Edition (4/1-9/30)
You can enjoy "donburi" dishes made with plenty of Murakami beef, the local specialty salmon, and fresh seafood at 28 participating restaurants.

Murakami Donburi Gassen Official Website

Echigo Murakami Satsuki Garden and Machiya Street Tour (5/11)
Food trucks and fun events will be held at Machiya Street (Kamimachi to Omachi to Komachi in Murakami City).

Echigo Murakami Satsuki Garden and Machiya Street Tour

The 35th Murakami City Omakuba Tea Ceremony (May 18th)
A rare outdoor tea ceremony, rare even nationwide, will be held in the pine forest (Omakuba Forest Park) where the refreshing May breeze blows through.

The 35th Murakami City Omakuba Tea Ceremony

[May] Antique Market at Enma-do Temple (May 25th)
Old folk tools, old fabrics, tableware and jewelry are lined up on "Echigo Murakami Machiya Street." Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

[May] Antique Market at Enma-do Temple

How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

By plane

There are direct flights to Niigata Airport from major airports in Japan.
● Osaka (Itami) → Niigata Airport ... Approximately 65 minutes ● Nagoya (Komaki/Chubu International) → Niigata Airport ... Approximately 60 to 65 minutes
●Hokkaido (New Chitose/Okadama) → Niigata Airport ... about 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" (reservation required) that connects Niigata Airport to Murakami and Senami Onsen.

Senami Onsen Direct Liner

By train

Please take the Shinkansen from major cities in Japan 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 and 30 minutes

Please take the Uetsu Main Line from Niigata City to Murakame City.
●Niigata Station → (Uetsu Main Line) → Murakami Station ... Limited Express Inaho about 1 hour, local train about 1 hour 30 minutes

How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

How to get around Murakami city

The old town area, where old streetscapes remain, is about 2km away from Murakami Station, and takes about 20 minutes on foot, making it a good distance for a stroll. Other transportation options include taxis, circular buses, and rental bicycles.

How to get around Murakami city

Souvenirs from Murakami City

Among souvenirs from Murakami City, processed salmon products are especially popular. Japanese sake such as "Shimeharitsuru" and "Taiyozakari" are also produced here. Murakami tea, which has little bitterness, is recommended for those who are not used to drinking green tea. As for handicrafts, Murakami woodcarving lacquer chopsticks and accessories are affordable and popular among women.

Murakami City's specialty products (food)

Murakami City's specialty products (handicrafts)

Murakami City's Climate and Clothing

In Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, the weather is usually stable in May, and there are many days when the temperature rises. However, it can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it's a good idea to bring something you can quickly put on, such as a thin jacket or scarf.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Niigata

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