What to do in Niigata, Niigata's Oku Tadami? 7 things to do that both adults and children can enjoy

Oku is a hidden area of ​​Uonuma City that is famous as a spot to see autumn leaves.

In fact, it's a popular area where you can enjoy spectacular views and activities from the spring greenery to summer!

This time , Tadami , the perfect outing spot to enjoy with family and friends.

If you've heard of Oku , but wondered what it's like, Oku this article is the perfect Tadami for you!

• Table of Contents
• What is Uonuma City, Oku City Tadami? Introducing this secluded area rich in nature
• [Access Guide] How to get to Oku
• How to enjoy it ①: Experience a cruise on Lake Oku that will make you feel like you're traveling abroad
• How to Enjoy 2: The Popular Outdoor Activity! Try SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) at Oku
• How to Enjoy 3: Catch a Giant Fish! Fishing Experience at Oku
• How to enjoy ④: Experience nature observation and bird watching in Tadami !
• How to Enjoy 5: Oku Silver Line - An adventurous experience driving along a historic 22km road
• How to enjoy ⑥: Relax and soothe yourself at Ginzandai Onsen! Refresh with the spectacular views and hot springs
• How to Enjoy ⑦: Learn the Secrets of Dams at the Tadami Oku Power Museum! A learning spot that parents and children can enjoy
• A guide to convenient accommodations for sightseeing in Oku | Introducing recommended hot springs and inns
• [Oku Tadami] Enjoy lunch, sweets, and local specialties! Recommended restaurants
• [2-day , 1-night itinerary] Recommended sightseeing plan to fully enjoy Oku
• Summary: Enjoy the great outdoors in Tadami ! 7 recommended sightseeing spots and things to do in the summer

What is Uonuma City, Oku City Tadami? Introducing this secluded area rich in nature

The Tadami Oku , surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high, is located in the Kawakami , which flows along the border between Niigata and Fukushima prefectures.

Designated as part of the Echigo Sanzan Tadami-National Park, this area is home to extremely precious natural resources, with giant char and yamame trout swimming in Oku and golden eagles, a national natural monument, soaring in the sky.

This beautiful spot is visited by many people every year in search of nature.

Furthermore, Oku , which was created by the Tadami Oku , which boasts one of the largest water storage capacities in Japan, is a lake with beautiful scenery that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Dam Lakes."

The surrounding area once flourished as a silver mining area, but with the completion of the Tadami Oku , most of the remains of the silver mine now lie at the bottom of the lake. For this reason, locals affectionately call it "Ginzan Lake."

The western shore of Oku is called Ginzandai, and the name gives a sense of the silver rush of the Edo period.

[Access Guide] How to get to Oku

Tadami Tadami Oku from Uonuma city to Okutadami via the Okutadami Silver Line, a 22-kilometer-long group of tunnels. There are 19 tunnels, stretching a total of 18 kilometers. The scenery you can see from Oku the train as you Tadami along this road makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to another dimension.

This route takes about 40 minutes by car from Uonuma Interchange to Tadami Tadami . This is the shortest route to Oku .

You'll feel like an adventurer even before you arrive at Oku Tadami.

↓ Oku Tadami Line

There is also a local bus that runs from JR Urasa Station to Oku . Although it operates on limited days, it is recommended for those who are coming by secondary transportation or who are not confident in their driving skills.

The timetable for the route between JR Urasa Station and Tadami Oku is here (Source: Minami Echigo Kanko Bus official website *Reference location: Koide/ Ojiya area, Urasa - Oyu - Tochiomata Onsen - Ginzandaira - Oku Dam line)

How to enjoy it ①: Experience a cruise on Lake Oku that will make you feel like you're traveling abroad

First of all, if you visit Oku , we highly recommend taking a lake cruise on the Oku Pleasure Boat . From the lake, you can enjoy the vast expanse of nature before your eyes, and in the summer, you can feel the refreshing breeze.

There are four sightseeing boats in operation, each with a different design, but the one we recommend the most is the paddle steamer Fantasia.

The ship is modeled after a cargo-passenger ship that operated on the Mississippi River in the United States in the 19th century, and is characterized by its bright red paddlewheels and large size.

This boat takes you out to the observation deck on the third floor. The view from there is unobstructed, giving you a great sense of freedom! You can directly experience the wind and air blowing across the lake, making it a popular spot .

The interior of the ship is designed to recreate 19th century America. The retro wallpaper and seats are sure to look great in photos ! It will make your cruise feel like you've traveled back in time.

Every summer, Oku Tadami Boat offers a chance for children to experience being a captain.

This is a special summer vacation event and has become a popular one!

[User reviews]

・We took a leisurely cruise around Oku . We were able to fully enjoy the great outdoors while looking at the snow-capped mountains. The sightseeing boat was a three-story paddle steamer. The hull was elegant and the interior was also sophisticated. The breeze was pleasant and we enjoyed the 40-minute cruise. By chance, we were able to see a Japanese serow, a special natural monument. Next time, we would like to visit during the autumn foliage season. (Quote: Jalan )

・Just enjoying the magnificent scenery on a sightseeing boat is fun, but during the summer holidays, they were holding an event called "Children's Captain," where children were given uniforms, caps, and name tags to become captains. Before boarding the boat, there were also lots of gachapon machines, souvenirs, and gifts, so we had fun getting stamps and buying souvenir keychains. (Quote: Jalan )

How to Enjoy 2: The Popular Outdoor Activity! Try SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) at Oku

The Ginzandai area on the west coast of Tadami is where meltwater from the 2,000m-high mountains joins Oku . The highly transparent water makes it the perfect place to enjoy splashing around in the water .

One of the activities you can enjoy at Ginzandai is SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) . This popular water sport involves standing up and using a paddle to paddle a board. Anyone can enjoy a casual cruise on the vast expanse of Lake Oku .

There are two locations in Ginzandai where you can register for SUP experiences.

SUP Experience 1. Uonuma Nature Lovers

Guides who are familiar with the nature of Uonuma City will provide you with the opportunity to "play" and "experience" in Uonuma. Why not relax on a board with your children or pet dog, or lie down and gaze at the sky , and enjoy the great outdoors at your own pace?

In addition to SUP, you can also try out various water activities such as canoeing accompanied by an instructor and E-boat riding (a large boat that can hold 10 people) .

[User reviews]

I participated in SUP activities three times in 2023, and this was the best service I've ever had. It was a cold day, and I was delighted to see the thoughtful hospitality of the users, with hot drinks and other items provided. They maintain a certain distance and only provide support when necessary. They cater to the user's skill level, so I think anyone can enjoy themselves. It was a valuable experience, experiencing the magnificent natural scenery. I'll definitely use it again next year! Thank you so much! (Quote: Jalan )

For details about Uonuma Nature Lovers SUP experience, click here

SUP experience 2. SUP once

This SUP experience will be led by a guide who wants as many people as possible to know about the good things about Oku and the wonderful place called Lake Ginzan.

The price includes not only the SUP rental fee, but even a waterproof smartphone case. You can even rent a change of clothes for an additional fee, so you can enjoy the experience even if you come empty-handed! Reservations can also be made on the day. (It is recommended to make a reservation in advance as it is expected to be crowded during the peak season.)

For details on SUP once SUP experience, click here

↓Video introduction of the SUP experience Oku

Furthermore , Ginzandai is a great place to splash around in the water, and just dipping your feet in the water on the lakeside is enough to cool you down , so it's also recommended as a way to cool off in the summer.

【Note】

There are places where the water suddenly gets deep and the current is fast. Please be sure to have a parent or guardian accompany you while you are enjoying the water.

Please be considerate to other anglers and those around you so as not to cause any inconvenience.

How to Enjoy 3: Catch a Giant Fish! Fishing Experience at Oku

Oku is also famous as a fishing mecca . Its greatest attraction is that you can catch large rock trout over 50cm long!

Because the lake is large, many people use boats to troll, cast, and fly fish, but it is also possible to fish from the shore.

A fishing license is required for fishing in any river, not just Lake Oku . You can purchase one at convenience stores in Uonuma City or at hotels in Ginzandaira.

For details on recreational fishing licenses, etc., please see here (Uonuma Fisheries Cooperative Association official website)

If you stay at a lodging facility in the Ginzandai area, you can also rent boats and other facilities.

For more information about accommodations in Ginzandaira Onsen, click here

*A boat license is required to use a motorized boat.

How to enjoy ④: Experience nature observation and bird watching in Tadami !

Oku ishome to a wide variety of rare plants and animals , making it ideal for nature observation and bird watching.

If you're lucky, you might even come across natural monuments such as the golden eagle and the Japanese serow, as well as rare creatures like the Gifu butterfly and the ermine!

The image is a life-size wooden carving of a golden eagle. When its wings are spread, it measures an astounding 2 meters!

Be sure to check out the mountain slopes! You might even see a Japanese serow staring at you!

How to Enjoy 5: Oku Silver Line - An adventurous experience driving along a historic 22km road

One way to enjoy the area is through the long tunnel, the Oku Silver Line , on the way to Oku .

This road was built to transport materials for the construction of Tadami Dam . The area where the dam is planned to be built is a heavy snow area with snow accumulations exceeding 5 meters. This road played an important role in safely transporting materials, avoiding the dangers of avalanches and other dangers.

Despite the difficult construction, it was completed in just three years. Some parts still have rough, hand-dug walls, and the road still bears traces of its history .

Furthermore , the temperature near the center of the tunnel is kept below 20°C, making it a chilly spot in midsummer . This temperature difference can cause condensation to form on the outside of your car when you exit the tunnel. If you suddenly find yourself thinking, "My windows have fogged up!!", don't panic. We recommend opening the windows to eliminate the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the car, or cooling the windshield with the air conditioning to help the fog go away quickly!

*Please refrain from stopping or getting off inside the tunnel except in an emergency.

*Motorcycles are prohibited. There are periods when the road is closed during the winter.

How to enjoy ⑥: Relax and soothe yourself at Ginzandai Onsen! Refresh with the spectacular views and hot springs

When it's hot, we tend to seek out cool places, but the temperature difference can make you feel exhausted. When that happens, why not try relaxing in a warm hot spring? You'll be able to wash away the sweat and feel refreshed!

There are two day-trip hot spring facilities in the Ginzandai area.

At Shirogane no Yu, you can enjoy the hot springs in elegance while taking in the views of Mount Echigo-Komagatake and Mount Nakanotake. This hot spring boasts a cypress bath and cypress woodwork.

For more information on Shirogane no Yu, click here

The other "Kamoshika no Yu" is a day-trip hot spring facility located within the Ginzandaira Campground. Located in the middle of nature, you can enjoy forest bathing while soaking in the hot spring ! The gentle sunlight filtering through the trees is truly mystical.

For more information on Kamoshika no Yu, click here

How to Enjoy ⑦: Learn the Secrets of Dams at the Tadami Oku Power Museum! A learning spot that parents and children can enjoy

The Tadami Oku . It is located about a 7-8 minute walk up the slope from the Tadami Oku lot (bus stop).

The Power Museum, utilizing the latest digital technology, will reopen in the fall of 2023 ! Six large LED panels will be used to dynamically introduce the four seasons of Tadami and the history of dam and power plant construction . There will also be a trick art display of Otori Dam, nicknamed the "phantom dam" because it is off-limits. Visitors can enjoy taking immersive trick photos. Additionally, a tablet app that utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) technology, which overlays reality and the virtual world, will recreate the dam at their fingertips. The recreated dam can be displayed in each of the four seasons and viewed from all 360-degree angles.

The mascot of the Power Museum, Momota the Momonga, is adorable! Dam cards are also available!

For more information about Oku Electric Power Museum ,click here

A guide to convenient accommodations for sightseeing in Oku | Introducing recommended hot springs and inns

The Tadami Oku is home to hot springs , Tadami .

1. Ginzandaira Onsen

This hot spring resort is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by mountains such as Echigo-Komagatake and Arasawa-dake. It is a place where you can enjoy magnificent scenery all year round, with fresh greenery and lingering snow in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2024, Oze Jyujo, a first-of-its-kind lodging that allows you to "get close to nature" will open, run by Jiyujin, making this an area that is attracting even more attention!

For more information on Ginzandaira Onsen, click here

Tadami Oku

There are also several accommodations located right next to the majestic Tadami , which are popular with those who enjoy fishing.

For more information on Oku (accommodation), Tadamihere

3. Oyu Onsen

Located about 30-40 minutes by car from Oku , this is the city's largest hot spring district, boasting a history of 1,300 years since its founding . While it is not a glamorous hot spring resort, its abundant natural beauty is what makes it so appealing .

Oyu Onsen also has hot spring inns where Tadami with your dog?

For more information on accommodations in Oyu Onsen, click here

4. Oritate Hot Springs

This hot spring resort is located in a place overlooking Echigo-Komagatake, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains . Many people visit for the purpose of taking a therapeutic bath in the warm hot springs and the sound of the babbling river.

Click here for details on accommodations in Oritate Onsen

5. Tochiomata Onsen

Radium springs are rare in the world and are said to boost metabolism while also providing sedative, pain-relieving and hypnotic effects.

After spending an Tadami in Oku , it might be a good idea to relax your body and mind with a long bath, a traditional method of soaking in lukewarm water for as long as possible.

For more information on accommodations in Tochiomata Onsen, click here

[Oku Tadami] Enjoy lunch, sweets, and local specialties! Recommended restaurants

After enjoying the activities, fill your stomach with lunch and sweets that are unique to Oku . In the parking lot of Tadami Oku , there is a restaurant and souvenir shop called "Oku Lake House." We will introduce the Tadami Tadami food that is served there.

1. Oze Saburo Sweets

Oze Saburo, a nobleman from the Heian period, is said to have discovered Oze. The story of Oze Saburo, which has him as the protagonist, is a tragic love story with a historical romance . It has been passed down since ancient times in the Yunotani area of ​​Uonuma City.

Uonuma Lake Tadami is also selling "manju" ( Oku buns) named after Oze Saburo, who loved one woman wholeheartedly ! The moist and chewy dough is made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour!

The currently available "36 (Saburo) Coffee Set" is an original coffee blend developed to perfectly complement these "Manju" buns !

For more information about Oku Lakehouse, Tadamihere

For more details, click here for the story of Oze Saburo.

2. Tadami Oku Curry

This dish beautifully expresses the dam with Uonuma Koshihikari rice and the dam lake with curry . Eating dam curry while looking out at Tadami Oku is sure to give you a truly unique taste!

This is a special menu item where the dams are shaped using original molds from the store. Each one comes with a dam curry card, so look forward to that too!

For more information about Oku Lakehouse, Tadamihere

3. Wild Grape Soft Serve Ice Cream

The Tadami Oku House.

After enjoying the sightseeing boat ride, take a break and enjoy some soft serve ice cream!

For more information about Oku Lakehouse, Tadamihere

[2-day , 1-night itinerary] Recommended sightseeing plan to fully enjoy Oku

Here we will introduce the "Oku Super Enjoyment Course," which starts from JR Urasa Station and takes you around the area over a two-day , one-night weekend using public transportation.

Day 1

1. Depart from JR Urasa Station by bus

↓ ( To Tadami Oku , departing at 7:45. Please note the operating days. For more information, please see the Minami Echigo Kanko Bus official website.)

2. Arrive at Oku Dam ( Tadami AM)

↓

3. Enjoy a Tadami Oku

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4. Lunchtime is a little early. If you come to Oku , you have to try the dam curry. Of course, Oze Saburo sweets are also a must.

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Take the bus departing from Oku Tadami at 11:35 and get off at Ginzan Hirafunezukeba (around 11:52).

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5. SUP experience at Oku (approximately 2 hours). For reservations and details, please click here .

↓ (walk)

6. If you have the energy and time, head to Ginzandaira Campground. You can also enjoy nature observation and hiking through the beech forest. (Beech Forest Trail Management Contribution: 200 yen)

*The road may be impassable due to bad weather, etc. Please check carefully in advance.

↓

Take the bus bound for the east exit of Urasa Station from the Ginzan Hirafune bus stop at 5:27 PM. Get off at the Oyu Onsen bus stop.

↓

7. Relax and unwind after your trip at Oyu Onsen. Click here for accommodation details.

Day 2

1. After a breakfast of Uonuma Koshihikari rice, depart the inn and board the local bus from the Oyu Onsen bus stop (departing at 8:15am, bound for Tadami Oku ).

↓

Get off at Oku Tadami(arrives at 9:00)

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2. Board the Oku sightseeing boat. Enjoy the refreshing breeze of Oku from the boat (approximately 40 minutes).

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3. If you have time, buy some souvenirs from Tadami .

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Take the local bus from Oku Dam bus stop (departing at 11:35am, bound for Urasa Station East Exit) .

↓

4. Arrived at JR Urasa Station (arrived at 12:55). Thank you for your hard work!

[Information]

The bus route used in this plan operates on limited days. Please check carefully in advance. For more information, please click here (Minami Echigo Kanko Bus official website). The accommodation is in Oyu Onsen, but the same model route is also possible in Oritate Onsen and Tochiomata Onsen. If you are using your own car, we also recommend using Ginzandaira Onsen and Tochiomata Onsen.

Summary: Enjoy the great outdoors in Tadami ! 7 recommended sightseeing spots and things to do in the summer

This time, we've introduced how to enjoy the unexplored Tadami of Oku . The area has a history of silver mining and dam construction, and today's Oku is a Tadami of that history. Why not enjoy a Oku Tadami, along with gourmet food and hot springs, while also experiencing this history?