Shibata Castle Ruins and Japanese Garden

Explore some of the most intriguing locales within the Shibata area just north of Niigata, beginning with the traditional Japanese garden Shimizu-en. The Shibata clan built the garden in the 17th-century around a large pond with a handful of teahouses along its shore. The setting is extraordinarily beautiful and serene.

The city of Shibata is also known for its sake, and Ichishima Brewery has been producing it since 1790. As you will discover, the sake is made from Niigata’s celebrated rice and pure water from snowmelt. While other sake makers use the exact same ingredients, Ichishima’s process is different, which gives its sake a unique taste.

The remains of Shibata’s namesake castle is also well worth a look, as it has been designated an Important Cultural Property for its unusual design. The moat that surrounds the castle is in its original form, as is one of the castle gates and corner turrets.