Colorful spring scenery in Niigata, Japan
Spring in Niigata, Japan is a special season of colorful nature and seasonal scenery. The koi fish decorations above the Kamo River, the spring flowers in English gardens, and colorful tulips in nagaoka. Every event below is held at the end of April or beginning of May and garners many visitors. Come stay at Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel for your trip to Niigata, Japan.
A heartwarming scene of 800 koi fish decorations above the Kamo River

The Kamo River Koi Nobori is an event held every spring in Kamo, Niigata to celebrate the health and growth of children in the area. Around 800 koi decorations that were put up by local schoolchildren and residents swim through the air in the spring wind. This event has been held for close to 30 years and was started as a celebration of Childrens’ Day. The koi decorations of all shapes and sizes against the blue sky backdrop is a sight to behold. Their reflection in the water brings many people joy. Take a walk and gaze at the waving koi fish and take a break at a local restaurant. Enjoy the peaceful passage of time in spring. At sunset, you can see the mystical view of the fish spotlighted by the sun.
Event period | Middle of April – Beginning of May |
Address | Koku-cho, Kamo-shi, Niigata Prefecture |
Access | Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 30-min. car ride from the hotel. Or from Tsubame-Sanjo Station, ride the JR Line for Higashi-Sanjo Station to Kamo Station. |
URL | https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/1916 |
Discover spring at the spring fair at Mitsuke English Garden

Mitsuke English Garden, located in Mitsuke, Niigata, is an English garden. In spring, around 250 types of flowers bloom and attract many visitors. From the end of April, during the spring fair, many of the flowers reach peak viewing season. The garden has many paths and benches, so you can enjoy walks, taking pictures, or whatever you desire. There are also cafe spaces, so you can relax with a cup of tea as you look at the flowers. It’s a great spot for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Event period | April 12th, 2025 – May 6th, 2025 |
Address | 6-35 Shinko-cho, Mitsuke-shi, Niigata Prefecture |
Access | Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 20-min. car ride from the hotel. Or from Tsubame-Sanjo Station, ride the JR Echigo Line to Mitsuke Station and take a taxi or community bus. |
URL | https://www.city.mitsuke.niigata.jp/site/english-garden/ |
Enjoy breathtaking views at the Nagaoka Tulip Festival

The Nagaoka Tulip Festival is one of few flower festivals in Niigata. There are around 50 types of tulips of red, yellow, white, and purple. You’ll feel like you’re in a storybook. At full bloom, it’ll feel like you’re walking on a carpet of flowers. There are plenty of photo spots in the park for you to make memories with beautiful backgrounds. During the event, there will also be local goods and food booths for you to enjoy the tastes of Niigata, Japan. There may be spots for children as well, so you can come through as a family. Enjoy a wonderful spring surrounded by nature.
Event dates | April 19th, 2025 – May 6th, 2025 |
Address | Echigo Hillside National Park 1950-1 Mitsumata, Miyamotohigashikata-machi, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture |
Access | Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 40-min. car ride from the hotel. Or from Tsubame-Sanjo Station, ride the JR Line to Nagaoka Station and take the bus to the Echigo Hillside National Park bus stop |
URL | https://echigo-park.jp/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88/2773/ |
Base of this trip
Tsubame-Sanjo Washington Hotel
5-min walk from Tsubamesanjo station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen