Awashima Island 粟島

If Sado Island is too populated for your liking, get a ferry to Awashima, which has a circumference of just 23 kilometers and a population of about 350.

After taking local trains from Niigata Station to Murakami Station, you can either take a 20-minute taxi or a bus ride to Iwafune Port. From there, take a high-speed boat or ferry to Awashima.

Located 35 kilometers off the coast of Murakami—a peaceful city famous for its beautiful beaches and top-quality beef in northern Niigata—Awashima will give you the remote kind of weekend getaway you've been longing for.

Awashima is a popular destination for campers. Uchiura and Kamaya, being the main camping areas, both contain beaches with clear blue waters and coves covered in colorful plants. Sunset is romantic and beautiful on Awashima, but make sure to stay behind for starry skies and shooting stars.

Many people like to hike or cycle the circumference of the island. Beautiful rock formations and flowers are dotted along a path that made it to Niigata's top 100 scenery.

When visiting Awashima, make sure to try the regional dish called Wappa-ni, lightly grilled fish in miso soup heated by a hot stone. Other local specialties include madai (sea bream), tuna, bamboo shoots, and sobyeans.

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