Compared to well-known Japanese cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, or Okinawa,
when people hear “Niigata,” most probably think only of “Niigata rice” 😊
This lesser-known city, just a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, is located in central Japan by the Sea of Japan.
Its unique geography gives it a “melancholic” climate with heavy rain and snow, but also offers the special charm of both sea and snow views.
This couple, with the bride having studied in Kyoto for many years and familiar with big Japanese cities,
chose Niigata—a place they had never been before—as the location for their wedding photos, creating a uniquely memorable shoot.

Here stands the official residence of the Ito family, major landowners from the mid-Edo period, offering a glimpse into over 200 years of Japanese life.
The expansive garden and tea house inside feature an interior plaque reading “A gentleman practices moderation,” reflecting the profound influence of Chinese culture on Japan.