Tokamachi

Tokamachi is accessible by train, bus, and car. The closest Shinkansen (bullet train) station is at Echigo-Yuzawa. About 2–3 hours from Tokyo (transfer at Echigo-Yuzawa), About 5–7 hours from Osaka (via Tokyo or via Kanazawa). The closest Expressway IC is at Muikamachi (Kan-Etsu expwy from Tokyo), Echigo-Kawaguchi (Kan-Etsu expwy from Nagaoka, Niigata), Toyoda-Iyama (Jo-shin-etsu expwy from Nagano, Matsumoto, Nagoya, Osaka) and Jo-etsu (Hokuriku expwy from Kanazawa).

Tokamachi has a bus system but the easiest form of transportation is by car. Some buses don't make stops at Tokamachi Station. Tokamachi-Honcho 3 chome is the nearest bus stop to Tokamachi Station and Central Tokamachi.

• from Tokyo area. From Ikebukuro terminal to Muikamachi IC: 3 hour 10 min, change bus at Muikamachi IC to Tokamachi bus depot. from Muikamachi IC to Tokamachi: approx. 20 min. From Tokyo station to Tokamachi station by Jyoetsu-Shinkansen and Hokuhoku-line: approx. 2 hour, change train at Echigo-yuzawa to Hokuhoku-line. 
• from Tsunan area. From Tsunan bus stop: 30 min. 
• to Matsunoyama Onsen. from Tokamachi Station: 1 hour, from Matsudai Station (next station from Tokamachi): 25 min. 

• Tokamachi Snow Festival. Every February Tokamachi hosts a spectacular snow festival. It has a longer history than any other snow festival in Japan and is second in size only to one held in Hokkaido. The large amount of snowfall creates a picturesque winterland. The large snow sculptures are magnificent and well worth the trip to behold. Tokamachi averages near three meters of snow a year. 
• Kimono Festival. Every spring in the month of May, there is a kimono festival that enlivens the city. The winter and early spring are characterized by cold wet weather and heavy snowfall; the bright and colorful kimono festival is a beautiful celebration that celebrates the region's fame for kimono textiles. 

• Be-1. Great karaoke place! Unlike traditional karaoke boxes found in Japan, Be-1 charges per hour by the room, similar to places found in the United States. 
• Mion Onsen. If you need a nice relaxing place to go to why not go to a hotspring that also has a waterslide with a pool! Located in Nakasato Village off the 49. 
• Matsunoyama Onsen. Head to nearby Matsunoyama for one of the best medicinal onsens in all of Japan! 
• Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial (越後妻有アートトリエンナーレ). Every three years, Tokamachi hosts one of the world's largest international art festival. Besides it, Tokamachi also hosts works of art and related event through year. 

• Koshihikari Rice. 
• Sake. 

• Ark. Cool bar on the corner of Eki Dori and 117 with great cocktails and a nice second story view of the street below. 

• Hikari no yakata (House of Light). Art house designed by James Turrel, in the Kawanishi Area. Available for rent by the night. 
• Yume no I-E (Dream House). Art hotel by Marina Abramovic, at Matsunoyama spa Area. 

• Bijin Bayashi Forest - Great place to get with nature about 30 min from Tokamachi in Matsunoyama.
• Kyororo Science Museum - Nice natural science museum with a section inside to make your own wood animals out of the branches taken from Bijin Bayashi forest. Exhibits include live local animals and an impressive butterfly collection. There is also a tower that you can walk up to see a great view from the top.
• Akiyamago - In the nearby area of Tsunan is Akiyamago a region of beautiful rivers, forests, waterfalls, and gorges. There is a small suspension bridge to cross over the river by foot.
• Kiyotsukyo Canyon - Southeast of Tokamachi lies this beautiful canyon with amazing rock formations and foliage along with a crystal clear rushing river. You can pay ¥500 to enter the tunnels for close up views of the canyon and a small museum. You can also hike the very long (but free) trail that goes above and through the canyon.
• Sagurigawa Dam - About an hour away from Tokamachi, east of Muikamachi, is a beautiful natural preserve around a dam with view points, swimming, and parks.
• Niigata Botanical Gardens - A nice escape from the sometimes bleak winter, the botanical gardens offer a lush indoor rainforest of sorts complete with a large waterfall. http://botanical.greenery-niigata.or.jp/
• Niigata Aquarium - A little aquarium with a myriad of sea life. Worth it for the dolphin show. http://www.marinepia.or.jp/