Things To Do
in Arai
Arai is a picturesque seaside town located along the Sea of Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches. The town is famous for its traditional hot springs, called onsens, which provide relaxation and rejuvenation for visitors. Arai also boasts historic temples and shrines, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.
With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, Arai offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around Arai Beach to soak in the beautiful coastal views.
Visit the Arai Museum to learn about the area's rich history and culture. Afterward, indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy a sunset on the beach, capturing memorable photos with the stunning backdrop. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local izakaya, savoring various Japanese dishes.
Begin with an early hike in the nearby mountains, appreciating the natural beauty. Make sure to take along a picnic breakfast to enjoy halfway up the trail.
After your hike, visit a local hot spring to unwind and relax. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a mountain lodge, immersing yourself in the scenery.
Return to town and stroll through the quaint streets, taking in the local architecture. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a sushi bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional festivals and historic sites.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and coastline.
- Strong sense of community and local traditions.
- Accessible public transportation, making it easy to explore the area.
- Delicious local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities in Japan.
- Higher cost of living, especially in popular tourist areas.
- Possible language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Less vibrant nightlife compared to larger urban areas.
- Harsh weather conditions during certain seasons, such as heavy snow in winter.
Best Activities in Arai
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails of the Arai Mountains, offering stunning views, diverse flora, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Enjoy a peaceful fishing experience in the Arai River, known for its rich aquatic life and beautiful surrounding scenery.
Take advantage of the surf-friendly waves at Arai Beach, perfect for surfers of all skill levels.
Set up camp at Arai Seaside Park, which offers tent sites, picnic areas, and breathtaking ocean views.
Ride along the picturesque Arai Coastal Road, enjoying panoramic views of the coast and the open sea.
Join a guided nature photography tour to capture the beauty of Arai's landscapes and wildlife.
Experience skiing or snowboarding during the winter months at the nearby Arai Ski Resort, suitable for all levels.
Explore the Arai Wetlands for an opportunity to observe various species of birds in their natural habitat.
Tours
Uncover the best of Arai with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Arai
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
A popular spot for beautiful panoramic views of the landscape and Lake Biwa.
Ideal for capturing mesmerizing sunsets and beach scenes.
Food in Arai
Arai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional rice cake wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with sweet red bean paste. It can be found at local sweet shops and street vendors around Arai.
Must-Try!
A hearty hot pot dish made with a variety of local mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and sometimes seafood. It's a warming and wholesome dish perfect for colder months, available at traditional restaurants and inns in Arai.
This high-quality short-grain rice is a staple of Niigata prefecture and is served with many local dishes. Visitors can taste the best Koshihikari rice at local eateries and rice shops.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Arai better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visitors can explore a wide selection of fresh seafood including crab, salmon, and local fish at the Arai Fish Market. There are also food stalls offering freshly prepared seafood dishes.
The market is filled with vendors selling local produce, snacks, and street food such as grilled seafood skewers, tempura, and regional sweets, providing an authentic culinary experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Japan, bowing is a customary greeting and is a sign of respect. The depth and length of the bow can vary depending on the social status of the people involved. A slight bow is typical for casual greetings, while a deeper bow is often used in formal situations.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone’s home or certain traditional establishments. Make sure to look for indoor slippers provided for guests and take care to place your shoes neatly at the entrance.
In public spaces such as trains and buses, it is expected to maintain a low volume and avoid loud conversations. Using phones discreetly and minimizing noise is seen as a sign of consideration for others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Arai with these exclusive activities.
Experience diving! ! Scuba diving in the sea of Japan! ! If you are not confident in swimming, it is safe for the first time. From beginners to veteran instructors will teach kindly and kindly.
Mount Fuji Scenic E-Bike Tour
Rental Hybrid Bikes at Shizuoka Station (24 gears: Not e-bikes)
Safety
Tipping in Arai
Ensure a smooth experience
In Arai, Japan, tipping is generally not a common practice. Japanese culture emphasizes respect and excellent service as the norm, and employees in the hospitality industry do not typically expect tips. Instead, good service is considered part of the job. If a tourist wishes to express gratitude, they may do so verbally or even offer a small gift, but leaving cash as a tip may be perceived as rude.
Payment practices in Arai and Japan, in general, are characteristically cash-oriented, though credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. Many shops, restaurants, and traditional ryokans prefer cash. Additionally, the use of digital payment methods is increasing, but travelers should ensure they have enough cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Arai.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Arai, Japan in spring is from March to May when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild and pleasant.
Summer, from June to August, is a great time for outdoor activities in Arai, with warm temperatures and lively festivals such as the Arai Summer Festival.
Autumn, from September to November, is a beautiful time to visit Arai, as the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Winter, from December to February, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in Arai, as it receives heavy snowfall and offers excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Arai at Night
Hiking in Arai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful forested area that offers several well-marked trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A popular hiking destination with a moderate difficulty level, featuring scenic paths and a summit that provides panoramic views of the coastline.
Known for its lush greenery and diverse flora, this mountain offers hiking trails for different skill levels and a peaceful atmosphere.
A challenging hike that rewards adventurers with breathtaking views and unique rock formations at the summit.
A bit farther from Arai, this national park features numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Arai through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Arai by plane.
Located in Narita, Chiba, this is the primary international airport serving Tokyo and one of the busiest airports in Japan.
Situated in Tokyo, Haneda is one of the two main airports serving the Tokyo area and is closer to the city center.
Located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai International is a significant international airport serving the Kansai region.
This airport is situated on an island in Ise Bay, serving the Nagoya area and is an important hub in central Japan.
The main airport serving Sapporo and Hokkaido, located near the city of Chitose.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Arai, consisting of local residents and native speakers of the Japanese language.
A smaller demographic group in Arai, consisting of residents with Korean heritage or nationality.
A minority group that includes residents with Chinese heritage or those who have migrated from China.
Includes individuals from various countries who have come to Japan for employment opportunities, contributing to the local economy.
The Soul of Arai
Discover the essence of Arai through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Arai is well-known for its ski resorts, attracting both locals and tourists during the winter season for skiing and snowboarding.
With its snowy slopes, Arai is a popular destination for snowboarding, offering various trails for both beginners and experienced boarders.
During the warmer months, Arai’s coastal areas become a hotspot for surfing, with favorable waves for surfers of all skill levels.
Arai offers scenic cycling routes, making it a popular sport among locals and visitors who enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the region.
The proximity of Arai to the mountains makes hiking a popular activity, with various trails available for outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Niigata cuisine heavily features seafood, some restaurants in Arai offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of local dishes, especially at Buddhist temple lodgings and specialized vegetarian restaurants.
A few restaurants in Arai are attentive to gluten-free dietary concerns, offering dishes based on rice, vegetables, and locally-sourced ingredients. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs in advance.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Arai with these cultural adventures.
