Niigata Prefecture

Niigata

A crested ibis in flight. (© Pixta)

Nishikigoi were first farmed for food, but later gained appreciation for their varied colors. (© Pixta)

The official mascot for Niigata is Lerch, based on the Austro-Hungarian officer Theodor Edler von Lerch, who popularized the sport of skiing in Japan. (© Niigata Tourism Association)