In a region of Niigata which is perhaps better known for sake, it may come as a surprise to find a working winery. Echigo Winery produces a range of different beverages, including red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and rosé, and they host an annual grape festival which is suitable for the entire family.

Held at the winery premises and the neighboring Yairo no Mori Park, there are plenty of enjoyable activities for all age groups, including grape picking, outdoor stage performances, and lots of food and beverages for sale. The staff at the festival are diligent in ensuring that alcohol isn’t served to anyone underage or those who are driving, so if you do plan on attending it is advisable to have a designated driver or to utilize public transportation to get to the venue.

Japanese watermelons are known for being deliciously sweet and juicy, but also quite expensive. There’s a way to minimize the expense and maximize your watermelon enjoyment, and that’s by heading to the Yairo Watermelon Festival.

The festival runs from late July to mid-August at the Japan Agriculture Minami Uonuma Branch, and for the bargain price of only 500 yen (or 300 yen for elementary aged children and below), you’re able to indulge in as much watermelon as your stomach can handle. The Yairo Watermelon variety available at the event is said to be even sweeter and juicier than their other counterparts on the market, making them a perfect and refreshing dessert at this time of year. There is an undercover tatami mat area at the event, so you can enjoy your fill of watermelon out of the sun’s glare.

As well as the all-you-can-eat watermelon, there are also watermelons of various sizes that you can purchase to take away with you. They are substantially discounted compared to usual market prices, so be sure to stock up!

The annual Yairo no Mori Kids Snow Festival is a seasonal event designed with the little ones in mind. Held at Urasa’s Yairo no Mori Park, the area turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months and the wide open space is perfect for burning off some energy outdoors.

The event has plenty to keep children occupied including a bouncy castle, hills set up for sledding, banana boat rides, opportunities to try mochi pounding and stage show performances.

There are also a wide range of child-friendly festival foods available to enjoy at reasonable prices. Bring some yen with you if you plan on grabbing a bite.

Held annually in March, Urasa’s Naked Pushing Festival at Bishamondo lays claim to being one of Japan’s most unique festivals. The winter event takes part in the streets surrounding the temple and has a history that dates back more than 1200 years.

Men are dressed in little more than a white loincloth, called a fundoshi, and traditional sandals. Once the event starts, it’s an obstacle course of jumping into an icy pool of spring water and from there pushing and jostling their way to be first in line to worship Bishamon, the temple god of war and wealth. All of this while the night air booms with the mens’ chants and shouts.

Crowds line the streets, holding candles and surrounding the temple to cheer participants on. The main event is held after sunset, but there are plenty of activities in the streets around the temple during the day—including plenty of tasty festival food to enjoy.

Founded in 2009, the Minamiuonuma Gourmet Marathon is held in the picturesque Niigata countryside. The rural surroundings mean the course winds you around newly planted rice fields, alongside rivers, and even through the International University of Japan campus grounds. If the spectacular views aren’t enough, there’s another fantastic reason to participate.

The gourmet marathon showcases some of the region’s best eats, including meat and fish, mountain vegetables, locally grown koshihikari rice, and Hakkaisan Sake. There are approximately fifty different food vendors available to purchase food from after the race. For those who participate, all-you-can-eat rice is included in your entry fee.

Do note that despite the event being referred to as a marathon, the events include a half marathon, quarter marathon (approximately 10km) and a 1/8 marathon (approximately 5km).