Niigata Prefecture is located a little to the north of the central region of Honshu on the Sea of Japan side, and is surrounded by mountain ranges including the Asahi and Echigo Mountains. Many rivers, including the Shinano-Japan's longest river-and the Abukuma flow from these mountains into the Sea of Japan across the broad and fertile Echigo and Takada Plains, which are among Japan's most famous rice-producing areas.

Niigata City, where the G8 Labor Ministers Meeting is to be held, stands in the northeastern part of the prefecture and has a population of approximately 810,000 people. The city lies about 250㎞ northeast of Tokyo, a journey that takes a minimum of 97 minutes on the Joetsu Shinkansen line. Niigata is the first and only government ordinance-designated city on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, the main island of Japan, and is blessed by extensive waterfront space and ample access to nature.

Niigata Prefecture

Niigata City

Rice growing on the broad and fertile plain
Rice growing on the broad and fertile plain
A bird's eye view of Niigata City, centered on the Toki Messe
A bird's eye view of Niigata City,
centered on the Toki Messe