Lakes, rivers and waterfalls in Niigata Prefecture

Japan's Water Wonders

Niigata Prefecture features a diverse array of water landscapes, ranging from the high-altitude Lake Okutadami, Japan's largest artificial reservoir by volume, to the coastal waterfalls of Sado Island. This collection includes Ramsar-recognized wetlands like Lake Hyōko and Fukushimagata, which serve as vital migratory stops for tundra swans and rare aquatic plants. The list also highlights the dramatic 80-meter Soutaki falls in Myoko and various secluded mountain ponds and reservoirs that define the region's rugged topography and hydroelectric history.