Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is a new city formed in 2008 by the merger of five cities, towns, and villages. Located about 60 km from the prefectural capital, Niigata City, at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, the city is brimming with nature, offering beautiful seasonal scenery, delicious ingredients, and hot springs. Iwafune Koshihikari rice and Murakami beef, both raised in this natural environment, are nationally renowned specialties. The city's Sasagawa Nagare coastline is designated a national scenic spot and natural monument, and has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots. It attracts many beachgoers from both within and outside the prefecture, and is also a popular camping spot. Murakami City's main events, the Murakami Festival and the New Year's Day Marathon, attract many tourists every year.