Shibata City in Niigata Prefecture is located next to Niigata City, the prefectural capital. With both coastal and mountainous areas, the city offers a townscape rich in nature. The nationally renowned koshihikari rice is also cultivated in the plains. The city's specialties are koshihikari rice and asparagus. The water from the Kaji River is of extremely high quality and clean, allowing for the harvesting of sweet, large-grained koshihikari rice. The asparagus grown here is also renowned for its sweetness and tenderness. Tsukioka Onsen is a famous tourist attraction. This area, which has flourished as a castle town since ancient times, is home to a charming hot spring resort town that continues to attract many tourists.