Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture, is located in the northern part of the prefecture, bordering Shibata City, Murakami City, and Yamagata Prefecture. The city is shaped like the Japanese character "へ." It is a region rich in nature, with mountains, rivers, and dams. Taking advantage of this natural environment, agriculture thrives, growing leeks, grapes, Tainai Kurobuta pork, and Niigata chicken. Itagaki-chan is the city's mascot. Events in the city include the Tulip Festival in spring and the Tainai Star Festival and Kurokawa Festival in summer. Tourist attractions include ski resorts, and in winter, the city is bustling with people enjoying winter sports. Transportation options include the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway, which runs between Nakajo IC and Arakawa Tainai IC, and JR East's Uetsu Main Line (Nakajo Station to Hirakida Station).