With many mountains, snow resorts and hot springs, Niigata is one of the most popular winter wonderlands in Japan. The twice-weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) direct flights between Hong Kong and Niigata between October 30, 2019 and March 28, 2020 allows you to save 2 hours of commute time and costs for taking Shinkansen from Tokyo! The direct flight begins end of October, just in time for the autumn foliage. Here are 3 most popular places for the colors in Niigata: 1) Dragondola The 5,481 metres long “Dragondola” is the longest gondola ride in Japan that offers a spectacular view of the golden and scarlet color carpeting the mountains between Naeba and Tashiro ski fields. Location: Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun Inquiry: 025-789-4117 (Naeba Ski Resort) Operates: 9:00 to 16:00 from October 8 to November 6, 2016 (last ride up at 15:00) Cost (roundtrip): adult ¥2,600, child ¥1,300. Public transportation: Take JR from Niigata Station to Echigoyuzawa Station (about 50 mins), then switch bus (about 50 minutes). 2) Norther Culture Museum Converted from the wealthiest landlord’s residence in the Echigo region, Northern Culture Museum…