Traditional Handicrafts 
Jade
Jade is generally classified into jadeite and nephrite, and the one produced in Itoigawa is the former. It is valued as 'true jade,' which surpasses nephrite in color, sheen and transparency. It is made into jewels used in rings, tiepins and necklaces as well as for seals and engravings. For those who are interested in jade, Hisui Okoku-kan (Jade Kingdom Hall) in front of the station is a good place to visit, giving a demonstration of making jade products and selling them there also.
Wooden Products
In the south of Itoigawa city, in the valley at the foothills of Mt. Hakuba-san, there was a village of kiji-ya (see photograph), which specialized in making plain wood containers used for lacquer ware, from the late Yedo Period (1603-1867) to the beginning of Showa (1926-1989). Although the work had ceased since the end of World War II due to an absence of successors, 'Kiji-ya no Sato' (the village of kiji-ya) was completed in 1966 and the traditional art revived. In the folklore museum which was built by reconstructing a private house in the village, they introduce the process of making lacquer ware from Japanese horse chestnut trees, the tools unique to kiji-ya and the related old books. The wooden products are sold at a shop there.
Admission to the museum: 300 yen / Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays (open April 1st - November 3rd) / 0255-57-2501
50 min. by car from Itoigawa Station
Specialties 
Fresh Fish and Processed Marine Products
Various fish including anglerfish, squids, flounder and crabs are unloaded at Itoigawa fishing port. In the city, there are many restaurants of local seafood and sushi restaurants and they all do their best to serve delicious seafood dishes. Processed products such as dried fish and shiokara (salted fish guts) are also largely produced, and many of the retail shops offer shipping service of the products as souvenirs to distant areas.
Kuruma-bu
Kuruma-bu (a bread-like food made of wheat gluten) has a flavor unique to hand-grilled ones and is not too soft to chew. When it is cooked, it absorbs the flavor of the stock well, still holding its shape. It is also popular as a health food with high protein and low calories.
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