noun
Joetsu region; Japan Sea side area including Niigata
Refers to the geographical area on the Japan Sea side of Japan, historically encompassing the old provinces of Echigo and Etchū, and now commonly associated with Niigata Prefecture and surrounding areas.
上越地方は冬に雪が多いことで知られている。
The Joetsu region is known for heavy snow in winter.
Compound of 上 (jō, 'upper') and 越 (etsu), referring to the upper part of the old Koshi region (越国), which was divided into Echizen, Etchū, and Echigo provinces. The name indicates the area closest to the capital (Kyoto) among the three.