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Hakusan Park

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Ichibamboridorichou Chisaki

This is a city park located in the Niigata City urban center near the Niigata City Office, Furumachi old town, and a variety of cultural facilities. Hakusan Park was built in 1873 as one of Japan’s first public parks based on the Dajokan Fukoku (Proclamation by the Grand Council of State). Located directly next to the Niigata Hakusan-jinja Shrine, it is used as a place of rest and relaxation by worshippers. Visitors can walk down the “Yasuragitei” embankment along the Shinanogawa River and pass “Ryutopia,” the Niigata City Performing Arts Center that features a rooftop park.
Pier Bandai

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Bandaijima 2

Pier Bandai is the largest fresh food market along the Sea of Japan with a seafood center and farmer’s market. Thanks to its cafeterias, kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi), and ramen shops, this is becoming a place to fully appreciate Niigata’s foods. There is also a BBQ area where all the necessary materials are supplied, so guests can borrow a BBQ set (for a fee) and enjoy cooking the food they have just purchased on site. The facility has an excellent location set in the heart of Niigata City.
Sado Island’s Ogi Folk Museum, Sengokubune Exhibition Hall

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shukunegi 270-2

This museum is located in a wooden schoolhouse built in 1920 that has been preserved as-is. Inside the building which still bears the vestiges of its days as a schoolhouse are displays for a collection of over 30,000 folk materials that have been designated as important tangible folk-cultural properties, including tools and equipment for shipbuilders. During the Hakusan Maru Matsuri festival held every summer, the Hakusan Maru, Japan’s first fully-restored sengokubune (wooden freight ship) that is on display in the museum, is pulled out under human power and an impressive large white sail that is 155 tatami mats in size is raised.
Sado Island Taiko Centre

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ogikanetashinden 150-3

This is a taiko facility where guests can experience a program of the international taiko performance group Kodo, which is based on Sado. Not only are groups welcome but individuals can also make advance reservations to try taiko. The facility has been constructed from Sado lumber, and one can enjoy views of Mano Bay and the Osado Mountain Range from the terrace. This is about one hour by car from Ryotsu Port.
Shiseki Sado Kinzan

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shimoaikawa 1305

As Japan’s largest gold mine this was under the Tokugawa shogunate’s direct control and was engaged in the production of koban (small former Japanese oval gold coins). Operations ceased in 1989 due to an exhaustion of its resources, which brought to a close 400 years of history. The mining and refining facilities on the grounds have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Currently visitors can see exhibits of model exhibits of the Sado Kinzan during the Edo period based on drawings from Sado Kinzan Emaki (picture scrolls) as well as the remains of actual tunnels that were used.
Sado Hangamura Art Museum

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Aikawakomeyamachi 38-2

This is a private art museum on Kyomachi-dori Street that richly preserves Sado Kinzan’s history. The elegant building with its red-tiled roof occupies the old Aikawa Court House. Works by the late woodblock print artist and founder of Hangamura Shinichi Takahashi as well as by Hangamura artists are displayed. Visitors would do well to note that the museum is closed from December to February.
Sado Bugyosho (Magistrate's Office)

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Aikawahiromamachi 1-1

The remains of the Sado Magistrate Office, built in 1603 in the early Edo period. The magistrate office was built for the purpose of managing the Sado Kinzan gold mines. It was repeatedly destroyed by fire and rebuilt. During the Meiji period, it was used as a government office and school, but in 1942 was once again destroyed by fire. It was designated again as a National Historic Site in 1994, and was restored in part in 2000.
Senkaku Bay Ageshima Park

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Kitaebisu 1561

This is a sightseeing attraction located in the Senkaku Bay quasi-national park which is renowned for its beautiful coastline and is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. One can see an unbroken view of magnificent Senkaku Bay at the Yusenkyo suspension bridge that was used as a location in a film and also the observatory just after crossing the bridge. From around mid-March to the end of November visitors can ride a glass-bottomed boat that tours around Senkaku Bay to appreciate the beauty of the bay and the ocean up close.
Snow Country Museum

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa 354-1

This is a museum showing the life and history of Yuzawa, that was the backdrop for Yasunari Kawabata's novel The Snow Country. Also displayed are some of Yasunari's beloved items and writings in his own hand, as well as a Japanese-style painting gallery depicting the world from the novel. This museum is located just a 7-minute walk from the Echigo Yuzawa Station.

Main Area

What is Niigata?

Found along the northwestern coast of Japan, Niigata prefecture is celebrated for its high-quality rice and breathtaking nature, most notably its spectacular mountains, whose white peaks draw in snow sports lovers from far and wide over the winter months. Hit the slopes at Yuzawa, pick out your favourite modern artist at Echigo Tsumari, or take a ferry over to Sado Island for an extra adventure.

Niigata Overviews

Climate

Getting Around

Unless you’re sticking to local trains and buses, Niigata city will be your first destination as the prefecture's most accessible city by public transport. The Joetsu Shinkansen offers the simplest route into Niigata prefecture, taking passengers directly from Tokyo to Niigata Station in just two hours. Those traveling from farther away can fly to Niigata Airport, which is just 40 minutes from the city center. Planning on traveling to other parts of the prefecture? Niigata city is well-connected, with JR trains, local trains, and buses providing numerous options for discovering everything that Niigata has to offer.