Spots in Niigata Area

  • Naeba Ski Resort
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    4.0
    281 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Mikuni 202
    This resort has close to 20 runs served by 13 gondolas and lifts including Dragondola the world’s longest gondola at 5481 meters. Mt. Naeba is a large ski complex that also includes the Kagura Tashiro Ski Resorts that are connected by gondola. The Naeba Prince Hotel is directly adjacent to the resort grounds. It sees many visitors for the ski resort in the winter and the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL that is held in the summer.

    Have stayed here twice - February 2019 & 2020. Easy access from Tokyo (about 80 minutes) via the bullet train then shuttle bus to resort. Great skiing and enjoyed our stay. A big resort, but can be...

  • Tokimesse Niigata Convention Center
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    4.0
    259 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Bandaijima 6-1
    This convention center complex is about a 20-minute walk from JR Niigata Station and is comprised of two buildings: the Niigata Convention Center with exhibition halls and meeting rooms and Bandaijima Building with a hotel. From meetings to parties to lodging everything can be conveniently served by this one space. On the fifth floor of the Bandaijima Building is the Niigata Bandaijima Art Museum focusing on modern art and on the 31st floor is the Befco Bakauke Observation Room from which you can the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and the Gozu Mountain Range.

    Have a free access of top floor for bird eye view of ocean and the city. Nikko hotel is also the best hotel in NIIGATA. Near by is a fish market and access to Sado ferry. They offer a 60 min free...

  • Shiseki Sado Kinzan
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    4.0
    303 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    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.

    I was told by multiple trusted sources that the Sado Gold Mine was really worth visiting, and I am so glad I did. Inside the mines you can really imagine previous eras, the historical, technical...

  • Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai (Sea of Japan)
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    4.0
    204 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Nishifunamichou 5932-445
    An aquarium standing along the coast in Nishifunami Town, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. The Niigata City Aquarium reopened after major renovations in 2013. The aquarium keeps and displays some 20 thousand sea creatures spanning around 500 species. Some of the aquarium’s many highlights include a giant aquarium exhibit modeled after the natural environment of the Sea of Japan, a “marine tunnel” which will make you feel like you’re walking around on the bottom of the ocean, and exhibits introducing the creatures that live in the Shinano River. The aquarium also has popular exhibits presenting waterfront animals such as beavers, river otters, seals, sea otters, and penguins. Exciting dolphin shows are held daily.

    The Niigata City Aquarium was a nice surprise excursion. Very modern and the exhibits were professionally done and educational. Dont expect the caliber of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Diegos Sea...

  • Akakura Onsen Ski Area
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    4.0
    191 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Akakura Hot spring
    This ski resort offers a complete set of courses that includes beginner runs and a kids area. It has wide slopes and 17 runs spreading out over Mt. Myoko. Guests can ride a lift and moving belt from Akakura Onsen at the base of the mountain to quickly access the slopes. This resort is also popular for its additional night-time business hours and location that is only about 10 minutes away from Myoko Kogen I.C. on the Joshin-etsu Expressway.

    Good snow and had a great time with the family. I will be back next year. See you soon Akakura......

  • Joetsu Kokusai Ski Area
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    3.5
    172 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Kabanosawa 112-1
    This ski area is located on the slopes just outside the JR Joetsu Line’s Joetsu International Skiing Ground Station. The various ski slopes, spanning an area into which 214 Tokyo Domes would fit, range from advanced level courses with a highest gradient of 38 degrees, to slopes which beginners can happily enjoy. There are also two types of half pipes for both skiers and snowboarders to use. Because the ski slope is on the northern side of the mountain, it has abundant snowfall, and skiers can also enjoy the powder snow. Additionally, there are sled-only courses and snow games slopes exclusively for children, so the whole family can have fun.

    a wide skiing resort. I went there 3 times for skiing. have different categories for skier. I was also used for international ski championship. close to JR train station. it was wonderful experience.

  • Maiko Snow Resort
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    4.0
    121 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Maigo 2056-108 Maiko Snow Resort
    This all-season resort is just off the Kita-Kanto Expressway’s Shiozawa Ishiuchi Interchange. The ski slope consists of 26 courses in total, the longest of which, is approximately 6,000 meters. There are three different areas, catering to all levels, from children and beginners to advanced level skiers. Visitors can also enjoy using the Snow Scoots and Snow Motos to explore, or to walk around using snow shoes. There are outdoor leisure facilities for auto camping, glamping and barbequing in the summer. Additionally, visitors can enjoy playing with their dogs at the Dog Field. There is a free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

    it is a wide ski resort. you can not explore whole area in one day. you should go there again to find complete spot for enjoying ski. it is better to have a guide to take you to every corner of area...

  • Kiyotsu Gorge
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    4.0
    136 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Koide
    In 1862, local people built a hot springs bath at Kiyotsu Gorge; in 1941, the Gorge was officially designated a Natural Monument, and in 1949 it was included as part of the newly-established Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. It is well worth seeing, both for the beauty of the Gorge and for the spectacular columnar joint rock formations. Kiyotsu Gorge is beautiful at any time of year, but visitors should note that the tunnel that gives access to the Gorge is closed between mid-January and late March.

    Not very impressive unless you like walking in the dark. The public bus service from Echigo-Yuzawa station will get you to different drop off areas. One drop off is approximately 3 miles from the...

  • Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery
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    4.5
    169 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Kagamigaoka 1-1
    This well-established brewery was founded in 1764. It is located east of Niigata Station, along National Route 2, and is said to have been built on the site of a rice granary once owned by the Shibata clan. The current building was built at the end of the 19th century. The brewery is open to visitors all days of the week, and reservations are only necessary for groups of more than seven people. Tools used in the past to make sake are displayed here, and visitors can taste over ten kinds of pure rice wine. Thanks to the detailed explanations of the workers, even the most inexperienced can enjoy tasting the differences between the various types of sake. The brewery also offers non-alcoholic amazake for non-drinkers.

    Well worth doing. The tour was great, very interesting and not too long. You might want to check when the English speaking tours are as it is not available with all tours. The Sake was lovely.

  • Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
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    4.0
    78 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Tsuchidaru 5044-1
    This ski area is a five-minute drive from Yuzawa Interchange. The slopes, located 1,000 meters above sea level, are accessed by one of the world’s largest ropeways. The ski area has a great variety of courses for all ability levels. These include the expert-level Aoikeshi Course with its maximum slope of 28 degrees, the wide intermediate-level Kisuge Course, the beginner-level Panorama Course that lets people glide down Mt. Omine at a relaxed pace, and Snow Land. The ski area connects directly to Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort at the peak, giving guests even more course options. Visitors can also take a bath Komakusa no Yu, the natural hot springs spa located in the cable car’s lower end station.

    Smaller ski resort in the area, but a good one for kids and beginners. Even at the very early season, they already have good snow. There were a lot of small kids learning how to ski and snowboard and...

  • Toki Forest Park
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    4.0
    191 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Nibonagaune 383-2
    The Toki Forest Park is situated next to the Sado Toki Conservation Center in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. There are a number of different facilities dotted about the place relating to the crested ibis, or “toki”, designated a National Natural Monument. The Toki Rapport Plaza, complete with large breeding cages, enables visitors to see the toki up close. The Toki Materials Exhibition Hall highlights the conservation work surrounding toki through the use of panels, audio-visual materials and specimens, and the Observation Gallery enables visitors to observe the crested ibises in the Sado Toki Conservation Center through the windows.

    The toki (crested ibis) are making a comeback on Sado thanks to this preservation and breeding program. These endangered creatures are a rare sight, so being able to see some of the breeding pairs up...

  • AKAKURA Kanko Resort Ski Resort
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    4.0
    121 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Tagiri 216
    This ski resort adjacent to Akakura Onsen is a mere eight minutes from Myoko-Kogen Interchange. Besides being easily accessible, its free parking lot with room for 1,000 cars right next to the slopes means guests can start skiing immediately upon arrival. The resort, Japan’s first officially-designated international ski area, has courses for all ability levels, but an especially good selection of intermediate and expert courses. The Hotel Number 5 lift offers guests a long course around 4,000 meters in length. A free ride park is also located along each course. For small children, we recommend the Chibikko Hiroba (Kid’s Square) located by the parking lot.

    There‘s serious off piste for the backcountry enthusiast. We tried to get to Mt Mae but ran out of puff just short of it. The powder coming off the was very deep! You do t want to get stuck in it...

  • GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa Chihira 1039-2
    This ski resort is directly linked to the GALA Yuzawa Station. The Cheers gondola rises up to the ski slope’s central area, from which point skiers can choose from any of 17 courses. The snow is of high quality, perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced level skiers, and the ski resort is directly linked to the Shinkansen train line, making it even convenient. In addition, a skiing and snowboarding school officially recognized by SAJ/JSBA has been opened, and instructors with a wealth of experience carefully construct lessons according to their students’ levels. The resort also has a full range of facilities, including hot springs, a lounge and a day-care center.
  • NASPA Ski Garden
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    4.0
    102 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa 2117-9
    Snowboarding is not allowed at this pure ski resort located a five-minute drive from Yuzawa Interchange. The resort is popular with families with children looking to enjoy skiing at a relaxed paced. Eight well-balanced courses suited for all ability levels are available. Powder lovers are sure to love the ungroomed expert courses. Small children not yet used to snow can play in the snow at the resort’s Kids Garden. A hotel, NASPA New Otani, is located at the base of the resort.

    Most definitely a great place for families. It was my birthday and the resort is skiers only. Spacious & convenient as we like going around the snow town.

  • Denka Big Swan Stadium
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    4.0
    108 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Seigoro 67-12
    This stadium is the central facility in Niigata Prefectural Sports Park and is also a certified first class track-and-field event ground. Maximum capacity is around 42,300 spectators. The renowned comprehensive stadium facility is fully capable of hosting international-level events. It also served as the stadium for the opening game in Japan during the 200 FIFA World Cup, even event watched by the world. Also used as the home stadium of the Albirex Niigata J1 League professional soccer team. During Albirex games, the facility is filled with fans.

    built for the 2002 Football/Soccer World Cup, this stadium is a bit of a white elephant but its a lovely location. The reflecting pool outside is a nice touch. Everything is organized and the place...

  • Roadside Station Arai
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    4.0
    92 Reviews
    Transportation
    Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Inoyama 58-1
    The Michinoeki Arai roadside station incorporates a business hotel, so that travelers can have somewhere to stop for the night without needing to come off the expressway. This is a very convenient rest area which, besides restaurants, shops selling local specialty products, and an information center, even has a laundry. Michinoeki Arai hosts a variety of exciting special events throughout the year, including the Kubiki Fair in June and the Yamashiro no Jin event in July, which often feature Taiko drum performances, etc.

    笹串だんごをお土産に頂きました。 ミニサイズなのでお味はそれなりかなと思っていましたが、意外と美味しい。 柔らかいお餅に、しっかり餡が入っています。 きな粉もかかっていて風味が良いです。 御土産にお勧めできます。

  • Taikanso Senami no Yu
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    4.0
    138 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Senamionsen 2-10-24
    This natural hot springs inn in Murakami City, the northernmost part of Niigata Prefecture, is located 10 minutes from JR Murakami Station via the inn's free shuttle bus. The inn, which is located on the water's edge, offers guest rooms with great views of the sunset and baths from which guests can enjoy the seasonal faces of the Sea of Japan. Enjoy the waters of Senami Onsen to your heart's content in their scenic Japanese cypress baths, fed with spring water straight from the source, or in their large public baths. The inn offers flavorful seasonal cuisine made with ingredients sourced in Niigata, including seafood from the Sea of Japan, premium Murakami-gyu beef, and Koshihikari rice grown in Iwafune. The inn also offers day trip packages for people who wish to enjoy the hot springs and cuisine without staying overnight.

    The hotel stands oceanfront and great ocean view from room. Our room has balcony with private hot spa. The kaiseki style dinner and the buffet style breakfast was also great. The stuff is very...

  • Northern Culture Museum
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    4.0
    102 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Kounan-ku Soumi 2-15-25
    The Northern Culture Museum utilizes a residence of the Ito family, which was a large scale farming family in Echigo, and its construction was completed in 1889 after some eight years. The large residence has 65 rooms in a property of 8,800 tsubo (29,040 square meters). There are many sightseeing areas such as the Sanrakutei which has a large hall with 100 tatami mats facing a beautiful garden, a tea room, which was also used an office, and a two-storey earthen gate storehouse built around 1885. In the residence, there are displays of artistic crafts and archaeological documents as well. It is also a well-known place for wisteria, and the beautiful wisteria flowers in the courtyard bloom around late April to early May.

    This a Great place to learn about the history and lifestyle of the people of Niigata.I was fascinated by the ethnobotany and how the people of this area utilized the plants not only for aesthetics...

  • Echigo Hillside National Government Park
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    4.5
    83 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Miyamotohigashikatamachi 1950-1
    Occupying an extensive site, Echigo Hillside National Government Park has plenty of fun things to do and experience. This is a nature park where visitors can enjoy the beautiful flowers and scenery (which changes with the seasons), experience life in a Satoyama (traditional community-managed forest) habitat, and learn about the different plants and animals that have evolved in concert with human agricultural activity. Visitors can eat in the Rest House, or enjoy an outdoor barbecue. Echigo Hillside National Government Park is located around 10-minute drive from the Nagaoka Interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway.

    Tulips in spring, roses in early summer, cosmos flowers in autumn- this park is beautiful all year round and worth visiting multiple times. Before you come, make sure to check the website and find...

  • National Site of Scenic Beauty, Niigata Old Saito Villa
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    4.5
    102 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Nishiohatachou 576
    Just a 15-minute drive from JR Niigata Station. This giant villa measuring 1,300 tsubo (approximately 4,300 square meters) was built in 1918 by Saito Kijurou, a wealthy merchant in one of Niigata's three largest financial conglomerates. The sand-dune topography and heavy use of local stones and product gives the strolling garden a very natural feeling and the building is said to be an excellent example of modern Japanese style construction. These together have led the former Saito family vacation house and garden to have been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. They hold seasonal events including evening illuminations in the fall and you can enjoy the view of the garden while relaxing with tea and sweets.

    A lovely place to see. We were there in April. The house is well worth the wander around and although not a lot in English you were able to get the gist of everything. The gardens are beautifully...

Niigata Areas

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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.

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