Leisure / Hobbies 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...

  • 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.

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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...

  • Niigata City History Museum (Minatopia)
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    4.0
    93 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Yanagishimachou 2-10
    At this history museum in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, you’ll find materials illuminating the history and folk culture of Niigata, which developed along with the sea. The main building adopts a modern Western design used by the second-generation Niigata city hall. Inside, you’ll find a permanent exhibit with the theme “The local sea and locals’ lives,” along with a theater, planned exhibitions, and more. Onsite, there’s also the Former Niigata Customhouse building in the Meiji period, a National Treasure, and the Former Daishi Bank Sumiyoshi-cho Branch, which was completed in 1927. Visitors are allowed entry.

    The buildings are beautiful! Kind of a colonial European vibe, and (for me) they’re especially pretty in the evening. If I remember rightly, the entry fee was ¥300, which is perfectly reasonable...

  • Joetsu Aquarium Umigatari
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    4.0
    54 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Niigata Joetsu-shi Gochi 2-15-15

    小さいけど展示方法が工夫されているというのは全くそのとおりで、他のレビュアーの方が散々書かれていることなので割愛させて頂く。 日本海水槽はこれを考案した人は人智を超えて神がかっている。まったくもって素晴らしいの一言。一見の価値あり。 訪れたときには鳥インフルエンザの影響でペンギンがおらず、アザラシも見ることができなかったが、これらの生き物のフル展示の状態時は少し満足度は上がると思う。 感想と...

  • Fossa Magna Museum
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Itoigawa City Niigata Prefecture Ichinomiya 1313
    The Fossa Magna Museum opened 1994 is a museum about rocks for learning about our natural environment and resources, as provided by the Earth across ages and geological eras. In the six-room exhibition area, you can see fossils and beautiful ores (jade) of Itoigawa River. Approximately 10 minutes by car via Itoigawa Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.

    Excellent presentation of the nature and formation of jade, with a number of interactive exhibits that you could turn wheels to see things happen. Great educational value. Highlight was the AV...

  • Iyoboya Hall
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    4.0
    85 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Shiomachi 13-34
    In this museum in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, themed material regarding Murakami’s specialty product salmon, is on display. In the Murakami dialect, “Iyoboya” means salmon. Visitors can see how the salmon were fished in the Miomote River as well as an introduction to Murakami’s history and culture etc. in the museum. Visitors can also see under water from the observation window made in the distributary of the Miomote River. According to the season, you may encounter the scene of salmon swimming upstream or eggs hatching.

    村上の三面川沿いにあります。 会館の前には車は停められず、普通車はちょっと離れた所に駐車場があるので、冬は辛いです。 ここは鮭の博物館。 江戸時代、ここを鮭の名産地にした、青砥武平治が顕彰されています。 他にも、人工孵化をしている鮭の稚魚や、三面川の分流である「種川」をガラス越しで観察できたり、600円の価値がある博物館だと思います。 鮭の他にも、サケ科のニジマスなども展示されていました。

  • Yahiko Park
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    4.0
    76 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nishikambaragunyahikomura Yahiko 667-1
    This park is located just outside the JR Yahiko Station, and covers an area of 160,000 square meters. There is an abundance of nature in the park for visitors to enjoy, with a waterfall and mountain streams, and seasonal flowers such as azaleas and irises. The highlight of the park is the Kangetsukyo bridge in the Maple Valley, which was modeled on the old wooden bridge. In the fall, the entire area is famous for how it turns red with a sea of autumn leaves, which harmonize perfectly with the red of the bridge. And in the evening, the park is lit up, making it a popular place for tourists to visit. There are also tennis courts and playground equipment in the park, which can be enjoyed by parents and children.

    we spent half a day at the park on 12-Nov. The fall colors were amazing! its right next to the Yahiko shrine, so, you can hit both sites at one stop. There were a few tour groups at 3pm. I suggest...

  • Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
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    4.0
    36 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Yamaguchi 1610
    This ski resort is located alongside the JR Joetsu line, on Minamiuonuma’s Mt. Hakkai. Placed on a gently sloping mountain ridge, the courses run from the peak to part-way down the mountain, with steep gradients. The ski resort is best known for its intermediate and advanced level slopes, but it does also have courses for beginners. The Mt. Hakkai Ropeway extends from the ridge to the summit of the mountain, at an altitude of 1,147 meters, and on a clear winter’s day, there is a breathtaking panorama all the way from the North Japan Alps to the Sea of Japan. Additionally, a ski school officially recognized by the Ski Association of Japan is held here, with beginners to intermediate skiing and snowboarding lessons.

    The skiing resort is located in Minamiuonuma city, Niigata prefecture. It takes around 10 minutes by driving from the station Urasa. You can bring by your own snowboarding and skiing equipment...

  • Okutadami Maruyama Ski Resort
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    3.5
    25 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Uonumashi Yunotanimogawa Ootori 1317-3
    This springtime ski paradise is located on the other side of the Okutadami Silver Line tunnel. Because this area sees heavy snowfall, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding from the start of winter until around Golden Week in spring. (Although the ski area does temporarily close in the case of very heavy snowfall.) The gentle slope from the mountain peak is popular with beginners to intermediate level skiers. The course, which goes through a natural beech forest, is used by cross country runners as well. Visitors can enjoy gliding over the powder snow in the first skiing season of each winter. Ski lessons are by reservation only.

    12月最後の土日で行きました。降雪はかなりありましたが重い。新雪に突っ込むとこけます。 12月にスキー場行くことなかったのでこんなものかもですね。 山頂のとこが滑りやすかったかも。 始業時のリフト待ちは50人ちょい。 シルバーラインはトンネルなので意外と快適です 一時除雪で封鎖してましたが。

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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