Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Niigata Area

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • Teradomari Aquarium
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    4.0
    40 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Teradomarihanatate 9353-158
    Teradomari Aquarium showcases the fish that live in the Sea of Japan. Besides the live specimens in the Aquarium, there are also fascinating displays about other natural creatures, including seabirds such as seagulls and kittiwakes, many different types of seaweed and small fish species, etc. The first to third floors of the Aquarium have approximately 10,000 fish belonging to around 400 different species from all over the world; visitors can watch the fish being fed. Teradomari Aquarium is located around 35-minute walk from the Nakanoshima Mitsuke Interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway.

    落ち着ける良い水族館。ウミガメに興奮、しばらく見てしまった。海に戻りたいだろうに、などと考えながらも見惚れるほど美しい。テッポウウオもおもしろいし、ゆっくりくつろげた。

  • NOU BUTAI (Agrarian Stage) Snow-Land Agrarian Culture Center, Matsudai
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    4.0
    46 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsudai 3743-1
    At this comprehensive cultural facility located close to Matsudai Station, visitors can experience Matsudai Snow-Land Agrarian culture and art. In the building, designed by a Dutch architect group, beauty can be felt both indoors and in the outer areas as a single artwork. Inside the hall, you can catch a glimpse the lifestyle of the rural community coexisting with nature as well as an artist space. The satoyama slopes surrounding the museum act as a large field museum, and a number of works by famous artists such as Yayoi Kusama’s “Tsumari in Bloom” are always on display.

    Matsudai Nohbutai in one of the two places in the art field area that is neara train station. Other than a Yayoi Kusama piece just outside Matsudai station and a piece in the side of the rice fields...

  • Joetsu Kokusai Playland
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    4.0
    58 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Kabanosawa 112-1
    This water adventure park surrounded by great natural beauty is one of northern Japan's largest. The mountain resort-style park features a number of pools and thrilling attractions like their 150 and 100 meter-long Water Bobsleigh slides, their raging Wild River raft slide, a large pool and a pool for kids. The park also has various attractions you can enjoy without getting wet, such as a merry-go-round and go karts. The park also has foot baths where guests can warm up their cold bodies.

    8月の下旬に利用したのですが、晴れていても少し肌寒い。 そしてプールの水は冷たい。 大プール横のちびっこプールが一番温かく感じました。 小さい子向けのちびっこプールが大プール横と、上の遊園地の方と2か所あります。 どちらも幼児用の短いスライダーもあるので、ひたすらスライダーで遊ぶ子供たち。 スライダーの種類が多いプールだったので子供たちは大満足の様子でした。 激流を下るワイルドリバー、子供と一緒に...

  • Sado History and Folklore Museum
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    4.0
    59 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Mano 655
    This museum houses life-sized robots which tell 800 years of Sado's history. The museum is located adjacent to the south side of Mano Park on Sado Island. Visitors can experience the legends of Sado Island with the diorama robots, as if travelling back in time. The robots act out 12 programs in total. The stories of Emperor Juntoku's first princess and Emperor Juntoku, who was sent into exile on Sado Island, the founder of the Nichiren sect and Zeami are acted outhere. In the establishment's restaurant, Yuzuru, visitors can enjoy a meal while looking out at the Japanese gardens. The restaurant also offers dishes cooked with Sado's specialty foods such as Mekabu soba.

    佐渡へ流された人について(歴史)であった。 ここで会えるのは順徳天皇・日蓮聖人・世阿弥である。 ただし人形であるが。 他に佐渡関連?の伝説のストーリーが演じられていた。 佐渡の歴史かもしれないがイメージは違った。 子供は楽しめるのかな?

  • Tokamachi City Museum
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    4.5
    28 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Nishimotochou 1-382-1
    This museum in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, houses and displays historical and cultural artifacts from Tokamachi based on the theme of “snow, textiles and the Shinano River”. There are a lot of models, dioramas, and archaeological finds etc. displayed in the museum which introduce in chronological order the history of the Jomon period through to modern times. You can also see artifacts relating to Tokamachi textiles which show the tools that were used and resourcefulness of the people in their daily lives in this region of heavy snow. The flame-style pottery, excavated from the Sasayama site in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, are the most outstanding items exhibited in the museum and have been designated as National Treasures.

    十日町市まできて国宝の「火焔型土器」を見ない手はないと、大地の芸術祭アート鑑賞の合間を縫って訪ねた。2020年に新博物館として開館したという白い建物は、縄文土器や雪の結晶をグラフィック化した外壁が目をひく。エントランスを進むと「縄文時代と火焔型土器のクニ」という展示コーナーがあり、その一角に国宝展示室がある。「火焔型土器」は縄文時代中期に新潟県エリアで栄えた土器様式で、燃え上がる炎を象ったかのよう...

  • Niigata Science Museum
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    4.0
    24 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Meikeminami 3-1-1
    This large-scale science museum is located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. Many of the exhibits encourage direct interaction, allowing visitors to have fun as they learn about the natural sciences. The exhibitions from the first through third floors are divided into the four sections with different themes: Niigata Prefecture’s transformation over time, the natural sciences, science in our lives, and the “mystery plaza.” There’s also a moving dinosaur full-scale model, the largest planetarium on the Japan Sea coast, an outdoors exhibition area where you can experience riding in solar cars, and more, providing plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

    A really awesome science museum. Although it is really more common for younger children to be at science museums, I feel that this one offers a lot of interactive displays, even for the older ones...

  • Ojiya City Nishikigoi no Sato
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    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Odiyashi Jounai 1-8-22
    Located in 1 Chome, Jonai, Ojiya City, Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato is a facility where visitors can view beautiful Nishikigoi (varicolored carp, also known as “golden carp”). Around 45% of all Nishikigoi produced in Niigata Prefecture are bred in Ojiya; these “swimming treasures” have become a famous local specialty, and are highly regarded both in Japan and overseas. Visitors can view Nishikigoi in the park area, and can also see specially-selected specimens in the viewing ponds. There are displays that enabled visitors to learn more about Nishikigoi, and visitors can also feed the Nishikigoi in the viewing ponds.

    錦鯉について、その歴史と、現在の鑑賞用として世界に広く知れ渡るに至るまでの経緯・人々の努力の積み重ねの資料の数々が展示されている資料館である。現在錦鯉には様々な色の組み合わせや模様があるが、それらには全て名前と特徴が存在し、交配による分化の歴史、繁殖に使用される施設や注意点の紹介、高値を付けるための基準など、単に錦鯉の整体だけでなく幅広い情報を知ることが出来、非常に興味深い。 資料館としての規模は...

  • Niigata City Art Museum
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    3.5
    30 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Nishiohatachou 5191-9
    You’ll find this art museum next to Nishiohata Park in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. Its collections and exhibitions focuses on contemporary and modern art as well as the works of artists with ties to Niigata. The building was designed by Kunio Maekawa, a Niigata-born architect, in his latest years. The collection consists of over 4,000 items and includes modern art by Bonnard, Rodin, Piccaso, and more, as well as domestic artists such as Yayoi Kusama. Several exhibits are held every year.

    Niigata Art Museum is a 15 minute bus ride from the History Museum - catch the bus on the side street in back. I was drawn by a rarely shown and massive exhibit of Hokusai woodblock prints, stunning...

  • Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art
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    4.0
    34 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Senshu 3-278-14
    This is an art museum opened in Nagaoka City, Niigata prefecture in 1993. It collects and exhibits art works from Niigata, Japan and around the world. There is a collection of about 6,000 artworks mainly focusing on the “Taiko Collection” of the current Taiko Bank as well as contemporary art from the Meiji period, 19th century Western art and artworks by Niigata local artists. Aside from the permanent exhibition, collection exhibitions and special exhibitions, as well as workshops where visitors can enjoy art casually, are held at the museum.

    I visit this museum mostly during the projected events such focusing Japanese traditional painters in Meiji Period, etc. The collections of this museum are in variety from Europe through Japan...

  • Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden
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    4.0
    20 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Akiha-ku Kanadu 186
    This botanical garden, which contains about 100,000 plants on its expansive grounds, opened in 1998 and is located in Akiha Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. Of the three dome-shaped greenhouses, the popular “tropical plant dome” is the largest in the country. Its jungle-like interior houses 4,000 specimens from 550 species, including rare baobab plants and Victoria amazonica. The must-see “Hana to Midori no Stage” has eight exhibitions held throughout the year along with the seasons. The garden features a walkway, allowing you to enjoy the peony garden, azalea garden, herb garden, and more as you stroll.

    大きなドーム型の温室が特徴の植物園。 中には滝が落ち、川となり、流れついた先の池にはオニバスが咲いています。 わざわざ暑い夏に熱帯温室に行ったのですが、いろいろな花が楽しめました。 コロナ対応でイベント中止になりましたが、リニューアルが楽しみです。 4月には営業開始するのかな。

  • Niitsu Art Museum
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    4.0
    13 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Akiha-ku Gawakesawa 109-1
    The Niitsu Art Museum is located within the Hana to Iseki no Furusato Park, near to Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden and the Furutsu Hachimanyama Kofun historical site. The Museum hold a wide range of exhibitions, including early-modern period Nihonga and Yoga style paintings and sculptures, photography, original drawings used in the production of picture-books, comic books, animation, etc. A child-minding service, using expert professional staff, is available for visitors with young children (over six months old but below school age), although the service must be booked at least three days before visiting the Museum. The Niitsu Art Museum is located around 20-minute drive from the Niitsu Interchange on the Ban-Etsu Expressway.

    新潟市と合併し「新潟市新津美術館」となった施設です。楽しい企画展を次々と展示してくれる楽しい施設です。

  • Niigata Senbei Oukoku
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    4.0
    16 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Kita-ku Nizaki 2661
    Senbei Oukoku (“Rice Cracker Kingdom”) is a tourist facility with multiple attractions located on Prefectural Route 27 in Niizaki, Kita Ward Niigata City. There is an experiential activity center where visitors can try their hand at decorating senbei (rice crackers) or making “Baka-uke” senbei, etc., tours of the factory where visitors can see how senbei are made, a senbei tasting area, and a shop selling limited-edition “Baka-uke” senbei, “Baka-uke” branded goods, etc. The café offers a menu that includes “Senbei Soft-serve Ice Cream” (with soft-serve ice cream sandwiched between two senbei crackers), “Baka-uke Croquettes,” which are potato croquettes in the shape of a “Baka-uke” senbei cracker, “Rice Flour Curry Bread,” etc.

    ばかうけの工場へ 子供にお煎餅に絵描きしながら、焼き作り体験できる さらに箱買いで楽しめるお安いスナックも沢山あります。

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.

Niigata Photo Album

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