History / Culture / Tour Spots in Niigata Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Niigata City Art Museum

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...
Hotokusan Inari Taisha Shrine

4.0

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Iduka 870

A 10-minute drive from Nagaoka-Minami-Koshiji Smart Interchange, this shrine is beloved by locals of Nagaoka City as Iwatsuka no Oinari-san (the Inari Shrine of Iwatsuka). It enshrines the Shinto deity Amaterasu-shiragiku-hotoku-okami. The shrine is said to have originated when Itete-no-Himiko ordered Mononobe-no-Minowahime-no-Mikoto to build a shrine to Amaterasu, Hi no Miya no Miyashiro, in the Village of Nuna. The stunning beauty of the large vermillion-lacquered shrine building standing on a small hill attracts a large number of visitors from across the country. The shrine also being known as the Rosoku no Oinari-san (the Inari shrine of candles). Because of this, it is said that if someone writes their wish on a candle at the shrine's shinkosai (a festival celebrating the temporary transfer of the object of worship from its main shrine) held late at night each November 2nd, it will come true.

実際に参拝して、かなり大きく有名な神社と知りましたがガイドブックには乗っていませんでした参拝時は他に人が居らず、ゆっくりと奥宮まで参らせていただけました出雲に集まった神様が、出雲大社の後にお寄りになる寶徳山稲荷大社是非足をお運びいただきたい！供物は5色の蝋燭ですまた行きたいところ年末のお祭りもいつか行きたいです
Ashigaru Nagaya

3.5

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Shibatashi Daieichou 7-9-32

This historic building is located facing Shimizuen, in 7 Chome, Daiei-cho, Shibata City. The wooden building is a tenement-house with eight compartments and a thatch roof that was used as a residence of the Shibata Domain's Ashigaru foot-soldiers towards the end of the Edo period. It has been designated as a national Important Cultural Property due to its role in conveying the way of life of the Ashigaru at that time.

新発田藩の庭園「清水園」に隣接する足軽長屋当初は4棟あったそうですが、現存は1棟のみ 40メートルを超える長屋ですが、中は8軒に分割されています巨大な大名庭園の横に、下級武士の密な足軽長屋の対比が面白いかな対比で言えば、清水園は指定名勝、足軽長屋は重要文化財清水園は固有名詞、足軽長屋は一般名詞的武士階級とは関係ないでしょうが。。そう言えば新潟は江戸時代の人口が多い地区長屋も多かった...
The Niigata Bandaijima Art Museum

4.0

32 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Bandaijima 5-1 Toki Messe within the Manijima building 5F

You’ll find this art museum on the fifth floor of the Toki Messe Bandaijima Building in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. It is a branch of the Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art in Nagaoka City. Together, both buildings have a combine total of over 6,000 items, including works by artists with ties to Niigata as well as postwar modern art and art from other parts of Asia. There are no permanent exhibitions; about five or six exhibitions are held each year, rotating between planned exhibitions and collection showcases. There’s also a shop where you can purchase illustrated books of the collections and other museum goods.

ドラえもん展の見学も旅の目的の一つでしたが、様々なアーティストの方々がドラえもんをオマージュした内容でとても見応えがありました。
Tokamachi City Museum

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...
Gochi Kokubunji Temple

3.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Gochi 3-20-21

This Tendai Sect Buddhist temple is a 20-minute walk from Naoetsu Station on the Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line. The principle objects of worship at the temple are Mahavairocana, Bhaisajyaguru, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Guatama Buddha. It is said that the temple was revived at its current location on the orders of Uesugi Kenshin in 1562. The current temple was re-built in 1997 in accordance with ancient traditions with a modest exterior and dignified interior. In the temple grounds are an unfinished three-tiered pagoda and a thatched hut that was made by the saint Shinran. A seated statue of Shinran is enshrined inside the hut.

越後国分寺の法統を引き継ぐ寺院です。見どころは新潟県指定の文化財でもある三重塔、江戸時代に建てられたようですね。悠久の時の流れを感じさせるお寺です。
Niigata Gokoku-jinja Shrine

4.0

27 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Nishifunamichou 5932-300

This shrine surrounded by a pine tree forest is a 20-minute drive from Niigata Chuo Interchange. It was founded in 1868 in Tokiwaoka, Niigata City (currently the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine in Ichibancho, Asahimachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata City) as a shrine dedicated to the spirits of the war dead. A municipal promenade has been built next to the grounds of the shrine, making it a popular place for a walk. The shrine holds thrice-monthly festivals on the 1st, 8th, and 15th of each month. During the festivals, the shrine's priests make ritual prayers to calm the divine spirits and wish for renewed tranquility and health. The shrine hosts kyudo (Japanese archery), youth sumo, setsudando (a form of swordsmanship), jukendo (bayonet fighting), and kenmaido (sword dance) competitions. One of its most popular events is the kodomo mikoshi (a portable shrine carried by children), which is held on Children's Day every year.

新潟駅前からのバスと徒歩で約30分間、寄居浜と西浜の間、水族館等がある西海岸公園に隣接する郷土兵士を慰霊する神社。広く長い参道の両側には戦友会等が建立した慰霊碑が数多く立ち並ぶ。御神門の先の境内は広く社殿は立派なものであった。
Sado Island’s Ogi Folk Museum, Sengokubune Exhibition Hall

3.5

26 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

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.

There is a video here you can watch in English that describes how the shipping history of Sado made this island such a melting pot of culture from around Japan. You can go inside the boat and see...
Watatsu Shrine

4.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Hamochiioka 550-4

This shrine is one of the nine Sado-no-Shikinai Shrines. Called Sado Ichinomiya, it is a prestigious shrine visited by many pilgrims as they travel to each of the Ichinomiya shrines. Isotakeru and Susano-no-mikoto are enshrined as the deities of this shrine, and it is said that they bring safety to travellers. There are also yearly festivals held here, such as the Island Safe Travels Prayer Festival and the Island Maritime Safety Prayer Festival.

度津神社（わたつじんじゃ）は、新潟県佐渡市羽茂飯岡（にいがたけんさどしはもちいいおか）にある佐渡国一宮だ。祭神は、五十猛命...
Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science “Mori no Gakko” Kyororo

3.5

24 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsunoyamamatsuguchi 1712-2

This is a natural science museum built in nature-rich satoyama (village-vicinity mountain) in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. It introduces many displays related to the heavy snows of the satoyama as well as exhibits made in cooperation with local residents. The permanent exhibition includes the “Forrest Aquarium,” a display of aquatic life in the rice terraced area, an area introducing the lifestyle of the town in the snow, the local resident’s ‘treasures’ as well as an area for creative works. There is also a variety of experience programs such as a nature observation tour, rice making experience, and a woodworking experience using natural wood.

越後妻有「大地の芸術祭」の折、ボルタンスキーの遺作といわれる「森の精」やその他のアート作品を鑑賞するために立ち寄った。アート作品はともかく、驚くのはその外観。キョロロの建物外壁は鋼鉄の板、つまり鋼板で全面サビで覆われている。雪深い里山の生物多様性に関連した展示や体験プログラムで里山を学べる体験型の自然科学博物館で、様々な混入標本もあり昆虫好きには嬉しい施設だ。塔に設えたイルミネーションや巨大昆虫ビ...
Wakabayashike Jutaku

3.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Sannochou 7-13

This warrior residence belonged to the Murakami clan and is registered as an Important Cultural Property. It is a typical middle-class samurai household, rare in Eastern Japan, and has undergone restoration work. The building is L-shaped and has a thatched roof. The interior has a narrow earth floor and is divided into living and work areas. The residence along with the garden is open to the public, and visitors can purchase a ticket that grants access to both the Murakamishi Kyodo Shiryokan (Murakami City Local Museum) and the Murakami Rekishi Bunkakan (Murakami History Museum).

復元した村上藩士「若林家」の住宅（国指定重要文化財）。曲り家造りの茅葺平家建て、典型的な中級武家の住宅といわれるが、中級武家しては不釣り合いな庭園が広がる。鶴の松・亀の松と呼ばれる古木を配した広い庭。訝しく思い管理の方に聞いて見たら、明治期に高級官僚を輩出して、それで庭を広げたそうだ。床の間に武者返し的なスペースがあるのも面白い。風呂場が無いのもちょっと不思議だが、説明によると行水ですませていたそ...
Enkikan

4.0

21 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Ichibanboridoricho 1-2 Hakusan Park Uchi

This historic structure, moved to Hakusan Park, is a portion of the former residence of Saito Kijuro, a wealth merchant who was active from the Meiji through the Showa periods. Since it was opened to the public, it has been used as a space for promoting the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and a variety of other Japanese cultural arts. Every part of its Meiji period architecture, from the stylish inner parlor, to the arcing jibukuro floor cupboard and detailed transoms, speak of the splendor of a bygone age. Today, the structure is open to the general public for viewing and is also frequently used as a space for private enterprises such as concerts and children’s Zen meditation classes.

白山公園内にある、豪商斎藤喜十郎家の邸宅です。1908年頃に建てられた建物を移築したもので、なかでも奥座敷や土縁から、建物としての美しさを感じ取ることができるかと思います。
SEISUI Temple

4.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Niibo-ono 124-1

The magic and spiritual feel of Kyoto on an island in the sea of Japan. This place is worth a quick visit for anyone visiting Sado. Walk up the broken moss-covered stairs lined with massive cedar...
Northern Culture Museum Niigata Branch

3.5

22 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Minamihama Dori 2-562

This building was acquired at the end of the Edo period by the seventh head of the Ito family, the wealthiest landowners in Echigo, to serve as the family’s Niigata villa. Niigata-born poet and calligrapher Aizu Yaichi also famously spent his last years here. Today, the compound is used as a museum which displays works by Yaichi and other artists, and here visitors can view Yaichi’s poems and calligraphic pieces along with a view of a traditional Japanese garden. The Zabo and Seigyoan tearooms on the first floor can be used to host tea ceremony and other events. An elegant time can be spent in the sanjo-daime-style tearooms.

１８９５年の建造された建物で、大正時代に七代伊藤文吉が別邸として購入したそうです。新潟分館は主屋と洋館からなっており、戦後、夕刊ニイガタの社長となった會津八一が洋館で晩年を過ごしました。會津八一の書や資料などが展示されています。
Chokokuji Temple

4.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Hase 13

This ancient Shingon sect Buzan-ha temple just a 30-minute drive from Ryotsu port and was founded by Gyoki or Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The Gochido Hall, a Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture, is also known as the two-story pagoda. There are only a few of these buildings in Japan where the inner sanctum use a 'Daito' pagoda structure with a circular plane. There are also many other cultural assets such as the Eleven-Headed Kannon Statues, which are also National Important Cultural Properties. This temple is also known as the temple of flowers because of its Azalea, Hydrangeas, and other flowers. Every year they hold their Chokokuji Temple Peony Festival where you can enjoy peonies in full bloom on the grounds and along the paths.

Besides the temple being a beautiful spot, the bunnies were adorable! There was a huge statue of a rabbit kannon (the goddess of mercy) and tons of little rabbits nibbling the grass at her feet.
The Niigata City Manga House

4.0

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Furumachidori 6 - Town 971 - 7

Niigata has produced several manga and anime artists, and this facility aims to hand down Niigata’s manga and anime culture to future generations. Located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, this facility’s permanent exhibit introduces the works of Niigata gag manga artists Fujio Akatsuka, Maya Mineo, Motoei Shinzawa, and Endo Koichi. There are life-size figures of the characters as well as photo booths. The “manga room” contains about 10,000 precious out-of-print works that you can read at your leisure.

古町通六番町と東堀通の間にあります。入館は無料です。中には、新潟ゆかりの漫画家作品だけではなく、多くの漫画が書架にあり、まるで図書館のように自由に読むことが出来ます（借りて行くことは出来ないようですが）。きっと、一日中居ても飽きないと思います。嬉しかったのは、何十年かぶりに、3年奇面組とすすめパイレーツを読めた事でした。
Minato Inari Shrine

4.0

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Inarimachi 3482

Records state this ancient Shinto shrine was started when its first head priest enshrined an oracle from Yonezawa in Dew Province here. Frequented by the workers of the nearby red-light district at the end of the Edo period, even today the shrine is still nicknamed the “Debauched Inari.” The shrine is famous for its “wish-granting” komainu lion-dog statues, which are said to grant one’s wish when walked around. The current statues are the third pair to have been erected. The second pair, bearing an inscription stating they were created in 1630, were designated Niigata City’s very first Tangible Cultural Property. According to custom, men walk around the statue on the right side when facing the shrine and women the left; it is said that one’s wish will be granted if one thinks of one’s wish while walking around the appropriate statue.

新潟市歴史博物館から徒歩5分の場所、初代宮司が出羽国の米沢より新潟の地を開拓するようにとの御神託を授かりご鎮座した神社。境内は正面に拝殿と本殿、左側には能楽殿が、有名な願懸の高麗犬は左側を女性が、右側を男性が回し願掛けを行う。
Watanabe-Tei

4.0

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Iwafunegunsekikawamura Shimoseki 904

Watanabe-Tei is the former residence of the first generation of the Watanabe family, who was vassal to the Murakami feudal lord. Watanabe passed on the family estate to his son and in 1667 moved here to what is now Sekikawa Village in Iwafune County, Niigata Prefecture. The house is the residence of a wealthy farmer with the main building constructed in a unique fashion with six storehouses, and a circuit style garden in the more than 100,000 square meter grounds. The main building and the storehouses have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties and the garden a National Place of Scenic Beauty. During the Great Heisei Repairs (a nationwide effort to restore old buildings to their ancient appearance), Watanabe-Tei was restored to its former Edo period glory and is now open to the public. There is a tea house in the grounds which offers matcha green tea and coffee. The nearest station is Echigo-Shimoseki Station.

JR米坂線「越後下関」駅から徒歩5分ほど。渡辺家は荒川を利用した廻船業や酒造業で財を成し、上杉鷹山の米沢藩藩政改革にも協力したという豪商で大地主。米沢藩から勘定奉行格の待遇を受けた武家としての側面も持つそう。堀を巡らせた広大な外観からも往年の威勢が伝わってきます。屋敷内は商家としての作業空間だったのか太い梁が通った広い土間と板敷の広間、武家屋敷のような畳敷きの居住空間に分かれてます。なかなか...
Joetsu-shi Maizo Bunkazai Center

4.0

18 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Kasugayamamachi 1-2-8

This museum located at the bottom of the former site of Kasugayama Castle is a 20-minute walk from Kasugayama Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway. The mud-colored building, built in the style of Japanese-style homes, is a place where Jomon Period artifacts unearthed in Joetsu City are researched, stored, and exhibited. Guests can watch the museum's staff catalog and restore artifacts or try their hand at a number of activities including making magatama (an ancient style of curved beads). Due to its location close to Kasugayama Castle, the castle of the famous warring states period warlord Uesugi Kenshin, it is also the headquarters of the Uesugi Omotenashi Bushotai, a group of historical reenactors.

日本百名城巡りの一環として初めて行きました。遺跡の発掘をしている事務所とおもっていたら、春日山城の展示をやっていました。上杉謙信について立派な展示があり、年表やイラストを交え分かりやすかったです。しかも入場無料なのがすごいですね
Daizen Shrine

4.5

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Takeda 562-1

Just when this ancient Shinto shrine was founded is not clear, but records state it was built by local influential personage Honma Yamashiroto enshrine late Kamakura period nobleman Hino Suketomo and ascetic hermit Daizenbo. It is said funds were solicited to build the shrine in order to appease the vengeful spirit of Daizenbo, who was executed for helping Suketomo’s child, Kumawakamaru, to run away. The structure which conspicuously asserts its presence on the grounds is Sado’s oldest extant noh stage. One of the Four Noh Stages of Sado Province, even today firelight noh theater and Sagi school kyogen farce performances are held using the stage. The stage’s painted backdrop depicts a pine tree with the sun in the background, and it is believed that this is the only remaining example of this unusual style of noh backdrop.

五重塔で有名な妙宣寺の近くにあります。大膳神社能舞台は１８４６年に再建されました。茅葺屋根と鮮やかな松の絵が印象的でした。現在でも実際に演能が行われているとのことでこちらで能を鑑賞してみたいと思いました。

Niigata

Murakami / Shibata Niigata / Aga Yahiko / Sanjo Nagaoka Yuzawa / Uonuma Myoko / Joetsu Sado

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Niigata Areas

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.