History / Culture / Tour Spots in Niigata Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Shiro Ne Odako To History no Yakata

4.5

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Niigata-shi Minami-ku Jogesuwanoki 1770-1

Coming from the west, kites dont always seem exciting.... but this museum was one of the coolest things Ive seen on my trip to Japan! I was so impressed that I plan on going back next year for the...
Site of the former Kasugayama Castle

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Nakayashiki ,soy

Kasugayama Castle was built on Mt. Kasuga, transforming the entire mountain into an important strategic position; the Castle is famous as the main residence of Uesugi Kenshin. It is ranked 32nd in the list of the Top 100 Castles of Japan. Restoration work is currently underway, and the Castle is gradually starting to regain some of its former appearance. When the castle was still intact, the Honmaru (central bailey) was located on the mountain-top, with a castle town at the foot of the mountain where the residences of important retainers and the lord’s relatives were located. Kasugayama Castle is located around 13-minute drive from Kasugayama Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line.
Ichishimatei

4.0

13 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Shibatashi Tennou 1563

This historic building is located in Tenno, Shibata City. The residence was built in the early Meiji period and is representative of the Ichishima family, who were great land owners in Niigata. The 0.19-hectare residence has a circuit-style garden that spans over 2.6 hectares. It is open to the public for a fee, and is a famous spot to view the red leaves in Fall.

綺麗に手入れされた庭、隅々までお掃除された部屋、大事に管理されているのが分かります。モダンな天井に洒落た照明が目を引きました。季節によっては、花や紅葉がさらによいでしょう。映画「峠」のロケ地で、映画を見に行きたくなりました。市島家の系図を見ると、豪農の篤志家が、やはり教育は大事と考えて、塾を開く所も興味深く、市島家の知が高い所も分かりました。車でないと来れない所ですが、新潟駅から月岡温泉行のハ...
Rengebuji Temple

4.5

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Kobie 182

A famous Buddhist temple believed to have been founded by the great Kobo Daishi which stands northeast of Kyoto, thus meaning it guarded the imperial palace from the influences of this unlucky direction. It is believed to have been founded around 806 in the Daido period, and, modeled after the Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, it was known as the “Little Mt. Hiei.” Records state Emperor Saga ordered it to be built, and, together with the Kongoji and Muroji Temple, it is considered one of the three most sacred Shingon Buddhist sites. In addition to the Kobodo hall and Kondo main temple, 16 structures on the grounds have been designated National Tangible Cultural Property. From late June through early July, some 7,000 hydrangeas on the grounds come into stunning bloom, and thus this temple is also widely known as the “Hydrangea Temple.”

小比叡山蓮華峰寺（こびえさんれんげぶじ）は、新潟県佐渡市小比叡（にいがたけんさどしこびえ）にある真言宗智山派の寺だ。本尊は、聖観音菩薩（しょうかんのんぼさつ）空海の開山とされ、金剛寺、室生寺とともに真言の三大聖地の一つとされる。 7,000株のアジサイが一斉に開花する様子が見事なため、別名アジサイ寺とも呼ばれている。 2021年7月3日、この日は度津神社（わたつじんじゃ）に参拝した。そこか...
Kankoji Temple

4.0

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Uwano 267

This Zen Buddhist temple has historical ties to the Uesugi clan, the deputy shoguns of the Kanto region, and to the Ueda Nagao clan. The primary object of worship of the temple, which belongs to the Kamakura Engaku-ji? school, is Shakyamuni Buddha (Gautama Buddha). The temple is said to have been founded in 1410 by the monk Kakuosoden, the son of Uesugi Noriaki. The temple was relocated to Yonezawa in 1600 along with Uesugi Kagekatsu's forced relocation there. After being destroyed in a fire, the temple was rebuilt in its current location during the Kanbun era (around 1661 to 1673). The temple's main gate, which belonged to the Sakai Clan of the Awa-Katsuyama Domain, was donated and relocated to the temple in 2009. The gatekeeper's station on the gate's left side still gives it the stately appearance of the gate to a samurai residence. The temple also possesses a rare rotating bookshelf called kyozou, containing a complete set of the Obaku school's version of the Buddhist scriptures. The main temple building has a Japanese rock garden? in front, which is unusual for the Minamiuonuma area.

Now undergoing some repairs, this impressive temple and monastery is well worth the visit. It must be so cold and covered with snow in winter, but beautiful now. Check the nicely kept buildings...
Saishoji Temple

4.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Teradomarinodumi 8996

This ancient temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism was opened by Gyoki Bosatsu in the year 733. It is a 30-minute taxi ride from Tsubamesanjou Station on the Bullet Train. Amida Nyorai Buddha is the principle deity of worship here and is normally kept from public viewing except once every 12 years on the Year of the Rat when it is unveiled. Furthermore, what is believed to be the oldest mummified monk in Japan, Kochi Houin is enshrined here which you can see (with an entry fee). The treasure hall contains a wooden statue of the monk and the mummy of a raijuu cat as well as long songs signed by the departed high priest Ryokan, all of which are free to see.

長岡市内から少し離れた、寺泊漁港寄りにあります。国道４０２号沿いですが、かなり車で上ります。敷地はとても広く、加藤清正や田中角栄の書状、雷獣のミイラ等が見られる宝物殿だけの見学であれば無料です。しかしここの目玉はなんといっても弘智法印の即身仏。拝観料５００円を払って見る価値は十分です。見学者私一人のために、住職様はわざわざお経をあげて、法印様を拝ませてくださいました。法印様がいらっしゃるお堂の前に...
Otsu Takara Ji

4.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Tainai-shi Kinoto 1112

We are heading north of Niigata on our way to the very old onsens at Nyuto. We looked for temples and pagodas of significance for this part of the journey. Dating back to 736 this Shinto and Buddhist...
Kasuga Shrine

3.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Kasuga 18

This shrine is located ten minutes by car from the Joetsu Interchange, at the foot of Mt. Kasuga in Joetsu City. Enshrined here is a division of the deity in the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara. It was the first deity to be divided in Japan, according to records in Kasuga Grand Shrine. The shrine was first built on Mt Kasuga's peak in the year 958, and then relocated along with Kasugayama Castle fortifications in 1381. The cedar trees lining the steep stone steps are rather impressive. The shrine prospered under Uesugi, the Shugodai (representative) of Echigo for generations, and from the time of Kenshin Uesugi, belief in this deity became more intense and it became worshipped as the tutelary deity of the region. The Kasuga lanterns lining the grounds are said to have been made in the Edo period.

春日山麓に有る小さな、地元の神社です。説明書からですが、歴史は古く10世紀創建、奈良の春日大社の分霊になるそうです。
Kunigamidera Temple

4.0

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Tsubameshi Kugami 1407

This Shingon Buddhist temple is halfway up Mt. Kugamiyama, a 15-minute drive from Bunsui Station on the JR Echigo Line. Founded in year 709 it is the oldest temple in the prefecture. The temple is dedicated to the Amitabha Buddha which is revealed only once out of every 12 years, the Year of the Rat. It is said that Uesugi Kenshin would pray for victory here and that praying here can bring various benefits such as warding off evil, wishes being answered, and safe travel. In 1914 the hut in which monk Ryokan secluded himself during the latter part of the Edo period was rebuilt and it is still open for viewing today. Further legends regarding Yoshitsune and Shuten-Doji surround the temple.

弥彦村の観音寺の御朱印をいただきに国上寺に向かいしました。国上寺と観音寺の御朱印はそれぞれ３００円でした。越後最古の名刹だそうで、とても趣のある、歴史あるお寺だということを感じました。駐車場は無料ですが、わりと混んでいます。
Nagaoka City Local History Museum

4.0

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Oyamachou 80-24 within Yukyama Park

This local history museum in Yukyuzan Park in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture was built in the image of the castle tower. It tells the stories of the people who were born in Nagaoka and formed the cornerstone of Nagaoka's spiritual culture and played a big role in Japan or abroad in early modern to modern times, and of their achievements. This folk exhibition also displays restored traditional housing, clothing, footwear and household items used in the daily lives of the people in this snowy region. In addition, Visitors can see the view of the city and the plains of Niigata from the castle tower's observation deck on the fourth floor.

悠久山公園の中の1番高い所にあります。建物はお城を模っていますが、昔の長岡城とは全く違う造りです（天守閣は無かったそうです）。階段を昇って2階にて行くと、受付があります。ここは角櫓という建物だそうです。入館料は300円です。走り櫓を歩き、天守閣のある建物には、主に戊辰戦争や河井継之助に関する資料や、堀直寄や牧野家など歴代の城主や長岡出身の偉人などの資料が多数展示されています。 4階の天守...
Textile Cultural Center Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Hall

3.5

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Shiozawa 1227-14

Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Hall is located two minutes’ walk from Shiozawa Station. You can learn about Echigo Jofu (ramie) which has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, textile culture and techniques in Shiozawa, passed on from Okuechigo 1,000 years ago. In addition to the display, it also offers various hands-on activities including weaving and cultivating silkworms as well as sales of crafts and kimono (traditional Japanese clothing).

塩沢駅から徒歩3分ほど。塩沢の名産品「塩沢織」を紹介する施設。1階では塩沢織を使用した人形や和服・洋服などを展示販売している。2階は有料(400円)の見学施設で、職人が行う機織り作業を見ることができる。塩沢織には「越後上布」「塩沢紬」「本塩沢」「夏塩沢」の4種類があり、1000年以上の歴史を持つ「越後上布」は苧麻を爪で裂いて繊維状にし、指で撚って糸にするところから始まる。その糸は非常に切れやすい...
Kyu-Shidancho-Kansha (Old Japanese Army Divisional Commander's Official Residence)

4.0

10 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Joetsu-shi Omachi 2-3-30

This wooden residence was built in 1910 by Nagaoka Gaishi, Lieutenant General of the Takada 13th Division of the former Imperial Japanese Army. It is one of the few remaining examples in the city of architecture blending Japanese and Western influences dating to this time. Until 1991, it was used to house the leadership of JGSDF Camp Takada, but was moved to its current location and restored by the city in order to preserve this precious work of Meiji period architecture.

駅から高田城に向かう途中、寄ってみました。素敵な洋館、よく手入れされていて、和、洋、それぞれ静かに美しい部屋が配置されてとても好きになりました。今回時間がなかったので諦めましたが、お食事や喫茶など次回是非利用したいと思います。
Christian Boltanski＋Jean Kalman The Last Class

4.5

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Niigata Tokamachi-shi Matsunoyama Fujikura 192

"Echigo-tsumari region is about 30-minute drive from Matsudai Station on theHokuhoku Line.Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman created their large-scale installation ""The Last Class""in 2006and submitted it tothe major tri-annual art festival, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2018. The site of the festival is the Echigo-tsumari Region (the town of Tsunan in the city of Tokamachi), and the artists put the installation together in an abandoned elementary school to represent the notion of ""the absence of people."" It stimulates the five senses, with sounds like the beating of drums in the darkness and flickering lightbulbs. Recently, a new installation has been added to ""The Last Class"",Boltanski's""Theater of Shadows: Happy Companions"", which represents life and death in a humorous manner. It is open to the public for limited times outside of the Triennale."

越後妻有「大地の芸術祭」で訪ねた。どうしても見たかったボルタンスキーの作品の一つ。廃校になった旧東川小学校を利用したインスタレーション・アートで、スタートは暗闇の体育館から。床に藁が敷かれ、多数のベンチと扇風機並び、電球が点滅する。薄暗い廊下を進んで二階に上がれば、心臓の鼓動のようにライトが点滅する教室、白い布とアクリルの箱が並べられた教室、鏡を無数貼った教室など、まさに異空間に迷い込んだような不...
Ryokan Memorial Museum

3.5

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Santougunizumozakimachi Komeda 1

This memorial museum in Mishima County, Niigata Prefecture is adjacent to Ryokan to Yuhi no Oka Park. The museum was opened in 1965 on the 200th anniversary of the birth of the exemplary Edo Period monk, poet, and calligrapher Ryokan. Visitors can view the shaku (ritual baton) and inkstone used by Ryokan, as well as calligraphy from his middle to final years. A short film entitled Tenjo Taifu set in modern Izumozaki Town depicting a meeting between a local girl and Ryokan plays on a loop in the lobby.

新潟の偉人として知られる良寛記念館へと行ってきました。子供の頃に読んだ郷土昔話の中での良寛和尚のイメージは、極貧の生活の中でも優しさや感謝を忘れずに皆の為だけを考えて生きた清貧のお爺ちゃん…という雰囲気でしたが、今回、記念館を訪れ、彼の人生の足跡を年表を通して学び、良寛さまの脳内イメージが変わりました。記念館を訪れ、何を感じるかは人それぞれだと思います...
Hoko-ji Temple

4.0

10 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Shibata-shi Suwacho 2-4-17

"This old temple is said to date back to the years between 1583 to 1595. This temple was built to enshrine Mizoguchi Hidekatsu, the founding father of the Shibata Han domain, and became the family shrine of the clan. The ""weeping"" shidare cherry tree that blooms in the temple grounds, called the Jotokutsu no Sakura, is said to be a donation from Tokugawa Iemitsu, and so presumably about 380 years old. In the viewing season most years, it's filled with sightseers, and is a symbol of Shibata spring. The temple also holds a zazen group every Saturday evening, where visitors can practice zazen and walking meditation, as well as enjoy a tea party (please enquire directly to join)."

新発田藩祖溝口秀勝公が開祖した曹洞宗の寺院で溝口家の菩提寺だそうです。寺町通りから総門（扁額は城東法窟）を入り、その先に大きな山門（扁額は廣澤山）、新潟県随一の山門・二重楼門・新発田市指定有形文化財で、空にそそり立つようで大迫力があります。山門の両側は回廊になっていました。歴代藩主の墓所や資料等があるそうですが、残念ながら冬季のため閉館中でした。山門をくぐり本堂前には自由に行けました。晩秋であった...
Niigata Manga Animation Museum

4.0

4 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Yachiyo 2-5-7 million city BP 21 F

This museum, situated on the first floor of Bandai City BP2, is a center for information on Japanese anime. Designed around the concept of looking, touching, feeling, and experiencing anime, the museum displays key frames and illustrations from anime creators connected to Niigata. Other highlights include an area where you can play with famous anime characters, and an exhibit where you can experience what it's like to be a voice actor. You can also learn about the production process involved in making anime and manga. Further, the museum holds a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year.

新潟市内、中心部にある新潟市マンガアニメ情報館です。東京での開催が延期されたので、こちらでの不思議の海のナディア展に行ってきました。展示内容は貴重な資料が盛りだくさんで本当に素晴らしかったです。常設展も良かったです。
Jikoji Temple

4.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Gosen-shi Hiruno 870

An ancient temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism located at the foot of the holy mountain Mt. Hakusan. While its exact founding date is yet unknown it's believed to have been a center of the Hakusan faith since ancient times. The current temple hall was reconstructed after a fire in 1755. Jikoji Temple has the best maintained seven-structured temple compounds in the prefecture and is extremely rare as a Soto sect temple with a remaining cloister. Along with the main hall, the priest quarters, main temple gate, cloister, and scripture house are all registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Cedars, some said to be over 400 years old, line the path from the Ogonno Sato Meeting hall at the base of the temple grounds to the temple and amidst the dignified atmosphere you can feel the long history of Jikoji Temple.

今回は、五泉市観光ガイド協会主催の、「浄心体験」に参加しました。旧村松町、黄金の里会館の駐車場に停めて、滝谷川沿いにスギ並木を歩いていくと、左手にあります。白山の麓にあり、新潟市内にある白山神社と関係があるそうです。曹洞宗のお寺ですので、禅寺です。開祖は楠木正成のお孫さんだそうです。坐禅と写経をさせていただきました。坐禅は壁に向かいながら行います。面壁と言うそうです。また、足は両足...
Banjindo

4.0

9 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Banjin 2-10-42

Banjindo is an external Buddha hall of Nichirenshu Myoko Temple located on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture. It is said that the Buddhist priest, Nichiren, prayed here in 1274 for the return of 30 guardian deities. From the temple grounds visitors can see the city area, the magnificent Sea of Japan, the mountains of Yahiko, and Sado Island. The view from here of the setting sun is especially memorable. It is also a popular temple to visit during the New Year. The current temple was rebuilt after the original burned down in the Meiji period. The carving on the wall of the main hall is especially worth a look.

幸せになると言われている彫刻の一羽の蝶を探したけれど、見つかりませんでした。柏崎港を見下ろす眺望がGOODであり、中でも桜の開花時期は特にお勧めで私も桜の開花時期に毎年，訪れています。また、大晦日から元日にかけての二年参りには大勢の方が訪れます。近年では歴史小説作家である藤原緋沙子さんの著書である「番神の梅」の舞台となった場所としてもおなじみ、、、
Suzuki Bokushi Memorial Museum

3.5

10 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Shiozawa 1112-2

A 10-minute walk from JR Shiozawa Station. This museum exhibits mostly materials on the Hokuetsu Seppu which is known as the first piece of literature that talks about life in the snowy Echigo Province. It was written by Edo period author Suzuki Bokushi and was a best seller at that time. The museum also displays items from Echigo Province and documents about it, such as the manufacturing process of Echigo-jofu local hemp fabric, which is an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This museum is known as the Snow Culture Center because you can see the beautiful wood constructions of segai zukuri (Echigo Province style wood awnings).

塩沢駅から徒歩5分ほど。 1989年開館。観覧料500円。木造2階建ての建物には新潟県産の杉材が多用されている。館内撮影不可。鈴木牧之(1770-1842年)は塩沢出身の文人。越後の雪深い生活を記した「北越雪譜」(1837年発刊)は当時のベストセラーになったという。館内には雪国で暮らすための民具、鈴木牧之の人物紹介、牧之が詠んだ俳句、「北越雪譜」発刊までの道のりなどの展示の他、塩沢の特産品である...
Sado Hangamura Art Museum

3.0

11 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

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.

佐渡奉行所からすぐの場所。通りに面した美術館の塀には、美術館が所蔵する版画作品のモニュメントがずらり。朱鷺やたらい舟、夕日の沈む海など。白黒の作品や少し色彩を加えたもの。それぞれに趣があって、佐渡の思い出を深めてくれるような作品です。

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.