History / Culture / Tour Spots in Niigata Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Tokimesse Niigata Convention Center

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

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...
Northern Culture Museum

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...
National Site of Scenic Beauty, Niigata Old Saito Villa

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 City History Museum (Minatopia)

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

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...
Saifukuji Temple (Kaisando)

4.5

95 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Uonumashi Oura 174

Sekijyozan Saifukuji Temple is a temple opened during the late Muromachi period in 1534. The Kaisando for worshipping images of Kaisan and Dogen Zenji—founder of Soto sect—is famous for its numerous wonderful sculptures, paintings, and lacquerware that can be called great works of Uncho Ishikawa, a famous craftsman from the end of the Shogunate. It is often called “Echigo Nikko” for its similarity to the collection of works at Toshogu in Nikko. About five minutes by car via Koide Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway.

石川雲蝶の作品を見に、年配の親と行きました。杖はダメとの事でしたが、お寺の杖を貸してくださいます。開山堂は、本堂から渡り廊下で行きました。外見も独特ですが、内側も凄い迫力ですね、音声ガイドを聞きながら、イスに座って天井の彫刻を鑑賞しました。因みに寝転び禁止です。写真では何やらゴテゴテした感じに見えましたが、実物は、とても生き生きとした景色て魅力的です。技術的に上手なのはもちろんですが...
Iyoboya Hall

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。
Rinsenji Temple

4.0

57 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Nakamonzen 1-1-1

Rinsenji Temple is a temple of the Soto sect located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. Uesugi Kenshin, a military commander during the Sengoku (Warring States) period, spent time and studied here as child between the ages of 7 and 14. The temple was founded in 1497 by Kenshin’s grandfather, Nagao Yoshikage, as a memorial to his late father, following which the temple became a family temple for both Nagao and Uesugi. The temple grounds are home to a splendid main gate, said to have been moved from the back gate of Kasugayama Castle. Visitors will also find the graves of the Uesugi family and memorial tower, and the Fureashi Kannon statue, said to make strong legs when touched with the feet.

往時を彷彿とする山門が立派です。目的だった宝物館は肝心の謙信像がコピーで残念です。お庭にお花が可愛く咲いていて美しい。ここの駐車場から春日山城に登る裏ルートがあります。
Untouan Temple

4.5

48 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Untou 660

Untouan is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Soto School that is situated in the foothills of Mt. Kinjo, in the Unto district of Minamiuonuma City. It was founded by Uesugi Norizane in the Muromachi period, and rebuilt in 1707. Tradition has it that text from the Lotus Sutra was inscribed on the underside of every flagstone on the path that leads up to the main hall of the temple, so that visitors to the temple who followed this route on their way to worship at the main hall could accumulate merit in the process. The Untouan temple is famous as the place where Uesugi Kagekatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu were educated as boys.

Wow, in the mountains & surrounded by forrest. It could be the movie set and center of a adventures story or just about monks. Huge trees, silent, tranquil. If you like nature and temple, this is the...
Niigata City Niitsu Railway Museum

4.0

38 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Akiha-ku Nitsuhigashichou 2-5-6

You’ll find this museum in Niigata Prefecture’s Niigata City, which used to be called the “railway town.” It opened in 1983 and was renovated in 2014. The permanent exhibits showcase materials related to the railroad history of the region and prefecture and the development of railroad technology. The second floor features a model railway and a children’s area among other things. The outdoors exhibit features a model 200 bullet train, an express train from the national railway period, a snow removal vehicle, and an actual steam locomotive.

We were staying in Niigata and had JR passes so decided to go on this little “out of town” excursion. The concierge at our hotel gave us a map and train times so we went to Niigata station and asked...
Yahiko-jinja Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nishikambaragunyahikomura Yahiko 2887-2

Yahiko-jinja Shrine, situated at the foot of Mt. Yahiko in Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara County, Nigata Prefecture, is a shrine of the old Echigo Province and even appears in the Manyoshu (collection of Japanese poetry). The enshrined deity, Ame-no-Kaguyama-no-Mikoto, has long been widely worshipped as the god of culture and development in Echigo Province. The impressive shrine building, erected in front of the backdrop of cedar and zelkova forests and Mt. Yahiko, was rebuilt in 1916. The Shida-no-otachi long sword, designated a national important cultural property, and other weapons connected with Minamoto No Yoshiie, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Uesugi Kenshin, are on display in the shrine’s treasure hall.
Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art

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...
Sado History and Folklore Museum

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？
Eirinji Temple

4.0

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Uonumashi Negoya 1765

Eirinji is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Soto School that is located in the Negoya district of Uonuma City. According to tradition, the famous woodcarver Ishikawa Uncho (Minamoto no Masateru), who was active in the Bakumatsu period and in the early years of the Meiji period, lost a bet with Abbot Enno Bensho the 22nd, and as a result stayed at the Eirinji Temple for 13 years, creating large numbers of carvings for the temple. Today, the Eirinji Temple still has over 100 carvings by Ishikawa Uncho, including ranma (openwork screens), etc., and many people visit the temple for the express purpose of viewing these masterpieces.

お寺に入って、おばさんに入場料を支払い、拝観ガイド兼パンフレット1枚もらう。パンフレットに番号が書いてあり、各自作品と照らし合わせる。みんな上の方を見ながらウロウロと探し歩く。噂の天女を見つけると、目が釘付けになった。何というか、吸い込まれそうなカンジ。のびやかで華やかで、艶めかしい。写真では、「どうかな？」って思っていたが、実物は数倍凄かった。はるばる見に来て良かった
Niigata Science Museum

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...
Oshagiri Hall (Murakami History Museum)

3.5

33 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Sannochou 7-9

This is a local museum exhibiting the history and the folklore materials of Murakami City located in Sannocho, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. On the first floor of the building, there is a display of records and tools related to the “Murakami Taisai Festival” which is held every year on the 6th and 7th of July. There are three gorgeous festival floats called the “Oshagiri” on display at all times. On the second floor there are displays of swords, armor and historical materials of the owner of Murakami Castle. In March an “Exhibition of Hina Dolls passed on by the Murakami Castle Town” is held.

村上駅からバスを利用して行きました。館内には『おしゃぎり』という山車が保存展示されていて、立派な山車を近くで観ることができ良かったです○
NOU BUTAI (Agrarian Stage) Snow-Land Agrarian Culture Center, Matsudai

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...
Niitsu Art Museum

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。
Kasugayama Castle Ruins Field / Kasugayama Castle Ruins Monogatari-kan Museum

3.5

24 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Joetsu-shi Daizu 334

Kasugayama Castle Ruins Field is where Kasugayama Castle once stood, Kasugayama Castle was once famously the home of Uesugi Kenshin, a renowned military commander of Japan's Warring States period. The castle's earthen base, moat, and hottatebashira (embedded timber frame structure) have been rebuilt based on archeological surveys. Rabbitear irises planted in the castle's dry moat bloom around early May. At the Kasugayama Castle Ruins Monogatari-kan Museum, visitors can watch documentary videos on Uesugi Kenshin and how Kasugayama Castle looked in its prime. Museum exhibits also include items such as folding screens decorated with scenes telling the tale of the Battle of Kawanakajima. In addition, here you can get your card stamped to add to your collection of Japan's Top 100 Castles Stamp Rally stamps.

春日山麓に有る上杉家の資料館です。城跡からの出土品の展示や川中島合戦のビデオも放映されていました。館内は撮影OK、また入館無料なので歴史好きな方は訪問を。

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.