Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Spots in Niigata Area

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Niigata
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum

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 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...
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○
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。
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。
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...
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...
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。
Itoigawa Museum of History and Folklore

3.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Itoigawa-shi Ichinomiya 1-2-2

糸魚川全体の歴史資料館、だと思って訪問したのですが、私も、その名前を聞いたことがある、郷土史家の相馬御風の研究成果が展示されているところでした。なかなか興味深かったです。
Matsudai Local Museum

4.0

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Tokamachi-shi Matsudai 3718

ほくほく線まつだい駅の裏にあります。 2階建ての木造建築です。玄関で靴を脱いで上がります。築140年の欅造りといった古い建物ですが、中はとても綺麗です。
Ojiya Earthquake Museum Sonaekan

3.5

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Odiyashi Uenoyama 4-4-2 Ojiya citizen learning center 'Raku-Gun' 2F

This hands-on museum is located on the second floor of the Ojiya Municipal Learning Center. It was built to teach people the lessons learned from the October 23, 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake (magnitude 6.6) that occurred directly below Niigata Prefecture. The museum offers two courses, the tour course (free of charge) and the hands-on disaster prevention learning program (fee required). In either course, guests can learn about and experience subjects such as what the disaster was like, what was like for refugees after the disaster, and the history of how the region's recovery. Guests who choose the hands-on disaster prevention learning program can also hear about people's experiences during the disaster from the museum's storytellers.

地震動シュミレータやMX4Dで実際に地震の揺れを体験できます。防災グッズも買うことが出来ます。残念なのは外観が地味なことと立地が市内から若干外れているため、行きにくいことでしょうか。
Nagaoka Yoita History and Folk Museum (Kanetsu Ship Museum)

2.5

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Yoitamachiyoita Yi 4356

This museum displays historical records on Naoe Kanetsugu who was the main character in the Taiga TV drama, Tenchijin (Heart of a Samurai) and his wife, Osen. It is located inside the Honganji Niigatabetsuin temple and has many exhibits unique to Kanetsugu's hometown of Yoita. The museum's featured exhibit is a reproduction of the famous Love Armor with its large Chinese character symbolizing love on the helmet. It can be viewed from any angle. In addition, the museum has an exhibit on Nakagawa Seibe, the first Japanese beer brewer, who is also from Yoita. There is also a photograph spot with a giant beer can, with the catch phrase Seibe coined, Choose Niigata's Uniquely Refreshing Beer.

直江兼続は好きな武将の一人。大河ドラマ天地人も面白かったと思います。でも資料館としては見所がほとんど無かったという印象です。ブーム時代は、知らない人におおよそのその人の功績・年表をお伝えするということはそれなりに役割を果たすとは思いますが、もともと知っている人、歴史が好きな人からしたら、”知ってるよ”という情報以上のものがない。兼続に限らず他の大河にちなんだ各地のこの手のものに総じて言えるので...
Snow Country Museum

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa 354-1

This is a museum showing the life and history of Yuzawa, that was the backdrop for Yasunari Kawabata's novel The Snow Country. Also displayed are some of Yasunari's beloved items and writings in his own hand, as well as a Japanese-style painting gallery depicting the world from the novel. This museum is located just a 7-minute walk from the Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Okutadami Electric Power Museum

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Uonumashi Yunotanimogawa Large bird 1317-3

This PR facility for J-POWER is located in the vicinity of Okutadami Dam. Visitors to the museum can learn about the role and history of dams and power plants, as well as hydroelectric power generation and other mechanisms. In addition, visitors can view exhibits of valuable materials relating to electricity, such as turbine parts that were used in the Okutadami Power Station. There is also a cafe space, and many people visit while also sightseeing at Okutadami Dam.
Sado City Niibo Museum of History and Folklore

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi

A museum with a variety of exhibits on local performing arts, folk art, and the history and culture of Sado. Adjoining the Niibo Administration Service Center, here visitors can come in contact with the history and culture of Niibo. Three forms of puppet theater –puppets of preachers, puppets of simpletons, and traditional bunya puppets– have existed in Sado since ancient times, and in modern times each has been designated a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property. In turn, visitors can also learn about these traditional performing arts, their history, and culture in this museum. The museum also holds activity classes such as making ancient magatama stone jewels, and Sakiori recycled cloth weaving.
Mimei Ogawa Literature Museum

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Joetsu-shi Motoshirocho 8-30 Takata Library

Mimei Ogawa was a Joetsu City-born novelist and children’s story author. Known as the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan, this museum was built to introduce his achievements, works, life, and historical background. Welcoming everyone, the museum makes it easy to come in contact with the author’s worldview through screenings of animated versions of his most famous works and a documentary on his life, as well as a recreation of the study where he spent his final years. In order to familiarize as many people as possible with his works and literature, the museum holds events such as readings conducted by volunteers. An adjoining gallery for local residents can be used for exhibitions of paintings, photographs, crafts, and other works.
Tsunan Museum of History and Folklore

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Nakauonuma-gun Tsunanmachi Nakafukami Otsu 827

A museum primarily focusing on Akiyamago which displays a large collection of folk items distinct to this heavy snowfall region. Exhibits include traditional implements such as kutsuzuppon, sugeboshi, and senakkoji from across the area; and precious artefacts excavated in Tsunan Town. Because of its tremendous snowfalls, the area once interacted very little with other regions, and as such the handmade tools which were once used as part of everyday life here often differ in design even from implements with identical names from adjacent locations. Over 4,000 of the museum’s folk implements, farm tools, snow gear, and artefacts have been designated National Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.
Kurofune-kan Museum

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Oumigawa 181

This exhibition hall is part of the Kashiwazaki Collection Village located along National Route 8 and contains materials related to Admiral Perry's arrival. It was originally opened as Kogoro Yoshida's Collection. Kogoro is the younger brother of Shotaro Yoshida who runs a dry goods store in the city. Along with artwork from the early modern period (1568-1867) it contains news articles given to the populace explaining the shocking events surrounding Admiral Perry's arrival. This includes the 100 faces of Perry, a unique collection of various prints of Perry's portrait as the common folk of the time didn't know what he looked like.
Daitozan Art Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsunoyama 1222

This museum and garden is the refurbished home of the local Murayama family. It is about 20 minutes from Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line on the Tokei Bus. The Murayama family's 700-year history and tradition are displayed along with daily items used by the family, paintings and writings, pottery, and other art works. The Murayama family were also heavily involved with Niigata born author Ango Sakaguchi. You can find articles that belonged to him and other relics such as caricatures written in the guest book, books and other related materials. The museum is closed in the winter due to the snow.
Chigonoya, Kashiwazaki Collection Village

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Oumigawa 181

Kashiwazaki Collection Village is an exhibition hall of local toy and folk craft along National Route 8. Mr. Shoji Iwashita from Kashiwazaki displays roughly 9,000 items from his personal 50,000 item collection. Chigo means infatuation and enjoyment. Most of the items in the exhibition have a rustic feel to them, made by craftsman whose names are no longer known, but who put a lot of heart into creating these toys. A few items are no longer made and incredibly valuable, such as the ambassador dolls known as blue-eyed dolls made in the early Showa period.

Niigata

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

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum

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.