The New Meets the Old in Niigata City

Furumachi Kouji

This small shop in northern Niigata creates its own brand of traditional beverages that are sure to be unlike anything you’ve tasted before. They specialize in a type of amazake, a fermented (but nonalcoholic) rice drink. They carry the classic plain flavor that older generations of Japanese people know and love, as well as some more unique versions such as tomato, black vinegar, sakura, and more.

Furumachi Koji Seizosho

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Furumachidori Nibanchou 533

0252286570

10:00-17:00

View All

Go here

Imayotsukasa

Imayotsukasa is another shop in the neighborhood that makes traditional Japanese beverages. This sake brewery was established in 1767 and has been perfecting its recipes ever since. As well as a variety of award-winning sake, they also happen to make amazake. If you’re interested in seeing the brewing process up close, you can take a guided tour through the brewery and even enjoy a tasting of 10 different kinds of sake. If you want to take the tour in English, you should check out their website and book it in advance.

Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery

4.5

169 Reviews

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Kagamigaoka 1-1

0252450325

9:00-17:00

View All

Go here

Pier Bandai

Niigata is one of the biggest agriculture hubs in Japan and is known for the high quality of its rice. The Pier Bandai Market is an awesome place for foodies to spend the afternoon. Not only can you buy tasty treats to take home, you can also pick from a ton of restaurants featuring local produce and seafood. Benkei is one Pier Bandai restaurant that has garnered praise for its delicious sushi and affordable prices. Benkei is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that often requires guests to wait half an hour or more to grab a seat at the bar. A hit with locals and visitors alike, be sure to check it out if you love sushi.

ピアTerrace(テラス)

新潟県新潟市中央区万代島2 ピアBandai内

0252492560

View All

Nuttari Terrace Street

Nuttari Terrace Street is the result of a revitalization project. Originally, all the buildings on this street were traditional Japanese row houses, but slowly, over the years, the houses have been bought up by shop owners and restaurateurs.

Now, the area exists as a unique neighborhood with everything from quirky retro items to bakeries and flower shops. On the first Sunday of every month, the area also hosts a morning market. All the shops are open and the streets are lined with food vendors, so some salty street snacks are sure to be a welcome sight after a night out. There are a couple of places you’ll want to visit if you’re looking for a drink in the neighborhood.

Nuttari Terrace Shopping street

3.5

4 Reviews

Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Nuttari-higashi

0253844010

View All

Go here

Sekiya Beach

The most popular beach in the area, Sekiya Beach is one of the hottest spots in the city during the summer. The waves are calm, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling with children. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, or you could just rent an umbrella, relax, and watch the sun set into the sea.

Sekiyahama Beach Resort

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Sekiya

0252237054

[Opening period (Mid-July.-M…

View All

Go here

Media Ship 20F Night View

In between Niigata Station and the Bandai Bashi Bridge, the Media Ship Skyscraper is a cheap option if you’re looking for something to do. The 20th floor of this building serves as a free observatory with a 360-degree view of the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Sado Island. The building is home to a newspaper company and TV studio, so there may be other events happening on the day you visit, but the real prize is a night view of the city.

Niigata Nippo Media Ship

Niigata Niigata-shi Chuo-ku Bandai 3-chome 1-1

0253857500

View All