The former estate of wealthy landowner Bunkichi Ito, a traditional Japanese-style manor with 65 rooms, was built over a period of eight years starting in 1882.

 

 

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　Toki Messe is a modern multi-use convention center that houses many facilities including an international exhibition hall, international conference rooms, and a hotel. The observation deck on the top floor is a new tourist spot where you can observe a 360° panoramic view of Niigata City.

 

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A museum where you can learn about the history and culture of the port town of Niigata.
Audio explanations and brochures are available in English, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.

 

 

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The Old Customs House is a special feature of the port city of Niigata that was built in 1869, and is currently preserved from its original state. It is on the grounds of the Niigata City History Museum, and has been designated a nationally important cultural property.

 

 

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An aquarium where you can see approximately 20,000 animals of 450 different species. The view is thrilling from the "marine tunnel" on the bottom of the main tank. A popular dolphin show also takes place daily. Brochures are available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Russian.

 

 

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In 1873, Hakusan Park was designated the first municipal park in Japan. Ponds, hills, and greenery are spread out amongst the Dutch-style recreational garden. Memorial plaques are also dotted about the park. Ume trees, cherry blossoms, wisteria, and lotus plants blossom throughout the seasons, allowing one to relax and enjoy a stroll without leaving the city. Hakusan Shrine, known affectionately as "Hakusan-sama", is also located within the park.

 

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The former meeting hall of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly, erected in 1883. Constructed out of wood in a mix of Japanese architecture and Western technology, the hall was designated a Nationally Important Cultural Property in 1966.

 

 

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A large facility that introduces the tourist spots and local products of Niigata. The Appeal Hall introduces the history and culture of Niigata along with the newest tourist information. In the Bazaar Hall, sample or buy local sake, seafood, and other special products.
Guide maps are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

 

 

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A reconstructed section of the mansion of a wealthy merchant named Saito from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The house is open to the public and is a site for cultural activities such as tea ceremony, ikebana, and haiku. For 300 yen you can enjoy green tea.

 

 

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A large theater with music, dance, and performance that will bring laughs, tears, and emotions.

 

 

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Fukushima Lagoon is home to the largest number of migrating Bean Geese, a nationally protected species. This natural treasure trove is home to over 220 confirmed varieties of wild bird. Video and exhibits about local flora and fauna can be viewed at the "View Fukushimagata" hall. You can experience houses with old-style thatched roofing at the exchange facility "Kataraitei". There is an English website.

 

 

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Shirone is the home to the 300 year old Giant Kite Battle. Here you will find the very unique kite museum. Starting with the giant Shirone Kites, 800 kites from around Japan and the world are on display. Anybody can feel free to experience making and flying kites within the museum.

 

 

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　A stadium that was a venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The huge white roof was built to resemble the swans that settle on the Toyano Lagoon. Capacity is 42,300 people.
The stadium is the home venue for the professional J-League Level 1 soccer team Albirex Niigata.

 

 

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In 1933 the head of the Bank of Japan's Niigata branch had this traditional Japanese wood-constructed manor constructed as his home.

 

 

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　In the Edo Period, women would pray to a famous stone dog carving here for rough weather so that ships could not enter port. Women on the left and men on the right would pray while spinning the carving.

 

 

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A race track of the Japan Racing Association that is famous for a straight 1,000m track and Japan's longest 2,223m track. The thoroughbreds running on the grass are exciting running works of art.
For 3 months every spring and summer horse racing takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. (Other times it is an off-track betting location)
English and Chinese brochures available.

 

 

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　The old manor of a powerful family built in 1826 shows the family's prestige.

 

 

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The estate of wealthy landowner Sawa has been left in a scale like few others in Japan. See the main building along with rows of pine trees re-created from house blueprints, and get to know what life was like for powerful families at the time.

 

 

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This museum contains collections of artists such as Erstacht, Bonnard, Picasso, Redon, Yayoi Kusama, and Tetsuzo Sato. The surrounding Nishiohata Park was recreated in the image of the old West Moat.

 

 

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This Niigata Prefectural Modern Art Museum introduces mostly artworks from since 1945. It is expected to be a location for international exchange about art and culture.

 

 

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A large white marble terrace covers the atrium from the 1st to the 2nd floor. This area is also used as a stage for performances, concerts, and plays. On the 2nd floor there are two exhibition rooms with 10 meter tall ceilings, and the 1st floor holds a citizens' gallery, lecture hall, and a 300 person capacity outdoor theater. The needs of all kinds of exhibits and performances can be met.

 

 

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　The home and garden of Japanese oil baron Kanichi Nakano.
A man named Nakano began work on oil rigs in 1874, and succeded in large scale oil operations 29 years later in 1903, coming to be called "Japan's Oil Baron". The home is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

 

 

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