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Niigata, Japan: A Blend of Natural Beauty and Cultural Charm
Niigata, a coastal city situated on the island of Honshu, is a hidden gem of Japan. With a population of just over 800,000, it is often overlooked by tourists, but it offers a range of experiences that make it a must-visit destination. From its stunning natural scenery to its cultural sites, Niigata has something for everyone. As a National Geographic journalist, I was fortunate to spend several weeks in this lovely city, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
The Scenery of the City
Niigata is nestled between the Sea of Japan and the mountain range, creating an ideal natural setting that has inspired many poets and artists. The city’s most notable attraction is the Shinano River, which runs through the center of Niigata, and its delta that creates a unique natural habitat for rare migratory birds. The surrounding mountains, such as Mt. Yahiko, provide scenic views and an opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area.
What I Liked Most
One of the things that I loved about Niigata is how easy it is to get around. The city is well-connected with a good transportation system, making it convenient to visit all the popular attractions. The locals are friendly and hospitable, making it easy for visitors to soak up the local culture. Additionally, Niigata is known for its unique cuisine, especially its sake production, making it a food lover’s paradise.
What I Disliked
Niigata is a great city, but the main downside is that it can be quite expensive, especially for budget travelers. The cost of living per day for an individual could vary from $100-$150. Another downside is that despite its natural beauty, the city’s industrial areas can be somewhat unappealing to some visitors.
Popular Points of Interest
1. Befco Bakauke Observatory Room – 1 Chome-1-299 Shimo-okawamae, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.5 stars (Yelp Review)
2. Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai – 1863-3, Fujihashi, Niigata – 4.3 stars (Yelp Review)
3. Yahiko Shrine – 2887 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District Niigata -4.3 stars (Yelp Review)
4. Niigata Prefecture History Museum – 188 Minatozaka, Chuo-ku, Niigata – 4.7 stars (Yelp Review)
5. Minato City Park – 1-2-43 Kami-ohara, Minato Ward, Niigata – 4.5 stars (Yelp Review)
6. Yuzawa Ski Resort – Yuzawa, Niigata – 4.5 stars (Yelp Review)
7. Sado Gold Mine – 1-3 Shimo-mikawa-machi, Sado City, Niigata – 4.5 stars (Yelp Review)
8. Niigata Furusatomura – 1 Chome-8-26 Shinko, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.4 stars (Yelp Review)
9. Niigata City Performing Arts Center – 1 Chome-1-1 Kasugamachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.4 stars (Yelp Review)
10. Niigata Peace Park – 2 Chome-59 Higashi, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.4 stars (Yelp Review)
11. Hakusan Shrine – 1-16-47 Kakizaki, Niigata – 4.4 stars (Yelp Review)
12. Toki Messe – 6 Chome-1-6 Bandai, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.3 stars (Yelp Review)
13. Niigata Science Museum – 1-1 Wakihama Kaigan-dori, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.3 stars (Yelp Review)
14. Niigata Prefectural Museum of Art – 2 Chome-１-３２ Nishibori, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.3 stars (Yelp Review)
15. Toki no Mori Niigata, Bandaijima – 1 Chome-1-25 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.2 stars (Yelp Review)
16. Former Niigata Station Building – 1 Chome-12 Sasaguchi, Chuo Ward, Niigata – 4.2 stars (Yelp Review)
17. Niigata Municipal Baseball Stadium “Hard Off Eco Stadium Niigata” – 2585-1 Koide, Minami Ward, Niigata – 4.0 stars (Yelp Review)
18. Nihonkai Sakana Koen (Sea of Japan Marine Park) – Hama-lmamachi, Tainai City, Niigata – 4.0 stars (Yelp Review)
19. Hakusan Park – 174 Hyakka-machi, Niigata – 3.9 stars (Yelp Review)
20. Tokiha Goten Garden – 614-28 Ebisumachi, Niigata – 3.9 stars (Yelp Review)
Popular Street Food
1. Ponshu Nigata Sake-no-Jibie – sake brewed rice cakes – JP¥ 324 – 7 Chome-117-1 Minato, Chuo Ward, Niigata
2. Rice croquette at Tsubame Sanjo Station – JP¥ 120 – 2 Chome Sakamoto, Sanjyo, Niigata
3. Gyoza at Gyoza no Koshian – JP¥ 480 – 1 Chome-9-28 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata
4. Nure-senbei at Niigata Furusatomura – JP¥ 350 – 1-8-26 Shinko, Chuo Ward, Niigata
5. Pia Oyako Yaki – JP¥ 400 – 1 Chome-1-1 Bandai, Chuo Ward, Niigata
6. Sasa Dango at Yuge no Sato – JP¥ 108 – 1097-7 Tonouchimachi Tonouchi, Niigata
7. Niko Benten yakisoba – JP¥ 700 – 386-7 Bentenyama, Niigata
8. Murasaki no Tama -JP¥ 255 – 1-8 Shinko, Chuo Ward, Niigata
9. Sushidakusan (rice bowl with sashimi toppings) – JP¥ 4500 – 3-2645 Shiromachi, Sanjyo, Niigata
10. Ika-somen -JP¥ 400 – 19-12 Hira tanakamachi, Nagaoka, Niigata
Hotels
1. Hotel Nikko Niigata – 2-3-1 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $102 per night, 4.6 stars (Tripadvisor Review)
2. ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata – 5-11-20 Bandai, Chuo Ward, Niigata, – Starting at $86 per night, 4.4 stars (Tripadvisor Review)
3. Dormy Inn Niigata – 1-7-14 Higashibori, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $91 per night, 4.1 stars (Tripadvisor Review)
4. JR-East Hotel Mets Niigata – 2 Chome-5-1 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $105 per night, 4.5 stars (Tripadvisor Review)
5. Toyoko Inn Niigata Furumachi – 1 Chome-1-20 Furumachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $43 per night, 4.2 stars (Tripadvisor Review)
Airbnb
1. Cozy House 1min from Station – Entire apartment – $67 per night, 4.9 stars (Airbnb Review)
2. YOON’S NO.1 Luxury 3BR Apartment 3min to Niigata Station – Entire apartment – $410 per night, 5 stars (Airbnb Review)
3. Niigata Minato-Zaka House-Rooms by the Sea – Entire apartment – $141 per night, 4.8 stars (Airbnb Review)
4. Fashionable Guest House for family and group – Entire apartment – $220 per night, 4.9 stars (Airbnb Review)
5. Hakusan House – Entire house – $291 per night, 4.9 stars (Airbnb Review)
Top 5 Cost-effective Hotels
1. Toyoko Inn Niigata Furumachi – 1 Chome-1-20 Furumachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $43 per night, 4.2 stars (Tripadvisor Review) – Clean and tidy room, located in the city center, affordable price.
2. Dormy Inn Niigata – 1-7-14 Higashibori, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $91 per night, 4.1 stars (Tripadvisor Review) – Great services and facilities, conveniently located, value for money.
3. Hotel Nikko Niigata – 2-3-1 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $102 per night, 4.6 stars (Tripadvisor Review) – Comfortable place, convenient location, good hospitality.
4. JR-East Hotel Mets Niigata – 2 Chome-5-1 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata – Starting at $105 per night, 4.5 stars (Tripadvisor Review) – Modern and tidy, well-maintained amenities, centrally located.
5. ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata – 5-11-20 Bandai, Chuo Ward, Niigata, – Starting at $86 per night, 4.4 stars (Tripadvisor Review) – Calm and serene ambiance, great amenities, and hospitable service.
Recommendations for 3 Days Trip
Day 1:
1. Niigata City Performing Arts Center
– Good for: art enthusiasts, anyone interested in theatre
– Nearby Food: Cafe Cafe – 1 Chome-34-22 Higashi-odori, Chuo Ward, Niigata
2. Niigata Prefecture History Museum
– Good for: anyone interested in history
– Nearby Food: Unagi no Iwamatsu – 1 Chome-6-1 Sasaguchi, Chuo Ward, Niigata
3. Befco Bakauke Observatory Room
– Good for: anyone who loves scenic views
– Nearby Food: Migiwatei Oishi – 10 Chome-446 Kamitokari, Chuo Ward, Niigata
4. Minato City Park
– Good for: families, anyone who likes outdoor activities
– Nearby Food: Sobadokoro Rokuan – 1 Chome-2-43 Kami-ohara, Minato Ward, Niigata
5. Niigata Science Museum
– Good for: families, anyone who likes to learn about scientific innovations
– Nearby Food: Pia Oyako Yaki – 1 Chome-1-1 Bandai, Chuo Ward, Niigata
Day 2:
1. Sado Gold Mine
– Good for: history enthusiasts
– Nearby Food: Shokudo Yasuragi – 250 Nishimikawami, Mitsuke, Niigata
2. Yahiko Shrine
– Good for: spiritual seekers, anyone who enjoys nature
– Nearby Food: Tsuruya no Oyatsu Hanbei – 1735 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata
3. Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai
– Good for: families, anyone who likes marine life
– Nearby Food: Sakanayamamoto Suisan – 2 Chome-3-2 Hanazonohommachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata
4. Niigata Furusatomura
– Good for: anyone who wants to experience Japanese culture
– Nearby Food: Nure-senbei at Niigata Furusatomura – 1-8-26 Shinko, Chuo Ward, Niigata
5. Yuzawa Ski Resort
– Good for: skiing enthusiasts
– Nearby Food: Zen – Yuzawa no Renga-Ya – 4-2, Chuo, Yuzawa – gun, Niigata
Day 3:
1. Niigata Peace Park
– Good for: anyone interested in history and peace
– Nearby Food: Matsuba – 1 Chome-15-28 Furumachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata
2. Toki no Mori Niigata, Bandaijima
– Good for: families, anyone who likes theme parks
– Nearby Food: Okno – 9-2-1001 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata
3. Former Niigata Station Building
– Good for: anyone interested in history and architecture
– Nearby Food: Sumiyoshi – 1 Chome-12-11 Sasaguchi, Chuo Ward, Niigata
4. Hakusan Shrine
– Good for: spiritual seekers, anyone who enjoys nature
– Nearby Food: Niko Benten yakisoba – 386-7 Bentenyama, Niigata
5. Niigata Prefectural Museum of Art
– Good for: anyone interested in art
– Nearby Food: Nakagoro – 1 Chome-11-8 Higashi-odori, Chuo Ward, Niigata
In conclusion, Niigata is a fantastic city that offers a range of experiences that cater to different interests. You can enjoy the stunning natural scenery, learn about Japanese culture, indulge in the unique cuisine, and explore the charming cultural and historical sites. The people are friendly, and the city’s infrastructure makes it easy for tourists to access everything the city has to offer. I would rate Niigata 9 out of 10 stars. It’s a city that everyone should add to their must-visit list.
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