Recommended for sightseeing in Niigata! Introducing a model course in Niigata City to enjoy the scenery, culture, and gourmet food!

Niigata
Sightseeing

2025/04/03

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Let's visit Minato-machi Niigata City!

Niigata City is the only ordinance-designated city on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu and is located at the mouth of the Shinano River, the largest river in Japan. In the past, many Kitamae-boats used to come and go on the Sea of Japan, and Niigata City, where the port was located, was very lively as "Minato-machi" (port city). In this article, we will introduce sightseeing spots and recommended gourmet foods in Niigata, where you can feel the atmosphere of "Minato-machi Niigata". We have also prepared a model course in Niigata City recommended by JR East Travel Service Center which starts from Niigata Station and uses a sightseeing circular bus, etc. Please use it to plan your trip.

Bandai Bridge, a symbol of Niigata City and a nationally designated important cultural property

The Bandai Bridge, a symbol of Niigata City, is located about a 15-minute walk from Niigata Station.
The Bandai Bridge spans the Shinano River, the largest river in Japan, and is characterized by its sturdy stone construction and beautiful continuous arches. It is the second bridge over a national highway to be designated an Important Cultural Property, following the Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo.
A wide sidewalk is provided, allowing visitors to cross the bridge on foot. Why not take a leisurely stroll while viewing the Shinano River on a fine day?

Image courtesy of ©Niigata Convention & Visitors Association

Bandai Area Course

Taste Niigata's soul food!

Bandai City, a 10-minute walk from Niigata Station and close to Bandai Bridge, is an area where many large commercial facilities such as Isetan and Labura Bandai, as well as many restaurants, are located. On the first floor of the Bandai City Bus Center Building, you can taste "Bus Center Curry," known as Niigata's soul food, and "Mikazuki Italian.
The Bus Center Curry is served in the standing style "Bandai Soba" and looks like a traditional yellow curry, but when you eat it, you will find that the spices are very effective. The Italian dish is a fried noodle dish with thick homemade noodles, cabbage, and bean sprouts stir-fried in a special sauce and topped with a special tomato sauce. We hope you will try it.

Bandai Soba Bus Center Curry Image courtesy of Bandai City Shopping Street Promotion Association

Mikazuki Italian Image courtesy of Bandai City Shopping Street Promotion Association

Toki Messe's Befco Bakake Observation Room, offering a panoramic view of Niigata

Toki Messe Befco Bakake Observation Deck, located about 6 minutes by bus from Bandai City, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Niigata, the Sea of Japan, ferries entering and leaving Niigata Port, and the Shinano River, as well as the Sado Island and Gotou mountain ranges on fine days. The observation deck also has a restaurant lounge where you can enjoy a meal or shop for Niigata's famous sweets and crafts.

For more information about "Toki Messe Befco Bakake Observation Deck", visit

Minato no Marche Pier Bandai, one of the largest seasonal fresh food markets on the Sea of Japan coast

About a 10-minute walk from the Befco Ba-ka-ke Observation deck is Minato no Marche Pier Bandai, one of the largest seasonal fresh fish markets on the Sea of Japan coast. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Befco Bakakake observation deck. Seafood from the Sea of Japan landed at Niigata Port, agricultural products grown by Niigata Prefecture producers, "Echino Koganebuta" pork, and "Murakami Beef", Niigata's representative Japanese black beef, are also available. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of gourmet foods such as kaisen-don (rice bowl with fresh seafood) and conveyor-belt sushi, which are loved not only by tourists but also by locals and attract a large number of visitors.

Image courtesy of Bandai Nigiwai Souzou Co.

For more information about "Minato no Marche Pier Bandai", visit

Furumachi Area Course

Hakusan Shrine, the main Shinto shrine in Niigata

The "Niigata Souzenshuu Hakusan Shrine" is located approximately 13 minutes by sightseeing bus from Niigata Station. The shrine is located approximately 13 minutes from Niigata Station on a sightseeing bus. In the days when Kitamae-bune ships came and went, ship owners would dedicate ema (votive picture tablet) to pray for safe voyages and prosperous business, and Hakusan Shrine has continued to watch over the prosperity of the minato-machi and the safety of the sea. Hakusan Shrine is also known for its power to "tie" people together, and is blessed with such benefits as "domestic safety" for family ties, "success in entrance examinations" for connections with the school of one's choice, and "increased financial fortune" and "good luck" for a good relationship with money.

For more information about "Hakusan Shrine", visit

Former Saito family's villa, a national place of scenic beauty

The former Saito family villa, a national scenic beauty spot, is a spacious villa with a total site area of 1,300 tsubo (approximately 1,300 m2) built by Kijuro Saito IV, a wealthy merchant and one of the three major conglomerates in Niigata.
The building, based on the sukiya-style architecture, is said to be a masterpiece of modern Japanese-style architecture that makes full use of the skills of excellent craftsmen.
The garden is a "garden-house-integrated" space where the building and the garden are beautifully integrated. The garden is a circular garden that takes advantage of the topography of the sand dunes, with water streams and waterfalls on the different slopes to create a valley atmosphere. Each room offers a view of the beautiful garden, which is decorated with the changing nature of the four seasons.

Image courtesy of Former Saito Family Residence

For more information about "Former Saito Family Residence", visit

For sightseeing in Niigata City, we recommend taking the Niigata City Sightseeing Circulation Bus or a local bus!

The Niigata City Sightseeing Circulation Bus offers an efficient tour of the aquarium, museum, and other facilities in the center of the city.

Niigata City Sightseeing Circulation Bus
Get off at: Niigata Station Bus Terminal Line 18
Fare: 1 ride Adults 260 yen Children 130 yen
1-day pass Adults 500 yen Children 250 yen
(Adults = junior high school students and older, children = elementary school students, infants = 1 year and older, infants = under 1 year)
*If you are accompanied by an infant, one child rides free and the second child requires a child fare (1-day pass). The second child must have a child fare (1-day ticket).
When an infant rides alone, a child fare (1-day ticket) is required.
Infants ride free of charge.

For more information about "Niigata City Tourist Loop Bus", visit

For more information about "Niigata Kotsu Route Bus", click here.

Please visit Niigata for its scenery, culture, and cuisine!

How was it? The places introduced here are popular sightseeing spots in Niigata City. You can visit one or even two places on your trip or during your spare time, and enjoy not only rice and sake! Why not try Niigata's soul food and feel the culture of "Minato-machi Niigata"?
JR East Travel Service Center Niigata has pamphlets on major sightseeing spots in Niigata City and other parts of Niigata Prefecture, so please feel free to stop by when you come to Niigata! We look forward to seeing you.

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package View JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation "Niigata Area" reservations, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]

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