Map of Niigata, Japan

🎌 What to do in Niigata

Discover the charm of Niigata through a range of unique and unforgettable activities. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

• Best Budget Activity in Niigata:

  Sado Gold Mine: Explore the history of gold mining on Sado Island with guided tours and hands-on experiences, perfect for budget travelers.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Niigata:

  Yahiko Shrine: Visit this beautiful Shinto shrine nestled in the mountains and soak in the tranquil atmosphere while learning about Japanese culture.

• Best Luxury Activity in Niigata:

  Echigo Tsumari Art Field: Immerse yourself in contemporary art installations spread across the picturesque Echigo Tsumari region, offering a truly luxurious and artistic experience.

🍽️ Where to eat in Niigata

Niigata, known for its delicious seafood, rice, and sake, offers a culinary experience like no other. Don't miss trying out the city's famous koshihikari rice, sasa-dango dumplings, and fresh seafood delights.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Niigata:

  Izumiya•$ - $$:

  Cuisine specialty: Authentic Japanese Ramen

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Niigata:

  Ebisuya•$$ - $$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Local Niigata Sushi

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Niigata:

  Nouvelle Cuisine Auberge à Porta•$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: French-Japanese Fusion Fine Dining

• Best Budget Bar in Niigata:

  Uomiya•$ - $$:

  Sake and Izakaya-style dishes

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Niigata:

  Bar High Five•$$ - $$$:

  Craft Cocktails and Whiskey Selection

• Best Luxury Bar in Niigata:

  Piture-Piture•$$$$:

  Premium Wine and Tapas Selection

🏯 What to see in Niigata

Prepare to be enchanted by the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Niigata with its impressive array of must-visit landmarks. From historic sites to scenic vistas, Niigata offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore.

• Yahiko Shrine:

  A beautiful Shinto shrine nestled in the mountains, offering a serene retreat and a glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions.

• Sado Island:

  Explore the rustic beauty of Sado Island, known for its gold mines, traditional villages, and stunning coastal landscapes.

• Northern Culture Museum (Nihonkai-Kasen National Par:

  Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Niigata at this open-air museum showcasing historical architecture and artifacts.

• Pia Bandai Market:

  Delight in the bustling atmosphere of this vibrant market, offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food.

• Myoko Kogen:

  Embark on an outdoor adventure at Myoko Kogen, a popular ski resort destination surrounded by stunning mountains and natural hot springs, perfect for all seasons.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Niigata

Indulge in a shopping spree in Niigata's diverse retail scene, offering everything from local crafts to trendy fashion finds. Explore the city's shopping districts and markets to discover unique treasures and memorable souvenirs.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Niigata:

  Niigata Furusato Village: This marketplace features a variety of stalls selling affordable local goods, snacks, and handicrafts, making it a perfect spot for budget-friendly shopping.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Niigata:

  Bandai City Shopping Mall: With a mix of popular stores and specialty boutiques, Bandai City offers a mid-range shopping experience with a diverse selection of fashion, accessories, and electronics.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Niigata:

  Isetan Niigata: For upscale shopping, head to Isetan department store, where you'll find luxury brands, designer fashion, and high-end cosmetics for a premium shopping experience.

🚃 Getting Around Niigata

• Public Transport

  Niigata offers a convenient and efficient public transportation system which includes buses, trains, and a metro system. Buses are a popular mode of transport in the city, with a well-connected network covering various routes. The price for bus rides typically ranges from 200-300 JPY, and schedules are frequent throughout the day. Trains are also a reliable option, with the Niigata Station serving as a major hub connecting different parts of the city. The metro system in Niigata is limited but provides access to key locations within the city at affordable rates.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Niigata is served by the Niigata Station, which is a major transportation hub for trains and buses within the city. The station is well-equipped with facilities such as ticket counters, information desks, and shopping outlets. For air travel, the closest airport to Niigata is the Niigata Airport, located approximately 6 miles away from the city center.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors to Niigata can opt for car rental services from providers like Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental. Prices for car rentals start from around 5,000 JPY per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: Enjoy exploring Niigata on two wheels by renting bicycles from outlets such as Cycle Base Asahiya and Cycle Shop Pedal. Bicycle rental rates start from as low as 500 JPY per day.