The city of Niigata is a famous port city that sits looking out across the majestic Sea of Japan. Easily visited from Tokyo thanks to links with the high speed train, the Shinkansen, Niigata is known for its rice production. As a result, sake is also produced in the city, and many visitors who come here make sure to try this famous tipple when they are in town.
Niigata is also known for being a great place to come throughout the year, and has distinct seasons that each herald different dramatic features such as cherry blossom, autumnal shows, and firework displays during the summer months. In the winter time, the areas outside of Niigata offer some great skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Here are some of the top sights to see when you are in Niigata.
1. Niigata City History Museum
Niigata was founded in the 16th century when it was set up as one of the main ports in Japan, and for years it had strong trading routes with the United States. If you want to learn more about the history here then make sure you head to the Niigata City History Museum where you will find a wealth of galleries that will tell the story of the city from the past until the present day. Rotating exhibits also feature here and offer a fascinating glimpse into how this city got its start.
2. Hakusan Park
Hakusan Park is one of the main parks in the city of Niigata and was built after the Niigata earthquake in 1964. The park is the place to come if you are here in the spring time as it becomes a riot of color when the Sakura or cherry blossom, blooms and visitors flock here to take in this gorgeous natural phenomenon. The park is also the site of the Hakusan Shrine, so make sure not to miss the chance to come here on a trip to Niigata.
3. Toki Messe Observation Deck
For a bird’s eye view of the city, visitors should make sure not to miss a trip to the Toki Messe Observation Deck. The building in itself is not particularly noteworthy, as it houses a convention center, but the deck on the top floor is well worth a visit as it gives you panoramic vistas over the whole of Niigata. The best thing about this attraction is that aside from the spectacular views, it is also free to enter the observation deck.
4. Shinano River Cruise
Niigata is a city on the water, so with that in mind it would be a shame to come here and not check out the views from a different perspective. The waterbus here is a great way to get around the city and there are cruises that run around these waterways daily and cruise at a leisurely pace along the serene Shinano River. The waterbuses have open decks at the top, so if you want to take in the full majesty of the river then you can sit back and take it all in from here.
5. Tsukioka Carillon Park
Tsukioka Carillon Park sits conveniently next to the Tsukioka Hot Springs, meaning that you can do two activities at the same time here. The signature area of the park is the Carillon Tower which plays music on the hour, and there is also a Culture Hall that exhibits works of art by local artists. Once you have enjoyed walking around the park and taking in the sights, then you can move on to the onsen, or hot springs, where you can soak away any aches and pains in this tranquil setting.
6. Ponshu-kan Sake Corner
Niigata is famous as a rice producing area of Japan, so it stands to reason that sake, or Japanese rice wine, is also famous here. If you want to get to know more about the sake in Niigata, then head to the Ponshu-kan sake corner where they have over 100 different blends of sake. For a fee, you can try five different kinds of sake and then choose a bottle of your favorite to take home with you as a memento of your trip.
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7. Niigata Manga Animation Museum
For anyone who has an interest in anime, the Manga Animation Museum is not to be missed when you are in Niigata, and offers a quirky look at the animation process. You will get to know everything about how anime is made, and there is also a game center on the same site, as well as fun and colorful collections of anime figurines.
8. Nagaoka Festival
Many visitors to Niigata won’t realize that it is actually famous for its opulent firework displays that take place in August every year. From the 1st to the 3rd of August over 20,000 fireworks are launched over the Shinano River, so if you can time your visit to coincide with this amazing spectacle then you won’t be disappointed.
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