Niigata Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Traveling to Niigata
Niigata is a peaceful city on Japan’s west coast, known for its fresh seafood, high-quality rice, traditional culture, and beautiful river and sea views. It’s a great destination for a relaxing day filled with good food, local charm, and quiet streets. Whether you're coming from Tokyo or nearby regions, Niigata is easy to reach and fun to explore in one day.
Let’s get started!
Take a Train to Niigata Station
The best way to reach Niigata from Tokyo or other major cities is by bullet train (Shinkansen).
From Tokyo:
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station
Travel Time: About 2 hours
Covered by the JR Pass
From Other Cities:
From Nagano: About 2.5–3 hours by train (via Echigo-Yuzawa transfer)
From Kanazawa: About 3.5–4 hours (via Toyama or Nagaoka transfer)
Traveler’s Tip: Reserve a seat in advance, especially during weekends or holidays.
Arrive at Niigata Station and Drop Off Your Luggage
Once you arrive at Niigata Station, drop off your bags so you can walk freely.
Luggage Options:
Coin lockers in the station (small and large sizes)
Luggage service counters inside the station
Your hotel or ryokan, if nearby and check-in is available
Eat Lunch Near Niigata Station
Before sightseeing, enjoy a good lunch near the station.
Japanese:
Uonuma Kamakura – Enjoy about 100 kinds of local sake, seasonal vegetables from Uonuma, and freshly-sourced seafood
Negibouzu – Elaborate set menus with raw & grilled fish
Kaisen Donya Uozu – Known for seafood rice bowls (kaisendon)
Vegan / Vegetarian-Friendly:
Vegetable Café Mame no Ki – Vegan meals using local ingredients
Café Bar Tubu Tubu – Vegan Japanese fusion dishes, desserts, and smoothies
Komeda’s Coffee (inside station area) – Has light vegetarian breakfast and sandwich sets
Visit Niigata City Pier Bandai Area
This area is just a 15-minute walk or short bus ride from Niigata Station. It’s a lively riverside spot with markets, shops, and great food.
What to Do:
✔ Visit Bandai Market for local snacks and seafood
✔ Try a rice ball made with Niigata-grown rice
✔ Shop for local sake, sweets, and crafts
✔ Walk along the Shinano River, Japan’s longest river
Visit the Northern Culture Museum
Take a bus or taxi from the station (about 30 minutes) to this beautiful old estate turned museum. It’s one of Niigata’s top attractions.
Address: 2-15-25 Somon-cho, Niigata
Entry: Around 800 JPY
What to See:
✔ Traditional Japanese gardens
✔ Art, antiques, and historic rooms
✔ Peaceful atmosphere away from the city
✔ Seasonal events and tea rooms
Stop for Tea or Coffee Nearby
After walking through the museum, enjoy a relaxing tea break at a nearby café.
Recommended Cafés:
Kura Cafe (inside museum grounds) – Enjoy tea with a garden view
Jiyu Kobo – Charming café known for its relaxing atmosphere and sweets
Starbucks (Niigata Station) – A good fallback with comfortable seating
Explore Furumachi Old Town Area
Take a bus or taxi back toward the city and explore Furumachi, Niigata’s historic shopping and geisha district.
What to Do:
✔ Stroll down quiet streets lined with traditional buildings
✔ Visit small boutiques, kimono shops, and gift stores
✔ Look for signs of Niigata geisha culture — still active in this area
✔ Stop at Honcho Market for local produce and snacks
Visit the Befco Bakauke Observation Deck
End your sightseeing with a view!
Location: Toki Messe Building
Entry: Free
Views: Sea of Japan, Sado Island (on clear days), city skyline
Have Dinner in Niigata
Niigata is famous for rice, sake, and seafood, but there are plenty of options for every taste.
Dinner Recommendations:
1. Benkei
Elegant kaiseki meals and fresh local fish
Reservations suggested
2. Yakiniku Masaya
Japanese BBQ with meat and veggie options
Casual and fun for groups
3. Izakaya Chojabaru
Local pub with small plates and Niigata sake
Good for tasting many local flavors
4. Suzuvel (Vegan/Vegetarian)
100% plant-based menu with rice bowls, curries, and desserts
Located near central Niigata
Return to Your Hotel or Head Back to the Station
If you’re staying overnight, head back to your hotel for a peaceful evening. If you’re returning to Tokyo, make sure to catch your Shinkansen before the last departure (usually around 8:00–9:00 PM).
