Can visitors go inside the building?

Yes. Both floors are open to visitors. The ground floor shows the original customs inspection areas, and the upper floor contains exhibits about the building's architecture and restoration. Displays include historical documents, photographs, and artifacts from Niigata's trading history.

How do I get to the Former Niigata Customs Office from Niigata Station?

The building is located in the Shinano River Bandai area, accessible by 15-minute bus ride or 25-minute walk from Niigata Station. Parking is available nearby for drivers.

What can I see in the exhibitions?

The exhibitions display historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Niigata's maritime trade and port operations. The ground floor recreates the customs inspection workspace, showing where officials processed goods during the Meiji era.

Can I take photographs inside?

Photography policies vary at Japanese cultural properties. Visitors should check for posted signs upon entry or ask staff about photography restrictions in exhibition areas.

Niigata

Former Niigata Customs Office

4.1 (27)Historical LandmarkHistorical PlacePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 12, 2026

The Former Niigata Customs Office stands as one of Japan's oldest surviving customs buildings, constructed in 1869 during the Meiji era. This Western-style wooden structure was built immediately after Niigata became one of Japan's five treaty ports opened to international trade in 1869, marking the city's emergence as a crucial gateway for commerce between Japan and the West. The building served as an active customs house until 1966, witnessing nearly a century of Japan's modernization and international trade development.

The two-story building showcases Queen Anne style architecture, a rare example of early Meiji-period Western construction in Japan. Its distinctive features include symmetrical design, white clapboard siding, and green shuttered windows that reflect the architectural preferences of foreign advisors who influenced Japan's modernization. The building was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1969, recognizing its historical value in representing Japan's opening to the world and the architectural fusion of Japanese craftsmanship with Western design principles.

Visitors can explore the faithfully restored interior, which includes exhibition rooms displaying historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Niigata's customs operations and port history. The first floor features recreated customs inspection areas and waiting rooms, while the second floor houses displays about the building's construction and the daily life of customs officials. The building's position along the Shinano River provides scenic waterfront views that help visitors understand its strategic location for monitoring maritime trade.

The Former Niigata Customs Office is located in Niigata City's historic port district, approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Niigata Station. Visitors should take the Niigata City Loop Bus and alight at the Rekishi Hakubutsukan-mae stop. The building is within walking distance of other historic sites including the Northern Culture Museum branch and Niigata City History Museum.

Hours

Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 25-226-2575

Website

www.nchm.jp

Overview

Address

3437-8 Midorimachi, Chuo Ward, Niigata, 951-8014, Japan

Places & attractions near Former Niigata Customs Office

Iwappara Ski Resort

Niigata Science Museum

Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort

Nishikigoi Village

Places & attractions near Former Niigata Customs Office

Iwappara Ski Resort

Niigata Science Museum

Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort

Nishikigoi Village

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

This historical building conveys the atmosphere of the customs house during the opening of the port at the end of the Edo period. Its unique exterior, with its namako-style walls, tiled roof, and a bell tower-like structure in the center, is eye-catching. For a time, it was used as the Niigata City Local History Museum, the predecessor of the current history museum. It is now open to the public free of charge. The interior is a rest area, but interestingly, it still displays old farming tools and other items, perhaps a remnant of its former life as a museum.

Naka Hiro

May 15, 2026

This facility was established in conjunction with the opening of Niigata Port at the end of the Edo period. It has a long history, having been in use until 1966. Until Minato-pia was built, it was used as a local history museum, and now, as part of a larger museum, it delights history enthusiasts.

The former Niigata Customs House is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and the only remaining customs house from the time of the port's opening, making it a valuable building in Japan. It was built by local Niigata carpenters in imitation of Western architecture and is classified as a "pseudo-Western style building." Cherry trees are planted on the grounds, and the blooming season is especially recommended. Admission is free, and occasionally the "watchtower" at the top of the building is open to the public. A sightseeing loop bus stop is located right in front of the building, making it convenient when visiting other facilities as well.

March 22, 2026 This building, once 15 meters tall, was apparently the tallest in the city. It shows just how low Niigata City is in terms of elevation. The interior is used as a rest area, but no one was resting there.

This government building was built in 1869 and is the only surviving former customs office out of the Five Open Ports. It was built by local carpenters who imitated Western architecture and is known as "pseudo-Western architecture." At first glance, it appears to be a Western-style building, but what makes it unique is that much of it was built using Japanese techniques. The Five Open Ports are Niigata, Yokohama, Hakodate, Nagasaki, and Kobe, and Niigata Port was chosen because it is the largest port city on the Sea of Japan coast and was part of the Edo shogunate's territory.