| The Niigata City Guide Niigata Regional Guide Booklet (Prefectural Orientation 2007) by Kim Leadbeater
Municipality: Niigata Authors: Melissa Villarreal & Ian Woozley, updated by Katrina Schmidt
A Guide to living in Niigata City Niigata Friendship Center (can download the Niigata English Journal from their site)
Things to do and see: Toki Messe- The Observation Deck offers a good view of the city (and sometimes Sado Island!) on a nice sunny day. Everything looks different from 31 floors up in the air. They also have a little shop up there where you can eat decent ice cream, brownies, and other goodies.
Bandai and Furumachi- The main downtown areas, Bandai has a movie theater (T-Joy), clubs, the Rainbow Tower that nobody ever rides, shopping areas, and restaurants, and Furumachi has shopping areas, restaurants, and an observation deck on the top of Next 21.
Shinano River- The areas around the Shinano River (as well as Sekiya Canal) are all really nice and have paths along them. Many people jog on these paths everyday (even though it is not advisable when it is really windy). There is also a water shuttle service that goes from Furusato-mura to Toki Messe that is nice to ride just to view the city from the river.
Japan Sea- Since Niigata is right next to the Japan Sea, this is an expansive area along which has various scenery including nice beaches cool rocks to sit on while other people fish. Also, next to the Japan Sea, starting from around where Gokoku Shrine is located is a huge mass or woods. Greenery is not very prominent in Niigata City, so this is one of the few areas where you can chill with "green" nature.
Hakusan Park- Talking about nature, this is the other place in the city where you can surround yourself with beautiful nature. Located next to Hakusan Shrine near the City Office (and Ryutopia), this park is a Japanese style park that has teahouses that are sometimes open for tea ceremony events. If memory serves me right, this is also one of the first public parks in Japan. It's a nice place to go and chill at in the summer.
Ryutopia- A beautiful and modern music and theatre hall on the Furumachi side of the river that has all kinds of big shows and events.
Hakusan Stadium and Gym- Not far from City Hall and right next to Ryutopia is this athletics stadium and decent, if a little old, gym, often used by Niigata's school clubs. Running and fitness training usually cost a couple of hundred yen a pop. You can also get info about Niigata City's other community sports centres. Particularly recommended is Niigata Nishi Sports Centre out near the university (Niigata Daigakumae Station, 20 minutes, Echigo line, which has good, cheap and new facilities.
Big Swan- The fantastic stadium, home J1's Niigata Albirex, is a 20 minute walk from the south side of the station, or 10 minutes by bus. It's surrounded by a scenic and relaxing park, regularly frequented by Niigata residents in the summer. Games in the stadium are great fun to go and watch, and you can play on the pitches that surround the stadium too. This is where you will most likely find the Niigata ALT FC practicing or playing.
Kobari Beach- Take the train on the Echigo line out of the city and get off about 15 minutes later at Kobari and walk towards the sea. After about 15 minutes, you'll reach Kobari beach, one of the best in Niigata, with wide open sandy spaces and cafes and, in the summer, lots and lots of people. Occasional open air concerts in the summer too.
Shopping:
Shopping- Shopping can be done at a variety of places, the most prominent being the Furumachi and Bandai areas. Bandai features 5 major malls, all connected by bridges. The first one you see off the street is Love-la, which has a Uniqlo, a Mujiya, a Loft, a Gap, and Godiva Chocolate shop, an Aeon grocery store, many other clothing stores, and Tony and Guy- a hair salon with English-speaking stylists who are trained to cut and dye non-Japanese hair. Then there is ALTA, which all stores for young women, including the Victoria's Secret-wannabe Peach John. Across the bus center is an I-setan, for all your high-class needs. Next are Billboard Place (BP) and Billboard Place 2 (BP2), with many fashionable stores, including a Village Vanguard (for all your crazy trinket needs). In Furumachi, there are many main shopping areas, including Furumachi-dori, Next 21, and Rosa (underground shopping area). Dekky 401, near Kencho, is another shopping area that sells a variety of goods from clothes to home accessories. Foreign foods can be obtained in the supermarket at Dekky or in the basement of I-setan in Bandai. For those who are into organic food and/or aromatherapy/herbalogy, there is an organic food store next to Mistsukoshi called Anew. Also, on the 4th floor of Mitsukoshi is a store called Tree of Life that sells essential oils and herb teas. On the south side of the station, there is a Don Quijote, or as I like to call it "explosion of everything everywhere." If you need something cheap, you might be able to find it here, including a lot of foreign cleaning supplies, foods, and liquor. That is, if you don't get lost in it's maze-like layout. The newly built Aeon/Jusco in Kameda (Jusco Niigata-Minami Shopping Center) is 3 floor mall complex that's a good cure for that "missing-a-giant-mall" type of homesickness. They have a Kaldi, which has a great selection of imported foods from a variety of countries.
Restaurants:
There are many many restaurants in Niigata. Here is a brief list of more commonly frequented locations.
Capricoza- Located in Bandai in BP2 and in Furumachi on Furumachi-dori before crossing the street towards the Black Pig. Good Italian food, big portions, cheap prices . . . what more can you ask for?
Immigrants Cafe- Located on Ekimae-dori across from the post office, this restaurant/bar offers various ethnic food and good drink. Is often used for major parties where the whole area turns into a dance floor.
Starbucks- Yes, Starbucks exist in Niigata. We have not one, not two, but three Starbucks. One is located by the Bandai City Bus Center, one is located in the basement of Next 21, and another is located in Mitsukoshi across the street (don't ask me why they're so close together).
The Black Pig- A pub and not a restaurant per say (though they do serve food), but is regularly visited by the gaijin population in Niigata.
Ethnic Food- There exists a variety of ethnic food restaurants in Niigata including Chinese, Korean, Indian, Russian, Thai, French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Mexican. It should be noted that not all food is 100% percent authentic, but it's better than nothing!
Omiyage- Typical of the prefecture in general, favorites are sake, sasadango, kaki-no-tane, senbei, and rice.
Cultural Events: Every summer in August there is the Niigata Festival whose highlights include a dance procession and a fireworks display. There are also various food festivals in the winter, the majority taking place in Furumachi. In the summer there is the Hakusan Shrine Festival as well. No matter where you go in the city, there are little festivals that take place all throughout the summer.
Hidden Jewels:
Niigata has some of the best sunsets (and sunrises!) with the sun setting over the Japan Sea and the sun rising over the mountains that separate us from the Eastern part of Japan. Although not necessarily confined to just Niigata City, I would recommend seeing the sun set over the Japan Sea at least once during your stay in Niigata. Top
|
Municipality: Kameda Author Shiu-Yeung Hui
Things to do and see:
ASU PARK - this is the local sports centre, with a pool, gym, aerobics classes, tennis courts, and drop-in sports just as badminton and table tennis.
KAMEDA KOMINKAN (community hall) - there are many hobby classes here including traditional arts and craft, foreign languages, and also has a small library.
SUWA SHRINE - this is the main shrine in the town. There are ceremonies there even for minor festivals. It is very lively during Kameda festival in the late summer. Shopping:
On Kameda O Dori Street:
APITA - a giant department store where you can get most things you'll need.
MAX マクス - a cheap store with a small grocery section, alcohol, and house ware.
TSUTAYA - video and dvd rental
UNIQLO - clothing shop for casual and work wear. Affordable and good size selection.
BOOKOFF / HARDOFF - used books and electronics.
FUJIMI / POWERS - good cheap supermarket.
YAMADA DENKI - big electronics store.
On Honcho street: (This area is mostly older shops as it was the old main street and the festival is held there.)
KOIZUMI and BANPEI - these are two Japanese dessert shops. Banpei is famous for their frozen tiramisu daifuku (mochi). JUSCO NIIGATA-MINAMI SHOPPING CENTER- a three-story mall for all your shopping and eating needs.
Restaurants:
Some franchise places around Kameda include: McDonald's, KFC, Mr. Donuts, Mos Burger, Gusto, Bamiyan (imitation Chinese), Yumean, Sukiya (rice), Hokka Hokka Tei (bento), and Dotonbori (okonomiyaki). These places are convenient and not so expensive. For more, go to Niigata which is only 2 train stops away.
Cultural Events:
Kameda festival - held in the late summer, there is an odori on Honcho street and ceremonies in all of the shrines around town. A night market of food stalls and games is set up on the Suwa Shrine grounds.
Hidden Jewels:
Dentist: Dr. Fukai is an English speaking dentist with a clinic at the intersection on the North end of Honcho street.
Hair: "i-B" near Tsutaya has the friendliest staff. Tell them I sent you. Top
|
Municipality: Iwamuro Author: Philip Bunnell
Things to do and see:
Real mineral spa onsen - Iwamuro is famous throughout Niigata for its natural hot springs. The best and the cheapest is the public one (Dairo no yu). Yellow building, large car park by the bell tower and smells like sulfur (500Y after 6pm Mon- Fri; 800Y weekends. Towels provided- 2005). Warning: Iwamuro also has private 'spas', some of which are brothels.
Mount Yahiko - The climb to the top using the main hiking trail takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you don't fancy the effort you can take the cable car from Yahiko village or drive to the top.
Iwamuro has several Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
At the 600-year-old Iwamuro Spa Temple, behind the main public spa, the Buddhist priest is very kind- be polite BUT never ask- he might offer you tea.
Yahiko Shrine - One of Japan's largest. Best time to visit is in Spring to see the blossom or in the Autumn when the leaves turn golden brown. Mountain hiking trail starts here too.
Maze - Just 15 minutes from Iwamuro across the Yahiko range (follow the Skyline signs) is a beach, fishing village and little port. Great for sunsets and BBQs. Can get busy in the summer
Shopping:
Pumpkin Bakery - Opposite the Seven Eleven at the crossroads next to Iwamuro chugakko. Great bread and cakes.
Ice Cream parlour, Old Iwamuro Village - Yellow building beneath the mountain in old Iwamuro. Several supermarkets and plenty of convenience stores throughout old Iwamuro and Wano Iwamuro as well as along highways 116 and 55.
Restaurants:
Two restaurants in Iwamuro. Both serve traditional Japanese food and drink. Both are located in Wano, Iwamuro. They are to the east of the railway tracks. Just off Highway 55. Hotels and restaurants can be found in Old Iwamuro- beneath Mt Yahiko- plenty of choice but some are very traditional and none are cheap.
Cultural Events:
End of July- Iwamuro Harvest Festivals across the district. Traditional music, dancing and parade. Evening firework display includes a 'flaming waterfall' where participants hold fireworks above their heads and let the burning jets fall down on them. Something that has to be seen.
Early August- Iwamuro Music Festival. Wano municipal playing field. Local musicians, dancers, and singers perform a variety of traditional pieces. Food and beer sold.
Hidden Jewels:
The Cottage, Wano, Iwamuro. Niigata's only genuine country pub. Serves beer, spirits, and wine as well as Guiness (@700Y in 2005). Great food including pizza and fries. Top
|
Municipality: Ajikata/Shirone/Tsukigata Authors: Caroline Marinho & Victor Yang
Download a map of the area. (i know, i know, the map is a bit fuzzy. but if you print it out it looks a lot better! -errol)
Things to do and see: Sasagawa Tei: The Sasagawa's ruled as the area's village headman (Oo-Shooya) through 9 consecutive generations controlling 8 villages including Ajikata during the Edo period. The Sasagawa House was built about 1570 during the Tenshyo period but only become an Important Cultural Asset in March 1954 after Kyoshi Takahama, a famous Japanese poet, visited the house and wrote a poem expressing his admiration. Several modifications have been made to the site over the years but a lot of the old buildings and way of life have been preserved. It is definitely worth visiting even if your Japanese is below average (like mine). Shopping: Groceries - Jusco (most reasonable in area and biggest), Harashin (in the same vicinity as the drug store and the rental place (Tsutaya), Lion 'Dor (small but convieniently located 100yen shop on the 2nd floor). Home centre & Hardware - Komeri (most expensive), Hirasei (newest), and Musashi (cheapest). Clothes - Sanki, Shimamura, Jusco, Daiso. 100 yen shop - Daiso, 2nd floor in Lion 'Dor and Jusco (near the street entrance). Drug Stores - Drug Tops, and the other one. Omiyage - Kite Museum souvenir shop and Daiso. Video Rental - Tsutaya (Video, DVD & CD rental, and books and magazines on sale) and Video1 (only DVD & Video rental). Shinden - electronics store. Sports Shops - Otsuka sports. DAISO: This place has everything from crockery to clothes. For general household items, check the 100yen shops first, and of all of the 100yen shops to check, DAISO should be the first stop. But even though it is a 100yen shop, some things cost more than 100 yen and it doesn't have a good pen selection (according to Victor). HIRASEI: This has a good but small grocery section, but it is worth checking out because of the low prices. It also has a big home centre and pet centre (cat, dog and fish). No fresh vegetables here though. Restaurants: Gusto (Skylark) - Variety of dishes, many under \700. You can also add on a drink bar (all you can drink) for \120. Open 10am-5am. Great place to lounge and talk. Sanpou - Mainly Chinese dishes bu also have other selections. You can choose Japanese or Western style seating. Meals cost about \1000. Open 11am-11:30pm. Karisuta - Japanese food, meals are about \1000. There is a point card and you get a free lunch for every \5000 you spend. There are 5 or 6 set dinners between \900 and \1400. This set includes main course, soup, drink, and a tasty ALL YOU CAN EAT salad bar!!! This restaurant is on the 2nd floor and last orders are at 9:30 pm. Satomi - Japanese food, on average meals cost \900, and they have Western and Japanese style seating. They also have a drink bar. Kappa Zushi - Japanese food (mainly sushi, they also have a large variety of cooked 'sushi' too for those that have not acquired a taste for raw fish). Each dish is between \105 and \350. It has diner style seating and the dishes are passed around on a conveyor belt (kaiten zushi) and you just help yourself. You can also order a dish of your choice from the menu. See map for location. Sanpou Tei - This restaurant serves mainly Japanese noodles. It costs about \700 per meal and they have Western and Japanese style seating. See map for location. McDonalds - Value meals at \500-\700. In the Jusco food court- closes at 9pm. Mishulan - A mixture of American, Italian, and Japanese food) with a separate building just for ramen) meals cost about \1000, but ramen is cheaper. The owner speaks English and is a member of a band that plays live music every month. Only western style seating and its open 10am to 10pm everyday. Cultural Events: Kite Festival - This is the biggest cultural event in the area (usually held during the first weekend in June) and students start preparing for it as early as February. It goes on for about 4 or 5 days, with the biggest battles on the Saturday and Sunday. The battles go on between Ajikata village and Shirone city. People say its all nice and friendly now that both areas are part of Niigata city, but the fighting, competitive spirit is still very much alive. Definitely worth attending and participating... where else but Japan would you get akite that's the size of 24 tatami mats?
Tsukigata Festival (last week in June) - Being the smallest village in the prefecture... it's surprising there is one, but like the village it is small. The students (and parents) parade through the streets with floats singing and whistling. But the parade is only about 30 minutes from start to finish (possibly less). It`s a good place to meet your students' families and don't be surprised at what you will get roped into...selling grilled squid for example... IRASSHAIMASEI!!! Top
|
Municipality: Maki Authors: Kate Chevarley, Melissa Curran, Takeshi Watanabe
Things to do and see:
Echigo Beer - Famous for being Japan’s first micro-brewery. Located on the southern base of Kakuda yama. If you make reservations and have at least 10 people, they will send a bus to get you at Maki Station. Also have a couple of party plans to choose from.
Cave D'Occhi Winery- Beautiful location. Nice restaurant and cafe and well kept lawns and vineyards. Also boasts an ice cream shop, a gift shop (good for omiyage!), a glass museum (about 300 yen to enter) and a random German restaurant that seems to serve only sausage and beer. Located on the north side of Kakuda near Echizen beach.
Kakuda Beach- Kakuda beach is the first beach you see as you drive south from Echizen. It stands out since there’s a big parking lot and a bunch of rundown buildings that serve as restaurants (curry rice or ramen on the beach ? we just don’t get it.). But the prettiest beach in Maki is actually a bit past Kakuda beach?we’re not quite sure what its name is. It’s up in the mountains, so you need a car to get there. Just keep driving south (away from Niigata City) through the tunnels ? it’s the first parking lot you will see. The best time to go is in June, when the winter trash has been cleaned up and the hordes of nihonjin have yet to descend. June is a great time to have a barbecue or an all-night beach party here, since the beach will be virtually deserted.
Mt. Kakuda- Good to hike, especially in the fall or spring. Supposedly there are 6 or 7 trails ? but we’ve only located two. If you have two cars available (one to park near the beach and the other at the front of the mountain), it’s really cool to go up the east side then down the west. You’ll get a stunning view of the sea on the way down.
Jonnobi-kan Onsen- Not as famous as its neighbor in Iwamuro (Dairo no Yu), nor as crowded, Jonnobi has nice indoor and outdoor baths and a sauna. Try the outdoor bath in the winter when it’s snowing. Located on the southern base of Kakuda across from the brewery. There’s also some kind of firefly zoo next door.
MAKI PARK- (We don’t know the real name!) Beautiful location at the base of Kakuda. It’s a great place to go walking or running. A gravel track runs around a fairly big pond. Also perfect for hanami (drinking, picnicking and admiring cherry blossoms) in the spring.
Ban Ban- Karaoke place near Maki station. Unfortunately they don’t have an all-you-can-drink special so you might want to bring your own booze.
Shopping:
Maki is famous for persimmons, watermelon, rice, and other random produce. You can buy Maki omiyage at the bakery on the corner near the train station, and at other shops on the main street.
Supermarkets - Route 116 has a bunch of supermarkets, including Shimizu, Challenger and Uoroku stores. There’s also a Marui supermarket in Maki. Challenger is the best place to buy cheap food; it also has a big 100-yen shop on the second floor.
Homegoods stores - Again, check out 116. Athena has a good selection but it’s a bit pricy. It’s better to shop at Hirasei (look for the big bear sign) or Komeri (next to Uoroku).
La Patisserie Plaisir- Amazing and apparently ‘very famous’ bakery located across from the fire station in Maki. Look for the big French flag in the window.
Bideo 1- Good place to rent videos located on Route 116. Membership is 300 yen.
Clothing- There isn’t much in the way of clothing stores here in Maki, but a couple places are worth mentioning: Avenue ? has a men’s and women’s store on the main street near Maki Shin Ginko. A little bit pricey and kind of trendy but cute. And Skilful- is a used clothing store located near Komadori. Just look for the giant green superhero standing by the road
Restaurants:
Komadori- Famous for miso ramen. Often has a long line out the door, especially on Sunday afternoons. Also has amazingly huge gyoza. Ramen is usually about 800 yen.
Akahige-Typical Japanese food. We think the miso ramen here is just as good as Komadori’s. Dinner is usually about 800 yen.
Samurai Star- Known amongst the ladies for its very ‘kakkoii’ waiters. Somewhat trendy. You can get Japanese or European-style food here. They have an extensive drink menu and Guinness on tap. Dinner and a few drinks about 2000-2500 yen.
Kazemachi- Another somewhat trendy place near Maki station. Extensive drink menu and very good European-style food (some Japanese stuff too). Dinner and a few drinks about 2000-2500 yen.
Kaiten sushi- Your typical conveyor belt sushi joint. Located on Route 116. Cheap.
Mos Burger- Located on Route 116.
Cultural Events:
Maki's annual matsuri lasts for a weekend in June. There are all sorts of random parades, fireworks, yakuza-owned food stalls, etc.
Hidden Jewels:
Regalo Gelaterria - About as close as you can come to Italy in Japan. For those who have never tried gelato before, the consistency is something between ice cream and sorbet, but nothing beats its taste. Their flavors change daily, and range from Japanese inspired matcha (green tea), kinako (caramelly soy bean flour), to seasonal treats like sakura, pumpkin, and chestnut, to mainstays like kiwi, mixed berry, chocolate and rich milk. All gelato is made on premises and the owners have traveled extensively in Italy. There are also goats and sheep on the premises. Located at the intersection of Rt 55 and Rt 2 just west of Iwamuro Elementary School. Top
|
Municipality: Nakanokuchi Author: Joe Warrick
Things to do and see: The Board of Education office, opposite the community center, has regular exhibitions each month. There is an informative museum about the Nakanokuchi area and a section dedicated to its favorite son, Haguroyama, a former grand champion sumo wrestler 50 years ago. The community gymnasium is a favourite amongst the locals, as with the swimming pool and tennis courts which welcomes new visitors with open arms. Nakanokuchi is a small agricultural village producing rice, peaches, grapes and pears and has a few local temples for your interest. Shopping: There is no shopping whatsoever in Nakanokuchi, except the usual convenience store and petrol station. No "bright lights, big city" here. Restaurants: The Ebishiya restaurant has traditional Japanese food at reasonable prices, the Ramen is especially delicious. There are also two izakayas dishing up the usual food and cold beer. Opening hours and days vary. Top
|
Municipality: Katahigashi Author: Johanna Darilek
Things to do and see: The many rice fields that surround the area. Shopping: None. No stores for shopping. Nishikawa and Shirone are 10 mins. away for shopping of any sorts. Restaurants: No restaurants. Sorry! Cultural Events: Omatsuri Hiroba - August 15th and 16th. City Hall. Most popular activity at this festival is the mud volleyball tournament. Teams of 6 or 7 compete in three empty rice fields turned into huge mud patties for volleyball games. The usual festival events of food stands, local entertainment, and fireworks later that night are scheduled, but the mud volleyball tournament is an exciting and must-see activity since participants of all ages are standing in at least 2 feet/60 cm of mud while playing. Omatsuri Kamonegi - A weekend between November-December. City Hall. A food festival focusing on nabe and other Japanese cuisines. Since Katahigashi is a small farming community, you can guarantee that the food will be amazingly fresh and very traditional to Japan. Top
|
Municipality: Niitsu Author: Melissa Gavin
Things to do and see:
Niitsu River Walk, Niigata Botanical Gardens, Library, Niitsu Waterfall (not the real name), Art museums, Akiha Park, Cassie Spa/Onsen and there are three movie theatres in the city, as well as an aquarium, beaches, museums, and loads more. Shopping: There’s loads of shopping! Clothes, furniture, electronics, grocery stores, fruit and veggie shops, second hand stores, hardware stores, Plant 5 (super Walmart-ish: 5-10 minute drive), department stores, ‘dollar’ stores, etc.
Niitsu is close enough to the city, where there is plenty of shopping. On the way into the city, you pass through Kameda. Kameda has a very LARGE shopping district.
Niigata City (20 minute train ride) has four large shopping malls, Mitsukoshi, Dekky, Billboard Place and LoveLa (with stores like; Timberland, L.L.Bean, HMV, Tiffany’s, Body Shop, Ralph Lauren, Toni & Guy, etc.) Restaurants:
Nail : Indian Curry restaurant / EXCELLENT food / meal for under Y1000
Sanpou : Japanese / all types of food / meal for under Y1500
Mos Burger: Japanese Fast Food / cheap
Gusto: Japanese/Western food, quite good - cheap
McDonald’s, KFC, Mister Donut
Also, there are loads more little Japanese style restaurants and ramen shops all over town. There are 4-5 foreigner bars in Niigata City as well, all very close to the train station. Cultural Events:
There were three or four festivals in August. One had to do with pulling shrines, one with mochi, one with a temple near the train station and one with dancing. I’m really bad with names however, my apologies. They were all very exciting though!!
The city also has loads of festivals throughout the year. (shrines, dancing, tulips, film sake, food, etc.) There’s plenty to see and do! Top
|
Thank you to all the authors for their excellent contributions! If you would like to submit a missing guide or add updates to an existing one, please download the template HERE. -The Niigata PAs | |