00:07:15Sushi Benkei (Pier Bandai)
At Sushi Benkei’s standing tables, customers enjoy the freshest fish prepared by friendly staff. For those who prefer to sit, there’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant across the street with the same name.
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00:08:19Imayo Tsukasa Saké Brewery
With over 250 years of history, Imayo Tsukasa lies in the heart of Niigata City’s old “fermentation district,” which was home to many miso, soy sauce, and saké breweries. Notably, it is one of the few left in this district and now offers visitors the chance to experience the history and taste the sake in the brewery.
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00:09:17Northern Culture museum
Enjoy a walk through this gorgeous, vintage estate, which was previously owned by the Ito family. Feel the creaking wood under your feet; sit out on the veranda; and lose yourself in the varied colors and sounds of nature.
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00:10:21Minatopia
This historical district shows the stunning architecture of old Niigata. Inside a recreation of the 1910 City Hall, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Niigata and its people through beautifully displayed and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also dine inside another one of this district’s historical buildings or watch ferries and Jetfoils cruising into port on the banks of the Shinano River.
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00:11:17Fumiyoshi
Fumiyoshi is a rising star in Japan and abroad. This musician specializes in “hiki-shamisen” style, paying thought to the classics as well as modern compositions. Don’t miss a chance to see him perform live in Niigata.
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00:12:11Kasahara Mameten
Kasahara Mameten is a warm, welcoming shop with a variety of sweet and savory snacks, including Niigata’s traditional “kakinotane” peanut and cracker mix.
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00:13:07Genbi Shinkansen
This is the fastest moving art exhibit on the planet! Each of Genbi’s train cars features themed works by prominent artists. Also, there’s a children’s play area and café serving Tsubame coffee.
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00:17:02Northern Culture museum
Enjoy a walk through this gorgeous, vintage estate, which was previously owned by the Ito family. Feel the creaking wood under your feet; sit out on the veranda; and lose yourself in the varied colors and sounds of nature.
more details
00:22:05Aoyama Inari Shrine
Enter a different world through the historic red “torii” gates. Take off your shoes in the front room, and enjoy the festive lanterns along the shrine’s ceiling in winter.
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00:23:03Gateway to Nabejaya
This world-class restaurant is more than 170 years old and has a tranquil inner garden and beautiful Japanese architecture. Seasonal food is beautifully presented and delicious. It’s also a place where you can see the “Furumachi Geigi,” the geisha of Niigata.
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00:26:00Niigata Manga & Animation Museum
Niigata City is the hometown of many popular manga and anime artists. This museum exhibits their work and teaches visitors about their lives, as well as how their art is produced. There’s a meet-and-greet with recognizable characters, and an area to try voice acting.
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00:28:11Aoyama Inari Shrine
Enter a different world through the historic red “torii” gates. Take off your shoes in the front room, and enjoy the festive lanterns along the shrine’s ceiling in winter.
more details
00:29:15Genbi Shinkansen
This is the fastest moving art exhibit on the planet! Each of Genbi’s train cars features themed works by prominent artists. Also, there’s a children’s play area and café serving Tsubame coffee.
more details
00:31:09Minatopia
This historical district shows the stunning architecture of old Niigata. Inside a recreation of the 1910 City Hall, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Niigata and its people through beautifully displayed and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also dine inside another one of this district’s historical buildings or watch ferries and Jetfoils cruising into port on the banks of the Shinano River.
more details
00:34:13Art Mix Japan
AMJ comes to Niigata City each spring, when dozens of traditional musicians, dancers, and other performers delight audiences for a weekend.Experience the depth and breadth of Japanese culture firsthand.
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00:36:08Furumachi Geigi
The Niigata word for “geisha” is “geigi.” Furumachi is one of the most renowned districts in the country, along with Kyotoʼs Gion and Tokyoʼs Shinbashi. Here, the geigi perform a traditional dance and play a game with guests.
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00:39:18Wara Art Festival
At the end of the summer, locals from Niigata’s Nishikan district and university students from Tokyo create gigantic, rice straw sculptures of wild animals and other figures.
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00:42:19Niigata Prefectural Government Memorial Hall
The only remaining prefectural hall, this structure is an enduring reminder of Europe’s cultural and architectural influence on Japan during the past century.
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00:45:08Northern Culture museum
Enjoy a walk through this gorgeous, vintage estate, which was previously owned by the Ito family. Feel the creaking wood under your feet; sit out on the veranda; and lose yourself in the varied colors and sounds of nature.
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00:47:23Iwamuro Onsen Fujiya
Iwamuro is a must-visit hot spring town just west of Niigata City. The area's Onsen Fujiya is particularly well known for its natural spring waters and its outside bath has a breathtaking view of Mount Matsudake. It's especially gorgeous at sunset or lit up at night.
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00:51:07Yusuke Tamura (Bandai Daiko Karyu)
The leader of Bandai Daiko Karyu, a talented and energetic local drum group, gives taiko lessons.
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00:53:00Sasaiwai Saké Brewery Co.,Ltd.
Due to its popularity, 90 percent of Sasaiwai’s saké is consumed locally. The long-celebrated brewery is known for promoting saké culture through its informative tours, tastings, and social events.
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00:57:00Suda Kanagu Seisakusho
Mr. Suda, a renowned artist in the southern district of Niigata City, creates hand-pressed plates and ornaments for Buddhist altars. He works from a small shop and occasionally invites visitors to come learn about his craft and culture.
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00:59:06Funaoka Mokucho Seisakusho
Mr. Funaoka, an experienced carver, honored us with an invitation to his home. While his motions seem untamed, his skills are measured and precise. Notice the dozens of chisels on his work desk and the elaborate dragon carving on the wall.
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01:02:07Aotogama Pottery
This artisan pottery shop in Nuttari sells a variety of handmade bowls, dishes, saké flasks, and cups. It even allows visitors to make their own ceramics, which they can bake in a kiln and arrange for local shipping.
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01:04:11Kasai Butsudan Kougei
This modern company creates handcrafted Buddhist altars of all sizes for homes, as well as “mikoshi” (portable shrines) for local festivals. Observe how artists brush golden flakes onto carved wood.
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01:06:00Art Mix Japan
AMJ comes to Niigata City each spring, when dozens of traditional musicians, dancers, and other performers delight audiences for a weekend.Experience the depth and breadth of Japanese culture firsthand.
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01:09:08Calligrapher Makoto Matsumura
Makoto was inspired by Mitsuru Yamada, a famous artist and persona in Niigata. He started studying under Mitsuru and began shodo (Japanese calligraphy) as a way to better express himself and connect with his community. When asked why he does what he does, he'll tell you, "being in a wheelchair gives me the opportunity to do something that no one else can." He is active in his community, creating calligraphy for visitors every weekend at Niigata Nippo Media Ship.
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01:11:02Yusuke Tamura (Bandai Daiko Karyu)
The leader of Bandai Daiko Karyu, a talented and energetic local drum group, gives taiko lessons.
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01:13:08Farm in southern Niigata City
Southern Niigata’s Minami Farm reflects the area’s deep agricultural roots. These fresh flowers are farm-to-table, a common feature of the region’s delicacies.
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01:14:22Goro Furumachi
This cozy izakaya serves delicious, authentic foods from Niigata. They specialize in seafood dishes prepared with fare straight from the Sea of Japan and farm-to-table vegetables. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
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01:18:06The Baroque
The Baroque is a welcoming café on the pier, renowned for its artistic baristas who turn delicious drinks into works of art.
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01:20:22Cave d’Occi Winery
Cave d’Occi, just south of Niigata City, grows and produces local wine. It also has a lovely restaurant and on-site spa.
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01:24:08Sasaiwai Saké Brewery Co.,Ltd.
Due to its popularity, 90 percent of Sasaiwai’s saké is consumed locally. The long-celebrated brewery is known for promoting saké culture through its informative tours, tastings, and social events.
more details
01:27:15Imayo Tsukasa
With over 250 years of history, Imayo Tsukasa lies in the heart of Niigata City’s old “fermentation district,” which was home to many miso, soy sauce, and saké breweries. Notably, it is one of the few left in this district and now offers visitors the chance to experience the history and taste the sake in the brewery.
more details
01:30:17Ponshukan Saké Tasting
Visitors to the Ponshukan tasting rooms can try saké by the cup from any brewery in Niigata. It also sells bottles of saké, artisanal foods, and select handicrafts. They are located in train stations at Niigata, Nagaoka, and Echigo-Yuzawa.
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01:35:02Kyodai Sushi
Located in Niigata’s historic Furumachi district, Kyodai’s hidden alley entrance leads to one of the best sushi bars in town. Notably, there is a traditional icebox behind the bar for the fresh fish, which uses ice rather than electricity.
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01:37:12Tsubame Sanjo Italian Bit
This Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant unites two outstanding global cuisines. All cutlery and drinkware is crafted in Tsubame-Sanjo, just south of Niigata City. Here, Murakami beef is grilled to perfection.
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01:41:22Kokajiya
In this clip, you can catch a glimpse of master chef Seinosuke at work. Kokajiya offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. The restaurant is in a 120 year old restored Japanese house.
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01:43:20Kyodai Sushi
Located in Niigata’s historic Furumachi district, Kyodai’s hidden alley entrance leads to one of the best sushi bars in town. Notably, there is a traditional icebox behind the bar for the fresh fish, which uses ice rather than electricity.
more details
01:45:19Sushi Benkei (Pier Bandai)
At Sushi Benkei’s standing tables, customers enjoy the freshest fish prepared by friendly staff. For those who prefer to sit, there’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant across the street with the same name.
more details
01:51:06Sushi Benkei (Pier Bandai)
At Sushi Benkei’s standing tables, customers enjoy the freshest fish prepared by friendly staff. For those who prefer to sit, there’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant across the street with the same name.
more details
01:52:08Kyodai Sushi
Located in Niigata’s historic Furumachi district, Kyodai’s hidden alley entrance leads to one of the best sushi bars in town. Notably, there is a traditional icebox behind the bar for the fresh fish, which uses ice rather than electricity.
more details
01:53:11Tsubame Sanjo Italian Bit
This Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant unites two outstanding global cuisines. All cutlery and drinkware is crafted in Tsubame-Sanjo, just south of Niigata City. Here, Murakami beef is grilled to perfection.
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01:56:22Tanakaya Honten Minatokoubou (Make Your Own Sasadango)
Sweet and chewy sasadango is a classic treat from Niigata. Mochi is filled with sweet red bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and boiled to perfection. Learn how to make your own!
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01:58:23Fish Market (Pier Bandai)
Niigata’s fish market has fresh local catches from the Sea of Japan. From April to November, guests can buy fish, rent a grill, and enjoy the company of friends under a canopy in the seaside air.
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02:01:06Abe Sengyoten
Abe Sengyoten sells a variety of tasty fish on skewers. This quintessential Japanese experience lies in the heart of Ninjo Yokocho, the city’s central shopping street.
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02:02:11Pier Bandai
At the estuary of the Shinano River and the Sea of Japan, Pier Bandai offers some of the freshest seafood in town. Between late April to the end of November rent a grill and cook your own, or visit one of the refurbished shipping containers which serve ramen, sushi, and other foods all year around.
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02:05:18Goro Furumachi
This cozy izakaya serves delicious, authentic foods from Niigata. They specialize in seafood dishes prepared with fare straight from the Sea of Japan and farm-to-table vegetables. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
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02:08:01Showa Horumon
This vintage grillhouse is decorated with retro signage and posters from Niigata, making you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 1960s. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind local dining experience.
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02:10:14Ponshukan Saké Tasting
Visitors to the Ponshukan tasting rooms can try saké by the cup from any brewery in Niigata. It also sells bottles of saké, artisanal foods, and select handicrafts. They are located in train stations at Niigata, Nagaoka, and Echigo-Yuzawa.
more details
02:12:10Furumachi Geigi
The Niigata word for “geisha” is “geigi.” Furumachi is one of the most renowned districts in the country, along with Kyotoʼs Gion and Tokyoʼs Shinbashi. Here, the geigi perform a traditional dance and play a game with guests.
more details
02:13:22Showa Horumon
This vintage grillhouse is decorated with retro signage and posters from Niigata, making you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 1960s. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind local dining experience.
more details
02:14:19Furumachi Geigi
The Niigata word for “geisha” is “geigi.” Furumachi is one of the most renowned districts in the country, along with Kyotoʼs Gion and Tokyoʼs Shinbashi. Here, the geigi perform a traditional dance and play a game with guests.
more details
02:15:17Showa Horumon
This vintage grillhouse is decorated with retro signage and posters from Niigata, making you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 1960s. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind local dining experience.
more details
02:17:01Guesthouse Nari
This not-to-be-missed guesthouse is charming and historic. It has a comfortable lounge for staying indoors and is conveniently located in the Nuttari area, which has many restaurants and shops.
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02:22:23Suzakaya Soba (Airport Branch)
While visiting the Niigata Airport, enjoy “hegi-soba,” buckwheat noodle bundles served on a traditional wood dish.
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02:25:04Gateway to Nabejaya
This world-class restaurant is more than 170 years old and has a tranquil inner garden and beautiful Japanese architecture. Seasonal food is beautifully presented and delicious. It’s also a place where you can see the “Furumachi Geigi,” the geisha of Niigata.
more details
02:29:16Suzakaya Soba (Airport Branch)
While visiting the Niigata Airport, enjoy “hegi-soba,” buckwheat noodle bundles served on a traditional wood dish.
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