Nishikan Ward Tourism Information
Niigata City is at roughly the same latitude as San Francisco,
Tianjin, and Lisbon. It is located about 250 kilometers from
Tokyo and can be reached in about two hours by Shinkansen.
Because one of Japan's first international trading ports opened
here in 1858, the city has long prospered as an entryway from
overseas and developed while taking in diverse cultures. It is
also known as one of Japan's leading large agricultural cities,
and boasts the largest area of paddy fields and rice production
in all the municipalities of Japan.
Located in the southwest part of Niigata City, Nishikan Ward is
a large agricultural district with the largest farmland area in
the city. Fresh marine products are unloaded at Nishikan Ward's
fishing harbor, which is brimming with delicious foods such as
rice, sake, fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
In addition, Iwamuro Onsen, which has over 300 years of history,
is known as the birthplace of the Furumachi Geigi (geisha) in
the Furumachi district of Niigata that is one of Japan's top
geisha districts. This spirit of hospitality serves as a high
quality source for providing soothing luxury to visitors.
Nishikan Ward is also popular for nature-based tourism. One
fifth of Nishikan Ward's area has been designated as a
semi-national park, and continues to attract many tourists as
one of the few remaining precious areas to see the good old days
of Japan, including the coastline, satoyama areas colored with
seasonal flowers, and sprawling rural landscapes.
Sightseeing Information in and around Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
Iwamuro and Tanoura Hot SpringsLodging
The Iwamuro hot spring town has a history of 300 years and in 1963, it was designated as a national hot spring health resort, a testament to its quality. Tanoura hot spring overlooks the Sea of Japan, and on a clear day see Sado Island and the sun setting into the sea.
Additional information
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Address
96-1 Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City (Iwamuro Hot Springs Tourism Association)
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Directions
10 minutes by car from JR Iwamuro Station
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TEL
0256-82-5715 (Iwamuro Hot Springs Tourism Association)
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Hours
9:00-19:00
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Closed
1st Wednesday (except for January and December) and 3rd Wednesday every month
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URL
Maki: Rich with Traditional Japanese CuisineFoods and History
The Maki area prospered as the capital of the Nishikan region and as such has numerous long-standing traditional Japanese restaurants. Visit and enjoy the tastes they have carefully curated.
Additional information
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Address
2690-1 Makiko, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture (Maki Tourism Association)
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Directions
6 minutes walk from JR Maki Station
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TEL
0256-72-8736 (Maki Tourism Association)
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Hours
9:00-16:00 (Maki Tourism Association)
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Closed
Saturday, Sunday and holidays
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URL
Sake Brewery Tours (Takarayama Brewery) Foods and Culture
Founded in 1885, this long-standing brewery offers tours lead by the proprietress herself to explain how sake is made. After the tour, enjoy samples of some of their fresh sake.
Additional information
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Address
1380 Ishize, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
10 minutes by car from JR Iwamuro Station
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TEL
0256-82-2003
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Hours
9:00-18:30 (Last tour at 16:00)
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Closed
Closed irregularly
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URL
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Other information
Tours by reservation only
Sake Brewery Tours (Sasaiwai Brewery) Foods and Culture
This long-standing brewery was founded in 1899, and offers guided tours explaining how sake is made and its history for just 550 yen per person. After the tour, enjoy samples of their sake and take home a special "hirasakazuki" sake cup.
Additional information
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Address
3249 Matsunoo, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
15 minutes by car from JR Maki Station
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TEL
0256-72-3982
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Hours
9:00-17:00 (13:30-17:00 during brewing season)
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Closed
Closed irregularly
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URL
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Other information
Winery Tour (Cave D'occi)Foods and Culture
Located in the center of a sprawling vineyard, guests can see how and where wine is made and enjoy a luxuriously relaxing time with wine, food, and a spa.
Additional information
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Address
1661 Kakudahama, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
18 minutes by car from JR Maki Station
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TEL
0256-77-5460
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Hours
Varies by building
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Closed
Open everyday
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URL
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Other information
Experience the Foods of NishikanFoods and Leisure
Taste three kinds of rice (Koshihikari, Shinnosuke, Koshiibuki), try your hand at making Nishikan Ward's specialty called "karashi-maki", and compare three different sakes from Nishikan Ward.
Additional information
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Address
96-1 Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City (Iwamuro Hot Springs Tourism Association)
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Directions
10 minutes by car from JR Iwamuro Station
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TEL
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Hours
Experience times from 11:00 and 14:00
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Closed
1st and 3rd Wednesday every month and the New Year's Holidays
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URL
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Other information
Call the Iwamuro Hot Springs Tourism Association at least 3 days in advance
FootbathLeisure
Relax at the free footbath inside Iwamuroya that has the natural aroma of the Iwamuro hot spring.
Additional information
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Address
96-1 Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City (Iwamuroya)
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Directions
10 minutes by car from JR Iwamuro Station
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TEL
0256-82-1066
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Hours
9:00-18:30
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Closed
1st Wednesday (except for January and December) and 3rd Wednesday every month
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URL
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Other information
Climbing Mt. KakudaLeisure
Mt. Kakuda is a part of the Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park and is habitat for most of the plants native to the mountains of Niigata Prefecture. With 7 trail entrances, it is a popular hiking spot for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Additional information
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Address
2690-1 Makiko, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City (Industry and Tourism Division, Nishikan Ward Office)
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Directions
Varies by trail entrance
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TEL
0256-72-8454 (Industry and Tourism Division, Nishikan Ward Office)
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URL
https://www.city.niigata.lg.jp/nishikan/about/kankou/kakudayama/index.html
Kakudahama Beach and CampgroundLeisure
The long stretching beach, the deep-blue sea, the white lighthouse on the cliff, and the sun setting over Sado Island are sights to soothe your soul. People also flock to enjoy the campground in summer.
Additional information
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Address
1069 Maehara, Kakudahama, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City(Kakudahama Beach Tourism Association)
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Directions
15 minutes by car from JR Maki Station
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TEL
0256-77-2731
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Hours
Beach open from July-late August Campground open from May-November
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URL
Iwamuro Hot Springs Town Guided ToursLeisure and History
This area is part of the Hokkoku Highway, which was built by the shogunate during the Edo period as a secondary route to transport gold and silver from Sado Island to the capital. Stroll the area to find relics from that time with the help of a walking tour guide.
Additional information
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Address
96-1 Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City(Iwamuroya)
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Directions
10 minutes by car from JR Iwamuro Station
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TEL
0256-82-1066
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Hours
9:00-19:00
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URL
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Other information
Call Iwamuroya at least 3 days in advance
Shugetsu-ji TempleHistory
A historic temple established in 1446. The thatched roofed main building has been registered as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Popular as a fall colors viewing spot.
Additional information
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Address
3356 Ishize, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
30 minutes by car from JR Tsubamesanjo Station
The Hazagi of NatsuiHistory
The hazagi are trees that line rice paddies and were used during harvest season to make racks to hang the rice plants to dry in the sun. With over 600 trees in just this area, you can take in a traditional sight of the Japanese countryside.
Additional information
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Address
1406 Natsui, Nishikan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
20 minutes by car from JR Tsubamesanjo Station
Chuo Ward, Niigata City
Furumachi Geigi and Ryotei Restaurant Culture Foods and History
The Furumachi area once prospered as the entertainment district. Even now, you can enjoy the richly sophisticated ryotei restaurants and the expert performances of the Furumachi Geigi.
Additional information
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Address
9-1462 Furumachi-dori, Chuo Ward, Niigata City (Niigata Sangyo Kyodo Kumiai)
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TEL
025-222-2237
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Hours
10:00-16:00 (Niigata Sangyo Kyodo Kumiai)
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Closed
Sundays and holidays
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URL
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Other information
The Niigata Saito VillaHistory
This villa was built by the wealthy Saito merchant family in 1918. It also has a garden that makes full use of the sand dune terrain, and is a precious cultural asset that conveys the vestiges of Niigata's past as a prosperous port town.
Additional information
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Address
576 Nishiohata-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City
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Directions
One minute walk from the “Hoppo Bunka Hakubutsukan Niigata Bunkan-mae (Iriguchi)” stop on the “Niigata City Loop Bus” (or “Niigatashi Kanko Junkan” bus)
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TEL
81-25-210-8350
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Hours
9:30-18:00 (April-September), 9:30-17:00 (October-March)
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Closed
Mondays (closed the following day if Monday is a holiday), days following holidays (Tuesday if the holiday is Saturday or Sunday), 12/28-1/3
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URL
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Other information
Niigata Manga Animation Museum
Niigata City is a hub for manga and anime. At the Niigata Manga Animation Museum, you can experience the fascination of manga and anime such as through the occasional exhibitions on popular titles.
Additional information
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Address
Bandai City BP2, first floor, 2-5-7 Yachiyo, Chuo-ku, Niigata City
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Directions
4 minute walk from the ""Bandai City"" stop on the “Niigata City Loop Bus” (or “Niigatashi Kanko Junkan” bus)
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TEL
81-25-240-4311
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Hours
11:00-19:00 (10:00- on Saturday, Sunday and holidays)
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Closed
January 1 (and between exhibits)
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URL
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Other information
Minami Ward, Niigata City・Konan Ward, Niigata City
Shirone Kite MuseumHistory
Many kites from all around the world are on display here including the giant 7m x 5m large kites used in the Shirone Giant Kite Battles that have a history of over 300 years. There is a workshop where you can build your own miniature kite and actually test it to see how it flies.
Additional information
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Address
1770-1 Jogesuwanoki, Minami-ku, Niigata City
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TEL
81-25-372-0314
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Hours
9:00-17:00
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Closed
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (closed the following day if a holiday), 12/28-1/3
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URL
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Other information
Northern Culture MuseumHistory
This museum introduces rural Japanese culture and the history of the Ito family, one of Japan's biggest landowners. With gardens known for wisteria in spring and the colors in fall, this Japanese-style residence is a sight to behold.
Additional information
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Address
2-15-25 Soumi, Konan Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
20 minutes by car from JR Niitsu Station
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TEL
025-385-2001
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Hours
9:00-17:00 from April to November, 9:00-16:30 from December to March
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Closed
Open everyday
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URL
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Other information
Agri ParkLeisure
A facility that allows you to get hands on with, get close with, and learn about agriculture. Try harvesting vegetables, join a cooking class, or enjoy the restaurant, market, and lodging facilities on site.
Additional information
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Address
3044 Higashi Kasamaki Shinden, Minami Ward, Niigata City
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Directions
30 minutes by car from JR Niigata Station South entrance
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TEL
025-378-3109
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Hours
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Closed
Open everyday (varies by shop)
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URL
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Other information
Teradomari・Yahiko Village・Tsubame & Sanjo
Sakana no AmeyokoFoods
This lively fish market features many fresh marine products. It boasts abundant item offerings and a high level of freshness. You can also savor seafood cooked on the spot.
Additional information
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Address
Teradomari Shimoara-machi, Nagaoka City
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Directions
30 minutes by car from Tsubame-Sanjo Station
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TEL
81-258-75-3363 (Teradomari Tourist Association)
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Hours
8:30-17:00
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Closed
Open everyday (Some shops close irregularly during winter)
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URL
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Other information
Cash only (Some shops accept credit cards)
Yahiko ShrineHistory
Many pilgrims from throughout Japan come to visit this shrine that boasts over 2,400 years of history. In addition, splendid chrysanthemums resulting from hard work are lined up at the Chrysanthemum Festival in November.
Additional information
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Address
2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishikanbara-gun
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Directions
15 minute walk from JR Yahiko Station
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TEL
0256-94-3154 (Yahiko Tourist Association)
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Hours
9:00-17:00 (Yahiko Tourist Association)
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Closed
Open year-round
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URL
Tsubame Industrial Materials MuseumCulture
This museum explains the growth of the metalworking industry in Tsubame City. Watch the newest videos about the 400-year history of the ever-changing metal industry, and visit the workshop to become a metalworker yourself using techniques rarely seen even in Japan.
Additional information
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Address
4330-1 Omagari, Tsubame City
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Directions
5 minutes by car from JR Tsubamesanjo Station
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TEL
0256-63-7666
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Hours
9:00-16:30 (Admission until 16:00)
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Closed
Monday (Open if Monday is a holiday), the day after a holiday and the New Year's Holidays.
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URL
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Other information
Some accept credit cards
