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Niigata City

City of food, flowers, water and willows

About Niigata City
Photo: Niigata City and Shinano River – Niigata City / CC BY 2.1 JP

Things to do in Niigata City

Upcoming Niigata City Events

Niigata Sakenojin 2025

Niigata Sakenojin 2025

Mar 8th - Mar 9th

The Niigata Sakenojin has been held annually since 2004, and allows visitors to enjoy various different sake brews. The event also..

6 Free Entry
All Japan Gyoza Festival in Niigata 2025

All Japan Gyoza Festival in Niigata 2025

Mar 15th - Mar 16th

The All Japan Gyoza Festival is an event that celebrates this national foodie favorite by bringing together the best gyoza from..

¥500
Plum Blossom Season at Hakusan Park  2025

Plum Blossom Season at Hakusan Park 2025

Late Jan - Late Mar

After snowy winters, the signs of imminent spring are cherished in Niigata. One of the first signs that spring is on the way are..

Free Entry

Niigata Top 10

Where to eat in Niigata City

Niigata Ramen Battle 2025

Niigata Ramen Battle 2025

Mid May - Early Jun

The annual Ramen Wars event in Niigata City brings some of Japan's best ramen chefs to the region. For 800 yen a serving, visitors..

4
Ikinari-ya, Niigata

Ikinari-ya, Niigata

Tomoko Kamishima

Ikinari-ya is a 300 year old Japanese high-class, traditional restaurant. The restaurant opened in the mid-Edo era, when stylish..

2
Minatoya

Minatoya

Bryan Baier

A tasty, upscale feeling Japanese restaurant without the upscale price

Places to stay in Niigata City

Latest Niigata City Reports

Niigata Station

Niigata Station

Kim Bergström

Niigata Station is located in Niigata City, and has both local and shinkansen lines which operate through it. The station is the..

2
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About Niigata City

Niigata City has a long history as a port city, it is the most populated city in the prefecture, and is the largest coastal city along the Sea of Japan within the island of Honshu. The Shinano River, Japan’s longest river, also runs through the city, giving it the nickname ‘the city of water’.

The fertile land makes Niigata famous for its agriculture and it is known particularly for having some of the best rice and sake in Japan. Niigata City is located only two hours away from Tokyo by bullet train (Joetsu Shinkansen), which makes it very accessible to explore the city’s unique culture, cuisine, and nature.

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