Walk around a Hot Spring District and a City of Water

Fukushimagata Lagoon, situated in the eastern part of Niigata City, is a picturesque lake and marsh covering approximately 260 hectares. It stands as the largest lake referred to as a "lagoon" in Niigata Prefecture. The lake's serene surface mirrors the majestic Gozu mountain range, creating a harmonious tapestry with birds, flowers, and people, preserving the original seasonal beauty of Niigata.
This natural haven has earned recognition as one of the "100 Best Natural Views in Japan" and "100 Best Scenic Spots in Niigata." Fukushima Lagoon stands as one of Japan's most biodiverse areas, hosting a plethora of precious plants and animals, including the bean goose and the "onibasu" water lily.
Fukushimagata Lagoon unfolds as a treasure trove of nature, with over 220 species of wild birds and more than 450 species of plants identified. It serves as the northern limit of the native habitat for onibasu, a "herabuna" Japanese crucian carp fishing spot, and a wildlife sanctuary. During winter, it transforms into Japan's premier bird paradise, welcoming the bean goose, a protected species, along with swans, as part of their migratory journey.
From early April to early May, the lagoon is adorned with vibrant fields of rape blossoms.
Nestled on the lakeside is "View Fukushimagata," a facility offering insights into the nature and culture of Fukushimagata Lagoon. From its 29-meter-high rooftop, visitors can savor a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Echigo Plain. Inside the facility, exhibits on the flora, fauna, and history of Fukushimagata Lagoon await, complemented by live video footage capturing the lagoon's interior.

●Swan Species: tundra swans and whooper swans
●Maximum Swan Count: Approx. 8,000
●Feeding: Not allowed
●Area: Approx. 260 hectares

Address
新潟県新潟市北区前新田乙493

Telephone Number
025-387-1491
The Water Station "View Fukushimagata"

Opening Times
●Rape Blossoms: Early April to early May
●Onibasu: Early July to mid-September

Water Station "View Fukushima Lagoon"
●Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (admission until 30 minutes before closing)
●Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), New Year's holidays: December 28 - January 4

New Year's Special Openings:
●January 1 / 6:30 am - 12:30 pm (admission until 12:00)

The Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate is a private museum in the suburbs of Niigata City, the first of its kind in post-war Japan, which preserves the former residence of the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords.

Spanning 3 hectares and taking 8 years to build, the site captivates visitors with its main house, great hall, tea ceremony room, storehouse, and other structures, along with its pond garden and museum of treasures collected by the Ito family.

Within the courtyard stands a 150-year-old giant wisteria tree, boasting a trunk circumference of over 1.6 meters. Its many sprawling branches blossom with purple flowers emitting a sweet fragrance between late April to early May, illuminated at night during peak bloom.

The garden also becomes a spectacle in November, adorned with autumn leaves reminiscent of a colorful mountain. This vibrant tapestry is visible from the 100-mat tatami hall, and the interplay between the red and yellow maple trees and green pines creates a breathtaking contrast. The garden is also illuminated at night when the foliage is at its best, adding a sense of depth.

There’s also a souvenir shop, café, restaurant (reservations required), and accommodation (reservations required). Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Niigata. While most famous for wisteria and autumn leaves, the garden presents year-round charm with cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, snow in winter, and other seasonal expressions.

Address
新潟県新潟市江南区沢海2-15-25

Telephone Number
025-385-2001
Northern Culture Museum

Opening Times
●Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April-November), 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (December-March).
●Closed: None

The Bandai Bridge is a solid stone arch bridge crossing over the Shinano River. Decorations within the granite give the bridge a majestic appearance.

The current bridge is the third incarnation that was reconstructed in 1929 for the city’s modernisation. The Bandai Bridge was designated an Important Cultural Property in July 2004. Following Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Bridge, this was the second bridge on the national highway designated as an Important Cultural Property. The bridge is 306.9 metres long and 22 metres wide and survived the 1964 Niigata Earthquake. It provides an important transportation link for the local citizens.

The bridge has a broad pedestrian walkway and is best viewed from the promenades along the Shinano River. Take a stroll along one of the promenades or board the waterbus to really enjoy the view of this grand bridge!

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区万代2