Things to do in Niigata Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy of myokokogen.net / Myoko Tourist Office

Niigata Attractions

This city may be on the smaller side, but it certainly has plenty to keep you busy. From fun activities to fantastic tourist attractions, Niigata has got it all. The only hard part of your trip here? Deciding where to start!

Discover the best sights in Niigata with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {21 fun activities in Niigata fun activities in Niigata}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

Most popular activities in Niigata Prefecture

Tours & day trips

See all 19 activities
Tokyo: Oze National Park Self-Guided Hike with Overnight Bus

Tokyo: Oze National Park Self-Guided Hike with Overnight Bus

Activity duration is 22 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $136 per traveler
Tokyo: Oze National Park Self-Guided Hike with Overnight BusOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 9 activities
Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $298 per adult*
Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed GuideOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 17 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $155 per adult
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in NaganoOpens in new tab

What to do in Niigata Prefecture

Free Things to Do in Niigata

Heading to Niigata on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Museum of Medicine and Dentistry - Crammed with intriguing objects and exhibits, this gallery is a wonderland for hungry minds.

Bandai Bridge - Appreciate the design and originality of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Enkinkan - If you're thinking of exploring the history of the area through its landmarks, add this one to your travel schedule.

Hakusan Shrine - Inject some spirituality into your escape by visiting this sacred site.

Befco Bakauke Observatory Room - Be prepared for vistas that'll amaze you at this natural landscape.

Hakusan Park - Grab your rug, pack some finger food and find a shady spot to relish Mother Nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Niigata Prefecture? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Niigata Prefecture

信濃川河口と日本海と、そこを航海して佐渡へ渡る汽船。 打ち合わせがおわり、書類作りの前にしばし休憩。出張の思い出に。

Toki Messe

Learn about the events happening at Toki Messe during your trip to Niigata. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's hot springs.

Toki Messe
Naeba Ski Resort

Naeba Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Yuzawa with a visit to Naeba Ski Resort. Amble around the area's parks or visit its spas.

Naeba Ski Resort
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Madarao Mountain Resort with a visit to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. Discover the hot springs and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort

Kagura Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Yuzawa with a visit to Kagura Ski Resort. Discover the area's hot springs and mountain views.

Kagura Ski Resort
One of my favourite spots to ski in Japan. Close to Nagano with good public transport connections. Put it on your bucket list, I’ve ticked it off mine.

Akakura Onsen Ski Area

Hit the slopes in Myoko with a visit to Akakura Onsen Ski Area. Wander the parks or discover the area's mountain views.

Akakura Onsen Ski Area
Iwappara Ski Resort

Iwappara Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Yuzawa with a visit to Iwappara Ski Resort. Discover the area's hot springs and temples.

Iwappara Ski Resort

Niigata Racecourse

Catch an event at Niigata Racecourse during your trip to Niigata. Wander the forest or discover the area's hot springs.

Niigata Racecourse

Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Yuzawa with a visit to Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.

Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Minamiuonuma with a visit to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort. Take in the festivals and mountain views in the area.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Niigata Prefecture

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Chuo Ward

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Explore Furumachi-dori, Honcho-dori, and Ninjo-Yokocho Shopping Malls, or visit attractions like Niigata City History Museum and Hakusan Park. Convenient transport options include Jōetsu Shinkansen and Niigata City Loop Bus.

Chuo Ward
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Madarao Mountain Resort

4/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and ski areas in Madarao Mountain Resort. You might want to make time for a stop at Madarao Kogen Ski Resort or Tangram Ski Circus.

Madarao Mountain Resort
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Konan Ward

Though Konan Ward might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hard Off Eco Stadium Niigata and Denka Big Swan Stadium.

Konan Ward
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Maiko

While there might not be top attractions in Maiko, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Maiko Snow Resort and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.

Maiko
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Muikamachi

While Muikamachi might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Joetsu Kokusai Playland and Joetsu International Ski Area.

Muikamachi
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Higashi Ward

While there might not be top attractions in Higashi Ward, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Niigata City History Museum and Niigata City Art Museum.

Higashi Ward

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Niigata Prefecture

Niigata

Niigata

Photo by Aldo Bordoni

Nakano

Nagaoka

Nagaoka

Hakuba

Hakuba

Minakami

Minakami

Photo "Joetsu" by Saigen Jiro (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Saigen Jiro (CC0)

Joetsu

Photo by Ryota Tanimura

Wajima

Photo "Sakata" by くろふね (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by くろふね (CC BY)

Sakata

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Niigata on a sunny day?
Are there cheap things to do in Niigata?
Spend a day enjoying a Hakuba Tsugaike Wow—Sky-High Net Scrambling in Hakuba Valley and put the cash you save toward more adventures.
What can you do in Niigata for free?
Your time away in Niigata won't cost an arm and a leg with free things like these to discover:

  • Niigata University Igarashi Campus
  • Takada Park
  • Toyanogata Park
  • Mount Hakkai

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