Niigata City, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, makes for a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Just a few hours away by shinkansen, it offers visitors a blend of scenic views, historic sites, and local charm. Here’s a glimpse into my day trip, which included a visit to the Hiyoriyama Observation Platform, Donyama, Hakusan Shrine, and a stroll along the Shinano River with a view of the iconic Bandai Bridge.
On sunny days, the sea and beach will be a relaxing spot.
Enjoy the Sea at Hiyoriyama Observation Platform
The Hiyoriyama Observation Platform is a must-see gem in Niigata, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. Perched at a high elevation, it provides a perfect vantage point for photography lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to take in the breathtaking scenery. As you make your way up to the platform, the peaceful atmosphere, with gentle breezes and soothing sounds of nature, sets the stage for a truly relaxing visit. On clear days, you can even spot the distant Sado Island, adding to the magic of the view.
This easily accessible platform welcomes visitors year-round, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you visit during the cherry blossom season, when the area is alive with color, or in the lush green summer months, each season offers a fresh and beautiful perspective. From here, I could see the vast expanse of the Shinano River, the city’s sprawling urban landscape, and the Sea of Japan in the distance. It’s the perfect spot to get a sense of the region’s geography and natural beauty.
The park around Donyama is popular among joggers and offers different paths and resting facilities.
Take a Stroll to Donyama
During the Edo period, the people of Niigata relied on hour bells to mark the time. However, in 1873, cannons were introduced to signal noon, and the Noon Gun Post was established on the sand hill in Yorii. For many years, the sound of the noon cannon (a loud bang) replaced the bells, continuing until 1919 when the old Niigata High School building was completed. The cannon was then moved to a sand hill in Nishifunami-cho, near the current Futaba Junior High School. This hill, where the Noon Gun Post stood, became known as Donyama and was a beloved landmark in Niigata. The tradition of firing the noon cannon continued until it was discontinued in 1924. Today, the Noon Gun Post and the cannon have been recreated, preserving this piece of Niigata’s history.
The main hall of Hakusan Shrine where you will also find the shop with omamori and goshuin.
Visit Hakusan Shrine
Situated in Chuo Ward of Niigata City, Hakusan Shrine boasts a history spanning over 1,000 years as the chief guardian shrine of the region. Deeply valued by locals, it has long served as a place for prayer, Shinto weddings, and receiving protective charms.
Hakusan Shrine enshrines Kukurihime-no-Okami, a revered female deity also known as Shirayamahime-no-Okami. Originally worshipped at the summit of the sacred Mount Hakusan in Kaga, she was brought to Niigata as a guardian of agriculture, maritime safety, and the well-being of local communities.
The Main Shrine Hall was reconstructed in the first year of the Shoho era under the guidance of Kenson, a monk from Hoki-in. The project was personally overseen by Lord Makino of the Nagaoka Domain, who built the hall in the Sangen-zukuri architectural style. In honor of the shrine, Lord Makino Tadanari dedicated a Noh performance—a tradition that has continued ever since, with performances held during festival celebrations.
People from the region come to Hakusan Shrine to pray a variety of gods through the smaller halls. Jakumatsu Myojin, located within Hakusan Shrine, is highly revered by those praying for financial prosperity, business success, and career growth. In Japanese tradition, snakes have long been seen as divine messengers, believed to hold powerful spiritual energy. Worship on Mi-no-hi—the Day of the Serpent—is known as Fuku-mairi (Blessing Pilgrimage), as it aligns with the sacred day of Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune.
Koryu Shrine, also located within Hakusan Shrine, enshrines the deity Ouryu Hinomoto Bunshin Kinshi Kuyou Takara-fune Daigongen. Said to predate even Amaterasu Omikami, this powerful deity is believed to have played a role in the formation of the land itself. Worshippers visit Koryu Shrine for protection from misfortune and misalignment of direction, seeking guidance toward a more fortunate path. Strategically built to the northwest of Hakusan Shrine, Koryu Shrine serves as a spiritual safeguard against disasters in Niigata. As the guardian of construction, land, and industry, it is especially respected by those in related fields. People pray here for safety in construction work, smooth relocations, and protection when moving or staying in unfamiliar places.
The snake is one of the main symbols at HakusanShrine, as it is the guardian against disasters and emergencies.
Hakusan Kukuri Stone
Mount Hakusan is considered one of Japan’s three great sacred mountains, alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama. It has long been revered as a divine dwelling place of the gods. At Hakusan Shrine, the Hakusan Kukuri Stone—specially brought from Mount Hakusan—is regarded as a powerful spiritual object.
Named after the shrine’s enshrined deity, Kukurihime-no-Okami, the Kukuri Stone carries deep symbolic meaning. The word kukuri means “to bind together,” representing harmony, connection, and the strengthening of ties in love, family, and work. Just as tangled threads can be gently untangled and tied neatly, this sacred stone is believed to help unite hearts and foster meaningful bonds.
When visiting the Kukuri Stone, it is customary to place your hands upon it while quietly envisioning Hakusan Okumiya—the sacred inner shrine that sits atop Mount Hakusan, roughly 300 kilometers away. Through this act, worshippers can spiritually connect with the mountaintop sanctuary and its divine presence.
Bandai Bridge and the Befco Observation Deck, from which you can get a view of Niigata, the Shinano river and the sea.
Stroll Along the Shinano River and View the Bandai Bridge
Heading to the Shinano River, the lifeblood of Niigata, and walking along its banks allows you to take in the city’s beauty from a different perspective. The highlight of the walk was the view of the Bandai Bridge, one of Niigata’s most iconic landmarks.
The Bandai Bridge is a grand stone arch bridge that spans the Shinano River, its granite construction adorned with subtle decorative details that give it a stately presence. The current structure is the third version of the bridge, rebuilt in 1929 as part of Niigata City’s modernization efforts. In July 2004, it was designated an Important Cultural Property—making it the second bridge on a national highway to receive this recognition, following Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Bridge. Measuring 306.9 meters in length and 22 meters in width, the bridge famously withstood the powerful 1964 Niigata Earthquake and continues to serve as a vital transportation route for local residents. The current bridge was originally planned as a dual-purpose structure, with tram tracks intended to run down the center of the roadway. However, this plan was never carried out, and the bridge now features four lanes of traffic—two in each direction.
With its wide pedestrian walkway, Bandai Bridge is best appreciated from the riverfront promenades along the Shinano River. For a more scenic experience, consider taking a stroll or hopping on the waterbus to enjoy sweeping views of this iconic structure.
The What’s NiiGATA Monument is a popular spot for Instagram photos. Located at the mouth of the Shinano River, in the Bandaijima Multipurpose Square, it was installed as part of the Niigata Port Opening 150th Anniversary Memorial Project. The monument commemorates the 150th anniversary of Niigata Port’s opening and highlights the city’s connections and the brand image of Niigata Port City for future generations.
The Evolution of Bandai City in Niigata
Bandai City is a group of commercial complexes centered around the Bandai City Bus Center, located in the Bandai and Yachiyo districts of Chuo Ward. The area was once a vital hub for Niigata Kotsu’s bus operations. It housed the company’s head office, vehicle maintenance facilities, and even natural gas wells. In 1951, Niigata’s first full-scale bus terminal, the Bus Building, was established here, serving as a gateway for buses traveling to suburban areas.
However, land subsidence due to natural gas extraction and the 1964 Niigata Earthquake significantly impacted operations. To mitigate risks, Niigata Kotsu decentralized its bus facilities throughout the suburbs, and aging infrastructure along with vehicle size limitations prompted further changes. Despite these challenges, the area remained strategically valuable due to its proximity to Niigata Station and Furumachi.
In 1971, Niigata Kotsu unveiled an ambitious redevelopment plan for the area. The concept was innovative for its time: combining commercial facilities with a bus terminal and connecting buildings via elevated pedestrian walkways. The development unfolded in phases, with the most recent development done by Mitsui Fudosan and LaLaport, who opened two shopping centers by 2013, replacing aging buildings.
While most of Bandai City’s land and buildings belong to the Niigata Kotsu Group, early development suffered from fragmented ownership within the group. In 2004, management was consolidated under Bandai Kaihatsu, and by 2012, it was fully absorbed into Niigata Kotsu to centralize operations.
Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, earthquake safety standards were reassessed. Niigata Kotsu announced full-scale renovations in 2018, with Shimizu Corporation overseeing the project. The Rainbow Tower was demolished in 2018, followed by the Bus Center and other structures. The redevelopment concluded in 2021 with the creation of Nanairo Garden, a monument and green space marking the site of the former Rainbow Tower.
