If you're visiting Japan with children in tow, it's likely that you'll want to have some family-friendly activities scheduled into your itinerary. Niigata may not be the first spot on your Japan travel list, but don't write the prefecture off! There are a wealth of things to see and do in the region, from world-class aquariums (yes - there are multiple!) through to fun museums, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. Here are 10 of the best spots to visit that are fun for the whole family in this part of Japan.
Niigata Rice Cracker Kingdom
If you've got children who could almost subsist on rice crackers alone, this is the place for you. The Niigata Rice Cracker Kingdom (known as Senbei Okoku) is located a short distance from the Niigata Airport area, and it allows visitors to learn about the history behind these much-loved snack foods. Admission to the venue is free, but if you'd like to try your hand at making your own rice crackers there is an additional fee.
2661 Niizaki, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3134
Niitsu Railway Museum
The Niitsu Railway Museum was opened back in 1983, and pays homage to the long-standing connection this region of Japan has with all things trains. There are various train carriages on display that you can explore up close, including shinkansens through to steam locomotives, and plenty of exhibits outlining the history of rail development in the area.
The museum is very family friendly, with a kids corner play area, nursing room facilities, and a mini steam locomotive ride (charged at an additional fee of 100 yen per person).
2 Chome-5-6 Niitsuhigashicho, Akiha Ward, Niigata, 956-0816
Nishikigoi no Sato
Koi fish can be found in various places across Japan, but their ornamental breeding can be traced back to the Ojiya and Yamakoshi areas of Niigata in the early 1800s. If you'd like to head to the home of koi to appreciate their beauty for yourself, pop Nishikigoi no Sato (Nishikigoi Village) on your list. Here, you can learn all about how koi fish are raised, what gives them their unique colorings, and even feed them for yourself. There's also a lovely Japanese garden where you can sit back, relax, and watch the koi swimming through the various waterways.
1-chōme-8-22 Jōnai, Ojiya, Niigata 947-0028
Niigata Science Museum
The Niigata Science Museum is an enjoyable place to visit for a day out, particularly if you have young children. The premises is spread out over several floors and has exhibits dedicated to space and the solar system, dinosaurs, robotics, flora and fauna, and more.
Many of these exhibits have interactive components, too. You're able to examine bacteria and bugs with microscopes, get a grasp on the the laws of physics through play, and check out fossils and other relics from times gone by.
3 Chome-1-1 Meikeminami, Chuo Ward, Niigata, 950-0948
Osaki Dam Park
Springtime in Niigata's snow country is something worth celebrating, especially when the flowers and trees begin to bloom. One of the loveliest places to enjoy the color of the season is the Osaki Dam Park, where you'll find cherry blossoms, azaleas, daffodils and more.
If you visit in May around Children's Day, you'll also get to enjoy the koinobori hung up over the water. Koinobori are flags in the shape of carp, hung to honor children and encourage their growth, health, and prosperous futures. The park is a tranquil spot where you can enjoy the surroundings without battling large crowds.
3715-1 Osaki, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata
Niigata MarinePia Aquarium
If you're after a fun family day out in Niigata City, the Marinepia Aquarium is great for kids and kids at heart. There are a wide range of displays, including hands-on exhibits where you can get up close with various sea creatures. The aquarium also boasts sea lion and penguin feeding demonstrations, and dolphin shows where you can see the amazing array of tricks they can perform. If you get hungry during your visit, there is an on-site restaurant with plenty of child friendly fare. For instance, one of the kids sets has curry rice with the rice shaped like a dolphin.
5932-445 Nishifunamicho, Chuo Ward, Niigata, 951-8555
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
Skiing and snowboarding are the main drawcards to Gala Yuzawa ski resort, but even if your littlies aren't quite at that age yet you'll still find plenty to do here! There are snow tubing, sledding, and snow play options that are popular with the younger crowd - and the young at heart! One of the nicest things about a visit here is the convenience of public transport access: there's a seasonal shinkansen stop that pulls up right at the resort, so you can literally hop off the train, head out the exit gates, and you're there!
1039-2 Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata 949-6101
Echigo Hillside Park
Niigata Prefecture isn't short on wide open spaces, but if you want to enjoy some wide open space with a bit of structure then the Echigo Hillside Park is a beautiful spot for it.
There are so many areas across the grounds for both adults and children to enjoy, and for the children in particular there are several wooden adventure playgrounds and bouncy domes available to burn off some energy. If you head to the park during the week it's likely you'll see school students there for field trips - it's a popular place!
1950-1, Miyamotohigashikata-cho, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, 940-2082
Joetsu Aquarium
Yes, this is the second world-class aquarium that Niigata is home to, but it deserves its spot on this list! Renovated back in 2018, the aquarium spans over several floors and has sections dedicated to different marine life. The first floor is home to the popular touching pool where visitors can get up close with a range of sea creatures, and there's also the option to feed some of the animals for an additional fee. Perhaps the most popular section of all though is the outdoor area. The Sea of Japan terrace is home to daily dolphin shows and sits right on the water, giving off some spectacular views - especially around sunset!
2 Chome-15-15 Gochi, Joetsu, Niigata 942-0081
