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Niigata city, which is situated on the bank of Shinano-gawa River, is the largest of the port cities along the coast of Nihon-kai (Sea of Japan). The Shinano-gawa River divides the city into two sections, the old and the new areas, and enriches the lives of the people who live there. Each center of the both old and new areas are joined by Bandai-bashi Bridge. The new area is a highly developed section where there are the JR Niigata Station, modern office buildings and large hotels. The Furumachi-dori Street area, which is known for itﾕs long history since the Yedo period (1603 - 1867), has also been developed significantly with department stores, fashion buildings and new shopping centers. Although the Higashi-bori and Nishi-bori areas still retain a shadow of their past along the willow avenue, most of the historical sights have vanished due to its modernization. On the other hand, around the Honcho market district, there still remains an atmosphere of the past. There are many shops such as local fish stores which sell fresh fish caught from the neighboring sea as well as vegetable, flower, cheap sweet, clothing, and shoe shops among others. It is worth visiting this market area to enjoy listening to the sellersﾕ regional dialect. The best time for visiting the old port town areas would be at night time when the contemporary buildings' lights are turned off and the traditional Japanese restaurants are open for business. Here, you will find an atmosphere of the past. Also, be sure to see the Bandai-bashi Bridge which is lit up at night and is vividly reflected on the surface of river.
Courtesy: Niigata City Tourism Products Section
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