Niigata travel
Befco Bakauke Observatory
Befco Bakauke Observatory · Befcoばかうけ展望室
Befco Bakauke Observatory is on Level 31 of Hotel Nikko Niigata at Toki Messe. Look down over Niigata city and its riverside; standard admission is free.
After enjoying the view, walk to Pia Bandai to browse the market and have lunch.
Official sources Official observation room guide Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Standard observation deck admission is free. Restaurants and parking cost extra.
Opening hours
Usual hours are 8 am–10 pm, with last admission at 9.30 pm. Private bookings or events may restrict access or shorten the hours; occasional closures are also possible.
What to see at Befco Bakauke Observatory
City and riverside views from Level 31
Look down over Niigata city and the Shinano River from Level 31. The higher vantage point offers a different view from a riverside walk.
Official observation room guide Pia Bandai individual shop hours
How to get to Befco Bakauke Observatory
Take a bus towards Toki Messe and Sado Kisen from stand 17 at Niigata Station Bus Terminal and get off at Toki Messe (朱鷺メッセ). Single fares are JPY 260 for adults and JPY 130 for children. Cross the plaza and enter Bandai-jima Building (万代島ビル入口) at the entrance marked for Hotel Nikko Niigata and offices. From Level 1, take the direct observation deck lift (展望室直通) to Level 31. It can only be boarded on Level 1 and differs from the hotel and office lifts. Return on a bus via Bandai City to Niigata Station, rather than a bus via Furumachi to the prefectural office.
Official observation room guide Official entrance and lift map Bus operator fares and timetables
Before you visit
Find the direct observation deck lift on Level 1
Take the lift marked for direct observation deck access on Level 1. It differs from the hotel and office lifts and can only be boarded on Level 1.
Official entrance and lift map Official observation room guide
Walk to the market after the observation deck
Descend to Level 1, then walk about 10 minutes to Pia Bandai. This is Niigata City's official route estimate, excluding lift waits and meals at the market. Check the hours of the shops you want to visit.
Niigata City: walk from the observation deck to Pia Bandai Pia Bandai individual shop hours
Questions about Befco Bakauke Observatory
Is Befco Bakauke Observatory free?
Standard admission is free. Private bookings or events may restrict access or shorten opening hours, so check the official information for your visit date.
Should I use the hotel lift for the observation deck?
Use the lift marked for direct observation deck access on Level 1. It differs from the hotel and office lifts and can only be boarded on Level 1.
Official entrance and lift map Official observation room guide
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Official observation room guide ·
- Official sources ·
- Official entrance and lift map ·
- Bus operator fares and timetables ·
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