Two days in Niigata: where to go on day two?
Choose Marinepia Nihonkai for a closer look at the large tank and penguins, or the observation deck and Pia Bandai for city views and lunch at the market. Walk along the Bandai Bridge riverside on day one and stay near Niigata Station, then visit your choice on day two. Skip day-two sightseeing if you cannot fit the visit and return journey around your departing train.
Choose an itinerary for 2 days / 1 night
Riverside and aquarium
Spend your arrival day walking around Bandai Bridge and the riverside, then see the aquarium's large tank and penguin exhibits the next day. Choose this two-day trip for city walks and marine life.
Riverside and aquarium →2 days / 1 night BRiverside, observation deck and port market
Choose this trip for a riverside walk, a view over the city and lunch at the market. Visit Bandai Bridge on day one, then the free observation deck and Pia Bandai on day two.
Riverside, observation deck and port market →Riverside and aquarium
Spend your arrival day walking around Bandai Bridge and the riverside, then see the aquarium's large tank and penguin exhibits the next day. Choose this two-day trip for city walks and marine life.
Day 1 · Bandai Bridge and riverside walk
Take an easy walk around Bandai Bridge and the riverside on arrival, then stay near Niigata Station.
- Niigata Station, Bandai side → Niigata Nippo Media Ship
Walk towards Media Ship. The city's official walking route gives about 10 minutes for this first section. Pass the building on your way to the riverside; this itinerary does not include a visit inside.
- Media Ship → Bandai City
Walk to Bandai City. The city's official route gives about one minute for this section. Allow extra time and money for meals or shopping.
- Bandai City → Bandai Bridge and Yasuragitei
Head towards Bandai Bridge and Yasuragitei. The city's official route gives about five minutes for this section. Choose how far to walk along the bridge and riverside according to your arrival time and the weather.
- Bandai Bridge footpath → Riverside walk and rest
Cross Bandai Bridge on the footpath to see both riverbanks, then take a break. The walk is free; meals and shopping cost extra. Shorten it in heavy rain or strong wind.
- After your riverside walk → Return to Niigata Station
Retrace your route via Bandai City to Niigata Station. The city's official guide gives about 15 minutes from the riverside to the station, excluding meals, shopping and waits at crossings.
- Back at Niigata Station → Go to your booked accommodation
Go from Niigata Station to your accommodation and rest. If you are staying at Hotel Mets, you can use the station's western connecting passage.
Hotel Mets access via the western connecting passageHotel Mets same-day luggage storage and check-in/out guide
Shorten the outdoor walk in heavy rain or strong wind and head to your booked accommodation to rest.
Day 2 · Visit Marinepia Nihonkai
See marine life in the Sea of Japan tank and penguin exhibits. The indoor exhibits are also suitable for a rainy day.
- Niigata Station, bus stand 9 → C22 bus to Suizokukan-mae
Take the C22 bus bound for Suizokukan-mae from stand 9 at Niigata Station Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop. The adult single fare is JPY 260. On your last day, choose your return service before deciding how long to stay.
Hotel times and luggage storageHotel access and station-area mapAquarium access guide
- Suizokukan-mae bus stop → Aquarium main entrance and ticket counter
Enter through the main entrance, buy your ticket at the counter beside the museum shop, then go to the admission entrance. Standard adult admission is JPY 1,500. Usual hours are 9 am–5 pm, with ticket sales ending at 4.30 pm.
Station departure timetableOfficial 2026 site mapOfficial tourism admission guide
- Aquarium exhibits → Lunch and rest, then Suizokukan-mae bus stop
Explore the Sea of Japan tank and indoor exhibits, then have lunch and rest. Continue to the penguin and marine mammal areas afterwards. Choose performances from the day's programme; meals and extra activities cost extra. Leave through the exit and return to Suizokukan-mae bus stop when you have finished.
Official 2026 site mapAquarium noticesMarinepia exhibits, large tank and transparent tunnel
- Suizokukan-mae bus stop → C22 bus back to Niigata Station
Take the C22 bus bound for Niigata Station from Suizokukan-mae and get off at the station. Allow time to walk to the stop and wait for the bus in addition to your visit.
- Niigata Station → Ticket gates and platform for your onward train
Go to the ticket gates and platform for your next train. Leave enough time between your bus arrival and train departure to walk through the station.
Hotel Mets access via the western connecting passageHotel Mets same-day luggage storage and check-in/out guide
If the aquarium is closed, switch to the observation deck and market itinerary. If only performances are cancelled, focus on the exhibits. Check closure dates and performance times through the facility links in the attraction guide.
Included: Marinepia Nihonkai standard admission JPY 1,500 + return C22 bus between Niigata Station and Suizokukan-mae JPY 520
Extras and conditions: Accommodation, meals, long-distance travel to and from Niigata, and extra activities cost extra.
These costs are for one adult at standard rates. The first day's riverside walk is free, and the second day's C22 bus costs JPY 260 each way. This subtotal does not apply a sightseeing bus day pass or admission discount.
Riverside, observation deck and port market
Choose this trip for a riverside walk, a view over the city and lunch at the market. Visit Bandai Bridge on day one, then the free observation deck and Pia Bandai on day two.
Day 1 · Bandai Bridge and riverside walk
Take an easy walk around Bandai Bridge and the riverside on arrival, then stay near Niigata Station.
- Niigata Station, Bandai side → Niigata Nippo Media Ship
Walk towards Media Ship. The city's official walking route gives about 10 minutes for this first section. Pass the building on your way to the riverside; this itinerary does not include a visit inside.
- Media Ship → Bandai City
Walk to Bandai City. The city's official route gives about one minute for this section. Allow extra time and money for meals or shopping.
- Bandai City → Bandai Bridge and Yasuragitei
Head towards Bandai Bridge and Yasuragitei. The city's official route gives about five minutes for this section. Choose how far to walk along the bridge and riverside according to your arrival time and the weather.
- Bandai Bridge footpath → Bridge and riverside walk, then rest
Cross Bandai Bridge on the footpath to see both riverbanks, then take a break. The walk is free; meals and shopping cost extra. Shorten it in heavy rain or strong wind.
- After your riverside walk → Niigata Station, then your accommodation
Retrace your route via Bandai City to Niigata Station, then go to your accommodation and rest. The city's official guide gives about 15 minutes from the riverside to the station, excluding meals, shopping and waits at crossings.
Niigata City riverside walking guideHotel Mets access via the western connecting passage
Shorten the outdoor walk in heavy rain or strong wind and head to your booked accommodation to rest.
Day 2 · Observation deck and Pia Bandai
Enjoy city views and lunch at the market. Walk to the market after the observation deck, then return to the station by bus.
- Niigata Station, bus stand 17 → Bus to Toki Messe
From stand 17 at Niigata Station Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Sado Kisen via Toki Messe and get off at Toki Messe. The adult single fare is JPY 260. Use the pedestrian passage on Level 2 inside the terminal to reach the stand.
Hotel Mets access via the western connecting passageStation bus terminal walking guideNiigata Kotsu stand 17, fares and timetablesNiigata Kotsu fare table: revised 31 March 2024Posted weekday stand 17 departures: revised 29 March 2026Individual weekday bus stop list
- Toki Messe bus stop → Bandai-jima Building, Level 1 → direct lift → Level 31
Cross the plaza and enter Bandai-jima Building through the Hotel Nikko Niigata and office entrance. Take the direct observation deck lift from Level 1 to Level 31, rather than the hotel or office lifts. Standard admission is free. Usual hours are 8 am–10 pm, with last admission at 9.30 pm. Private bookings or events may shorten the hours or close the deck.
Official entrance and lift mapOfficial observation room guideNiigata tourism association admission and access guide
- Level 31 observation deck → Enjoy the view and rest
Take a break while looking over the city and riverside. Visibility depends on the weather; the cafe costs extra.
- Level 31 observation deck → Direct lift to the exit on Level 1
Take the direct observation deck lift back to Level 1 and leave the building. Use the observation deck lift, rather than the hotel or office lifts.
Official entrance and lift mapOfficial observation room guideNiigata tourism association admission and access guide
- Bandai-jima Building, exit on Level 1 → Pia Bandai
Walk towards Pia Bandai. The city's official guide gives about 10 minutes from the observation deck to the market, excluding lift waits and time at the market.
Niigata City: walk from the observation deck to Pia BandaiOfficial Pia Bandai access guide
- Pia Bandai → Browse the market and have lunch
Browse Pia Bandai and choose lunch at an open restaurant. Check individual opening days and hours in the official shop directory. Meals and shopping are outside the itinerary subtotal.
- Regular Niigata Station-bound stop outside Pia Bandai → Bus to Niigata Station
Take a regular bus bound for Niigata Station from the stop outside Pia Bandai and get off at the station. The adult single fare is JPY 260. This is different from the Pia Bandai sightseeing bus stop and the stops for Sado Kisen or the prefectural office.
Official Pia Bandai access guideWeekday Niigata Station-bound timetable from outside Pia BandaiNiigata Kotsu stand 17, fares and timetablesIndividual service stop listNiigata Kotsu fare table: revised 31 March 2024
- Niigata Station → Ticket gates and platform for your onward train
Go to the ticket gates and platform for your next train. Leave enough time between your bus arrival and train departure to walk through the station.
Hotel Mets access via the western connecting passageHotel Mets same-day luggage storage and check-in/out guideWeekday Niigata Station-bound timetable from outside Pia Bandai
If a private booking closes the observation deck, visit the market alone or choose the riverside itinerary. Skip the market if you need to leave early.
Included: Standard observation deck admission JPY 0 + Niigata Station–Toki Messe bus JPY 260 + Pia Bandai–Niigata Station bus JPY 260
Extras and conditions: Accommodation, meals, market shopping and long-distance travel to and from Niigata cost extra.
The subtotal for one adult at standard rates comprises free observation deck admission, JPY 260 from Niigata Station to Toki Messe and JPY 260 from Pia Bandai to Niigata Station, totalling JPY 520. Walk between the observation deck and market. If you skip the market and return from Toki Messe, the return bus cost is the same. Accommodation, meals, market shopping and long-distance travel cost extra.
Niigata tourism association admission and access guideOperator fare tableNiigata Kotsu stand 17, fares and timetablesNiigata Kotsu fare table: revised 31 March 2024
Frequently asked questions
For two days in Niigata, should I choose the aquarium or observation deck?
Choose Marinepia Nihonkai for the large tank and penguins, or the observation deck and Pia Bandai for city views and lunch at the market. Aquarium admission and the return C22 bus total JPY 2,020; the free observation deck and return city buses total JPY 520. Accommodation, meals and long-distance travel cost extra. Skip sightseeing on day two if you cannot fit the visit and return journey around your departing train.
Official tourism admission guideAquarium access guideOfficial observation room guideNiigata Kotsu fare table: revised 31 March 2024
Can I use a sightseeing bus day pass on the C22 bus?
They are separate routes. This aquarium itinerary uses JPY 520 for return C22 travel. If you switch to the sightseeing loop bus, choose services from its timetable and show a valid day pass at the aquarium ticket counter to receive the discount.
Sources and dates checked
- Hotel access and station-area map ·
- Hotel times and luggage storage ·
- Niigata City riverside walking guide ·
- Official tourism admission guide ·
- Aquarium access guide ·
- Aquarium notices ·
- Official 2026 site map ·
- Official entrance and lift map ·
- Official observation room guide ·
- Niigata tourism association admission and access guide ·
- Station departure timetable ·
- Aquarium return timetable ·
- Official shop directory ·
- Niigata City: walk from the observation deck to Pia Bandai ·
- Official Pia Bandai access guide ·
- Operator fare table ·
- Bus fares and suspensions ·
- Individual service stop list ·
- Station bus terminal walking guide ·
- Hotel Mets access via the western connecting passage ·
- Hotel Mets same-day luggage storage and check-in/out guide ·
- Niigata Kotsu stand 17, fares and timetables ·
- Niigata Kotsu fare table: revised 31 March 2024 ·
- Weekday Niigata Station-bound timetable from outside Pia Bandai ·
- Individual weekday bus stop list ·
- Posted weekday stand 17 departures: revised 29 March 2026 ·
- Marinepia exhibits, large tank and transparent tunnel ·