Travel in Niigata
Befco Bakauke Observatory
Befco Bakauke Observatory · Befcoばかうけ展望室
Befco Bakauke Observatory is on floor 31 of Hotel Nikko Niigata at Toki Messe. Look down over Niigata city and the riverside; ordinary admission is free.
After the views, walk to Pia Bandai to explore the market and have lunch.
Official sources Official observatory information Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Ordinary observatory admission is free. Restaurant and parking costs are separate.
Opening hours
Normal hours are 08:00–22:00, with last admission at 21:30. Private bookings and events may restrict access or shorten hours; irregular closures are possible.
What to see at Befco Bakauke Observatory
City and riverside views from floor 31
Look over Niigata city and the Shinano River area from floor 31, seeing the city from a different height than on your riverside walk.
Official observatory information Pia Bandai individual shop information
How to get to Befco Bakauke Observatory
Take a Toki Messe/Sado Kisen-bound bus from Niigata Station bus terminal bay 17 and get off at Toki Messe · 朱鷺メッセ. One-way fares are ¥260 for adults and ¥130 for children. Cross the plaza to the Bandaijima Building entrance · 万代島ビル入口 signed for Hotel Nikko Niigata and offices. Take the direct observatory elevator · 展望室直通 from floor 1 to floor 31. It can be boarded only on floor 1 and differs from hotel and office elevators. Return on a Niigata Station-bound bus via Bandai City, distinguishing it from a prefectural office-bound service via Furumachi.
Official observatory information Official entrance and elevator diagram Bus operator fares and timetable
Visiting tips
Find the direct observatory elevator on floor 1
Use the elevator marked as direct to the observatory on floor 1. It differs from the hotel and office elevators, and you can board it only on floor 1.
Official entrance and elevator diagram Official observatory information
Walk to the market after the observatory
Take the elevator to floor 1, then walk about ten minutes to Pia Bandai. This is an official city-route walking estimate, excluding elevator waits and market meals. Check the hours of shops you would like to visit.
Niigata city observatory–Pia Bandai walking guide Pia Bandai individual shop information
Questions about Befco Bakauke Observatory
Is Befco Bakauke Observatory free?
Ordinary admission is free. Private bookings or events may restrict access or shorten hours, so check official information for your date.
Should I take the hotel elevator to the observatory?
Use the elevator marked as direct to the observatory on floor 1. It differs from the hotel and office elevators, and can be boarded only on floor 1.
Official entrance and elevator diagram Official observatory information
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Official observatory information ·
- Official sources ·
- Official entrance and elevator diagram ·
- Bus operator fares and timetable ·
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