Travel in Niigata
Befco Bakauke Observation Room
Befco Bakauke Observation Room · Befco Bakauke Observatory · Befcoばかうけ展望室
Befco Bakauke Observation Room is on Hotel Nikko Niigata’s 31st floor at Toki Messe. Enjoy elevated views over the city and river with free general admission.
Afterwards, walk to Pia Bandai to explore the market and have lunch.
Sources and dates checked Official observation room guide Sources and dates checked
Visitor information at a glance
Admission
General observation room admission is free. Restaurants and parking cost extra.
Opening hours and closed days
Usual hours are 08:00–22:00, with last admission at 21:30. Private hire or events may restrict access or shorten hours; irregular closures may also occur.
What can I see at Befco Bakauke Observation Room?
City and river views from the 31st floor
Look down over Niigata City and the Shinano River area from the 31st floor. See the city from a different height than on a riverside walk.
Official observation room guide Pia Bandai shop-specific opening guide
How to get to Befco Bakauke Observation Room
From stand 17 at Niigata Station’s bus terminal, take a bus towards Toki Messe and Sado Kisen and alight at Toki Messe (朱鷺メッセ). One-way fares are JPY 260 for adults and JPY 130 for children. Cross the plaza in front of the building and enter Bandai-jima Building through the entrance marked Hotel Nikko Niigata and offices (万代島ビル入口). On the first floor, take the direct observation room lift (展望室直通) to the 31st floor. This lift can be boarded only on the first floor and differs from hotel-only and office-only lifts. Return on a bus to Niigata Station via Bandai City, distinct from a prefectural-office-bound bus via Furumachi.
Official observation room guide Official entrance and lift map Bus operator’s fares and timetables
Before you visit
Find the direct observation room lift on the first floor
Use the lift marked as going directly to the observation room on the first floor. It differs from hotel-only and office-only lifts, and can be boarded only on the first floor.
Official entrance and lift map Official observation room guide
Walk to the market after the views
Descend to the first floor, then walk about ten minutes to Pia Bandai. This reference time from Niigata City’s official route excludes lift waits and market meals. Check the hours of shops you want to visit too.
Niigata City’s observation room → Pia Bandai walking guide Pia Bandai shop-specific opening guide
Questions about Befco Bakauke Observation Room
Is Befco Bakauke Observation Room free?
General admission is free. Private hire or events may restrict access or shorten hours, so check the official guide for your visit date.
Should you use the hotel lift to reach the observation room?
Use the lift marked as going directly to the observation room on the first floor. It differs from hotel-only and office-only lifts, and can be boarded only on the first floor.
Official entrance and lift map Official observation room guide
Sources and dates checked
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Official observation room guide ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Official entrance and lift map ·
- Bus operator’s fares and timetables ·
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