A cheaper way to reach Niigata from Tokyo is to take the ''Moonlight Echigo'' from Shinjuku, which makes a 6-hour run leaving Tokyo at night and arriving in Niigata very early in the morning. The train costs \5,910 each way, but is more popular during Seishun 18 Ticket seasons when the price can be as low as \2,000.
The ''Hokuetsu'' limited express runs from Toyama and Kanazawa five times a day (3.5 hours, \8,280 one way from Kanazawa).
Trains to and from the north are fewer and farther between. The most convenient service is the ''Inaho'' limited express to Akita, which runs three times a day (4 hours, \7,020 one way). Local trains also run up and down the Japan Sea coast, but only run every two hours or so toward the northern part of the prefecture.
Ferries to Vladivostok appear to be discontinued until further notice, but as of 2005 there are still regular services from Toyama.
Most major sights in Niigata can be easily accessed by bicycle. Rentals are provided by the city from several locations scattered throughout and rental fees are 100__ for the first 3 hours and 100__ for each additional hour. If you plan on keeping the bicycle longer than 4 hours, the trick is to return the bicycle at a nearby rental outlet and check it out again before your first 3 hours are up. In this way, your rental is charged the 100__ rate each 3 hours. The tourist information office in the Niigata train station can supply you with the necessary maps and show you the closest rental office, about 5 minutes walk. The rental location can also supply you with maps that show you all the rental outlets. You will need some form of ID to rent the bike, passport ok.
Be sure to check the brakes and the tire pressures before you leave. Also be sure that you know how the bike lock works as you will want to lock it up when you want to leave it somewhere, such as when going into a restaurant.
There is "Echigo hillside park" in Nagaoka, near Niigata city. It is a national park and it costs 400 yen for adults. You can see beautiful Japanese flowers, trees and garden. Also, it has great restaurant and BBQ place.
Nagaoka is famous for fire works. Nagaoka festival is held in August 1 to 3 every year. On August 1, an eve event is held, on 2 and 3, fire works is launched. About twenty thousands fire works are launched aroud Shinano river side for 2 days.
In Niigata, you can enjoy Shinano River Cruise. You can see the scenery of Niigata City from the waterbus that runs along the Shinano River. There is also an open-air deck where passengers can relax and enjoy the view from the river outside. There are three cruises a day.
It has an excellent museum, the Northern Culture Museum, which was originally a wealthy family's home, built 1885-1887. The museum comprises several buildings, and a few restaurants/cafes. Documents and art collections including paintings and sculptures from former households are on display. It is worth at least a half day visit.
Tsukioka Carillon Park is a multi-purpose park located next to Tsukioka Hot Springs. The park has a lot to offer for visitors, including the beautiful sound of chimes coming from the Carillon Tower as well as children_fs play area. The Carillon Culture Hall exhibits swords created by National Living Treasure Akitsugu Amata. Visitors can enjoy bathing in hot springs at Houzuki-no-sato Onsen, located within the Park.
Sake Museum Ponshu-kan Inside Echigo-Yuzawa station_fs Ponshu-kan, enjoy different varieties of sake tasting. In the storeroom more than 100 varieties of sake are on display at a temperature of 15 degrees. You can also take a dip in a bath of sake next-door
Hands-on Agriculture School Stay at a traditional Japanese inn, make soba noodles, catch insects, and create snow huts. Experience a rural life for the four seasons.
The Rice and Sake Warehouse of Wonder The Rice and Sake Warehouse of Wonder is an introduction to all things about rice and sake. In the sake warehouse of wonder, learn about sake brewing and the alcohols of the world through many different displays. There is also an area to sample sake from all over the prefecture.
Myoko Sunshine Land An all-purpose leisure land set in the grand natural surroundings. The park includes activities that both children and adults can enjoy, from the thrilling roller coaster to the 55 meter tall ferries wheel.
Fossa Magna Museum Minerals and fossils dug up from fossa magna plates are on display at this rock museum. Inside the museum exhibits are divided into the four themes of _gBirth of the Planet_h, _gFascinating Rocks_h, _gRomance of Mother Earth_h, and _gRocks and Humans
Niigata is known for the following regional specialities:
''Uonuma koshihikari'' rice: considered the best quality rice in Japan. ''Shoyu'' (soy-sauce) and ''yofu'' (western-style) katsudon. ''Shoyu sekihan''. ''Noppe'' stew. ''Wappa-han'' (seafood and rice steamed in a bamboo basket). ''Sasa-dango'' (''mochi'' pounded rice balls filled with red bean paste, seasoned with mugwort and wrapped in bamboo leaves). ''Po-po-yaki'' (steamed bread flavored with brown sugar). ''Hegi-soba'' (soba from the Uonuma and Ojiya areas that uses a special kind of seaweed). ''Tsubame-sanjo'' ramen (ramen made using thick udon-style noodles). ''Tochio aburage'' (aburaage is called "aburage" in Tochio). ''Kirazu'' (dishes using okara). ''Kakinomoto'' (edible chrysanthemums). ''Kanzuri'' (a special seasoning from My?k? made by leaving chili pepper exposed on snow, then adding flour, salt and yuzu).