Things to do...

Traditional Hon-cho market; Hakusan Koen Park and adjacent Marinepia Nihon-kai aquarium; Shibata Castle and Gardens; Bandai Bridge - illuminated at night; Niigata Festival in August - huge fireworks display and colorful procession; Niigata ‘Big Swan’ Stadium - host to Team Niigata Albirex

Niigata is the main port of access for Sado Island (Sadogashima) - a historic island of exile in medieval times, dotted with fishing villages and noted for its unspoiled nature, rich heritage of performing arts, and lively festivals featuring ondeko, or 'devil drumming'. It is home to the world-famous Kodo Drummers, a taiko-drumming troupe (not, however, directly related to the local ondeko) recruited from throughout Japan based in Kodo Village on the southern Ogi peninsula. They form the core of the annual mid-summer Earth Celebration that invites indigenous acts from all over the world.