Northern Culture Museum (北方文化博物館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Located in Somi, Konan Ward, Niigata City, this museum opens to the public the residence of the Ito family (伊藤家), the leading wealthy landowners of Echigo (越後), just as it was. From the great hall and kitchen of the main house to the storehouses and the stroll-style garden centered on a pond, the sheer wealth generated by rice growing in the Niigata Plain (新潟平野) remains in every corner of the buildings. The thickness of the pillars and beams and the number of rooms make a completely different impression when you stand there yourself than they do in photographs. The garden has a large wisteria trellis that casts green shade in summer. There are also unusual structures such as a triangular study, so children can walk around wondering why it was built in that shape.

Tips

There are many steps inside the buildings and you take your shoes on and off repeatedly, so footwear that is easy to slip on and off is more comfortable. Mosquitoes are around in summer, so insect repellent is reassuring if you plan to walk the garden. For lunch you can either eat near the museum or spread out a packed lunch at Kameda Park (亀田公園), your next stop. Opening hours and closed days can change with the season, so check before you set out.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 45 minutes. The morning, before the sun grows strong, is recommended

Access & map

〒950-0205 新潟県新潟市江南区沢海２丁目１５−２５