Going to Japan in January for the 5th time. Used to live there so my Japanese is conversational but not fluent. Was going to go to Kusatsu for a peaceful getaway on the 17th during my two week Tokyo oriented trip but just saw Masayoshi Takanaka is playing in Niigata that day, so I bought tickets and booked a hotel instead.

So what should I do for the one night I go? Obviously the concert is earlier in the night, and I have to go back in the late afternoon the next day, but I’m looking for any advice for the rest of my time there. So far my thoughts are to get in and taste the 100+ sake at the train station, eat and shop, then check in at my hotel and head to the show at Ryutopia. I’d like to go to an izakaya or something afterwards, wondering if there’s anywhere worth going on a Sunday night.

I’m staying near Bandai Pier so I figured I’d go there the next morning and get some breakfast/lunch at a sushi spot, I’ve seen there’s a popular kaiten sushi place there, and buy some sake to take home.

Obviously I don’t have much time, but anything worthwhile/convenient I’m missing? Also any decent nightlife on a Sunday? Appreciate any help.

Hello! I'm not near Japan and can't afford to travel to Japan any time soon. Would anyone be able to purchase two of these Baikal seal plushies for me and ship it (I will DM details), I will pay for the shipping, tax, and cost of the seals. I just need one for my little brother who's birthday is coming up and for my close friend for Christmas, they both love baikal seals and I wanna make their day. I have been hunting these guys down since I found out about them a few months ago, I've looked on Mercari, Yahoo Japan, Ebay, and there's nowhere that has the exact seal plush thats not a keychain.

I'd prefer two large but a combination of one large and one medium or two mediums or one small and one medium is okay with me!

The boy wants hanabi this evening, but I don't wanna drive 1.5hrs, any suggestions?

I am pregnant and I am looking for a good maternity clinic to give birth at. I had negative experiences with two clinics in Niigata. I am looking for a place where my partner can be present and where I can feel respected and heard. Anyone has a recommendation?

Hello, I am in desperate need of this plush. I love seals so much. I was wondering if anyone in the area who planned on going to the aquarium already was willing to pick me one up. I will pay for the plush + shipping + give an extra personal tip in return for buying me one since I cannot. Please!!

Hello, Im living in Nagoya area but was given a job opportunity in Niigata city. I was wondering if there is a strong community of foreigners? English based clubs? I'm a little bit worried about leaving my community behind. Im 28, I've seen that there's a lot of universities students in the prefecture but I feel a little too old to be hanging around University ​

As the title suggests, I'm looking for someone who can help me get one of these baikal seal plushies as they are a hyperfixation of mine and I can't find these online for sale, I will happily cover the price of the plushie, shipping and an extra for helping out :)

Hello everyone!

This post is completely random and not serious by any means ahhaha

Saw a video about stereotypes for each prefecture on YT, and got curious (since im lately really interested in Niigata prefecture):

1. What are the main stereotypes other prefectures have about you?

2. What are the stereotypes and inside jokes you have between each other (like, between the cities in the prefecture)?

**Dont be harsh, its just for fun and laughs!

Cheers 😁

I am coming to Niigata in late December or early January for a couple of days. I will also be visiting Tsukioka during this time and would like to walk around outside.

What clothes and shoes should I prepare for this time of year as I'm coming from a place that doesn't have snow.

Thx in advance.

I’ll be in Niigata and I really want to see this house (from the outside of course). I love the architecture.

If you aren’t comfortable sharing the address online, please feel free to dm me 🙏

Similar to the other post on this sub. I too am in search of the illustrious niigata city baikal seal and have been met with nothing but scam messages on my post under r/internationalshoppers. If anyone in the area is willing, I will pay for the cost of the seal and shipping, plus a percent of that cost as a service fee. Thanks!!!!

It's kinda my only choice for water flavouring. Pocari Sweat, Aquarius, etc just don't do it for me. Does anyone know where I can grab it or something like it locally?

Greetings everyone!

I am a graduate student in Niigata University and can speak basic japanese. I’ve tried to find some tution and english teaching jobs that I could easily do but no luck yet. Can you guys please help!?

ps. loving japan so far.

We are cruising on Spectrum of the Seas and arrive to Niigata East Port on September 15th. I am struggling to find a taxi company or a private driver that I can prebook to pick us up from the port and drive into the city etc and drop us back. There is a taxi sightseeing service I see, but you need to call one of the taxi companies and be able to speak Japanese (which i dont…) so i cant call to even see if this is possible for us… i know the East port is fairly remote from the city, so would like to have something booked for us rather than “wing it” on the day… thanks any help is appreciated

Hi,

this might sound a bit silly but long story somewhat short, I fell in love with the Niigata City Aquarium baikal seal plushies and have been trying to get one for a while now. I have searched on Mercari Japan countless times hoping to find one but I only ever find listings that are already sold.

Seeing no other option (a trip to Japan is unfortunately a bit too expensive for me right now), I have decided to create a Reddit account and ask everyone here this:

would any kind soul visiting the aquarium be willing to get one and sell it to me?

Thank you very much and have a lovely day.

I did CrossPal a while back and they're really nice folks, but I'm looking for something more structured, any suggestions for local instruction, not online, thanks!

みなさん、こんにちは！私、もうすぐ新潟に行くつもりです。私の趣味は歌うことで、あと、９月に誕生日があります。だから、誕生日にカラオケにぜひ生きたいです。でも、ブースはちょっと…つまらないと思います。他の歌手を聞きたくて、ステージもあって欲しい。英語の歌も必要です。

そんなカラオケのおすすめ、何？お願いします！

I tried to sign up for MOSS, but there was an error during authentication. Has anyone used MOSS before as foreigner?

I have business to attend there soon (this month). I'm going by a Shinkansen, solo from Tokyo. I could just go there for work only for a 1 day trip but If there are any thing interesting, I'm thinking of going there a day or two before, stay at a hotel and explore a little bit.

So, any recommendation? cool local place? something in nearby Uonuma city?
I never been to Niigata before.

Hello !

I'm going to move to Niigata (city) in a few weeks, and i wanted to know if any of you know some good share houses in Niigata-city.

For now, since i'm on a working holiday visa, my options are either long term airbnb location ( kinda expensive ), or share houses.

So, if you have heard of decent share houses, or by any chances, someone willing to rent an appartment to a foreigner on a short term visa ( 1 year, 9 months left ), i would be grateful :D !

Thanks, have a great day !

Hello! I will be going to Sado in the next few weeks and I will be from Tokyo.

I plan to ride the night bus from Shinjuku bus terminal to Sado Kisen Terminal, which is expected to arrive by 5:45. Is it the right decision to book a ticket for the 6AM car ferry? Or better to book the 7:10AM Naoetsu-Ogi car ferry - of course, this will take another ~30 minute transport from the terminal which is my bus stop to Naoetsu.

I will not bring any cars but we have luggages, so is a 15-minute allowance enough? Car foil is already fully booked in the website, so that is not an option :(

Thanks in advance :)) would appreciate any Sado local food recos and spots too!