Japan · 2 PLACES TO EXPLORE

A little more
of Niigata.

Find places to visit in Niigata. See what catches your eye, then save a few favorites for your trip.

Niigata · JP

「灯台」蔡國強

Titled "Lighthouse" (灯台), this sculpture by the Chinese-born contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang (蔡國強) sits on the riverside lawn of Bandojima in Chuo Ward, Niigata. It is a single enormous natural stone, shipped from China and hollowed out from within, left raw and quiet against the open water at the mouth of the Shinano River. It was commissioned for the opening of the neighbouring Toki Messe convention complex and installed in 2003 as part of a set of five outdoor artworks by leading international artists, planned around the theme of a "sense of a beginning" for the new century. Cai Guo-Qiang is best known for works made with gunpowder and for large-scale public projects, and a Golden Lion at the 1999 Venice Biennale cemented his international reputation; "Lighthouse" is one of his rare permanent outdoor sculptures in Japan.

Buddhist temple

Niigata · JP

Komyoin Yakushido

Komyoin Yakushido, affectionately known as "Kitsu no O-Yakushi-san," is a Shingon Daigo-school temple in the quiet rural district of Kitsu, in Niigata's Konan Ward. Centered on a city-designated National Cultural Property—a secret Medicine Buddha statue attributed to the legendary Nara-period monk Gyōki—the temple draws worshippers seeking healing, especially for eye ailments, and pulses with life during its spectacular midsummer fire-walking festival. Visitors can explore the grounds year-round free of charge, collect a goshuin temple stamp, join a monthly fire ritual, or try sutra copying. The highlight for many is July 28, when the Kitsu Yakushi Fire Festival transforms the temple into a scene of blazing embers, chanting monks, and barefoot pilgrims crossing the fire.

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Japan · 2 PLACES TO EXPLORE

A little more
of Niigata.

Find places to visit in Niigata. See what catches your eye, then save a few favorites for your trip.

Sculpture

Niigata · JP

「灯台」蔡國強

Titled "Lighthouse" (灯台), this sculpture by the Chinese-born contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang (蔡國強) sits on the riverside lawn of Bandojima in Chuo Ward, Niigata. It is a single enormous natural stone, shipped from China and hollowed out from within, left raw and quiet against the open water at the mouth of the Shinano River. It was commissioned for the opening of the neighbouring Toki Messe convention complex and installed in 2003 as part of a set of five outdoor artworks by leading international artists, planned around the theme of a "sense of a beginning" for the new century. Cai Guo-Qiang is best known for works made with gunpowder and for large-scale public projects, and a Golden Lion at the 1999 Venice Biennale cemented his international reputation; "Lighthouse" is one of his rare permanent outdoor sculptures in Japan.

Buddhist temple

Niigata · JP

Komyoin Yakushido

Komyoin Yakushido, affectionately known as "Kitsu no O-Yakushi-san," is a Shingon Daigo-school temple in the quiet rural district of Kitsu, in Niigata's Konan Ward. Centered on a city-designated National Cultural Property—a secret Medicine Buddha statue attributed to the legendary Nara-period monk Gyōki—the temple draws worshippers seeking healing, especially for eye ailments, and pulses with life during its spectacular midsummer fire-walking festival. Visitors can explore the grounds year-round free of charge, collect a goshuin temple stamp, join a monthly fire ritual, or try sutra copying. The highlight for many is July 28, when the Kitsu Yakushi Fire Festival transforms the temple into a scene of blazing embers, chanting monks, and barefoot pilgrims crossing the fire.