Niigata, Japan

Above, a typical ATM machine sign in Niigata which featured Astro Boy (known in Japan as Mighty Atom).

During my trip to Japan last week, I took a few days to go to Niigata to see the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. Niigata is much more laid-back than Tokyo and much less crowded.

While there, I went to a photographic exhibit at the City Performing Arts Center and went to the Niigata City Art Museum. I also took a bus tour around the city. Here are photos of some of what I saw in Niigata:

Above, strange creatures inhabit the JR Niigata Station.


Above, a window display at a Niigata bank. The is a center-left view.


Above, the same bank window display, but a center-right view.


Above, the Shimano River bisects the city of Niigata.


Above, the Bandai Bridge (completed in August 1929) over the Shimano River.


Above, Hakusan Park gardens.


Above, the Niigata City Performing Arts Center. I attended a photographic exhibit here.


Above, a view of the Sea of Japan from the beach near the City Aquarium.


Above, inside a city tour bus.


Above, the Niigata City Art Museum.


Above, Hakusan Park gardens.