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Gono no yakata - Northern Culture Museum

A wealthy farmer's mansion that concentrates the "beauty of Japan" with its gardens, seasonal flowers, and art works.

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This museum preserves and exhibits the former residence and garden of the Ito family, which prospered as the largest landowner in Echigo during the Meiji period.
Within the spacious grounds of approx. 29090 sqm, there are many valuable buildings registered as tangible cultural properties, including the main building, which was built over a period of eight years, a large hall of approx. 155 sqm, and the mondozo, which serves as both a gate and a storehouse.
In addition, some of the approx. 6,000 works of art, including vessels, calligraphy, and paintings, collected by successive heads of the family are displayed on the second floor of the main building and in the hall, allowing visitors to enjoy both the stately modern Japanese-style architecture typical of wealthy farmers and the valuable art collection at the same time.

The garden, which can be viewed from the hall, was created over a five-year period by Echigo garden master Tanaka Taiami, who was also involved in the restoration of the garden at Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto.
The changing seasonal scenery, such as the changing leaves in autumn and the snowy landscape in winter, is a delight to the eye. Seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, wisteria, and lotus in the pond are also beautiful.

The restaurant, which was renovated from a Meiji-era (1862-1912) miso warehouse, offers a variety of Niigata's unique cuisine, including local Koshihikari rice and other delicacies from the sea and mountains (reservations required).
The premises also include a souvenir store featuring Niigata's specialties and an inn nestled in a bamboo grove.

Highlights

  • The Ito family's residence, storehouse, and tea house, which is said to be the largest landowner in Echigo, have been preserved and are open to the public.
  • Twenty-six buildings, including the main building, are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.
  • Visitors can also view some of the approx. 6,000 works of art collected from Japan and overseas.
  • The garden and seasonal flowers created by a gardener associated with Ginkakuji Temple are also worth seeing.
  • There are also restaurants, a souvenir store, and inn on the premises.

Photos

  • Great hall overlooking the magnificent garden

    Great hall overlooking the magnificent garden

  • Stately modern Japanese-style architecture befitting Niigata's wealthy farmer.

    Stately modern Japanese-style architecture befitting Niigata's wealthy farmer.

  • Seasonal flowers, such as wisteria in early May, and autumn leaves are also worth seeing.

    Seasonal flowers, such as wisteria in early May, and autumn leaves are also worth seeing.

  • Artworks collected by the head of the Ito family are displayed throughout the mansion, including in the hall and on the second floor.

    Artworks collected by the head of the Ito family are displayed throughout the mansion, including in the hall and on the second floor.

  • Relocation of an old house from the Edo period that remained in the prefecture.

    Relocation of an old house from the Edo period that remained in the prefecture.

  • Restaurant “Misogura”

    Restaurant “Misogura”

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Basically, we do not provide foreign language support.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Yes, by re-presenting the admission ticket of the day.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Can I visit without an appointment?

A

Yes, you can. However, please contact us in advance if you wish to be guided or if you are coming in a large tourist bus.

Reviews

1
  • Zeon Gelgoog

    百年歷史的老紫藤,開花來真的美極了。

Details

Name in Japanese
豪農の館 北方文化博物館
Postal Code
950-0205
Address
2-15-25 Somi, Konan-ku, Niigata City, Niigata
Telephone
025-385-2001
Closed
Open every day
Hours
10:00am-5:00pm(December to March 9:00am-4:30pm)
Admission
Admission 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children
Directions
From Bandai City Bus Center or Niigata Station Bandai Exit Line 13, take the Niigata Kotsu Bus bound for Akiba Ward Office via Soumi.
Or, "For Kyogase Office via Soumi" from Niigata Kotsu Bus Center or Niigata Station Bandai Exit Line 13, get off at "Kamisoumi Hakubutsukan-mae" bus stop, and walk for 2 minutes.
Credit Cards
Not accepted (Accepted only at the store)
Official Website
Official Website (English)