Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate

北方文化博物館

Old buildings, gardens, and art associated with the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords.

The Northern Culture Museum and Ito Estate is a private museum in the suburbs of Niigata City, the first of its kind in post-war Japan, which preserves the former residence of the Ito family, who were once wealthy landlords.

Spanning 3 hectares and taking 8 years to build, the site captivates visitors with its main house, great hall, tea ceremony room, storehouse, and other structures, along with its pond garden and museum of treasures collected by the Ito family.

Within the courtyard stands a 150-year-old giant wisteria tree, boasting a trunk circumference of over 1.6 meters. Its many sprawling branches blossom with purple flowers emitting a sweet fragrance between late April to early May, illuminated at night during peak bloom.

The garden also becomes a spectacle in November, adorned with autumn leaves reminiscent of a colorful mountain. This vibrant tapestry is visible from the 100-mat tatami hall, and the interplay between the red and yellow maple trees and green pines creates a breathtaking contrast. The garden is also illuminated at night when the foliage is at its best, adding a sense of depth.

There’s also a souvenir shop, café, restaurant (reservations required), and accommodation (reservations required). Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Niigata. While most famous for wisteria and autumn leaves, the garden presents year-round charm with cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, snow in winter, and other seasonal expressions.

Area: Niigata and Aga Area

Category: History and Culture Tourist Facilities Nature and Scenery Nature and Scenery History and Culture

General Information

Address	新潟県新潟市江南区沢海2-15-25
Directions	●Approx. 25 min. by car from JR Niigata Station. ●Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Niitsu Station. ●Approx. 7 min. by car from the Niitsu IC on the Banetsu Expressway.
Car Park	●Regular cars: 400 ●Large vehicles: 30 (Free parking)
Opening Times	●Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April-November), 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (December-March). ●Closed: None
Prices	●Adults: 800 yen (700 yen) ●Elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen (300 yen) Fees in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more. Elementary and junior high school students are free on Sundays and public holidays.