【Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall】 Niigata Prefecture
Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture is known as the “Town of Manga and Anime” for having produced numerous renowned manga artists and anime creators. The “Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall” serves as the core facility for disseminating information about this culture. In 2018, it was selected as one of the “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting” announced by the Anime Tourism Association, making it a pilgrimage destination that attracts attention from anime and manga fans nationwide.
This article provides the most detailed explanation anywhere, covering everything from the appeal of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall and basic information, to how to enjoy special exhibitions, nearby pilgrimage spots, and practical information for visiting.
What is the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall? Its Appeal as a Sacred Site
The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is a cultural facility located on the 1st floor of Bandai City BP2, where visitors can experience the appeal of manga and anime. It opened in 2010 as a base to introduce works by manga artists and anime creators with connections to Niigata and to disseminate the excellence of manga and anime culture.
Why is Niigata Called the “Town of Manga and Anime”?
Niigata City is called the “Town of Manga and Anime” because many renowned creators have been born in this region. Representative manga artists and anime creators with connections to Niigata include the following:
- Rumiko Takahashi (works including “Urusei Yatsura,” “Ranma 1/2,” “Inuyasha,” etc.)
- Shinji Mizushima (works including “Dokaben,” “Abusán,” etc.)
- Fujio Akatsuka (works including “Osomatsu-kun,” “Genius Bakabon,” etc.)
- Minoru Mabuya (works including “Patalliro!,” etc.)
- Makoto Shinkai (animation director of works including “Your Name,” “Weathering with You,” etc.)
The works of these creators are beloved not only in Japan but throughout the world, making Niigata City truly an important sacred site supporting Japanese manga and anime culture.
Significance of Selection in the “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting”
In the 2018 edition of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall was selected along with “Niigata City House of Manga” as an “anime-related facility.” This is an evaluation of the facility as a place where visitors can experience anime and manga culture, rather than as a location that serves as the setting for a work.
Through this selection, Niigata City became recognized as a pilgrimage destination among anime fans nationwide, and it has become a place visited by many fans.
Highlights of the Facility and the Appeal of Permanent Exhibitions
The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall offers diverse exhibitions and experience corners that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Corner Introducing Manga Artists and Anime Creators with Connections to Niigata
The central part of the permanent exhibition is a corner introducing manga artists and anime creators with connections to Niigata. The profiles, representative works, and creative backgrounds of each creator are displayed in detail, deepening understanding of their works.
The display panels include valuable original art and production materials, allowing visitors to see professional techniques and expressive power up close. For fans, it is a valuable opportunity to learn how their favorite works were created.
Exhibition of the Manga and Anime Production Process
An exhibition explaining the production process of manga and anime, which is relatively unknown to the general public, is also popular.
- Manga Production: processes such as naming, rough sketching, inking, and finishing
- Anime Production: the complex processes of planning, scriptwriting, storyboarding, original art, animation, coloring, photography, and editing
By learning these processes alongside actual production materials, the content becomes extremely valuable for young people aspiring to be creators and those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of production.
Experience Corners Where You Can Play with Popular Characters
One of the major attractions of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is its abundant experience-oriented corners.
The voice acting experience corner allows visitors to actually provide voices for scenes from anime. A popular corner where you can experience the difficulty and fun of how professional voice actors perform.
The character experience device offers commemorative photos with popular characters and digital entertainment. Adults as well as children can return to their childhood and enjoy the many interactive attractions.
Mini Theater for Anime Viewing
The facility also has a mini theater where anime works with connections to Niigata and videos related to manga and anime are screened. Special screenings in cooperation with special exhibitions are sometimes held, so there are new discoveries each time you visit.
Appeal of Special Exhibitions | 7-8 Special Exhibitions Annually
One of the greatest attractions of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is the 7-8 special exhibitions held annually. In the special exhibition room adjacent to the permanent exhibition, original artwork exhibitions of popular works and exhibitions focusing on specific creators are held regularly.
Popular Special Exhibitions in the Past
Past special exhibitions that have captivated many fans have included the following:
- Rumiko Takahashi Works Exhibition
- Makoto Shinkai Director Works Exhibition
- Gundam Series Exhibition
- Weekly Shonen Jump Related Exhibition
- Local Creator Special Exhibition
In these special exhibitions, rare original artwork, design materials, and production documents that are not normally viewable are displayed, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of the works.
How to Enjoy Special Exhibitions
Here are some tips for enjoying special exhibitions to the fullest.
Check the Official Website Beforehand: The schedule for special exhibitions is updated regularly on the official website. If an exhibition of your favorite work or creator is planned, make plans early.
Watch Out for Exhibition Change Periods: During special exhibition changeovers, there are temporary closures and exhibition change periods. Be sure to confirm the opening status before visiting.
Check Goods Sales Too: Limited goods are sometimes sold to coincide with special exhibitions. For collectors, this is a point not to be missed.
Basic Information | Rates, Hours, and Access
Here is a summary of the basic information needed when visiting the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall.
Address and Location
Address: 1st Floor, Bandai City BP2, 2-5-7 Yachiyoshi, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Bandai City is located in the central part of Niigata City and is a large commercial facility area where you can enjoy shopping and dining.
Business Hours
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Last Admission: Up to 6:30 PM
The facility opens one hour earlier on weekends and holidays, allowing visitors to enjoy themselves at a leisurely pace.
Closed Days
Closed days are irregular, but the facility is mainly closed during the following periods:
- Exhibition change periods
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Facility maintenance days
It is recommended that you check the latest opening information on the official website before visiting. Information on temporary closures is also announced on the official website.
Admission Rates
Permanent Exhibition Admission:
- General: 200 yen
- Junior and Senior High School Students: 100 yen
- Elementary School Students: Free
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: Free on weekends and holidays
Special Exhibition Admission:
Special exhibitions require separate admission. Rates vary depending on the exhibition content; please check the official website or on-site. Generally, combination tickets with the permanent exhibition are priced around 500-1,000 yen.
Discounted Information:
- Elementary and junior high school students are basically free (excluding special exhibitions)
- Group discounts available
- Discounts available for those with disability certificates
Access Methods
By Train:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Niigata Station
- From Niigata Station’s Bandai Exit, proceed straight toward the Bandai City Bus Center
By Bus:
- Approximately 5 minutes by bus heading to “Bandai City” from the Niigata Station Front Bus Terminal
- Get off at the “Bandai City” bus stop, 1-minute walk
By Car:
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Niigata West IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Niigata Central IC” on the Inba Expressway
Parking:
Bandai City has multiple paid parking lots. When using them in conjunction with shopping or dining, parking fee discounts may be available.
Contact Information
Phone Number: 025-240-4311
Inquiries can be made by phone during business hours. We can also assist with details about special exhibitions and group reservations.
Niigata City Pilgrimage Spots | Manga and Anime Related Facilities
When you visit the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall, be sure to also visit related facilities in the surrounding area. Niigata City has other charming pilgrimage spots.
Niigata City House of Manga
The “Niigata City House of Manga” is another facility selected in “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” along with the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall.
Features:
- A charming historic building utilizing an early Showa period wooden house
- Exhibitions of works by manga artists from or with connections to Niigata
- Reading space with approximately 10,000 manga books available to read freely
- Regularly holds manga classes and events
Location: Furucho-dori 6-Bancho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City
Moving from the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall toward the Furucho area, you can enjoy manga in a retro atmosphere.
Gata Furu Course | Approximately 6-Hour Manga and Anime Sightseeing
The “Manga and Anime Easy Sightseeing Course” officially proposed by Niigata City is a plan to efficiently visit Niigata City’s manga and anime spots in approximately 6 hours.
Model Course:
- Arrival at Niigata Station
- Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall (2 hours)
- Lunch at Bandai City (1 hour)
- Niigata City House of Manga (1.5 hours)
- Furucho area sightseeing and cafe break (1 hour)
- Souvenir shopping and return to Niigata Station
With this course, you can fully experience Niigata City’s appeal as the “Town of Manga and Anime” even on a day trip.
Other Related Spots
Niigata City History Museum (Minatopia):
A facility where you can learn about Niigata’s history and culture, occasionally hosting special exhibitions related to manga and anime.
Befco Bakauke Observation Room:
An observation room on the 31st floor of Toki Messe offers a panoramic view of Niigata cityscape, providing a beautiful view like an anime setting.
Hotels and Accommodations Near Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall
For those visiting from afar for pilgrimage purposes, here are recommended accommodation facilities near the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall.
Hotels in the Bandai Area
Hotel Nikko Niigata:
- A high-rise hotel adjacent to Bandai City
- 3 minutes’ walk to Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall
- Convenient connection to Toki Messe
Dormy Inn Niigata:
- Features natural hot spring bath
- 5 minutes’ walk to Bandai City
- Popular for services like late-night ramen
Comfort Hotel Niigata Station Front:
- 3 minutes’ walk from Niigata Station
- Affordable pricing
- Free breakfast service included
Hotels Near Niigata Station
Art Hotel Niigata Station Front:
- 1 minute’s walk from Niigata Station’s Bandai Exit
- Ideal as a sightseeing base
- Well-equipped restaurants and cafes
Niigata Kehin Hotel:
- 5 minutes’ walk from Niigata Station
- Business hotel with calm atmosphere
- Good cost-performance ratio
Hotels in the Furucho Area
If you plan to visit the Niigata City House of Manga as well, accommodation in the Furucho area is also recommended.
Hotel Italia-Ken:
- An established hotel in Niigata
- Classic atmosphere
- Close to the Furucho entertainment district
When selecting accommodations, considering the pilgrimage route and distance to planned visiting facilities allows for a more efficient travel plan.
How to Purchase Special Exhibition Tickets and Enjoy Them Economically
Here are tips for maximizing your enjoyment of special exhibitions when visiting the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall.
Ticket Purchase Methods
Same-Day Tickets:
Available for purchase at the reception desk inside the facility. You can choose between the permanent exhibition only or a combination ticket for the permanent exhibition and special exhibition.
Advance Tickets:
For large-scale special exhibitions, advance tickets may be sold. Available through the official website and partner ticketing websites, advance tickets are generally cheaper than same-day tickets.
Online Tickets:
Some special exhibitions have online pre-purchase options. For anticipated popular exhibitions, pre-purchase is recommended.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
Weekday Afternoons are Ideal:
Weekends, holidays, and summer vacation periods tend to be crowded. For a leisurely viewing experience, weekday afternoons are recommended.
Aim for Right After Opening:
Right after the 10:00 AM opening on weekends and holidays is relatively uncrowded. Even popular exhibitions can be viewed calmly.
Opening and Final Days Are Crowded:
Particularly the opening and final days of popular exhibitions tend to be crowded. If possible, choosing the middle period is better.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in some areas of the permanent exhibition, but it is prohibited in most special exhibitions. Photography-permitted areas are clearly marked, so please enjoy while following the rules.
Photo spots suitable for social media may be provided, and posting with the official hashtag allows you to connect with people who share your interests.
Enjoying Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall as a Couple or Family
The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is a facility that can be enjoyed not only for solo pilgrimage visits but also by couples and families.
Points Recommended for Couples Dating
For couples who love manga and anime, it is a valuable dating spot to enjoy shared interests.
View the Special Exhibition Together:
While viewing while discussing each other’s favorite works, deeper understanding and empathy will develop.
Voice Acting Experience as a Couple:
In the voice acting experience corner, couples can do dubbing together. Despite some embarrassment, it will become a fun memory.
Shopping and Dining at Bandai City:
After viewing the facility, you can enjoy shopping and dining at Bandai City. You can also enjoy Niigata cuisine, creating a fulfilling date course.
Points for Families to Enjoy
Experience Exhibitions the Whole Family Can Enjoy:
Character experience devices and mini theaters can be enjoyed even by young children.
Free Admission for Elementary and Junior High School Students:
Since permanent exhibition admission for elementary and junior high school students is free on weekends and holidays, family visits are economical.
Learning Opportunities:
Learning about the manga and anime production process contributes to developing children’s creativity and expressive ability.
Enjoyment Across Generations:
Since the range of displayed works spans from classics that older generations remember fondly to the latest popular works, all three generations can enjoy a visit together.
History and Future Prospects of Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall
Since its opening in 2010, the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall has continued to promote Niigata’s manga and anime culture.
Opening Background
As part of Niigata City’s efforts to strengthen its branding as the “Town of Manga and Anime,” it opened as a base to convey the appeal of manga and anime to citizens and tourists. It aims to honor the achievements of creators with connections to Niigata and contribute to nurturing the next generation of creators.
Accomplishments to Date
Since opening, the facility has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually, with fans from throughout the nation visiting especially during popular exhibitions. It actively collaborates with local schools and hosts workshops for creator development.
Future Outlook
Niigata City plans to continue strengthening its branding as the “Town of Manga and Anime.” The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall, as the core facility, is expected to undertake the following initiatives:
- Hosting more diverse special exhibitions
- Introducing new display methods utilizing digital technology
- Attracting international manga and anime events
- Enhancing online exhibitions and virtual tours
- Expanding support programs for emerging creators
Rather than serving only as a pilgrimage destination, it is expected to continue evolving as a center for creating and promoting manga and anime culture.
Q&A: What You Should Know Before Visiting
Here are frequently asked questions when visiting the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall.
Q1: What is the address of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall?
A: It is located at 1st Floor, Bandai City BP2, 2-5-7 Yachiyoshi, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. It is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from JR Niigata Station, located within Bandai City.
Q2: What are the business hours of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall?
A: Weekdays are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and weekends and holidays are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Last admission is until 6:30 PM.
Q3: What are the closed days of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall?
A: Closed days are irregular. It is mainly closed during exhibition change periods, year-end and New Year holidays, and facility maintenance days. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting. Information on temporary closures is also announced on the official website.
Q4: What is the admission fee for the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall?
A: The permanent exhibition costs 200 yen for general admission, 100 yen for junior and senior high school students, and is free for elementary school students. Special exhibitions require separate admission, which varies depending on the exhibition content. Elementary and junior high school students get free admission to the permanent exhibition on weekends and holidays.
Q5: Is there parking available?
A: Bandai City has multiple paid parking lots. When used in conjunction with shopping or dining, parking fee discounts may be available.
Q6: Is photography permitted?
A: Photography is permitted in some areas of the permanent exhibition, but special exhibitions are generally prohibited from being photographed. Photography-permitted areas are clearly marked, so please enjoy while following the rules.
Q7: Are goods sold?
A: Limited merchandise is sometimes sold to coincide with special exhibitions. Manga and anime-related goods with connections to Niigata are also available.
Q8: How much time should I allow?
A: For the permanent exhibition alone, allow 1 to 1.5 hours. If including special exhibitions, plan for 2 to 3 hours. Those wanting to view carefully or serious anime fans should allocate more time.
Q9: What is the difference between the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall and Niigata City House of Manga?
A: The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is an experience-oriented museum using cutting-edge display technology with enriched special exhibitions. On the other hand, the Niigata City House of Manga is a facility utilizing an early Showa period building, with the appeal of having approximately 10,000 manga books available to read. Visiting both allows you to enjoy Niigata’s manga and anime culture more deeply.
Q10: Can families with children enjoy it?
A: Yes, the facility features abundant experience corners for children and character displays, making it enjoyable for families. Since permanent exhibition admission is free for elementary and junior high school students on weekends and holidays, family visits are recommended.
Conclusion | Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage at Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall
The Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall is a precious sacred site where visitors can experience Japanese manga and anime culture. As a facility selected in the “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” it has drawn attention from fans nationwide.
Appeal of the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall:
- Exhibitions of works by renowned manga artists and anime creators with connections to Niigata
- Enriched special exhibitions held 7-8 times annually
- Fun experience corners including voice acting experiences and character interactions
- Affordable admission rates (200 yen for general permanent exhibition admission, free for elementary and junior high school students)
- Convenient location within Bandai City
When visiting Niigata City, in addition to the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Hall, combining your visit with the Niigata City House of Manga and other nearby tourist spots will make for a more fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
It is recommended to check the official website beforehand to confirm the schedule for special exhibitions and any temporary closure information, then plan your visit to coincide with exhibitions of your favorite works or creators.
Niigata’s beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, and rich manga and anime culture. Enjoy it all and create unforgettable memories of your pilgrimage to Niigata City.
