Befco Bakauke Observatory

Befco Bakauke Observatory, a popular tourist spot in Niigata City, is located approximately 125 meters above ground, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. From the south, you can see the cityscape, while the west area offers a view of Sado Island, providing an area where you can feel the history of Niigata City. From the east, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Goutou Range, allowing you to appreciate the collaboration between the city and nature. From the north, you can see the unique scenery of a port town, and in the distance, you can even see Awashima Island. The observatory also has a restaurant lounge where you can enjoy meals and purchase souvenirs. Nearby, there are other tourist spots such as "Nigiwai Market Pier Bandai," "Hakusan Shrine," and the "Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art." It's recommended for those who want to enjoy a stunning view of Niigata City from above.

The recommended time to visit the Befco Bakauke Observatory is during the magic hour at dusk. While there are many famous spots to view the sunset on the Japan Sea side, there aren't many places where you can see the sun setting over the sea from a location over 100 meters above ground level. During the time when the sun is setting, the sky and sea are dyed orange, creating a beautiful view. Especially impressive is the view from the south side during the magic hour. Just before the sun sets, the elevator tends to get crowded, so it's recommended to go to the observatory with some extra time.

Befco Bakauke Observatory is a recommended spot for enjoying the night view, as it is open until 10pm. You can see the bridge over the Shinano River, the bright night view outside of Niigata City, and even ships floating on the Sea of Japan if you change your direction. It's a great spot to take your time and enjoy the night view, as it's not a place where people come and go frequently. It was also selected as a "recommended night view date spot" by Enmusubi University.

Inside the Befco Bakauke Observatory, there is an information center where you can obtain information on public transportation, tourist information, and pamphlets about Niigata. They also provide information on nearby tourist spots and gourmet information, so it's recommended to stop by and gather information before your trip. In addition, the information center offers multilingual support, including English and Chinese, making it easy for foreign tourists to use with peace of mind.

Access to the Befco Bakauke Observatory is convenient. It's about a 20-minute bus ride from JR Niigata Station, followed by a 5-minute walk from the "Bandai City" bus stop. It's also about a 10-minute taxi ride away. There are also tourist spots such as "Hakusan Shrine," "Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art," and "Bandai City" in the surrounding area. You can also explore the area around the Befco Bakauke Observatory while sightseeing.

There are many delicious gourmet foods unique to Niigata around the Befco Bakauke Observatory. For example, at "Benkei Pier Bandai Shop," you can taste Niigata specialties such as "Vegetable Noppe Soup" and "Kakiage Don." At the "Hotel Nikko Niigata Serena," you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. In addition, at "Kashiya Yokocho," you can enjoy Japanese sweets such as Kin-Tsuba and Warabi Mochi. Niigata's specialty Sasadango is also sold at many shops.

The middle to upper floors of the tower with the Befco Bakauke Observatory are occupied by Hotel Nikko Niigata. The hotel's restaurants and cafes regularly hold events. In 2023, there was also a collaboration cafe with PUI PUI Molcar. When visiting Niigata for sightseeing, why not check out the events being held here?