Niigata

Niigata Station area (Bandai exit)

Shinkansen, buses and CoCoLo shopping on the doorstep; best for one night with bags.

Furumachi

Old downtown restaurant and bar district; 5–10 min by taxi or bus from the station.

Bandai / Bandaijima

Riverside hotels, Toki Messe and the fish market; walkable to the Bandai Bridge.

Etiquette

• Greeting: A small bow; a handshake if the other person offers; avoid: Hugs, back slaps, loud greetings
• Names: Family name plus -san; avoid: First names unless invited; adding -san to your own name
• Paying: Put money in the tray at the register; avoid: Tipping, or leaving loose cash for staff
• Trains: Queue at the floor marks, phone on silent, ask before reclining on the Shinkansen; avoid: Phone calls, eating on crowded commuter trains, blocking doors with bags
• Escalators: Stand on the side locals use — left in Tokyo, right in Osaka; stations now ask people to stand still on both; avoid: Stopping at the top or bottom
• Shoes: Off at the step-up entrance; toilet slippers only inside the toilet; avoid: Stepping on tatami in shoes or slippers
• Shrines: Rinse hands at the basin; bow twice, clap twice, bow once; avoid: Walking down the centre of the approach, which is for the deity
• Gifts: Offer and receive with both hands; bring a small omiyage for hosts; avoid: Sets of four; cash outside an envelope

Scams and watch-outs

• Winter brings heavy snow and cold rain off the Sea of Japan; coastal trains can be delayed or cancelled.
• Many small restaurants and bars are cash-only; carry yen.
• Some sights sit far apart (Northern Culture Museum, Nakano Residence) and need a bus or taxi, not a walk.
• Sado Island ferries can be cancelled in rough weather: check the sailing before you commit.