Niigata's Retro-Cute Nuttari Terrace Street: Charming Cafes And Shops

ISANA

Walk a bit from Aotogama and you will come across an impressive bluish-green wall. This is ISANA, where furniture, coffee, and dyed textile cloths are sold. This is a store with an interesting combination of products. The shopkeeper was originally a furniture craftsman while his wife was a dyeing and weaving artisan, which is how this store came about.

There is also a café next door where you can drink coffee while sitting in chairs made by ISANA.

Taruhi Glass Works

Have you heard of “donbodama”? These are a spherical glass beads that can be used to make a variety of different accessories. Here, you can experience making glass beads, also called glass jewels, in approximately fifteen minutes.

Exactly like the photo suggests, there are various kinds of samples from which you will choose your preferred color and design. Then, you will make the bead while dissolving the raw materials over the flame of a burner.

You're sure to be overjoyed by the beautiful color that gradually manifests from the bead.

Once you have prepared the shape of the glass bead, you allow it to cool for approximately 30 minutes. Why not walk around Nuttari Terrace during this time? When you have returned and have added your preferred metal fittings to your cooled glass bead, you will have completed your very own, one-of-a-kind accessory.

For those who are thinking, “I want a glass bead but I don’t have time!” don’t worry. There are also brilliant glass bead accessories made by the shopkeeper sold at the shop. Make your own unique memories of Japan by either creating a glass bead or picking up some made by a master artisan.

HOSHINO Koffee & Labo

At HOSHINO koffee & Labo, you can enjoy your own roasted coffee and baked sweets. There are seats both at the counter and at a table so you are able to relax inside. The shop is also meticulous in the origin of its coffee and stocks coffee beans from various countries including Africa and South America.

The baked sweets here are made with particular attention to their ingredients and are chosen based on the shopkeeper’s own standards. How about visiting this shop when you feel like having a quiet and relaxing time?

Hachimitsu Plus

This shop sells antique furniture, vintage clothes, and general goods and is where several of Japan’s different types of antique goods can be found. It appears that as time passes, the background and appearance of the shop will vary even with the same items on display. Everything from large products, such as shelves and tables, to small products like bowls and plates are collected inside the shop.

There are also very Japanese products here that may be great to buy for yourself or as souvenirs for your family.

Osado Tamura

This seafood and regional cuisine restaurant is much loved by locals and has continued running for nearly 50 years. Every morning, the owner chooses and purchases fresh fish and produce from the local market. After all is said and done, Niigata is the place for drinking. There are also several local sakes available at the restaurant.

Once I began drinking at the counter, I was told an old story of Niigata by an elder in their 70s. It made the experience even more fun as I had gone to the restaurant by myself. This is definitely a restaurant you will want to stop by upon coming to Niigata.

BOOKS f3

This is a bookstore that sells new and old publications of photo collections. A photo collection fitting for each customer will be selected for you upon consulting with an employee.

This shop is recommended to those who love photos and to those who have never purchased a photo collection before. The fact that a message is being conveyed despite not knowing the words for it is the appeal of photo collections like these. How about taking a look at the various works of Japanese photographers?

This shop is located a bit further away from Nuttari Terrace Street. Nonetheless, it is only a three minute walk, so definitely please give it a visit too.

Morning Market Day Is Every First Sunday

Photo courtesy of: Terrace Office Co.

The Morning Market takes place annually from April to November on the first Sunday of the month and is open from eight in the morning.

It is a fascinating market where various shops, not only the usual vendors, but also craft shops, bread shops, and more from every area within the prefecture, are gathered. There are several customers that visit the morning market not only from within Niigata, but from outside the prefecture as well.

Additionally, an event called the Winter Market is held from December to March. Similar to the Morning Market, it is held every first Sunday, but the time shops are opened will depend on the respective vendors. Many shops will gather from 10:00 to 14:00, so you can enjoy yourself if you aim to visit the market during those times.

The Nostalgic Abandoned Railway

Nearby Nuttari Terrace Street is an area called The Nostalgic Abandoned Railway where many tourists gather. It is currently not in use, so the vegetation has grown wild. The fact that the ambience of the area is created by the vegetation has become a popular topic for photographs and social media.

Those who love taking photos should definitely visit. You will be able to take plenty of amazing photos here.

In Conclusion

Nuttari Terrace Street is an area where small shops have gathered. When you take one step into the street, you will be greeted with a warm “good afternoon.” People sitting nearby will also often tell you information about Niigata. Nuttari is a warm street with no discrimination towards those who come from outside the area.

Definitely, please visit Nuttari if you would like to have a trip where you will experience the warmth in people’s hearts.

Made in cooperation with: Terrace Office Co.

Nuttari Terrace Shopping Street

3-5 Nuttarihigashi, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-0075

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