What other travelers are saying about Former Niigata Customs Office
This government building was built in 1869 and is the only surviving former customs office out of the Five Open Ports.
It was built by local carpenters who imitated Western architecture and is known as "pseudo-Western architecture." At first glance, it appears to be a Western-style building, but what makes it unique is that much of it was built using Japanese techniques.
The Five Open Ports are Niigata, Yokohama, Hakodate, Nagasaki, and Kobe, and Niigata Port was chosen because it is the largest port city on the Sea of Japan coast and was part of the Edo shogunate's territory.
There's a large, open area like a schoolyard, perfect for a picnic.
I missed taking a photo, but if you come at night, you can see the cool, illuminated building.
Recommended as a photo spot.
This building is one of the few in Niigata City that has been designated a national historic site and important cultural property.
It is famous as one of the five open ports (Hakodate, Yokohama, Niigata, Kobe, and Nagasaki) that were designated as ports for trade purposes under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States.
It is the only surviving remains of the customs office (unjosho) from the time of the port's opening, and was designated an important cultural property in 1969.
It is currently open to the public free of charge.
Designated a national important cultural property, the former Niigata Customs House has a distinctive arched entrance.
It is the only surviving building among the five ports opened under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan.
November 2025
Located in front of the Niigata City Museum of History.
Yes. Both floors are open to visitors. The ground floor shows the original customs inspection areas, and the upper floor contains exhibits about the building's architecture and restoration. Displays include historical documents, photographs, and artifacts from Niigata's trading history.
The building is located in the Shinano River Bandai area, accessible by 15-minute bus ride or 25-minute walk from Niigata Station. Parking is available nearby for drivers.
The exhibitions display historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Niigata's maritime trade and port operations. The ground floor recreates the customs inspection workspace, showing where officials processed goods during the Meiji era.
Photography policies vary at Japanese cultural properties. Visitors should check for posted signs upon entry or ask staff about photography restrictions in exhibition areas.
