Updated Feb 18, 2026
KEY STATS
798K
Population
726 km2
Area
326 Mbps
Internet
UTC+09:00
Timezone
KIJ (7km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Snow-dusted rice paddies and sake breweries define Niigata's winter charm on Japan's Sea of Japan coast, easing into humid summers. Remote workers enjoy bullet-train links to Tokyo, ultrafast internet, and fresh seafood markets fueling productive days.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Japan
Region
Eastern Asia
Population
798K
Timezone
UTC+09:00
Currency
JPY
Language
Japanese
Airport
KIJ
GPS
37.92, 139.04
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
617 restaurants mapped in Niigata
Tech
326 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Travel
KIJ airport just 7 km from the city center
INFRASTRUCTURE
6,222 total POIs 8.6 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
617
Cafes
130
Bars
166
Fast Food
84
Shopping
Supermarkets
83
Convenience
207
Shopping Malls
13
Healthcare
Hospitals
30
Clinics
203
Pharmacies
138
Education
Schools
290
Universities
51
Libraries
11
Recreation
Parks
617
Playgrounds
37
Sports
152
Cinemas
5
Museums
19
Theatres
5
Transport
Bus Stops
1,118
Train Stations
19
Fuel Stations
56
Services
Banks
81
ATMs
5
Post Offices
93
Police
31
Fire Stations
19
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
326 Mbps
Download
224 Mbps
Upload
22ms
Latency
5,546
Tests
1,183
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: May - Sep
5°
J
6°
F
10°
M
15°
A
20°
M
24°
J
25°
J
24°
A
20°
S
15°
O
10°
N
6°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 15 C Range: 5.1 - 24.9 C Rain: 2,149 mm/year Sunshine: 2,731 h/year
CITY SCORES
95.1
Nomad Index
C
Livability
46.8
Overall
AIRPORT
KIJ
Niigata Airport
7 km from center
Very close — ~11 min ride
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Niigata known for?
Snow-dusted rice paddies and sake breweries define Niigata's winter charm on Japan's Sea of Japan coast, easing into humid summers. Remote workers enjoy bullet-train links to Tokyo, ultrafast internet, and fresh seafood markets fueling productive days.
How fast is the internet in Niigata?
Niigata has an average download speed of 326 Mbps and upload speed of 224 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Niigata?
Niigata has an average year-round temperature of approximately 15 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Niigata?
Niigata is served by KIJ (Niigata Airport), approximately 7 km from the city center.
What is the population of Niigata?
The population of Niigata is approximately 798K.
What infrastructure does Niigata have?
Niigata has 6,222 mapped points of interest, including 617 restaurants, 30 hospitals, 290 schools.
What country is Niigata in?
Niigata is located in Japan.
