The first Italian restaurant in Japan was located in Niigata.
Currently, the restaurant operates as the associate hotel of Hotel New Otani, called Hotel Italiaken.
As Miora struggled with the thought of returning to Italy, those around her encouraged her, and in Nishiboridori—where Hotel Italiaken now stands—Japan’s first Italian restaurant opened, founded by an Italian.
The elegant Western-style building named “Italiaken,” suggested by Osui, and the delicious cuisine originated at this time. Italiaken became a cutting-edge restaurant of its era, praised as “Niigata’s Rokumeikan.”
Story of Italiaken | Hotel Italiaken
While searching for accommodation on a trip to Niigata, I happened to find Hotel Italiaken.
Since this hotel has its roots as a traditional restaurant and is also an associate hotel of Hotel New Otani, I expected it to be quite expensive, but (perhaps due to the times) it was surprisingly affordable, comparable to a business hotel.
About 8,000 yen for two people, with breakfast included.
*Prices may vary depending on the season.
Located in Niigata city center, it’s convenient for sightseeing and business, and you can enjoy a satisfying traditional Western-style breakfast in the morning!
Access and Transportation to Hotel Italiaken
Hotel Italiaken is located across the Shinano River on the ocean side of Niigata Station.
It’s near the western edge of the city area extending toward the ocean from Niigata Station.
It takes over 30 minutes on foot from the station, so realistic options besides car are the Niigata Kotsu bus (about 15 minutes including walking) or a taxi (just under 10 minutes).
The bus departs from the Bandai Exit of Niigata Station, and you can take any bound for Furumachi.
Most buses should be heading toward Furumachi, but to be safe, check Google transit or ask the driver “Does this go to Furumachi?” to confirm.
If coming from Niigata Airport, it’s about 20 minutes by taxi, or by bus via limousine bus to Niigata Station or Bandai City Bus Center, then transfer.
| Accommodation Name | Italiaken |
|---|---|
| Address | 1574 Nishiboridori 7-bancho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture 951-8061 |
| Phone Number |
025-224-5111 (Main) 0120-800-876 (Reservations) |
| Check-in | 15:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
|
Price Range (2 persons per night) |
5,000–10,000 yen (Standard room with breakfast) |
Grand Atmosphere in the Lobby and Entrance
This building with distinctive stained glass windows is Hotel Italiaken.
At night, the illuminated Italian flag makes it especially easy to find.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a large chandelier and high ceilings.
The lobby next to the entrance also exudes this grand atmosphere, reflecting the hotel’s tradition.
Koi carp originating from Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. Each scale is beautifully colored.
Check-in is conducted at this front desk. The staff was very polite.
Going up the escalator right by the entrance, you’ll find an exhibition space about the history of Italiaken.
There are displays of dishes and signs used during the old building period, and photos of author Osamu Dazai’s visit.
Well-maintained Rooms and Facilities, Though Not New
We stayed in a double room.
Though not new, the room was well-maintained and had a nice atmosphere.
From another angle.
It came with a modern washlet toilet, so that was reassuring. There was an old, mysterious telephone above the toilet paper…?
I didn’t pick it up to avoid disturbing anyone, but it looked quite old, so perhaps it’s just left there without connection.
It’s a typical unit bath, similar to a business hotel.
Amenities are well provided, so you shouldn’t have any issues.
Equipped with an electric kettle, coffee, and tea.
There’s also a refrigerator. On closer inspection, it’s a National brand (an old Panasonic brand)!
It keeps things cool fine, but at night the compressor noise was a bit loud, so I unplugged it.
View from the room on the 8th floor. There are few tall buildings around here, so it’s open and refreshing.
Breakfast at Italiaken – A Must when Staying Here
Italiaken offers room-only plans, but it’s definitely recommended to choose a plan with breakfast included!
Depending on the plan, breakfast can be added for under 1,000 yen per person, meaning you can enjoy a serious Western-style breakfast in the morning for about the price of a business hotel.
Breakfast is served at the restaurant “Marco Polo,” located next to the escalator on the 1st floor.
Alongside classic items like salad and sausages are freshly made-to-order omelets by the chef and rice balls made with Niigata-grown rice.
Special omelets where you can choose ingredients and sauces.
Rice ball demonstration corner and Niigata specialty tare-katsu (sauce-covered deep-fried pork cutlet).
One of Italiaken’s signature dishes: beef curry.
Yasuda Yogurt, made from raw milk from Agano City, Niigata Prefecture. I went to their official store afterward.
Being greedy with buffet-style meals, I wanted to try everything.
I couldn’t eat it all but this is the result of my attempt to sample as much as possible.
The rich and deeply flavorful European-style beef curry. I understand why they sell this as a souvenir.
The chef’s freshly made omelet with traditional demi-glace sauce. Soft and perfect.
Tokamachi Tsuma Soba. Since the other dishes are fairly rich, this refreshing soba is a perfect balance.
The crispy tare-katsu and rich yogurt were all delicious. I was stuffed.
Shortly afterward, for lunch, I ate a salmon course and ikura (salmon roe) rice bowl at “Sennen Zake Izutsuya” in Murakami City, so although I really enjoyed it, my stomach was at its absolute limit…
Final Thoughts
Great location, nice rooms, affordable, and delicious breakfast. What else could you ask for in a hotel?
I didn’t have it at breakfast, but I really wanted to try the meat sauce which has been preserved for 147 years. I’ll definitely have it next time.
If you’re staying in the center of Niigata city, Hotel Italiaken is highly recommended!
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