Niigata Racecourse

We recently stopped by the Niigata Racecourse in the northern part of the city to check out their facilities for kids.  I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a few things for families to enjoy.

On weekends you can enjoy the playground, go-karts, a small train, a bouncy castle, and pony rides.  These are available during different times throughout the day, but while we were there around noon we were able to take advantage of almost all of them.  There is also a horse-drawn carriage that the whole family can ride.  The best part is that all of these are completely free!

It's probably best to visit the racecourse with your kids when there are no races taking place, so as to avoid crowds and a lot of cigarette smoke.  On these days, there is plenty of parking (also free), and lots of space on the grass around the track itself.  It's a great place to have a picnic and watch the races in other parts of Japan being broadcast on the giant screen in the middle of the track.

Information and hours for the kids' activities: http://jra.jp/facilities/race/niigata/news/fureai.html

Location of the Niigata Racecourse:

Havan Dining

Located just down the street from Marinepia, Havan Dining is a nice and relaxed buffet-style restaurant that specializes in vegetarian Indian curry.

Apart from the several types of curry, which change throughout the week, there is also salad, rice, inari sushi, some desserts (the ice cream is good!) and of course naan.  The drink area has a great mixed fruit and vegetable juice, as well as hot chai.

One corner of the restaurant is a kids' area, with books and toys to keep them busy while parents can enjoy their meal.  There is also a seating area with low tables and floor space for families with infants.

We usually go on Saturdays, as the restaurant is pretty quiet and it's easy to get a table by the windows with really comfortable chairs.  Sundays tend to be very crowded, though, and you may need to wait some time for a table.