About this Stay
Italian-ken, an Italian restaurant, traces its origins back to a young Italian who came to Niigata in the early Meiji period as a cook for a French circus troupe. After being injured and unable to return home, he remained in Japan and, with the support of local patrons, opened the restaurant. This became the foundation of the long-established “Hotel Italia-ken” in Niigata.
I stayed at this hotel and had both dinner and breakfast at the Western-style restaurant “Marco Polo” inside the hotel. The quality of the food was excellent.
Hotel Italia-ken is located on the west bank of the Shinano River in Niigata City. Nearby attractions include the Niigata City History Museum and Bandai Bridge. The museum, which is within walking distance from the hotel, features preserved Meiji-era buildings that once stood throughout Niigata City.
These buildings date back to the Meiji period, when Niigata was one of the five ports opened to foreign trade under the Ansei Treaties at the end of the Edo period.
Table of Contents
Surroundings of the Hotel
Top
Niigata City History Museum (1)
This is the main building of the Niigata City History Museum, located near the hotel. It was designed based on the former Niigata City Hall building, which was completed in 1911 and later destroyed by fire in 1933.
Niigata City History Museum (2)
This is the former Sumiyoshi Branch of the Fourth Bank, located within the museum grounds.
Niigata City History Museum (3)
This is part of the museum grounds.
The former Niigata Customs House can be seen in the background.
Bandai Bridge (1)
This is Bandai Bridge spanning the Shinano River.
Bandai Bridge (2)
This is the morning view of Bandai Bridge.
Inside the Hotel
Top
Entrance
I arrived at Hotel Italia-ken. This is the entrance.
Front Lobby
This is the sofa seating area in the front lobby on the first floor.
Koi Fish Tank
There was a koi fish tank in the lobby.
(Editor’s note) About 80% of ornamental koi are exported overseas to affluent customers. Koi carp originated in Niigata Prefecture, which accounts for about half of Japan’s koi production.
Exhibits on the Hotel’s History
These are exhibits displayed in the hotel that tell the story of how Italia-ken was founded.
* In the early Meiji period, an Italian who came to Niigata as a cook for a circus troupe was unable to return home due to an injury. A supporter encouraged him to open a butcher shop, which became the starting point of the business.
- • The woman in a kimono may be “Osui,” who married the Italian cook and supported the founding.
- • A book titled “The History of Italia-ken”
- • A gratin dish said to have been used since the Taisho period, etc.
Tableware from the Old Building
This is an exhibit of tableware used in the old building.
- • Knives, forks, and spoons
- • Coffee cups
- • Signboards, etc.
Menu from the 1940s–50s
This is an exhibit of a menu from the time when a branch was opened in the late 1940s to 1950s.
It features Western-style dishes.
- • Omelet, cutlet, beef stew, chicken cutlet
“Chair of Happiness” Display
This is the “Chair of Happiness” displayed on the first floor.
According to the description: “Since the founding of Italia-ken, this chair has been used by newlyweds. It will continue to watch over their happiness now and in the future.”
Entrance and Lobby (1st Floor)
This is the entrance and lobby area on the first floor.
The koi fish tank is located just inside the entrance.
Dinner
Top
Hotel Restaurant
I had a full-course French dinner at the hotel’s Western-style restaurant “Marco Polo.”
This restaurant has continued operating as a cornerstone of Western culinary culture, tracing its roots back to a Western food shop established in 1874 and the Western-style restaurant “Italia-ken,” founded in 1881.
Menu
This is the menu.
- • Amuse-bouche
- • Salami from Hennjinmokko
- • Consommé Printanière
- • Murakami beef aiguillette with Madeira sauce
- • Piccolo’s special bread
- • Mixed salad
- • Dessert
- • Coffee
Amuse-bouche
This is the amuse-bouche (a small starter in French cuisine).
It had a pasta-like flavor, made with boiled brown rice and seasoned with tomato sauce.
Salami Appetizer
This is the salami appetizer.
It uses salami from “Hennjinmokko,” a sausage workshop on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. The texture was surprisingly soft.
At Hennjinmokko, salami and sausages are made using traditional German methods. The owner holds a German-certified meat processing qualification (Geselle), and their products are highly regarded among food enthusiasts, having won numerous awards at international competitions.
Soup
Consommé Printanière (spring vegetable consommé soup).
It had a minestrone-style flavor.
Bread
This bread is from the hotel’s in-house bakery “Piccolo.”
The one in the foreground is tri-colored—green, white, and red—like the Italian flag.
Beef Steak and Salad
“Murakami beef aiguillette with Madeira sauce.” This is the steak, and it was absolutely delicious.
- (Editor’s note)
- Aiguillette: Thinly sliced strips of meat
- Madeira sauce: A classic sauce made with Madeira wine, fond de veau, and shallots, often used for steaks and game dishes
Main Dish: Murakami Beef
This is the main dish, Murakami beef steak.
Dessert
This is the dessert. It was quite an impressive selection.
- • Coffee mousse with strawberry sauce
- • Vanilla ice cream
- • Orange chips
Guest Room
Top
Bed
This is the bed in the guest room. As you would expect from a place called Italia-ken, the interior has a distinctly European feel.
Morning View
This is the morning view of Niigata City as seen from the hotel window.
Breakfast
Top
Breakfast Selection
I had breakfast at the restaurant “Marco Polo.” I enjoyed a variety of delicious dishes.
- • Omelet with demi-glace sauce 【Signature dish】
- • Nordic-style curry and rice balls
- • Bacon, potato salad
- • Corn soup
- • Japanese side dishes (rolled omelet, grilled salted salmon, pickles, etc.)
- • Milk, juice, etc.
French Toast
This is French toast along with some bread.
