minatopia - 31 may 2006

Our 2nd class trip was to the Niigata City History Museum, also known as Minatopia. Below is an excerpt from the “essay” I had to write as part of the subject requirement. Writing such compositions bring me back to my primary school days where “My Pet”, or “My Holiday”, and such are common topics for writing exercises.


せんしゅうの水曜日に私はともだちとみなとぴあへ行きました。バスで３０分かかりました。全員１１人いました．池田先生としばた先生も行きました。天気はよかったです。


みなとぴあは新潟市のれきしはくぶつかんです。たてものはふるそうです。ぜんぶで３しゅようなたてものです。りょこうガイドはたいへおもしろかったです。

私たちは新潟のれきしをならいました。たてものの中にたくさんふくや、ちずや、しゃしんがあります。のうぎょうのこうぐとふるいふねもあります。


時間がありませんでしたから、ほかのたてものはいきませんでした。でも、りょこうはとてもたのしかったです。私たちは５時ごろ大学へ帰れました。


Before entering the museum, our tour guide, Washio-san gave us a brief history of Niigata and the functions of the various buildings in the compound. We were standing in front of the former Daishi Bank, Sumiyoshi-cho branch.


For a seemingly suburban prefecture, the Minatopia boasts an impressive array of display and interactive system to enhance the visitor’s experience.


A miniature model of the Bandai Bridge which spans over the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan. Rivers, and other water elements such as marshes and beaches have long played important roles in the growth and development of Niigata.


Built in 1869, this building is the only surviving Customs House in the 5 ports opened at this time. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property.


The main building was designed based on the original specifications of the second Niigata City Hall, erected in 1911. It is said that Western-inspired buildings built during this period was seen as an attempt to emulate the West and elevate the Japanese in the eyes of the Western world.