Fetch your bags stroll out of arrivals at Niigata Airport (KIJ), and pick up your rental car. Which one you climb into depends on where you want to go. If you’ll be spending most of your time driving in downtown Niigata, around 9 miles from the terminal, opt for something zippy. A compact car that’s fuel-efficient will be ideal for those busy streets. But with almost endless things to see, like the stunning bays of the region, you may want to add some pit stops. A bigger vehicle, like an SUV or a full-size car, will make longer road trips a joy.