Niigata Private Tour Guides
Contact a private tour guide to plan your Niigata itinerary and Book Online.
Popular Niigata Tour Guides
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/827/77563.jpg)
Japan
Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(37 reviews)
4.95 / 5
(37 reviews)
Hello! My name is Fujiko Maeda. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I was born in Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. I once worked in tourism industry for about 10 years when I lived in Tokyo. Now I'm a persimmon farmer but when time permits I'm happy to guide you here in Sado mainly but also other places, too. We have a lot to offer like beautiful nature, historical sites, local specialties, traditional performing arts, festivals, islanders smiles and so on. If you'd like to know real Japanese lifestyle, please visit Sado. I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Let's explore Sado or other wonderful and beautiful places with me! Also, if you have any questions about Sado or Japan as a whole, please don't hesitate to email me.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/13589/87064.jpg)
Japan
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Yokoso! Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. A true Niigatite, I was born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations. I would be pleased to show you another side of Japan in my beautiful and unique prefecture. The Warm Hospitality: Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and provides a true insider look into the Japanese spirit. Only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it has been perfecting the art of casual hospitality through centuries as a culinary hotspot and nature getaway for the those escaping the rat-race. History at your own Pace: Appreciate history and culture at your own pace in Niigata. Yahiko, National Shrine has been soothing souls, and inspiring locals, poets, and travellers for over 2500 years. Historically significant buildings greet seafarers at Niigata Port and the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River where we can move from the ancient to the modern in the Bandai area to shop and gather with young and old for entertainment such as movies, music, manga, and anime. Over the Sea, Over the Mountain, Over the Fields: Nature is good to Niigata Prefecture, giving us four clear-cut seasons. People from all over the country, and travellers wanting to experience Japan with the Japanese join us to soak in the sun on our beaches, relax at spa resorts, challenge themselves on world class ski hills, and dance together at festivals that draw world class performers. Travel with Me: With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is just a stone's throw away to have a unique taste of Japan. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, I invite you to visit Niigata City and other parts of the prefecture, and while here, it would be my pleasure to help you create unique memories during your stay.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/1259/85982.jpg)
Japan
Yoshiko K.
5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
Hello, my name is Yoshiko Khan. I was born and brought up in Niigata. As we have high mountains, plains, clear rivers, the sea of Japan and islands, you can enjoy diversity of nature and its blessings in each season. Dubbed as a snow country, very patient people in this prefecture have produced many high quality specialties in agriculture, fishery, traditional arts and industry. Enjoy delicious, healthy food and sake here in Niigata. It's only two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. I am very much looking forward to seeing you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/21879/88208.jpg)
Japan
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
Hello! My name is Keiichi. Please call me Kei. I was born and raised in Joetsu City, located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Joetsu was the former capital city of Echigo Province until the mid 19th century. It has a lot of historic sites and scenic spots, and most of all good people. I love my city very much. I worked for the Joetsu City office for over thirty years. During my time there, I was in charge of international relations for about ten years. After retiring from the office, I began working as a licensed tour guide. I am very excited to introduce my city to people all over the world.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/22184/75129.jpg)
Japan
Naoko T.
Hello. I am Naoko. I live in a snow country region in Niigata. I read snow country by Yasunari Kawabata at least 3 times. Sorrounded by beautiful mountain sceneris and rice terraces with fresh air, I hope that you will enjoy our hot springs, traditional fabrics, traditional food and sake. I know how to wear kimono, how to make maccha and how to ski.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72402/ddadf7a5-8acc-41f1-b614-359038984364.png)
Japan
Koichi S.
Hello! My name is Koichi, a licensed guide in Niigata City. I am a retired bank manager. I had worked in the New York office for three years. During my stay in the U.S., I traveled a lot with my family and enjoyed the great nature, historical sites and nice local cuisines. This time, I want you to enjoy Japanese culture and cuisines including our wonderful rice and sake. It is my great pleasure to welcome you in my hometown! Niigata has been developed as a port city at the mouth of big river. The Niigata port has been active since the 17th century, the samurai era. So, we have a lot of sightseeing sites which represent the flourishment of the town in those days. You can enjoy a wealthy merchant’s house and garden, a landlord’s mansion or a model of wooden boat which sailed all over Japan at that time. Along with those historical sites, the people’s markets are very enjoyable. Farmers and fishermen sell their fresh products at the portable tents along the street. Please stroll the area and find some very local fish and veggies. I am waiting for your visit to Niigata!
New Niigata Tour Guides
Japan
Koichi S.
Hello! My name is Koichi, a licensed guide in Niigata City. I am a retired bank manager. I had worked in the New York office for three years. During my stay in the U.S., I traveled a lot with my family and enjoyed the great nature, historical sites and nice local cuisines. This time, I want you to enjoy Japanese culture and cuisines including our wonderful rice and sake. It is my great pleasure to welcome you in my hometown! Niigata has been developed as a port city at the mouth of big river. The Niigata port has been active since the 17th century, the samurai era. So, we have a lot of sightseeing sites which represent the flourishment of the town in those days. You can enjoy a wealthy merchant’s house and garden, a landlord’s mansion or a model of wooden boat which sailed all over Japan at that time. Along with those historical sites, the people’s markets are very enjoyable. Farmers and fishermen sell their fresh products at the portable tents along the street. Please stroll the area and find some very local fish and veggies. I am waiting for your visit to Niigata!
Japan
Naoko T.
Hello. I am Naoko. I live in a snow country region in Niigata. I read snow country by Yasunari Kawabata at least 3 times. Sorrounded by beautiful mountain sceneris and rice terraces with fresh air, I hope that you will enjoy our hot springs, traditional fabrics, traditional food and sake. I know how to wear kimono, how to make maccha and how to ski.
Japan
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
Hello! My name is Keiichi. Please call me Kei. I was born and raised in Joetsu City, located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Joetsu was the former capital city of Echigo Province until the mid 19th century. It has a lot of historic sites and scenic spots, and most of all good people. I love my city very much. I worked for the Joetsu City office for over thirty years. During my time there, I was in charge of international relations for about ten years. After retiring from the office, I began working as a licensed tour guide. I am very excited to introduce my city to people all over the world.
Japan
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Yokoso! Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. A true Niigatite, I was born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations. I would be pleased to show you another side of Japan in my beautiful and unique prefecture. The Warm Hospitality: Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and provides a true insider look into the Japanese spirit. Only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it has been perfecting the art of casual hospitality through centuries as a culinary hotspot and nature getaway for the those escaping the rat-race. History at your own Pace: Appreciate history and culture at your own pace in Niigata. Yahiko, National Shrine has been soothing souls, and inspiring locals, poets, and travellers for over 2500 years. Historically significant buildings greet seafarers at Niigata Port and the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River where we can move from the ancient to the modern in the Bandai area to shop and gather with young and old for entertainment such as movies, music, manga, and anime. Over the Sea, Over the Mountain, Over the Fields: Nature is good to Niigata Prefecture, giving us four clear-cut seasons. People from all over the country, and travellers wanting to experience Japan with the Japanese join us to soak in the sun on our beaches, relax at spa resorts, challenge themselves on world class ski hills, and dance together at festivals that draw world class performers. Travel with Me: With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is just a stone's throw away to have a unique taste of Japan. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, I invite you to visit Niigata City and other parts of the prefecture, and while here, it would be my pleasure to help you create unique memories during your stay.
Japan
Yoshiko K.
5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
Hello, my name is Yoshiko Khan. I was born and brought up in Niigata. As we have high mountains, plains, clear rivers, the sea of Japan and islands, you can enjoy diversity of nature and its blessings in each season. Dubbed as a snow country, very patient people in this prefecture have produced many high quality specialties in agriculture, fishery, traditional arts and industry. Enjoy delicious, healthy food and sake here in Niigata. It's only two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. I am very much looking forward to seeing you!
Japan
Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(37 reviews)
4.95 / 5
(37 reviews)
Hello! My name is Fujiko Maeda. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I was born in Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. I once worked in tourism industry for about 10 years when I lived in Tokyo. Now I'm a persimmon farmer but when time permits I'm happy to guide you here in Sado mainly but also other places, too. We have a lot to offer like beautiful nature, historical sites, local specialties, traditional performing arts, festivals, islanders smiles and so on. If you'd like to know real Japanese lifestyle, please visit Sado. I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Let's explore Sado or other wonderful and beautiful places with me! Also, if you have any questions about Sado or Japan as a whole, please don't hesitate to email me.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2092/83469.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/4351/83476.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2074/83508.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2076/83489.jpg)
Niigata Tour Reviews
J
Jeffrey E.
5 / 5
Nov 12, 2025
“Fantastic Ride on the Dragondola and Visit to Kiyotsu Gorge”
We had a wonderful time with Yoshiko who drove us to the sites and pre-purchased all of our tickets since it was the high season. The weather was nice and the fall colors beautiful. She took great care of us and we highly recommend using her for you next visit to the area.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/1259/85982.jpg)
Yoshiko K.
Thank you, Jeffrey amd Gale. It was a lot of fun to guide and show you the rural Niigata. I am happy to hear that this was the first time for you to enjoy the fall foliage after so many times visit to Japan. You must come back here for the cherry blossom season next. I am looking forward to seeing you again!
D
Darren H.
5 / 5
Nov 11, 2025
“Assistance on visit with Japan relatives ”
Yoshiko was a wonderful guide. I connected with many new Japan relatives in Niigata and was meeting them for the 1st time. She helped us with transportation, translation and communication for the entire day. She was a tremendous resource and made the visit easier and more meaningful. I strongly recommend her as a guide.
Yoshiko K.
Thank you, Darren. It was such a happy day to meet your relatives who are all excited to see you. As you had prepared so well, the shy people of Niigata were eager and even tantalizing to talk to you. It was honorable for me to serve you and your relatives.
D
Darren H.
5 / 5
Nov 11, 2025
“1/2 day Niigata City tour and Kiyotsu Gorge”
Yoshiko was a wonderful guide for our city tour and day trip to Kiyotsu Gorge. She was very good in forming our plan and flexible to make changes. The places we visited and the information she provided were great. I would strongly recommend her as a guide.
Yoshiko K.
Darren, Thank you for your message. I would be very happy if you could understand Niigata during this tour. I got my own car the day before yesterday, which is smaller than the car dealer's, but I think it's ok to show you around next time!
All Tours Customizable
Start By Messaging Your Guide
100% Private Tours
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
Quality Assured Guides
Screened and Verified via Interviews
Local Tour Guides in Niigata
Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Niigata. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you.
When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do.
Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Niigata!