Niigata Private Tour Guides
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Popular Niigata Tour Guides
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Fujiko M.
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.
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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.
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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!
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Mutsuko W.
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.
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Keiichi S.
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.
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Taku H.
Hello. My name is Taku. I am a National Licensed Guide-Interpreter. I was born and brought up in Sado Island. I would like to show you around my hometown, Niigata Prefecture including Sado Island from native's viewpoint. I stayed in the United States for 2 years as a student. I like to meet people from different countries. I speak Spanish a little, too. I am looking forward to meeting interested visitors.
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Yoshiko K.
Hello, my name is Yoshiko. 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!
New Niigata Tour Guides
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!
Taku H.
Hello. My name is Taku. I am a National Licensed Guide-Interpreter. I was born and brought up in Sado Island. I would like to show you around my hometown, Niigata Prefecture including Sado Island from native's viewpoint. I stayed in the United States for 2 years as a student. I like to meet people from different countries. I speak Spanish a little, too. I am looking forward to meeting interested visitors.
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.
Keiichi S.
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.
Mutsuko W.
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.
Yoshiko K.
Hello, my name is Yoshiko. 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!
Fujiko M.
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.
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Niigata Tour Reviews
Lori K.
“Interesting and enjoyable ”
So pleased to have Kei as our guide around Joetsu. He made everything so easy and enjoyable. Even though the weather was rainy and overcast he made every effort to make us comfortable.
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Keiichi S.
Dear L.ori, Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both in my home city, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed exploring Joetsu despite the rainy weather. I hope you enjoy the rest of your travels in Japan! Best regards, Kei
Gigi B.
“Great day in Niigata ”
Our experience with Fujiko in Niigata was exceptional. Beginning with her flexibility in working with us on the itinerary to her knowledge of the history of the area.She has a great personality and sense of humor and it was a pleasure spending the day with her.
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Fujiko M.
Hi Gigi san, Thank you very much for writing such a great review of the tour. You have two more cruise days and I hope you will enjoy it until the end of the cruise. There so much more to see and visit in Japan and I guess you will hava a crave to come back! Arigato! Fujiko
David V.
“Tsubamesanjo Knives and Letter openers and Outdoor Gear”
Our day with Yoshiko was excellent! We had an issue with our hotel the night before and Yoshiko came to the hotel to help with translation. We also reorganized our trip for the next day because there was too much driving time between spots. We began with a fascinating tour of the Tojiro Knife Factory, and of course, bought a small paring knife. On the way to the factory Yoshiko noticed a local rice farmer was at the rice polishing station. We quickly pulled over for a short description of how rice polishing worked. Unexpected stop and well worth it! it shows Yoshiko, a lifelong resident of Tsumbe, is dedicated to showing visitors all that is offered. A strange request on our part was to visit the Snow Peak Museum and enjoy lunch at their Spa. The lunch was one of the best meals we had on this trip and the history of Snow Peak was interesting. The museum tour was held in Japanese and Yoshiko did a wonderful job of translating the high points. Lastly, we visited the Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo and hand hammered a letter opener from a 5-inch nail. That was very much fun and I can see us returning there for the knife session. We really enjoyed our visit to Tsubamesanjo and I expect to return and we will call Yoshiko again to help us with our visit. We enjoyed her company.
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Yoshiko K.
Hello David, Thank you very much for sharing your feedback on the tour. It was so nice to spend time with you, your wife and your son. Whatever I explained, your reactions were so joyful and interested. It was good that we went to Tojiro first, so that your letter opener work was kind of hands-on practice after the factory tour. Thank you for giving me an opportunity of thinking about making a new tour to Snow Peak. Your visit here has brought me some new aspect to sights that I had previously taken for granted. Niigata Prefecture is the fifth-largest prefecture in Japan. I look forward to the day you visit again, then I can show you a completely different side of Niigata. Thank you for enjoying the ride in my little Daihatsu Move!
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