Niigata Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Niigata, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Niigata Tour Guides
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.
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 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!
Brian S.
Hi. I am from Louisiana, USA, but Niigata has been my (and my family's) home for nearly 25 years. I've explored both the city and the prefecture extensively, learning about local history, culture, and food, and I'd love the opportunity to share these with you.
New Niigata Tour Guides
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.
Takano Y.
Obtained my National Guide License (English) in 2010 and my MBA from University of Michigan's Ross School of Business decades ago, when I had more hairs to allow me to choose variety of hair styles. In the past, have lived outside Japan for the total of 12 years in such cities as Boulder, CO; Ann Arbor, MI; Washington DC (USA); Manila (PHI), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Bishkek (Kyrgyz) and visited 40 countries----I stayed in Kyrgyz Republic between October 2018 and Feb. 2019 as my 40th country. Examples of my tour destinations are Tokyo where I live, Nikko, Mt. Fuji 5th station, Lake Kawaguchiko, Aokigahara Forest, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Takao, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Niigata prefecture. Foreign tourists/media who visited Tomioka Silk Mill (World heritage site) with me were interviewed by NHK TV crews at Tomioka, and my guests and I appeared on NHK Greater Tokyo Area evening TV news. Since foreign travelers enjoy talking to local people who live in the areas, travelers are welcome to go out of their comfort zone and try to talk to local students on the street, housewives with shopping bags and small shop owners. Currently live in Suginami-ku, western side of residential area in Tokyo with my wife and a Norfolk terrier. Able to reach Shinjuku or Shibuya areas in less than 30 minutes, Tokyo station area in 45 minutes, door to door from my residence by train. Tours will be conducted using public transportations or taxis or private cars in some cases as needed. According to your interests, physical/health conditions and duration of your tour, I will tailor-made your tour and arrange destinations. I can meet you at your hotel and take you back when the tour concludes. Consider myself as one of the most experienced travelers who have survived many difficult situations without getting into any serious trouble. Can be a good tour guide for business persons or retired business persons or travelers who like walking/outdoor activities/taking photos/wine or sake tasting/finding healthy food ---fresh seafood such as sushi, sashimi--soba or buckwheat noodles. Also, at the end of tours, travelers will be bringing home their photos taken by my CANON R6 camera during the tour.
Popular Niigata Private Tours
Niigata City one day tour of your choices
Located on the Japan sea side of mainland Honshu, about 2 hours bullet train ride from Tokyo, Niigata city has been flourished as one of the major port towns for centuries. Along with this historical background, Niigata city is now well known for delicious "koshihikari" rice, varieties of tasty sake, fresh products from both land and sea. In this tour, you can choose 3 or 4 places to visit for 7-hour sightseeing tour. We mainly use public transportation networks like Niigata city loopline bus service ( one-day ticket JPY 500 ) and taxi if necessary. The places of choices are as follows: 1. Niigata City Aquarium "Marinepia Nihonkai" Displaying both marine and fresh water fish in the region and aquatic animals. Dolphin shows are performed daily. JPY 1500 Closed from Dec.29-Jan.1, Mar.3,4 2. Pia Bandai Fish and vegatable market with restaurants popular for locals and tourists. 3. "Imayotsukasa" sake brewery There is a guided tour and you can sample tasty sake. 4. The Niigata Saito Villa Built about 100 years ago, this gorgeous villa and Japanese style garden attracts visitors all year round. JPY 300 Closed on Mondays, from Dec.28-Jan.3 5. Minatopia with Former Niigata Customs House There are also Former Daishi Bank building and Niigata City History Museum by the Shinano River. 6. Former Ozawa Family Residence Authentic machiya-style house with beautiful garden from the Meiji Period. JPY 200 Closed on Mondays, from Dec.28-Jan.3 7. Honcho Market Located on the bustling Furumachi ( old town ) district, vendors sell all kinds of food with reasonable prices. * vendors are less on Sundays 8. Strolling Furumachi district for 1 hour Furumachi was once known as geigi (geisha) district like Kyoto and there are many restaurants, temples, old and new buildings in this area. * you can combine this choice with the Saito Villa or/and the Ozawa Residence (both in Furumachi district). Please choose places you'd like to visit and email me. Let's have fun in Niigata city!
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
You are to visit highlights of Niigata City in 6 hours using public transportation and taxi. Choose 5 spots to visit. You will love to walk along the Shinano River and cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge if time allows. You will also have opportunity to learn the history and background of abundant Niigata food culture such as sake, miso, rice balls and other food materials. From the top of Bakauke Observation Deck, you will have the great and panoramic view of the city and the nature.
Yahiko Shinto Shrine Walking Tour
You will see the precinct of Japanese Royal Family related Yahiko shrine and main hall. Take the ropeway and Panorama Tower ride. Also walk around the hot spring town, soak your feet in the hot spring and relax, enjoy the local delicacies.
Niigata City Highlights Tour
This compact, half-day tour introduces some of the city's cultural and historical highlights, concluding with a visit to a local specialties shop and sake-tasting museum. The client can expect to learn about Niigata City's history and culture, including unique culinary traditions. The guide will describe the city and it's culture against the larger backdrop of the prefecture and Japan as a whole.
New Niigata Private Tours
Morning Run in Downtown Niigata
Start your day on the right foot with this 2-hour, 10-kilometer jogging tour of downtown Niigata. The route includes temples, shrines, historic places, and scenic sights.
Two-wheel Adventures
A long-time resident of Niigata and avid cyclist, I have explored on two wheels the prefecture's areas of natural beauty and cultural interest on routes that only a local guide would know. As such, I offer custom cycling tours to travelers who want to get off the beaten track.
Niigata City One Day Walking Tour
Niigata City is famous for its delicious rice, agricultural products, and fresh fish. This is thanks to the abundance of water that has made it a "city of water.” At the same time, however, people have suffered from floods since the beginning of history and have repeatedly overcome them. In addition, Niigata City today is home to some of the best people in the world of comics and modern dance. Come and taste the breeze of a town with such a unique history and character.
Kita-ku Fermented Food Culture and Fukushimagata Walking Tour
This tour provides visitors with an unforgettable experience by tasting sake and miso fermented soy bean paste. They will be amazed by products made with pride and history of fermented food culture. You can enjoy Italian cuisine, sushi, ramen or more cooked with localy produced vegetables and seafood caught in the Sea of Japn, for lunch.
Popular Niigata Private Cars
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Narita Airport Transfer
Depart from Narita Airport or Tokyo, and deliver to any ski naeba Resort area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport and Tokyo city. Accept orders for any time period。
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer
Depart from Haneda Airport or Tokyo, and deliver to any ski naeba Resort area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo city. Accept orders for any time period。
Niigata Myoko kogen area to Narita Airport Transfer
Depart from Narita airport, and deliver to any ski Myoko kogen area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time
Niigata Myoko kogen area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer
Depart from Haneda Airport or Tokyo, and deliver to any ski Myoko kogen area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo city. Accept orders for any time period。
Niigata Tour Reviews
“Comprehensive and personal ”
Kei san was very meticulous in helping us to plan for the tour. He tried to find out about what would be our interests so he can help put it in the tour, and he made suggestions that are so good! We enjoyed the Shoji door making and learning about the shoji paper. The sake brewery was a delight and his explanations about how the city cope with snow, was really interesting. There’s also a little workshop on how to ‘recycle’ cereal/chocolate boxes into little pieces of art, really creative. We had such fun and we are already thinking when do we come back again. Thank you Kei san for your hospitality!
Keiichi S.
(10 reviews)Hi, Ms. Shufen, Thank you for your kind impression of the tour. Unfortunately, it rained in the afternoon, so we could not enjoy the scenery. But your daughters looked like they enjoyed checking their breath, which turned white because of the cold temperature. It would be great if the tour helped you understand snowy countries' lifestyles. Woods and papers are essential materials for Japanese buildings and lives. I am glad you've found such aspects in this tour. Best Regards, Kei
“Fun adventures with Yoshiko ”
This experience can be described as fascinating and memorable with Yoshiko. Throughout the tour, Yoshiko was very knowledgeable in the history of Niigata that allowed us to appreciate their history and its significance. She was able to customise our tour due to bad weather and took us to a local factory that specialise in kitchen ware that we really wanted to go to. In terms of food, we tried oden, a local dessert, and a restaurant that offered set menu meals. Other than the fun adventure we had with Yoshiko, she had a very beautiful personality that made sure we were accommodated and got on the right train to head back home to our hotel. We really enjoyed this tour and would like to come by again to experience any tours with Yoshiko. Thank you again for your time and the memories made Yoshiko!!
Yoshiko K.
(5 reviews)Thank you, Alvin for your review on the tour. Oden was actually the winter recommendation, especially in the old shop, sitting at kotatsu or leg warming table. I am so happy to know you enjoyed that. It was also so nice of you that you could sit on tatami mat at a low table, in the Japanese style. Our lunch was really good wasn't it? Because it was a National Holiday, you couldn't take a look at all the processes, it is nice to know you had a good time in the factory. Thank you for caming to Niigata. And thank you all the questions and information you gave me. I wil
“Sanjo-shi with Yoshiko ”
I am still in awe with the planning and organizing that Yoshiko provided to create an outstanding private tour for me. She put in 101+% from the beginning to make a day in Sanjo-shi a time that I will never forget. She is a great communicator with quick replies for any questions. Yoshiko helped me with feeling comfortable in riding the train to the Tsubame-Sanjo Station, where she met me on the arrival platform with a sign. With Yoshiko's help, she arranged a meeting with my husband's family member and translated for us, which included a visit to the family grave. We drove around the beautiful countryside of Tsubame and Sanjo area, locating past areas of our family homes. We had a nice lunch at a Niigata-style ramen restaurant. She even took me to the Yamato Delivery Service to ship my luggage to the Haneda Airport and helped me purchase my ticket for the shinkansen ride back to Tokyo. It was wonderful to spend a day with Yoshiko and I will use her service again when I return to Tsubame/Sanjo-shi.
Yoshiko K.
(5 reviews)Showing you around was a valuable experience for me. I was surprised to see your weak cousin sister was looking forward to seeing you and getting better and better after meeting you. Please come again. We didn't have enough time, but I would be happy to show you the places I couldn't this time.
Niigata Private Tour Guide
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