Niigata Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

Yoshiko K.

(3 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!

Brian S.

(1 reviews)

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.

Keiichi S.

(9 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.

Noriko Y.

4.86 / 5

(7 reviews)

National licensed English tour guide (born in 1977). Main job is freelance book editor and writer based on Kyoto. Utilizing various past works and articles from historic spots, off the beaten track, traditional crafts, contemporary arts to hip restaurants, I offer unique and interesting tour. Since I have the qualification of “International SAKE (rice wine) tasting master”, I can guide to the SAKE brewery and nice SAKE bars. Also I am interested in Ethnology, I will guide you to once a year festivals or rare religious rituals.

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.

Fujiko M.

4.97 / 5

(30 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.

Mutsuko W.

(3 reviews)

Yokoso, Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko. I'm a National Government Licensed Guide and Interpreter. As 100% Niigataite (born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations), it would be my pleasure to show you my beautiful and unique prefecture. Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Niigata Port is counted as one of the first to open to the world after the Edo Period, and historically important buildings are spotted around the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River for the modern experience; the Bandai area is where young and old gather for shopping and entertainment such as movies, music, manga and anime and lots more. When you look over the sea, there lies the the breathtaking and historically rich island of Sado. It is 2 and half hours away from Niigata City by ferry and only one hour by jetfoil. While on Sado Island, make sure to enjoy marine sports and take in the beautiful nature. Niigata Prefecture has four clear- cut seasons. Spring is the time when the snow melts and nourishes our abundant plants and trees. Cherry blossoms bloom in town parks and mountains. Summer brings in the hot weather which turns the city into a playground - join the fun by swimming and sunbathing on one of our many beaches along the long coastal line. Autumn is the time when leaves turn beautiful colors and agricultural products such as rice, fruits and vegetables are abundantly harvested. Finally, winter is the time for skiing and snowboarding thanks to heavy snow. It is the time the prefecture hosts snow lovers from across the country and around the globe. The climate, the mountains and the sea bring us good food and a wholesome environment to live in. People are gentle, and towns and cities are safe. And it is no secret that Niigata is famous for Koshihikari rice and rice wine sake - both, the pride of Japan and served in the finest Japanese restaurants around the world. With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is easily accessible. 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. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

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!

Joetsu City One Day Walking Tour, Takada Area

Interested in historical sites in Japan? How about Joetsu City? Just a short ride from Tokyo (two hours.) Joetsu City is located in Niigata Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan. Takada Area, a famous sightseeing spot in Joetsu, has interesting features: a castle town, a snowy town, and tasty food and sake. By walking along a local town and communicating with local people, you will feel refreshed and energized. I hope to see you soon!

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.

Murakami city Sake Sake one day tour

6 hours

Murakami city is located in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture. The city was flourished during the Edo period as a castle town governed by the Murakami clan. It is famous for "鮭-sake-salmon", "酒-another sake-Japanese sake", "Tsuishu" lacquer ware, Machiya houses, Murakami beef, Murakami green tea, Hina doll festival and more! In this tour we visit several must-see places in this diverse city. 1.Kikkawa: A shop selling salmon products. You will be surprised to see so many dried salmons hung from the ceiling of the shop. 2.Taiyo Sake Brewery: You can sample some of its products like "Taiyozakari". 3.Machiya houses open to the public ( some of them are shops selling salmon products, green tea, blacksmith, restaurant and so on. 4.Iyoboya Kaikan (salmon museum): You can learn why Murakami city became famous for salmon. Murakami city has succeeded in preserving old-style Japanese houses and you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere it produces. It is mostly a walking tour(about 3-4 km) and we may use loop bus or taxi accordingly. You can take Uetsuhonsen line from Niigata to Murakami, about 1-hour by local train.

Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour

6 hours

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.

Shibata Castle and Central Shibata

Visitors can take the beautiful view of Shibata Castle, and feel the ambience of the castle town by walking along the streets. Please choose 6 spots to visit out of the highlights in central Shibata City.

Sake Brewery Visit/Tasting Tour to Niigata Prefecture

9 hours

Walking through old traditional streets in Niigata will bring you back in time where you will be able to feel the sense of the past times combined with modern. Niigata is famous for its beautiful coastal and mountainous sceneries but Niigata prefecture is also well known for the brewing of "miso" "soy sauce" "sake" which have been carried out for centuries. Day Trip from Toky Tour will start 8:00am at your hotel and take Shinkansen to Niigata prefecture where you spend half day.

Gondola Ride to Mt Yahiko Top and Yahiko Shrine Visit

View All Niigata Private Tours

8 hours

Visitors can enjoy the hike to the top of Mt Yahiko by gondola and a 15-minute walk to the very top of the mountain to visit the uppermost Yahiko Shrine. Please take a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and the vast Echigo Plain. Cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful colored leaves in autumn are marvelous to see. Make a wish at main worship hall of Yahiko Shrine for a good memory.

New Niigata Private Tours

Niigata City Highlights Tour

5 hours

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.

Kita-ku Sake brewery and Miso brewery tour

This tour provides visitors with an unforgettable experience by tasting sake and miso. They will be amazed by products made with pride and history of fermented food culture.

Manga and Anime Walking Tour

3 hours 30 min

We will visit two manga related facilities, where you can learn more about the process of manga and anime creation, enjoy games, experience voice acting and draw your own manga. Why don't you try good local delicacies and have fun at the traditional local market?

Touring around Urasa station Niigata

2 hours

Touring around Urasa station will provide you with the local history of Naked man festival, local cuisine :charcoaled Ayu sweet fish if you like and Ikeda art museum if you like with its beautiful park garden. You can also experience maccha.

FROM$40/ per group

Naoko T.

Bokushi street walking in Minamiuonuma Niigata 牧之通り

2 hours

You can feel the atmosphere of old snow country ❄⛄? look at kimono fabrics ?? taste local sake ??☕ and enjoy eating and learning best known rice ?????

FROM$40/ per group

Naoko T.

Northern Culture Museum, Tsukioka and Fukushimagata Wetlands

Visitors can visit the large former Ito Family residence (Northern Culture Museum), and soak their feet in outdoor hot bath in Tsukioka. Please enjoy tasting various kinds of sake, local foods and lunch. Take a panoramic view of vast rice fields spreading in the Echigo Plain from the top floor of View Fukushimagata standing by the wetlands and learn how Niigata has centered rice in its culture.

Yahiko Shinto Shrine Walking Tour

3 hours

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.

Popular Niigata Private Cars

Niigata Myoko kogen area to Narita Airport Transfer

6 hours

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 naeba Resort area to Tokyo Narita Airport Transfer

5 hours

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 Myoko kogen area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer

5 hours

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 naeba Resort area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer

4 hours

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。

Day Trips from Niigata

Nagano

Sado

Fukushima

Gunma

Niigata Tour Reviews

Katrin S.

5 / 5

Apr 7, 2024

Niigata City One Day Walking Tour

Apr 7, 2024

“Beautiful day”

Keiichi was very well prepared and surprised us with interesting sights! We were lucky enough to see Geishas. It was a beautiful day! Thank you, keiishi!

Keiichi S.

(9 reviews)

Thank you very much, Katrin. It was such a wonderful day. It was a warm and fine day. Cherry blossoms began to bloom. The shopping street holds an event on the first Sunday. So, the Geisha girls came, and it was the first time for me to see those Furumachi Geigi girls in person. You were so lucky. Please enjoy the rest of the tour on your cruise ship.

Roy B.

5 / 5

Mar 23, 2024

Early Spring Tour in Niigata

Customized

Mar 23, 2024

“Brilliant day out with Kei”

Kei is an inspirational tour guide. He is well organised and speaks good English Nothing was too much trouble and I heartily recommend him to anybody who wants a great day out in Niigata

Keiichi S.

(9 reviews)

Dear Mr. Roy. B., Thank you very much, Roy. Unfortunately, cherry blossoms were not in bloom, and it rained in the afternoon, but pretty plum tree blossoms decorated the Hakusan Park. After visiting Pusan, Korea, beautiful cherry blossoms will greet you in the southern parts of Japan. I hope you will keep having an incredible journey, Kei

Roberta (“bobbi”) C.

5 / 5

Oct 17, 2023

Niigata Day Tour (additional charge)