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.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
Japan
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.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Japan
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.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Japan
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!
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(12 reviews)
Japan
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.
New Niigata Tour Guides
Brian S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
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.
Naoko T.
Japan
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.
Popular Niigata Private Tours
Niigata City one day tour of your choices
Niigata
7 hours
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!
FROM$175/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
Niigata
7 hours
You are to visit highlights of Niigata City in 7 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.
FROM$226/ per group
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Yahiko Shinto Shrine Walking Tour
Niigata
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.
FROM$42/ per group
Yoshiko K.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Niigata City One Day Walking Tour
Niigata
7 hours
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.
FROM$240/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(12 reviews)
New Niigata Private Tours
Discovering Setteya on Foot: The History of Fermentation and the Beauty of Masterful Plaster Art
Niigata
5 hours
Here is the English translation of the provided text: Setteya in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is known as a 'town of fermentation' with a long history of brewing. On this walking tour, you will leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Setteya, fully experiencing the profound appeal of fermented foods and the unique, beautiful plaster art (kote-e) created in this area.
FROM$180/ per group
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Morning Run in Downtown Niigata
Niigata
2 hours
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.
FROM$55/ per group
Brian S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Two-wheel Adventures
Niigata
8 hours
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.
FROM$137/ per group
Brian S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Niigata City Highlights Tour
Niigata
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.
FROM$165/ per group
Brian S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Popular Niigata Private Cars
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Narita Airport Transfer
Niigata
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。
FROM$755/ per group
SoQ Bright Taxi
4.97 / 5
(29 reviews)
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer
Niigata
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。
FROM$686/ per group
SoQ Bright Taxi
4.97 / 5
(29 reviews)
Niigata Tour Reviews
Diane K.
5 / 5
May 8, 2025
“Wonderful trip to the knife factory and sake tasting.”
Yoshiko was the absolute best Tour Guide for us. She arrived very early to meet us and was standing at the bottom of the stairs as we came off the ship Her English was absolutely superb. My sister was interested a Japanese knife factory and we had the most wonderful tour there. She made a point of showing us interesting facts about local life, and our tour ended with sake tasting, and a tour of a sake brewery. We loved that she grew up in the area and was able to explain about the local agriculture and lifestyle. She was so flexible about accommodating our interest. We had a wonderful day with her and highly recommend her for your tours.
Yoshiko K.
Hello Diane, Thank you for your comment on the tour. I also enjoyed the tour with jolly two of you. Thank you for letting me know your ship's early arrival. So, we could proceed the tour effectively. The craftman of the knife factory was so nice and accomodating, that it made the tour unforgettable, wasn't he? I am very much looking forward to guiding you next time! Yoshiko
K
Kristi R.
5 / 5
Apr 26, 2025
“Art Tour around Yuzawa”
Our tour with Yoshiko was awesome. Yoshiko was fantastic, and the art was so much fun to see. She was clear in her communications and gave us some great tips before the tour as well. Even when the itinerary needed to change last minute due to unexpected snow and closed venues, Yoshiko was patient and did her best to accommodate us. Thanks Yoshiko!
Yoshiko K.
Thank you so much for your review. I appreciate you enjoyed your tour in Yuzawa. Although it was not really a good time due to unexpected snow in that area, you were always jolly and very understanding. Rice over here surely is the best to eat, isn't it? I just wanted to show you the rice polishing machine actually operating then. Have a great time in Japan! Yoshiko
E
Eileen P.
5 / 5
Apr 22, 2025
“Charming Japanese old town”
Mutsuko san is a very resourceful guide who goes the extra mile to help you research on where to go as long as you tell her what your interests are. For me, it was tradition in the form of food, culture and everything quaint. Matsuko introduced me to Settaya, an old town known for Miso and sake breweries, very much off the beaten path which I’ll never have known nor be able to go on my own! The old tea house with a Sakura tree in full bloom is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen in Japan! And the mochi there was delicious too. Thanks to Matsuko for discovering the place
Mutsuko W.
Hello, Eileen san, Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. I am really glad that you liked the tour in Settaya. This tour with you encouraged me to produce a new tour in Niigata! I should say Thank YOU to you. I am glad that I could show another beautiful part of Niigata to an overseas guest like you. I hope you will come back again to Niigata! I am looking forward to showing more of Niigata to you. Thank you! Mutsuko
Niigata Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Niigata or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Niigata has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Niigata tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Niigata, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
Latest Niigata Articles
Things To Do
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The island of Sado in Niigata Prefecture features some stunning sights of natural beauty. From a boat cruise along the crystal blue sea, to beautiful sandy beaches. Take a walk through a mystical forest of cedar trees, or explore the vast expanses of rice...
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Things To Do
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Niigata, Japan
Sado is a large island located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. Traditions, fresh cuisine, and gold can be found on your Sado trip. Sado Mine offers a reproduction of 17th and 18th century mining. But if it isn't gold you are interested in, then try w...
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