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
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.
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.
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!
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.
New Niigata Tour Guides
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.
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.
Popular Niigata Private Tours
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
Niigata City one day tour of your choices
Niigata City one day tour of your choices
Yahiko Shinto Shrine Walking Tour
Yahiko Shinto Shrine Walking Tour
Niigata City One Day Walking Tour
Niigata City One Day Walking Tour
New Niigata Private Tours
Discovering Setteya on Foot: The History of Fermentation and the Beauty of Masterful Plaster Art
Discovering Setteya on Foot: The History of Fermentation and the Beauty of Masterful Plaster Art
Morning Run in Downtown Niigata
Morning Run in Downtown Niigata
Two-wheel Adventures
Two-wheel Adventures
Niigata City Highlights Tour
Niigata City Highlights Tour
Popular Niigata Private Cars
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Narita Airport Transfer
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Narita Airport Transfer
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer
Niigata naeba Resort area to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer
Niigata Tour Reviews
Chris H.
“Visiting Ancestors Hometown and Tour of Shibata area”
We wanted to visit my ancestors hometown, but knew little about the location and history. Mutsuko took the time to contact the local historical society and research the area where my ancestors had lived. She even did some advanced scouting of the area before our arrival! The visit to my ancestors hometown was very interesting. We were glad we were able to see the area that they had lived in. Mutsuko knew so much about the history of the area. In addition, she also planned a full day of activities including a visit to Shibata castle, former samurai residences, and a former wealthy farmer's residence. If you have an interest in samurai history, Mutsuko can explain in great detail the parties that were fighting against each other. Her historical knowledge is quite amazing! She also took us to visit a locally renowned Inari shrine that was pretty much hidden in the rice fields. The shrine had many torii gates. We never would have been able to find it on our own. Throughout the day, Mutsuko would provide interesting facts about the places we were visiting and also about Niigata in general. We had such a wonderful day with Mutsuko. She has a great personality and is so easy to talk to. I highly recommend that you contact Mutsuko if you are looking for a guide.
Mutsuko W.
Chris san, it was an honor to accompany you on your journey to visit your ancesters' hometown. As generations pass, the connection to one’s ancestors often fades. Seeing how deeply Japanese descendants living abroad cherish that bond makes me reflect—are we, who live in Japan, valuing it just as much? At the same time, I am always reminded that the feeling of cherishing one’s family is something universal and truly precious. The landscape of your ancestors’ hometown has likely not changed much over time because it is a quite "inaka", and I believe you were able to see the same scenery they once saw. Watching from the side, I was deeply moved by how rare and meaningful such a journey must be. When you visit Niigata again, I sincerely hope you’ll take a little extra time to explore other areas as well. Thank you very much for your kind and generous feedback. I am truly looking forward to seeing you again. Mutsuko
Diane K.
“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
Kristi R.
“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
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