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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.
Meeting Point
Niigata Station Bandai Exit
Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery
Take the brewery tour and enjoy sake tasting. You will be amazed by the size of the tanks. Taste different kinds of sake and find your favorite.
Minemura Miso Factory and Shop
Learn how to make miso soybean paste and taste some different kinds of miso.
Toki Messe and Pia Bandai Market
Visit Toki Messe International conference venue and go up to Bakauke Observation Deck to view the city and surrounding nature from the 31st floor of the building. You will enjoy tasting freshly fried fish cake in front your eyes at Pia Bandai. You have a choice to have genuine sushi lunch at Benkei here.
Minatopia Port Museum
Learn how the central Niigata was developed and how people of Niigata have lived together with waterbody at the museum. Take a closer look at the old Niigata Customs Office which had been used for about 100 years after Niigata Port was opened at the end of Edo Period. Admission fee: 300 yen each.
Minato Inari Shrine to look at the guardian dogs
Former Saito Family Villa to view the Japanese Garden and the traditional merchant house
Enjoy viewing the excellent beauty of the Japanese Garden loved by the Saito Family, prospered from Kitamaebune trading business. Admission fee: 300 yen each.
Former Ozawa Family Residence
Ozawa Family was another prosperous family from Kitamaebune trading business. Admission fee: 200 yen each.
Furumachi Area to have lunch and browse the shopping arcade
You can choose good food out of a lot of options. Some rice ball shops provide good freshly rolled onigiri (rice balls) of ingredients of your choice. You can enjoy strolling between Hakusan Shrine and central Niigata City.
Tanakaya Minato Koubou to make Sasadango dumplings
A Sasadango dumpling class is given only for a group of more than 5 people. (Reservation is required. The class fee is 1,650 yen each.) You can enjoy seeing the process of dumpling making through the window. Get your favorite Japanese sweets from the shelf and taste them with free green. You can take a rest over the sweets and the tea, and see the flow of the Shinano River through the shop's wide window.
Shinano Riverside Promenade
Enjoy taking a walk along the Shinano River and take photos of the city's symbolic bridge, Bandai Bridge.
Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium
You will be able to see and learn about the marine life of the Sea of Japan. Enjoy the dolphin show which gives you an unforgettable fun memory in Niigata. Admission fee: 1500 yen for Adult, 600 yen for Child.
Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park
Visit the city's most visited shrine, Hakusan Shrine. People in Niigata visit the shrine for a lot of important life events to wish for good luck, success, good health and other wishes. For your memory of visiting Niigata, you could buy a small amulet or two of the good luck Hakusan Shrine. If the timing allows, some food stalls are lined up for the shrine's celebrations of the seasons in Hakusan Park next to the shrine.
Ending Point
Niigata Station Bandai Exit/ Bandai City/ Next 21
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, entrance fee, etc.
Tour Important Information
Entrance fees for Minatopia 300 yen, the Saito Family's Villa 300 yen each
Sake brewery tour at Imayotsukasa: 400 yen each
Lunch, taxi fare are not included either. Museums are closed basically on Mondays.
No extra hour on Mondays. Not available from Dec. 28 to Jan.6.
Important message from the guide
Guiding in Sado is possible if transportation fee between Sado and Niigata is offered. Due to logistics, for those wanting to visit Sado Island, a two day advance notification prior to the meeting day is required. For your information, the boat fee for the round trip is 9620 yen (as of April 2023).
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Niigata Tour Reviews
“very nice tour”
We had a beautiful day out in Sado island. We enjoyed our guide and the driver did his job very well. We thank you for the tour!
Mutsuko W.
(3 reviews)Melissa san, It is so good to hear from you. I have been worried about one of your daughters health condition. I hope she is all right now. I am glad to know you had a good time in Sado and I hope you also did in other parts of Japan.
“Interesting time and informative”
We focus on history and off the grid local spots. Mutsuko was very knowledgeable and well spoken. Trip timing and planning was exceptional. It was great!
Mutsuko W.
(3 reviews)Steve san, Thank you for your great feedback. You two are energetic and curious about things in town. I enjoyed guiding you around the city on such a beautiful spring day! Please enjoy the rest of your trip. I am looking forward to guiding you again.
“Great Tour”
Mutsuko provided us with a very informative tour and meet all of our expectations. We had ask to see and do other things besides the activities on her suggested itinerary. She made it all happen! Plus her English is excellent. Thank you Mutsuko and Triple Lights.
Mutsuko W.
(3 reviews)Sandra san, Thank you very much for your wonderful comment on my tour! I'm a lot flattered. I also enjoyed your company and it was another reward for me beside the fun to guide my city. Please visit Niigata again and explore more. I'm looking forward to guiding you and your family next time you visit Japan. Please enjoy the rest of your days in Japan. Please send the best regards for everyone for me. Mutsuko
