Discovering Setteya on Foot: The History of Fermentation and the Beauty of Masterful Plaster Art
Joined 2018
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Niigata Station
- Niigata Station Shinkansen East Gate
Get on Shinkansen for Nagaoka
We will transfer to a local train at Nagaoka Station and head for Miyauchi Station.
Walk to Settaya Town
It is a ten minute walk from Miyauchi Station.
Start Walking in Settaya Town
You can smell soy sauce flavor in the air. Visit the iconic building of Koshinomurasaki soysauce factory and local Takekoma Inari Shrine, which provide you with nostalgicly Japanese photos.
Snack Time at Eguchi Dango
Enjoy Japanese green tea with Dango dumplings of Eguchi Dango, a confectionary with long history in Nagaoka. Soysauce and Miso used in their sweets are produced in Settaya, of course.
Yoshinogawa Sake Museum
Here's the English translation of the description of Yoshinogawa Sake Brewery:
Yoshinogawa Sake Brewery is a long-established sake brewery in Setteya, dating back to the Edo period. Their sake, brewed with high-quality rice and water using traditional techniques, has fans not only locally but also worldwide. Visitors can learn the history of the brewery, sake making process and taste their proud sake at "Sake Bar" for some coins. Non-alcohol beverages are also provided.
Lunch
Rice balls with locally produced ingredients with soysauce and miso and others, vegetable and bacon soup, some drinks and some deserrts are good at "6subi" cafe. "5en" provides nicely balanced vegetable plates cooked with soysauce and miso. "Willson House" bakes great bread of many kinds. You can visit any of these of your choice.
Hoshino Honten Miso Brewery
Taste their proud miso and learn about soybean paste. Please take a seat and view the traditional interior of the shop.
Viewing "Kote-e" Artwork at Quina Saffran Liquer Brewery
Nitaro, the brewery's founder, known for his colorful taste and design left great artworks of trowel plaster art called "kote-e", which developed in the Edo Period. He spent his fortune for the design of his company storehouses, and now we can enjoy viewing them.
Walk back to Miyauchi Station
The train leaves at 15:09 and arrives at Nagaoka at 15:13.
Take Shinkansen for Niigata
The Shinkansen leaves Nagaoka at 15:20 and arrives at Niigata at 15:42.
Ending Point
Niigata Station Shinkansen East Gate
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee and guide's transportation from Niigata to Nagaoka
meals, snacks, drinks, activity charge and etc.
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Also bring your water bottle to keep hydrated.
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
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide 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.
Reviews
Eileen P.
“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
Tim S.
“Family Vacation to Niigata”
During our recent family vacation to Niigata, we had the pleasure of being guided by Mutsuko, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! Mutsuko put in a tremendous amount of effort researching our family history in advance of our arrival to make our experience truly special. Before our arrival, Mutsuko took the time to research our family history, uncovering connections and stories that enriched our trip in ways we hadn’t anticipated. Her knowledge about the culture and historical context made every site we visited come alive with meaning. Mutsuko’s warmth and enthusiasm were infectious; she engaged with each member of our family, tailoring her insights to our varied interests. She truly was interested in learning about our family history as much as we were. What truly stood out was her genuine passion for her hometown and its heritage. Mutsuko not only guided us through Niigata’s beautiful sights but also shared her personal stories and experiences, which was an added touch to our 2-day trip. Overall, Mutsuko made our family vacation unforgettable. If you're looking for a guide who goes above and beyond, deeply cares about her guests, and offers a unique, personalized experience, I would highly recommend.
Mutsuko W.
Tim-san, Wow, thank you very much for your words of pleasant praise! I donnot know what to say! Just please let me say I also enjoyed the tour with you and your family. I hope you will be able to encounter more findings about your family. It was heart-wariming to get to know your family history. Thank you for giving me this great opportunity to know how wonderful it is to be acquainted with our own family history! Please let me know and be of your help next time you visit Niigata! Mutsuko
Melissa M.
“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.
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.
$183/ per group
More tours by Mutsuko W.
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
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.
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.
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.
