Gondola Ride to Mt Yahiko Top and Yahiko Shrine Visit plus Teradomari
Joined 2018
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. Also you will visit Teradomari Fish Market to nibble on some grilled seafood.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Niigata Station Bandai Exit / Tsubame-Sanjo Station/ Hotel
Gondola ride to the top of Mt Yahiko and a short walk to the uppermost shirine
Visiting the main hall of Yahiko Shrine and messenger deer and birds
Seafood Lunch in Teradomari area
You will enjoy nice Italian cuisine at a restaurant in the Teradomai area near Yahiko. Their ingredients are fresh from Teradomari Fish Market.
Browsing shops in front of the shrine and enjoying local food
Visiting Yahiko Omotenashihiroba and experiencing foot bath
Visiting Takarayama Sake Brewery/ Sasaiwai Brewery
Both Takaraya Brewery and Sasaiwai Brewery are long Sake establishments. You will visit one of them and learn how sake is brewed. You will taste different kinds of sake. Please find your favorite kind there.
Ending Point
Niigata Station Bandai Exit/ Tsubame-Sanjo Station/ Hotel
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
*Transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, snacks, entrance fee, etc.
*Hotel pick-up: JPY1,000, tobe paid in cash at the site.
*Guide's driving expense: gas and highway toll tobe paid in cash at the site.
Tour Important Information
*We will move by taxi(s).
*We will walk a lot so please be prepared with sneakers, or mountain climbing shoes are recommended. In case of bad weather, please come along with rain or snow gear.
*Gondra fee is 1500 yen for a round trip.
* Hiring a medium size taxi for 4 people including guide is approx. JPY3,250 per 30 min.; a van type taxi car for 8 people including guide is approx. JPY4,900 mer 30 min.
*If the group is small with upto 3 people, I will drive you along all the way. In the case, please pay me the gas and highway toll in cash at the site.
Available every day except Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The cable car services are given all year around except : November 28～30, February 6-9 & 19-22, and March18-27 for maintenance (2023-2024). Guide does not drive to guide during the winter time due to the safety reason.
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
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
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
$245/ per group
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