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.
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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.
*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.
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.
“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
“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.
“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.
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.
$228/ per group