“Wonderful Niigata Day Tour”

Our family of three from Hawai’i thoroughly enjoyed our day with Mutsuko. Communication and coordinating before the trip was excellent. Mutsuko was responsive and customized our tour integrating our ideas and her expert suggestions as a Niigata local. We rented our own car and she let us drive so we did not have to hire a van and driver. On the day of our tour, she met us at our ryokan and jumped into our car. Although we had a packed itinerary, Mutsuko timed everything so we never felt rushed. We had ample opportunity to explore, visit shops, discover local treats, and take lots of photos. She even helped us buy a suitcase (for all the amazing purchases we made) and find specific ingredients and gifts at the fish market, impromptu stops at local markets, and one very tiny local tea shop where we found a highly specific matcha that was sold out everywhere in Tokyo. Highlights: Mt. Yahiko was rainy and foggy but the ropeway tram was still enjoyable; Yahiko Shrine and surrounding area was beautiful and so peaceful; ate our way through Teradomari fish market where the sashimi was ultra fresh and so reasonable (we even returned the next day for more sashimi, fish cakes, and koshihikari rice ice cream); knife-making at Tojiro was fascinating and our two guides were friendly and encouraging; purchased a high-quality kitchen knife which they engraved with our name in kanji - this will be a treasured keepsake; picked and ate the most sweet delicious strawberries ever (AYCE in 50 min.) at Saito Orchard and Mutsuko won the contest with 35 strawberries; farmer’s market had many Niigata produce and gift items including sasadango and little cubes (about 2 cups) of Niigata rice. Highly recommend Mutsuko as a guide and will definitely contact her when we return to Niigata. Thank you, Mutsuko, for your warmth and friendliness, and your expert planning in creating a memorable experience for our first trip to beautiful Niigata.

Mutsuko W.

(7 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure spending the day with your lovely family and showing you some of the many treasures Niigata has to offer. I'm so glad we could blend your ideas with local experiences--especially the spontaneous stops and unique finds like the special matcha and the perfect suitcase! Even with the rainy weather at Mt. Yahiko, your positive energy and enthusiasm made the day so enjoyable. I'm also impressed by your sashimi adventures and so happy you returned for more--Niigata's seafood really is hard to resist! And I'll never forget our strawberry-picking "competition" at Saito Orchard--what a fun memory! Joan-san, I was truly touched by the beautiful gift bag you prepared for me before the tour. All the snacks and gummies--chosen so thoughtfully based on our earlier messages--were not only delicious but also heartwarming. I'm enjoying every bite with my family, and we all appreciate your kindness and generosity. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. I'm honored to have been part of your first trip to Niigata, and I look forward to welcoming you back anytime. Until then, please take care and enjoy using your engraved knife--it truly is a special keepsake! Arigatou Gozaimashita! Warmest regards, Mutsuko

“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.

(7 reviews)

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

“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.

(7 reviews)

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