“Tsubamesanjo Knives and Letter openers and Outdoor Gear”

Our day with Yoshiko was excellent! We had an issue with our hotel the night before and Yoshiko came to the hotel to help with translation. We also reorganized our trip for the next day because there was too much driving time between spots. We began with a fascinating tour of the Tojiro Knife Factory, and of course, bought a small paring knife. On the way to the factory Yoshiko noticed a local rice farmer was at the rice polishing station. We quickly pulled over for a short description of how rice polishing worked. Unexpected stop and well worth it! it shows Yoshiko, a lifelong resident of Tsumbe, is dedicated to showing visitors all that is offered. A strange request on our part was to visit the Snow Peak Museum and enjoy lunch at their Spa. The lunch was one of the best meals we had on this trip and the history of Snow Peak was interesting. The museum tour was held in Japanese and Yoshiko did a wonderful job of translating the high points. Lastly, we visited the Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo and hand hammered a letter opener from a 5-inch nail. That was very much fun and I can see us returning there for the knife session. We really enjoyed our visit to Tsubamesanjo and I expect to return and we will call Yoshiko again to help us with our visit. We enjoyed her company.

Yoshiko K.

(14 reviews)

Hello David, Thank you very much for sharing your feedback on the tour. It was so nice to spend time with you, your wife and your son. Whatever I explained, your reactions were so joyful and interested. It was good that we went to Tojiro first, so that your letter opener work was kind of hands-on practice after the factory tour. Thank you for giving me an opportunity of thinking about making a new tour to Snow Peak. Your visit here has brought me some new aspect to sights that I had previously taken for granted. Niigata Prefecture is the fifth-largest prefecture in Japan. I look forward to the day you visit again, then I can show you a completely different side of Niigata. Thank you for enjoying the ride in my little Daihatsu Move!

Jeffrey E.

5 / 5

Nov 12, 2025

Kiyotsu and Dragondla

Nov 12, 2025

Niigata

5 hours 30 mins

Customized

“Fantastic Ride on the Dragondola and Visit to Kiyotsu Gorge”

We had a wonderful time with Yoshiko who drove us to the sites and pre-purchased all of our tickets since it was the high season. The weather was nice and the fall colors beautiful. She took great care of us and we highly recommend using her for you next visit to the area.

Yoshiko K.

(14 reviews)

Thank you, Jeffrey amd Gale. It was a lot of fun to guide and show you the rural Niigata. I am happy to hear that this was the first time for you to enjoy the fall foliage after so many times visit to Japan. You must come back here for the cherry blossom season next. I am looking forward to seeing you again!

“Assistance on visit with Japan relatives ”

Yoshiko was a wonderful guide. I connected with many new Japan relatives in Niigata and was meeting them for the 1st time. She helped us with transportation, translation and communication for the entire day. She was a tremendous resource and made the visit easier and more meaningful. I strongly recommend her as a guide.

Yoshiko K.

(14 reviews)

Thank you, Darren. It was such a happy day to meet your relatives who are all excited to see you. As you had prepared so well, the shy people of Niigata were eager and even tantalizing to talk to you. It was honorable for me to serve you and your relatives.