Three Highlights in Sado
Joined 2018
Visit iconic spots including Gold Mine, Toki (Crested Ibis) Forest and Shukunegi. Also enjoy genuine Sado sushi lunch and visit a local sake brewery.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Ryotsu Port Terminal
- Right behind the ferry passengers' exit gate. The guide will wait for you with your name signboard.
Tokinomori Park
Limited number of Japanese crested ibis are well taken care of here at "Tokinomori Park" (Toki Forest Park). Once-extinct this kind of crested ibis can be seen only in the nature of Sado and at this facility. You can learn how and why the ibis can survive in the Sado Island at this park.
Admission: JPY400 (Children 6-15 y.o. JPY 100)
Taraibune at Ogi Port and Town Walk in Shukunegi
Experience the unique tub boad riding. Don't worry. An experienced woman captain takes you to the harbor paddling and teach you how to row the boat. Then she will allow you to navigate it. It's thrilling and exciting! Boat ticket: 700 yen each (Children JPY400).
After the boat riding, enjoy walking along the small and old port town Shukunegi with unique houses built in the way of convenience for the town poeple's life back in the time when it flourished from shipping business in the late 19th century to early 20th century.
Lunch in Ogi
Enjoy localy produced food and fish and seafood caught in Sado. Ramen, sushi, Japanese plates and all kinds are available.
Gold Mine (Sodayu Mine Course) Excursion
The mining work described in the "Sado Gold Mine Picture Scroll" is faithfully reproduced in the remains of hand-dug tunnels from the early Edo period. Time slip 400 years ago, impressed by the hardships of our predecessors. A course that represents the Sado Gold Mine. Admission: JPY 1000 each (Children 6-15 y.o. JPY 500).
Sake Tasting at Obata Sake Brewery
Vist the multiple-time-award-winning sake brewery and taste their sake of pride. Each tasting glass of sake takes 200 yen, so try and compare as many kinds of their sake and find your favorite one.
Ending Point
Ryotsu Port Terminal
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
Guiding fee.
Guide's ferry round trip fare (approx. JPY10,100), local transportation by car/taxi (, please hire GoWithGuide taxi driver. A taxi: approx. JPY49,600-68,000; a rent-a-car: JPY9,200-19,000), admission fee, meals, accommodation and etc.
Tour Important Information
This tour is available from April 1 to October 31. The guide lives in Niigata City so the guests need to cover her ferry fare, which needs to be paid to her in cash at sight. For this reason, booking needs to be made at least two days prior to the tour.
This tour is available from April 1 to October 31.
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
“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.
$226/ per group
More tours by Mutsuko W.
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
You are to visit highlights of Niigata City in 6 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.
