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Joined 2018
Mutsuko W.
Available Areas
Niigata (Living), Sado
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
5 days ago
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.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
You are to visit highlights of Niigata City in 7 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.
Central Niigata City 1-Day Tour
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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.
Shibata Castle and Central Shibata
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Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
Discover the best of Sado! Explore the historic Gold Mine, see rare Crested Ibises at Toki Forest, and stroll through the charming village of Shukunegi. Savor authentic Sado sushi for lunch and cap off your day with a visit to a local sake brewery.
Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
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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.
Northern Culture Museum, Tsukioka and Fukushimagata Wetlands
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Gondola Ride to Mt Yahiko Top and Yahiko Shrine Visit plus Teradomari
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.
Gondola Ride to Mt Yahiko Top and Yahiko Shrine Visit plus Teradomari
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Kita-ku Fermented Food Culture and Fukushimagata Walking Tour
This tour provides visitors with an unforgettable experience by tasting sake and miso fermented soy bean paste. They will be amazed by products made with pride and history of fermented food culture. You can enjoy Italian cuisine, sushi, ramen or more cooked with localy produced vegetables and seafood caught in the Sea of Japn, for lunch.
Kita-ku Fermented Food Culture and Fukushimagata Walking Tour
Reviews
Vanessa C.
“a customized day”
We had a wonderful day with Mutsuko san. She planned everything according to our desire and the whole day went very smooth and was super interested. Mutsuko's English is perfect, so we were able to ask her lots of questions. From Japanese History to today's life, Mutsuko was a delight to listen to. We highly recommend her if you need a very professional guide around Niigata.
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Mutsuko W.
Vanessa san, I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour with me. Niigata is waiting for you to come back to show more of its attractions. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you for joining the tour and the high score in the review. I am grateful for it. Mutsuko
Jeff D.
“Tour All Around Yahiko and Niigata”
Mutsuko-San is a very fun and accommodating guide. She was able to craft an itinerary around Tsubamesanjo, Yahiko and Niigata cities based on my interests, and when we were ahead of schedule she found ways to show me more of the city to spend some time before our next scheduled stop. She was also very friendly and easy to talk to about anything, which made the tour that much better. I would strongly recommend her for anyone looking for a day tour around the Niigata prefecture area!
Mutsuko W.
Hello Jeff-san, I'm thrilled to hear you had such a positive and engaging experience. Crafting customized itineraries and offering value-added opportunities is always my goal, and I'm delighted we could maximize your time in the Niigata prefecture. Thank you for your kind recommendation! Best Regards, Mutsuko
Stephen B.
“Excellent Tour of Niigata”
My wife and I toured Saito Villa and Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery with Matsuko while ported in Niigata. We very much enjoyed the tour. Matsuko is an outstanding guide. Excellent English and communicated lots of additional information about the sites we visited. Great preparation for our tour and very effective use of our limited available time. We highly recommend her.
Mutsuko W.
Steven san, Thank you so much! Reading your wonderfully detailed and kind review about your Niigata tour genuinely made my day. I’m truly happy to hear how much you and your wife enjoyed the experience in Niigata. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you, and I loved sharing the history and local details of Niigata with you both. Your generous comments are incredibly rewarding, and the highest compliment I could receive. Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I hope the rest of your cruise will be lovely. If your travels ever bring you back to Niigata, please feel free to reach out. Warmly, Mutsuko
Other Popular Tour Guides in Niigata
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Fujiko M.
Hello! My name is Fujiko Maeda. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I was born in Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. I once worked in tourism industry for about 10 years when I lived in Tokyo. Now I'm a persimmon farmer but when time permits I'm happy to guide you here in Sado mainly but also other places, too. We have a lot to offer like beautiful nature, historical sites, local specialties, traditional performing arts, festivals, islanders smiles and so on. If you'd like to know real Japanese lifestyle, please visit Sado. I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Let's explore Sado or other wonderful and beautiful places with me! Also, if you have any questions about Sado or Japan as a whole, please don't hesitate to email me.
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Koichi S.
Hello! My name is Koichi, a licensed guide in Niigata City. I am a retired bank manager. I had worked in the New York office for three years. During my stay in the U.S., I traveled a lot with my family and enjoyed the great nature, historical sites and nice local cuisines. This time, I want you to enjoy Japanese culture and cuisines including our wonderful rice and sake. It is my great pleasure to welcome you in my hometown! Niigata has been developed as a port city at the mouth of big river. The Niigata port has been active since the 17th century, the samurai era. So, we have a lot of sightseeing sites which represent the flourishment of the town in those days. You can enjoy a wealthy merchant’s house and garden, a landlord’s mansion or a model of wooden boat which sailed all over Japan at that time. Along with those historical sites, the people’s markets are very enjoyable. Farmers and fishermen sell their fresh products at the portable tents along the street. Please stroll the area and find some very local fish and veggies. I am waiting for your visit to Niigata!
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Keiichi S.
Hello! My name is Keiichi. Please call me Kei. I was born and raised in Joetsu City, located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Joetsu was the former capital city of Echigo Province until the mid 19th century. It has a lot of historic sites and scenic spots, and most of all good people. I love my city very much. I worked for the Joetsu City office for over thirty years. During my time there, I was in charge of international relations for about ten years. After retiring from the office, I began working as a licensed tour guide. I am very excited to introduce my city to people all over the world.
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