Joined 2019
Keiichi S.
Available Areas
Nagano, Niigata (Living), Toyama
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
9 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide 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.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Niigata City One Day Walking Tour
Niigata City is famous for its delicious rice, agricultural products, and fresh fish. This is thanks to the abundance of water that has made it a "city of water.” At the same time, however, people have suffered from floods since the beginning of history and have repeatedly overcome them. In addition, Niigata City today is home to some of the best people in the world of comics and modern dance. Come and taste the breeze of a town with such a unique history and character.
Joetsu City One Day Walking Tour, Takada Area
Interested in historical sites in Japan? How about Joetsu City? Just a short ride from Tokyo (two hours.) Joetsu City is located in Niigata Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan. Takada Area, a famous sightseeing spot in Joetsu, has interesting features: a castle town, a snowy town, and tasty food and sake. By walking along a local town and communicating with local people, you will feel refreshed and energized. I hope to see you soon!
A Day Tour for Snow Monkey and Obuse Town
You will go to Snow Monkey Park and see how wild monkeys live and seem relaxed without minding human beings watching them. There are also some lovely places to visit from Nagano City, such as Obuse Town and Suzaka City. Especially, Obuse is a small but pleasant town where Hokusai, the ukiyoe artist known for "The Great Wave," lived in his later years. Entering the Museum, learning about his life, and eating delicious chestnut sweets will surely bring back good memories.
Highlights for Obuse and Suzaka from Nagano City
You can visit some lovely places near Nagano Station, such as Obuse and Suzaka. Obuse is a small but pleasant town where Hokusai, the ukiyoe woodblock print artist known for "The Great Wave," lived in his later years. Entering the Museum and eating delicious chestnut sweets will bring back good memories. Suzaka is famous for its warehouses, which give a good atmosphere and are now used as stores and museums. Garyu Park also provides a beautiful sight in each of the four seasons.
Reviews
Lori O.
“ Niigata day trip”
Kei-San was very organized and diligent. He was well prepared and everything went smoothly. His hard work, thoughtfulness and kindness was greatly appreciated.
Keiichi S.
I am glad you were blessed with fine weather and could view the cherry blossoms under the trees. Perhaps your grandfather would have enjoyed spring under the cherry tree when he was in Japan. I also hope you like the knives you purchased from Tojijiro. Even in a mechanized factory, each knife is hand-tuned by craftsmen. There are still many places to visit in Niigata, and we look forward to seeing you again.
David Y.
“Wonderful experience with Kei”
Kei was the best guide for a winter tour to see the Snow Monkeys and Togakushi. He was so helpful and responsive as we planned the day and customized the trip to make it a very memorable one for us. Thank you for making our day special, Kei!
Keiichi S.
Thank you very much for the picture and the high rating you gave me on GoWithGuide. I was thrilled to be at the moment of your engagement and be honored to share the same time and energy under the clear sky in the snow world of Togakushi. I know that your busy life has already begun again, but I hope that you will be able to spend fulfilling days as you work towards creating a happy life with Grace. Please give my best wishes to Grace, too. Thank you very much.
Shufen L.
“Comprehensive and personal ”
Kei san was very meticulous in helping us to plan for the tour. He tried to find out about what would be our interests so he can help put it in the tour, and he made suggestions that are so good! We enjoyed the Shoji door making and learning about the shoji paper. The sake brewery was a delight and his explanations about how the city cope with snow, was really interesting. There’s also a little workshop on how to ‘recycle’ cereal/chocolate boxes into little pieces of art, really creative. We had such fun and we are already thinking when do we come back again. Thank you Kei san for your hospitality!
Keiichi S.
Hi, Ms. Shufen, Thank you for your kind impression of the tour. Unfortunately, it rained in the afternoon, so we could not enjoy the scenery. But your daughters looked like they enjoyed checking their breath, which turned white because of the cold temperature. It would be great if the tour helped you understand snowy countries' lifestyles. Woods and papers are essential materials for Japanese buildings and lives. I am glad you've found such aspects in this tour. Best Regards, Kei
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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.
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