Joined 2023
Brian S.
Available Areas
Niigata (Living), Kanazawa
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
9 hours on average
Availability Updated
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Tour Categories
About Tour Guide Brian S.
Hi. I am from Louisiana, USA, but Niigata has been my (and my family's) home for nearly 25 years. I've explored both the city and the prefecture extensively, learning about local history, culture, and food, and I'd love the opportunity to share these with you.
Important
I am available to guide clients outside of the areas specified if my transportation is covered.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Niigata City Highlights Tour
This compact, half-day tour introduces some of the city's cultural and historical highlights, concluding with a visit to a local specialties shop and sake-tasting museum. The client can expect to learn about Niigata City's history and culture, including unique culinary traditions. The guide will describe the city and it's culture against the larger backdrop of the prefecture and Japan as a whole.
Two-wheel Adventures
A long-time resident of Niigata and avid cyclist, I have explored on two wheels the prefecture's areas of natural beauty and cultural interest on routes that only a local guide would know. As such, I offer custom cycling tours to travelers who want to get off the beaten track.
Morning Run in Downtown Niigata
Start your day on the right foot with this 2-hour, 10-kilometer jogging tour of downtown Niigata. The route includes temples, shrines, historic places, and scenic sights.
Reviews
“"Exceptional Service and Support Even During Unexpected Events"”
We used Brian's service for our client in Kanazawa, Shirakawago, and, initially, the Takayama area. Communication was excellent, and the clients were very satisfied with his services. On January 1st, a significant earthquake occurred in Ishikawa. The original plan was for the clients to explore Takayama, end the tour in Kanazawa, and return to Tokyo on the evening of the 2nd. However, due to the earthquake's impact, the car couldn't reach Kanazawa as the highway was closed, and the shinkansen (bullet train) services were halted indefinitely. After discussing the situation and obtaining the client's agreement, we decided to change the route to Nagoya and then back to Tokyo via Nagoya. Throughout this challenging time, Brian provided invaluable support to the clients on the spot and even accompanied them to Tokyo. We highly recommend Brian for his exceptional assistance and service even during unexpected circumstances. Thank you, Brian!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Niigata
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.
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.
Yoshiko K.
Hello, my name is Yoshiko Khan. I was born and brought up in Niigata. As we have high mountains, plains, clear rivers, the sea of Japan and islands, you can enjoy diversity of nature and its blessings in each season. Dubbed as a snow country, very patient people in this prefecture have produced many high quality specialties in agriculture, fishery, traditional arts and industry. Enjoy delicious, healthy food and sake here in Niigata. It's only two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. I am very much looking forward to seeing you!
