Top Niigata Prefecture How to Get Around

We’ll begin with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques enjoying a soak in the hot springs—set in the peaceful mountains of Nagano. After the walk, we’ll head over to the nearby Shibu Onsen area, a beautiful historic hot spring town. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant here, featuring freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties. After lunch, you’ll have time to unwind in one of Shibu Onsen’s public baths. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and offer the perfect way to relax. And for a bit of extra fun, there’s the chance to collect stamps from different hot springs using a special towel—a local tradition that adds a playful touch to your visit. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or enjoy good food and drink, this tour offers a great mix of what makes Nagano special. Optional free pick-up support available upon request. Please read the pick-up details before making your reservation.

Discover the rich history of the old Japanese port town of Niigata. This private tour explores the unique blend of Western and Japanese cultures that developed in Niigata in the 1800s when ships arrived from all over the world to trade and the city was flooded with sailors. You'll visit such landmarks as the Old Saito Residence, the former Ozawa Family Estate, and the Minato Inari Shrine.

Enjoy a private, full day walking tour of Niigata with a government-licensed and multilingual guide. Niigata is a beautiful city located on Japan's northwest coast, facing the Sea of Japan. Its perfect climate and verdant landscape helped to make it an agricultural powerhouse, known for its long heritage of rice and sake production. Lets us know your interests and your guide will customize a tour that is made specifically for you.

Simplify your visit to Sado Island from Niigata City on a guided day tour. After catching the ferry over from the mainland (extra cost), you can choose 3–4 different attractions that you most want to visit. Depending on your interests, you could check out the Sado Gold Mine, the Museum of History and Folklore, the island’s lovely parks, and more. Get away from the crowds at this less-visited destination.

You can go cycling through the streets of this manufacturing town, and visit some local workshops which are usually closed to the public, and witness the craftsmanship up close. On this tour, you'll ride a high-performance e-Bike, slicing through the breeze as you're guided to historical workshops and local spots that are usually inaccessible, thanks to the unique insights of a local tour guide. Throughout the tour, you are able to experience the dedication and craftsmanship of artisans while gaining a deeper understanding of life in the Tsubame-Sanjo area. The activity is available for both solo travelers and groups.

Explore the vibrant Pier Bandai market on a guided culinary walk that delves into the heart of Japanese seafood culture. This tour offers an authentic introduction to how fish and shellfish are selected, prepared, and enjoyed in everyday Japanese life. With a knowledgeable local guide, visit the Bandai-jima Fish Market and specialty shops, learning about local seafood favorites like sweet shrimp and salt-cured salmon. The experience includes a dining allowance for sampling various casual eateries, allowing you to enjoy dishes that reflect Niigata’s unique culinary landscape. - Discover the rich seafood traditions of Niigata at Pier Bandai - Guided exploration of the Bandai-jima Fish Market and specialty shops - Learn about local seafood and everyday eating habits in Japan - Enjoy a dining allowance to sample fresh seafood dishes at your leisure

You can go cycling through the streets of this manufacturing town, and visit some local workshops which are usually closed to the public, and witness the craftsmanship up close. On this tour, you'll ride a high-performance e-Bike, slicing through the breeze as you're guided to historical workshops and local spots that are usually inaccessible, thanks to the unique insights of a local tour guide. Moreover, you will get a tiny-size machete as a gift from a craftsman. Throughout the tour, you are able to experience the dedication and craftsmanship of artisans while gaining a deeper understanding of life in the Tsubame-Sanjo area. The activity is available for both solo travelers and groups.

Echigo-Yuzawa is a nature-rich destination just one hour from Tokyo. It can be a bit inconvenient to explore without a car, so we’ll make the most of your time with a guided tour by car. At Kiyotsu Gorge, you can admire the majestic rock walls and crystal-clear streams, enjoying a magical, artistic space where the gorge’s scenery is reflected on the water’s surface. Ryugakubo is a mystical lake where you can drink delicious spring water.We’ll have lunch at “Matsushiro Satoyama Shokudo.” The blue-toned interior creates an artistic atmosphere. Please enjoy local cuisine with a modern twist.After lunch, we’ll visit nearby art installations. Next, at Hoshitoge’s terraced rice fields, approximately 200 paddies of various sizes spread across the slopes like fish scales. Bijin-bayashi features beautiful beech trees. It is home to many wild birds. I'll explain using a translation app. Cover photo: “Tunnel of Light” by Ma Jansson (MAD Architects), photo by Osamu Nakamura

This private and customizable tour for Niigata is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Let your guide help you navigate all the pubs and restaurants of Furumachidori on this private pub hopping tour, so you can spend more time enjoying the experience instead of stressing about the language barrier. Your guide will help you order, make recommendations, and ensure you have a fun night. You might spot a geisha, too.

You can visit Otake Confectionery (sandwich bread), Ameya (traditional sweets), the former division commander's residence, Mochiya (grilled rice dumplings), Takada Castle Three-story Turret, Takada Komachi, Taga Tea Shop (tea and Japanese sweets), and more. You can go there by bicycle and return by local train.

Nigata is known for the best sake producing area - Myoko isn't the exception with 3 sake breweries of unique history and product line-up. They are all small-sized truly local breweries. You can see more and communicate with the business owner and/or workers with a guide. After the brewery tour, we'll check and try local food at a local farmer's market or authentic local restaurant of your choice/guide's recommendation.

Uncover the beauty and culture surrounding Niigata with a knowledgeable guide. Start your adventure by visiting the historic Yahiko Shrine, nestled in the foothills of Mount Yahiko, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic views from the mountaintop via ropeway. Explore the charming streets of Tsubame-Sanjo, famous for its high-quality metalcrafts and traditional workshops, and learn about the craftsmanship that defines the area. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the coast at the scenic Teradomari area, known for its seafood market, or relax at one of the local onsen hot springs. Our guides provide in-depth knowledge of the local history and traditions, ensuring a deeper understanding of the region. Public transportation will be used to fully immerse yourself in the local experience, but private vehicle arrangements can be made upon request. Join us for a memorable journey through the scenic and cultural highlights just outside Niigata City!

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

The departure location is selectable from Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Starting with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park. Get up close and watch as the Snow Monkeys relax in the naturally occurring hot springs of Jigokudani. Thanks to the tour's early morning start you will see the Monkeys as exclusively as it gets! Following this, we will commute to Shibu Onsen town. The first place to stop is Tamamura Honten, a sake & beer brewery established in 1805 attached to a traditional art gallery. After that, our guide will offer you insight into the historic Onsen village. This village was once frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsen in town. This section is a walking tour, but if you would prefer to relax in an Onsen, you may do so for just ¥800! Finally, during the green season, we visit Kokugonji, a serene and beautifully maintained temple nestled in rural Nakano and founded in 825.

In Tokamachi, textiles have long been central to community life, especially during the harsh winters when they were woven into the very fabric of social customs. In the past, young men would look at the quality of a woman’s fabric before even looking at her face when searching for a wife. Today, Tokamachi’s textile craftsmanship reflects the region’s resilience and creativity, showcasing a rich tradition of adapting to its environment. This tour offers you a chance to experience this magical culture firsthand. You’ll learn about the history of Tokamachi and see the artists at work. Your day begins at 10:00 AM when you meet your guide at Tokamachi Station. From there, you will dive into the captivating history and cherished traditions of the area. Enjoy an unforgettable lunch experience, savoring local flavors, and take a tour of a kimono factory, where you’ll engage in a unique activity. The tour concludes at 5:00 PM back at Tokamachi Station.

Recommended Spot Big Zelkova Tree (Kamisuwa Shrine) Experience the serenity of this 1,000-year-old tree, believed to protect the land and worshipped as a god of agriculture. Cedar Tree Path to Shrine Explore the historic Yahiko Cedar path, a natural monument, and cultural property, either by TUKTUK or Motorcycle. Triangle Field (Hachimai-zawa Forest Path Branch) Enjoy the expansive landscape and peaceful time with views of Mt. Yahiko. Haraedo Shrine Dedicated to the god of purification, cleanse yourself before visiting Yahiko Shrine’s main hall. Yahiko Shrine Known as "Oyahikosama," it's the symbol of Yahiko Village. Offer prayers with two bows, four claps, and one bow. Mt.Yahiko Ropeway (4-hour and 2-hour courses only) Take a 5-minute ride to the summit for stunning views. On clear days, you can see Sado Island. Rice Field Area Witness Mt. Yahiko reflected in water-filled rice fields, a beautiful and nostalgic landscape.

This private and customizable tour for Niigata is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

This tour is designed for travelers who visit Nigata City by cruise ship. We will pick you up at Nigata Port or hotels near the port. Nigata City. Niigata is a beautiful city whose northwest faces the Sea of Japan. As one of Japan's leading agricultural cities, Niigata has a beautiful landscape of rice fields, well-known for its sake and rice heritage. Thanks to its abundant nature and perfect climate, Niigata became an agricultural powerhouse and historically acquired a reputation for its plentiful, abundant food output. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Exclusive VIP Niigata Tours Our VIP Niigata Tours offer locally guided, exclusive experiences, taking you beyond typical tourist spots to hidden gems only locals know. Why Choose Our Tours? Local Experts Discover secret locations and experience Niigata like a local. Exclusive Hidden Spots Explore secluded nature trails, private artisan workshops, and untouristed hot springs. Authentic Culture & Cuisine Visit renowned sake breweries, dine at exclusive local restaurants, and explore Tsubame-Sanjo’s master craftsmanship. ❄️ Seasonal Highlights Enjoy hidden cherry blossoms, private fireworks views, off-the-map fall foliage, and uncrowded ski resorts. ♨️ Local-Only Hot Springs Relax in authentic onsen with healing mineral waters, away from tourist crowds. For luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion, our VIP tours provide an unforgettable, insider experience of Niigata. Enjoy an unforgettable Exclusive Tour, crafted to create lasting memories.

During this tour, we’ll expertly guide you through the rich tapestry of local traditions, allowing you to experience these techniques firsthand. From hands-on demonstrations to immersive experiences, you’ll gain insight into the intricate crafts of the area. And, of course, no journey through Tokamachi would be complete without savoring some of the most delectable local cuisine, adding a flavorful dimension to your cultural exploration.

Recommended Spot Big Zelkova Tree (Kamisuwa Shrine) Experience the serenity of this 1,000-year-old tree, believed to protect the land and worshipped as a god of agriculture. Cedar Tree Path to Shrine Explore the historic Yahiko Cedar path, a natural monument, and cultural property, either by TUKTUK or Motorcycle. Triangle Field (Hachimai-zawa Forest Path Branch) Enjoy the expansive landscape and peaceful time with views of Mt. Yahiko. Haraedo Shrine Dedicated to the god of purification, cleanse yourself before visiting Yahiko Shrine’s main hall. Yahiko Shrine Known as "Oyahikosama," it's the symbol of Yahiko Village. Offer prayers with two bows, four claps, and one bow. Mt.Yahiko Ropeway (4-hour and 2-hour courses only) Take a 5-minute ride to the summit for stunning views. On clear days, you can see Sado Island. Rice Field Area Witness Mt. Yahiko reflected in water-filled rice fields, a beautiful and nostalgic landscape.

Blacksmith was brought to Tsubame and Sanjo area in Niigata prefecture in the early 17th century, started producing Japanese nails called Wakugi. This area now became an artisan metalsmiths town. You can visit some of those factories, artisans welcome you. In this tour, you will visit Knife factory, Tadafusa and coppenwear factory, Gyokusendo. Both has a long history and you can see their work very closely. You can also visit more factory, Museum or shopping spots where you can find the Tsubame Sanjo quality products.