Top Niigata Prefecture How to Get Around

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!

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.

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.

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.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. Discover the charm of Niigata with this private shore excursion tailored for cruise passengers. Enjoy a flexible itinerary that showcases historic landmarks, traditional architecture, and local culture while traveling in a comfortable private vehicle. With dedicated round-trip transport from Niigata Port, this experience allows you to explore at your leisure without the constraints of larger group tours. Perfect for couples, families, and small groups, this tour ensures comfort and efficiency, with a timely return to the port for your cruise. - Private vehicle for a relaxed and personalized tour experience - Explore Niigata's historic sites and local culture at your own pace - Ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking comfort

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.

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

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.

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.

Discover the sake heritage of Niigata, widely regarded as Japan's premier sake producing region, on this relaxed private walking tour led by a friendly, government licensed local guide. Niigata's cold, snowy winters, pure water and high quality rice create its famously clean, crisp and dry 'tanrei karakuchi' sake. Starting near Niigata Station, visit Ponshukan, a unique tasting hall where you can sample a vast selection of local brews from across the prefecture, then tour a historic working sake brewery to see how premium sake is crafted and enjoy a guided tasting. Throughout the day your guide shares the stories and food pairings behind Niigata's beloved sake. Because this is a private tour, the pace and route are yours: linger where you like, ask all the questions you want, and customize the day to your tastes. Whether you are a curious first-timer or a passionate sake lover, it is a warm, local way to experience Niigata.

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.

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.

Guests will journey deep into the hidden region of Nagano known as Akiyamago, a remote mountain valley rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here, they’ll soak in one of the wildest open-air hot springs in Nagano, where the healing waters bubble up directly from the riverbed — a rare and unforgettable experience. Important Note: The outdoor hot spring may be unavailable during bad weather if the river overflows. In that case, we’ll visit a local indoor onsen instead. The tour also includes a taste of tradition with a hearty bear meat hot pot lunch, called "Kumanabe", a local specialty passed down through generations. On the way back to Iiyama Station, we’ll stop by a local sake brewery, where guests can enjoy tasting some of Nagano’s finest rice wine. Akiyamago is usually closed off in winter due to extreme snowfall that even surpasses ski resorts, but we operate guided car tours to this remote area.

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.

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.

At the blacksmithing shop with a 150-year history, you can craft your own frying pan out of a piece of iron plate. The entire process, from forging to installing a handle, is completed by your own hands with great care. Furthermore, BBQ with a freshly made frying pan is exceptional. It’ll be fun to use one-of-a-kind frying pan that fits in your hands the more you use it and you can use for your lifetime. Tour guides will take you on a bicycle tour through the streets of Tsubame-Sanjo, showing you local spots where you can meet locals.

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.

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.

Step into the heart of Niigata on this private, fully guided day tour led by a government-licensed guide, with your own private vehicle and driver. Niigata grew rich as one of Japan's first international ports and as the gateway to the country's finest rice and sake, and this tour brings that story to life. Begin at Hakusan Shrine, the city's spiritual heart, then explore the grand Northern Culture Museum, former estate of Niigata's wealthiest landowning family. Wander the lively Pia Bandai market and the historic geisha quarter of Furumachi, and step inside the Imayo Tsukasa sake brewery to taste crisp local brews born of pure water and premium rice. Take in sweeping views from the Befco Bakauke Observatory atop Toki Messe, admire the Meiji-era Former Niigata Customs Office on the Shinano River, and browse the Honcho market. With hotel pickup, a flexible customizable route and an expert guide, you'll discover the best of Niigata in comfort and at your own pace.

Spend a full day discovering Niigata, the elegant port city on the Sea of Japan, with your own government-licensed guide and a private vehicle. Set the pace and explore in depth, from sacred shrines to sake and seafood. Begin at Hakusan Shrine, dedicated to matchmaking, then tour the magnificent former Ito family mansion and gardens at the Northern Culture Museum. Wander the historic geisha district of Furumachi, visit the centuries-old Imayo Tsukasa sake brewery for a tasting, and take in panoramic views from the free Befco Bakauke observation room at Toki Messe. Learn the city's history at Minatopia and the former Niigata Customs House, browse the lively Honcho market, and admire the elegant six-arch Bandai Bridge. With a private guide and vehicle throughout, the itinerary is fully customisable, making it ideal for travellers who want to experience the culture, history and flavours of Niigata in comfort.

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.

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.