Top Niigata Prefecture Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 2

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.

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 1-day guided tour offers an immersive experience at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, one of the world's largest international art festivals. Explore a unique fusion of art and nature in the picturesque satoyama region. Highlights include the mesmerizing "Tunnel of Light" at Kiyotsu Gorge and evocative installations like "For Lots of Lost Windows" and "The Last Class." Visit the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum and MonET, a contemporary art museum featuring works like Leandro Erlich's "Palimpsest: Pond of Sky." Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients. With convenient round-trip options from either Tokyo or Echigo-Yuzawa, this tour is ideal for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking unique cultural insights.

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.

Enjoy the culture and nature of Japan's snow country in Takane, a mountain village on the outskirts of Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, where snow accumulates to 2 meters during the winter months. This program is an experience in the deepest part of the unexplored Takane area, where the snow is deep and usually not removed. You can experience snow play, food culture of snow country, and snow activities as a nature experience. snow activities as nature experiences. Each experience will be guided by a local guide. Snow play is a symbol of Japan's snow country culture, where visitors can try their hand at making a kamakura or snowman with a “kamakura and snowman making expert. In the Snow Country Food Experience, visitors can make “Takane Rice Rice Balls” with a local woman using local ingredients and preserved foods from the snow country. In addition,

Discover the unique charm of Sado Island on this unforgettable day trip from Niigata. Travel across the Sea of Japan aboard the high-speed Sado Kisen Jetfoil, then explore some of the island's most iconic attractions by private vehicle. Experience the traditional taraibune tub boat, a centuries-old fishing boat found only on Sado, and immerse yourself in the island's rich history at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sado Gold Mine. You'll also visit the atmospheric Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins, where towering industrial remains and lush greenery create one of Sado's most photogenic landscapes. Combining breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, unique cultural experiences, and comfortable transportation, this tour is the perfect way to discover the best of Sado Island in a single day. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

This 6-hour walking tour includes a Knife factory tour and fruit knife crafting at Tojiro, one of Japan's best knife makers.You'll polish the blade and the craftsman will sharpen the edge. Then you assemble the handle.You can get an up close and personal view of the how the craftsmen work. Take the completed knife home. There's also a tax-free showroom! A licensed guide will accompany you and help with translation. Before visiting Tojiro, you will go on a walking tour, please customize your tour with your guide by selecting 1-2 spots from‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list. . ※The Tojiro experience starts at 1:00 PM. Please be at the reception by 12:50. ※Upon arrival at Tojiro knife making, there will be an explanation regarding the handling of dangerous objects (knives), machinery, and an insurance application. Insurance fees at Tojiro are included in the experience price. ※Knife making (11+ only, adult price); children and infants can join the factory tour.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting snow-rich regions of Japan, where snow influences not just winter scenery, but also food, culture, and tradition year-round. This immersive journey reveals how melting snow creates pristine water sources essential for high-quality agriculture and fermentation practices. Discover the depth of local cuisine, from refined sake to traditional dishes, and experience unique crafts shaped by this snowy landscape. Witness how spiritual beliefs and everyday life harmonize with the natural environment, showcasing the profound connections between snow and Japanese culture throughout the seasons.

A tour to fully enjoy the night in Takada, a historic castle town in the snowy region. The dining venue features a special lunch at "Centennial Ryotei Ukisyo," a traditional restaurant with over 140 years of history and designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property. You can explore the lavish four-story wooden architecture and savor authentic ryotei cuisine.

This is a program which introduces a deep understanding of "Japan" through "rice" in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture. Participants will stay in an old minka (traditional Japanese house) with a kayabuki roof (shingled roof), watch cooking rice in a kamado (a traditional Japanese cooking pot), with a master of rice, and experience seasonal agricultural activities. Visitors can also enjoy some "experiences related with rice" such as Futomaki Sushi making experience with a local chef, and a visit to an award-winning sake brewery. This tour also includes visit in a beautiful historical residence of major landowner of this area, where the emperor Showa stayed during his visit to Niigata prefecture. On the second day, you will enjoy a full-course rice dinner that is specially created for this tour. The program offers real country life and warm interaction with locals that will make an unforgettable experience.

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.

The theater's retro atmosphere exudes a sense of history, featuring an awe-inspiring hall with a wooden beam ceiling—something rarely seen today except in important cultural properties. Another highlight is the projection room, which remains unchanged from the past. The building also exhibits Western architectural influences, with Greek Doric-style columns visible inside. Recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and a Modern Industrial Heritage Site, this cinema is a rare and valuable cultural landmark in Japan’s film history.

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.