All Niigata Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the unique charm of Niigata on a relaxing half-day journey that combines traditional Japanese culture, local flavors, and city scenery. This experience offers an opportunity to see a different side of Japan, from its long-standing traditions and craftsmanship to its famous food and sake culture. With a comfortable and well-paced itinerary, travelers can experience the character of Niigata while making the most of their limited time in the city. It is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy authentic local culture and scenic highlights without the need for a full-day excursion. Guests who wish to enjoy a sake tasting can also do so for an additional fee paid locally.

Discover the art of sake brewing at a renowned brewery through an engaging guided experience. Enjoy an informative visit in Japanese or English, where you’ll learn about the philosophy and techniques behind sake production. Explore the working spaces and connect the brewing processes to the unique flavors of several handcrafted sake varieties during a guided tasting session. For those eager to dive deeper, an expanded tasting can be requested, featuring seasonal releases and various styles. With knowledgeable staff providing accessible insights, both novices and seasoned enthusiasts will find the experience enjoyable and memorable. Guided brewery experience available in Japanese and English Sample several varieties of handcrafted sake during the tasting Option to request an expanded tasting with seasonal selections Suitable for both beginners and experienced sake lovers, with engaging stories and clear explanations throughout the experience

Discover the art of sake brewing at Kikusui Sake Brewery in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture. This guided tour offers an insightful look into the sake-making process, blending tradition with modern techniques. Watch the brewing process through glass windows, guided by knowledgeable staff who reveal the craftsmanship behind every bottle. Visit the state-of-the-art research lab and engage in an exclusive tasting of Kikusui's finest, including unique experimental brews. Both beginners and sake enthusiasts will leave with a deeper appreciation of this cultural beverage, alongside a complimentary original tenugui to remember your experience. - Guided brewery tour showcasing the sake brewing process - Exclusive tasting of Kikusui’s sake, including limited editions - Visit to a cutting-edge research laboratory on sake production - Complimentary original tenugui for each participant to take home

Make sushi with fresh seasonal fish Every morning the chef visits the market and carefully selects the best local fish for the day. In this course, you can taste Nigita's local fish (for example “Noppe”) that had been caught that very morning. Become an expert of sushi making and eating Did you know that sushi gripping method differs depending on the ingredients? You must subtly change the force of your grip and the manner of your grasp. A professional sushi chef will give an easy to understand lecture on all the secrets! You can become a sushi-grip expert!

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.

I teach snowboarding in a heavy snowfall area in Yuzawa, that is an hour away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The venue is in a ski resort located at Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, which is a heavy snowfall area that can be reached from Tokyo in just over an hour by bullet train. I will film with a GoPro if you wish. I am a Japanese guy and I have a snowboarding certification at the 2nd level. I speak fluent English. I also have a certified public accountant qualification of the United States. I lived in Manhattan and Philadelphia for 2 years previously. The lesson is suitable for beginners. Below is an example of the itinerary. 8:15 am: Meet at JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Move to a ski resort by free bus. 8:45 am: Arrive at the ski resort. Rent equipment and change clothes. 9:30 am: Start lesson. Noon: Lesson ends. We will NOT provide stuff below. - Ski ticket (1-day ticket) - snowboard - snowboard wear - goggle - hat - gloves - Helmet - Shinkansen ticket to the nearest station

Step into the world of sake production like never before at Niigata Ichiryu Sake Brewery, known for its Bairi brand. This unique experience unveils the intricate bottling process, the pivotal moment that shapes how sake arrives in your glass. Witness the active bottling line, where sake is meticulously filtered, filled, sealed, and labeled. A knowledgeable guide will illuminate the importance of temperature control and hygiene, demonstrating how even minor variations can impact aroma and taste. Conclude with a guided tasting of three specially selected sake varieties, highlighting the significance of careful handling in preserving flavor and balance.

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.

Discover a Hidden Sake Lab and Create Your Own Signature Blend Step into a hidden corner of a sake brewery for a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll explore the post-fermentation blending process, a special part of sake making rarely experienced, even by locals. Hosted by a WSET Level 3–certified brewery guide, you’ll craft your own personalized sake blend. Finish your bottle by painting a kanji character on the label that reflects your blend’s personality. Take home a one-of-a-kind bottle created by you. Creative, immersive, and unforgettable.