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.

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

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.

If you’re looking for an overview tour of some of Nagano’s best bits, then this is it. After a hassle-free pickup, set off on an adventure to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, and Shibu Onsen, with admission included to save you time waiting in ticket lines. To keep energy levels high, you can also benefit from having a soba noodle lunch included.

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

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.

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.

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.

This full-day tour explores the scenery and craft traditions around Niigata with an English-speaking guide, available by public transport or private vehicle, meeting at Niigata Station. Begin at Yahiko Shrine, one of Niigata's most sacred sites, where a cedar forest leads to a main shrine with over 2,400 years of history, then continue nearby to the 634-meter summit of Mt. Yahiko for panoramic views over the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and rice fields. With a private vehicle, the day continues to Sakana no Ichibadori fish market in Nagaoka for fresh seafood, and on to Tsubame-Sanjo, renowned for metal craftsmanship, where the Regional Industries Center offers Japanese knives, cutlery, and kitchenware. Given the greater distances, the public-transport version instead keeps to a closer loop around Yahiko Shrine and Mt. Yahiko. Lunch can be arranged along the way at your own expense, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the tour's allotted time to suit your interests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Everyone has heard of Geisha, popular female entertainers in the 19th century Japan. However, before Geisha’s popularity grew, Oiran were considered the trend-setters of the Japanese fashion world. These highly educated women had the precarious nickname Keisei (or Castle-toppler), for their reputation of stealing the hearts of upper-classmen. In Niigata, Oiran were always very popular in the Furumachi area. Today, in the near-by Honcho area there are many places that allow visitors to experience all the splendor of Oiran fashion. Allow yourself to explore your sensuality and project to the world your inner beauty, through the transforming experience of expertly selected dress and make-up. No one has ever walked away unchanged.

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.

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.

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup from Niigata Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Stop at Bandai Bridge for photos before visiting Hakusan Shrine. Continue to the Former Saito Family Summer Villa, known for its traditional architecture and beautiful Japanese garden. Visit Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery to discover Niigata’s sake culture, then explore Pier Bandai for local seafood and regional specialties. If time permits, visit the Befco Bakauke Observatory for panoramic views over Niigata City. The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before your tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook about the itinerary and sightseeing locations. Pre-tour customer support is available in English. Return to Niigata Port in time for your ship’s departure.

Step into a traditional Japanese shrine, a rare experience even for locals. Immerse yourself in crafting a beautiful windchime, a tangible reminder of your journey. This glass bell captures Japanese craftsmanship and resonates with memories of your adventure. Take it home, let its melodious chime echo your unforgettable Japanese escapade.

Discover the ancient history of Japanese sake (or rice wine) which dates back to at least 700 AD. Originally only consumed at religious ceremonies, sake was believed to connect individuals to the divine realm. For nearly a millenuim, sake was produced by shrines and temples all over the country. Even now, it is one of the primary offerings to the Shinto gods. Become a part of this rich tradition by tasting the elixir of the Japanese gods in the heart of a Shinto shrine. Learn firsthand the deliciousness of Niigata sake amidst the serene ambiance where tranquility and the essence of the divine converge.

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.

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