Niigata Private Tour Guides

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Popular Niigata Tour Guides

Takano Y.

4.97 / 5
(40 reviews)
Japan

Obtained my National Guide License (English) in 2010 and my MBA from University of Michigan's Ross School of Business decades ago, when I had more hairs to allow me to choose variety of hair styles. In the past, have lived outside Japan for the total of 12 years in such cities as Boulder, CO; Ann Arbor, MI; Washington DC (USA); Manila (PHI), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Bishkek (Kyrgyz) and visited 40 countries----I stayed in Kyrgyz Republic between October 2018 and Feb. 2019 as my 40th country. Examples of my tour destinations are Tokyo where I live, Nikko, Mt. Fuji 5th station, Lake Kawaguchiko, Aokigahara Forest, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Takao, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Niigata prefecture. Foreign tourists/media who visited Tomioka Silk Mill (World heritage site) with me were interviewed by NHK TV crews at Tomioka, and my guests and I appeared on NHK Greater Tokyo Area evening TV news. Since foreign travelers enjoy talking to local people who live in the areas, travelers are welcome to go out of their comfort zone and try to talk to local students on the street, housewives with shopping bags and small shop owners. Currently live in Suginami-ku, western side of residential area in Tokyo with my wife and a Norfolk terrier. Able to reach Shinjuku or Shibuya areas in less than 30 minutes, Tokyo station area in 45 minutes, door to door from my residence by train. Tours will be conducted using public transportations or taxis or private cars in some cases as needed. According to your interests, physical/health conditions and duration of your tour, I will tailor-made your tour and arrange destinations. I can meet you at your hotel and take you back when the tour concludes. Consider myself as one of the most experienced travelers who have survived many difficult situations without getting into any serious trouble. Can be a good tour guide for business persons or retired business persons or travelers who like walking/outdoor activities/taking photos/wine or sake tasting/finding healthy food ---fresh seafood such as sushi, sashimi--soba or buckwheat noodles. Also, at the end of tours, travelers will be bringing home their photos taken by my CANON R6 camera during the tour.

Fujiko M.

4.97 / 5
(30 reviews)
Japan

Hello! My name is Fujiko Maeda. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I was born in Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. I once worked in tourism industry for about 10 years when I lived in Tokyo. Now I'm a persimmon farmer but when time permits I'm happy to guide you here in Sado mainly but also other places, too. We have a lot to offer like beautiful nature, historical sites, local specialties, traditional performing arts, festivals, islanders smiles and so on. If you'd like to know real Japanese lifestyle, please visit Sado. I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Let's explore Sado or other wonderful and beautiful places with me! Also, if you have any questions about Sado or Japan as a whole, please don't hesitate to email me.

Noriko Y.

4.86 / 5
(7 reviews)
Japan

National licensed English tour guide (born in 1977). Main job is freelance book editor and writer based on Kyoto. Utilizing various past works and articles from historic spots, off the beaten track, traditional crafts, contemporary arts to hip restaurants, I offer unique and interesting tour. Since I have the qualification of “International SAKE (rice wine) tasting master”, I can guide to the SAKE brewery and nice SAKE bars. Also I am interested in Ethnology, I will guide you to once a year festivals or rare religious rituals.

Yoshiko K.

5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan

Hello, my name is Yoshiko Khan. I was born and brought up in Niigata. As we have high mountains, plains, clear rivers, the sea of Japan and islands, you can enjoy diversity of nature and its blessings in each season. Dubbed as a snow country, very patient people in this prefecture have produced many high quality specialties in agriculture, fishery, traditional arts and industry. Enjoy delicious, healthy food and sake here in Niigata. It's only two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. I am very much looking forward to seeing you!

Keiichi S.

5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Japan

Hello! My name is Keiichi. Please call me Kei. I was born and raised in Joetsu City, located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Joetsu was the former capital city of Echigo Province until the mid 19th century. It has a lot of historic sites and scenic spots, and most of all good people. I love my city very much. I worked for the Joetsu City office for over thirty years. During my time there, I was in charge of international relations for about ten years. After retiring from the office, I began working as a licensed tour guide. I am very excited to introduce my city to people all over the world.

Mutsuko W.

5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan

Yokoso! Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. A true Niigatite, I was born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations. I would be pleased to show you another side of Japan in my beautiful and unique prefecture. The Warm Hospitality: Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and provides a true insider look into the Japanese spirit. Only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it has been perfecting the art of casual hospitality through centuries as a culinary hotspot and nature getaway for the those escaping the rat-race. History at your own Pace: Appreciate history and culture at your own pace in Niigata. Yahiko, National Shrine has been soothing souls, and inspiring locals, poets, and travellers for over 2500 years. Historically significant buildings greet seafarers at Niigata Port and the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River where we can move from the ancient to the modern in the Bandai area to shop and gather with young and old for entertainment such as movies, music, manga, and anime. Over the Sea, Over the Mountain, Over the Fields: Nature is good to Niigata Prefecture, giving us four clear-cut seasons. People from all over the country, and travellers wanting to experience Japan with the Japanese join us to soak in the sun on our beaches, relax at spa resorts, challenge themselves on world class ski hills, and dance together at festivals that draw world class performers. Travel with Me: With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is just a stone's throw away to have a unique taste of Japan. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, I invite you to visit Niigata City and other parts of the prefecture, and while here, it would be my pleasure to help you create unique memories during your stay.

Naoko T.

Japan

Hello. I am Naoko. I live in a snow country region in Niigata. I read snow country by Yasunari Kawabata at least 3 times. Sorrounded by beautiful mountain sceneris and rice terraces with fresh air, I hope that you will enjoy our hot springs, traditional fabrics, traditional food and sake. I know how to wear kimono, how to make maccha and how to ski.

Brian S.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

Hi. I am from Louisiana, USA, but Niigata has been my (and my family's) home for nearly 25 years. I've explored both the city and the prefecture extensively, learning about local history, culture, and food, and I'd love the opportunity to share these with you.

Day Trips from Niigata

Reviews

C

Christine S.

5 / 5
Sep 2, 2024

Himeji Castle

Go with Nishi! 5 stars for her superb knowledge. She was very thoughtful and provided extra help when needed. I would absolutely request Nishi again in any future visits.

Scott L.

1 / 5
Sep 2, 2024

Fake tour guide

Playing mind games with me and manipulation can affect people metal health and she certainly is persistent faking a relationship or testing me and still thinking we going to be best friends. I honestly never agreed on any of this its very immature of her as I paid for a tour guide that all but it was all one big game for her to boast her ego and benefit from Min uses all my weaknesses like being valuable and very shy to take advantage she should not be trusted as a tour guide and she needs to grow up or be trained properly.

A

Angela M.

5 / 5
Sep 2, 2024

What a Superstar

We had the pleasure of touring Tokyo with Toshi over 2 days. With his breadth of knowledge about Japanese culture, history, geography and religions, he was able to supplement our itinerary with facts giving us a deeper understanding of the shrines, temples, traditions famous buildings, and other landmarks. Toshi drew up a lovely itinerary really covering all the main highlights both the historical along with the modern. With his insight and experience, we were able to fully experience everything that this beautiful capita had to offer, and to fully embrace ourselves in Japanese culture with recommendations of food markets and restaurants. Before the trip he thoroughly answered all of our questions and concerns online, and tailored a perfect itinerary for our group ( 3 adults and 3 teenagers). Toshi was extremely patient and took time to answer all our questions. He always ensured that we were together as a group. He would wait patiently as my elderly mother tried keeping up with us and my three teenage kids. Overall a wonderful and extremely memorable 2 days We highly recommend Toshi

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Mary R.

5 / 5
Sep 2, 2024

Tokyo, Kawasaki and Haneda

Hisakosan was an intrepid and insightful guide to Tokyo, Kawasaki and guiding me to Haneda. Hisako was willing to help me try and track down an aunt I had lost touch with (after she was assured I was not a scammer - good to think about!). She helped interview the local Koban officer, check at the Ward office, and investigate possible addresses. After a day of fact checking, she still squeezed in a fun afternoon in Tokyo, taking me to historical cafes, Takeshimaya Department Store (which still has a staffed elevator - one of my favorite childhood memories), and a peek at the Pokemon Center (wow). But the best part - a restorative stop at Y's Sewing Table (@ys.sewingtable), where Suzusan recycles kimono, obi and tenugui (the cotton head wrap) into shirts, dresses, bags and offers classes. Suzusan hosted us to cold green tea (!) and showed us her hand dyed fabrics using fermented persimmons. Super day - and wonderful company later to Haneda!

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Local Tour Guides in Niigata

Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Niigata. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you. When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do. Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Niigata!