This compact, half-day tour introduces some of the city's cultural and historical highlights, concluding with a visit to a local specialties shop and sake-tasting museum.
The client can expect to learn about Niigata City's history and culture, including unique culinary traditions. The guide will describe the city and it's culture against the larger backdrop of the prefecture and Japan as a whole.
Niigata Station
We'll depart from the station and walk a short distance (about 800 meters) to our first destination.
We'll enjoy panoramic views of Niigata from the observation deck of one of the city's tallest buildings.
Gokoku is one of the most prominent shrines in the city and even the prefecture. We'll discuss the shrine's significance and the features that distinguish shrines from temples.
This small shrine to Inari, the rice god, demonstrates characteristics unique to such shrines, despite its size. We'll consider the importance of Inari to Niigata, Japan's most productive rice-growing region.
The villa dates to 1920 and, with its garden, is a beautifully restored example of traditional Japanese simplicity and elegance.
Located next door to the Saito Villa, this 300-year-old establishment has been designated an Important Architectural Asset by Niigata City. The cafe has irregular hours, but on open days guests may choose to order from the menu and enjoy the gardens.
This collection of shops features food, drink, crafts, and other products from Niigata. Sake from the prefecture's 80+ breweries may be sampled.
Niigata Station
Guide fee
Transportation, food, drink
I am available to guide clients outside of the areas specified if my transportation is covered.
Public transportation (bus) is used, and fares are not included in the price; this also applies to the entry fee to Saito Villa (300¥) . Additionally, the itinerary is designed with a few short walks in mind. However, transportation alternatives are available.
We used Brian's service for our client in Kanazawa, Shirakawago, and, initially, the Takayama area. Communication was excellent, and the clients were very satisfied with his services. On January 1st, a significant earthquake occurred in Ishikawa. The original plan was for the clients to explore Takayama, end the tour in Kanazawa, and return to Tokyo on the evening of the 2nd. However, due to the earthquake's impact, the car couldn't reach Kanazawa as the highway was closed, and the shinkansen (bullet train) services were halted indefinitely. After discussing the situation and obtaining the client's agreement, we decided to change the route to Nagoya and then back to Tokyo via Nagoya. Throughout this challenging time, Brian provided invaluable support to the clients on the spot and even accompanied them to Tokyo. We highly recommend Brian for his exceptional assistance and service even during unexpected circumstances. Thank you, Brian!