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

J

Jerrold L.

5 / 5
Sep 10, 2024

Second day: east side of Tokyo

For the east side of Tokyo, we hired Toshihiro to plan our 8 hour tour. My daughter researched the sites of interest in east Tokyo, with an emphasis on those that would interest my 10 year old granddaughter. Toshihiro offered us excellent advice and recommendations to complete our itinerary before we arrived in Japan. With water bottles, hats and suntan lotion, we met up with Toshihiro in the lobby of our hotel and headed off for a long, hot (35C or 98F) but fascinating day. As we approached the subway, Toshihiro advised us to buy a 24h unlimited Tokyo metro pass: adult 600 Y, child 300Y. THAT IS A DEAL because some brief rides cost 200Y! Toshihiro organized our day to ensure we had time to see all the sights with minimal retracing and for fast transfers using the Metro. We started out visiting the Imperial Palace grounds (there is zero shade), where Toshihiro gave a history lesson dating back to the Shogun period that was followed by the ascent of the Emperor. We then subwayed to the Tsukiji fish market after a brief stop at a very large Budhist temple next to the fish market, for a memorial service. We learned about the history of Tokyo and the Tsukiji fish market as we meandered the streets, admiring the fish and Wagyu meat, vegetables (wasabi), and ice cream including Black Sesame ice cream, my fave. Before leaving the fish market, Toshihiro brought us to a traditional Japanese lunch place that a food critic had highly recommended years ago. It was outstanding so we recommend it! Translated the name in English is "good old age". Then off to Akihabara (with claw machines), Nezu shrine and Asakusa area with the Senso-ji temple and Hozomon Gate. Toshihiro left us as we set out to enjoy an amazing sensory experience at Teamlab Planets (photos). We spent 90 minutes there wading through knee-deep water, AI generated fish, light-enhanced crystal hangings, room filled with giant balloons, pods and plants. What an amazing finish to a fun and informative day! Thank you

Toshihiro Y.

Thank you for the brilliant tour review with excellent photos, Jerrold-san. You are three generations family with a daughter and a granddaughter. You had already come to Japan several times before. I am really happy to get this kind of wonderful comments on the tour from a person like you. Tour was done more than two weeks ago. It was a very hot summer day. I guess that you are now back to your country with a nice cool climate. Tokyo is still very hot today. I am impressed with that you have an amazing good memory on the tour in Tokyo. Your daughter researched well on the popular touristic spots in Tokyo. It was easy to make the tour itinerary for you because your daughter informed me of your interests clearly. You had good preparations against a crazy hot summer day in Tokyo. I could do a guide without any extra difficulty. Your hotel was located at nice area in central Tokyo near Tokyo Metro subway station, one of the two subway companies in Tokyo. That's why we could use very economical 24 hours tickets. In Tokyo, some spots are better to visit in the morning, some other spots are better to visit in the late afternoon. Sometimes I encounter difficulty to decide the order of the sightseeing. But you agreed with my suggestion. You were very cooperative. Thank you very much again. At historical spots like the Imperial Palace, I explained Japanese history. But real history is more complicated and has various aspects. My explanation of Japanese history was very simplified. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed both traditional spots and modern spots. Tokyo has many other amazing attractions and is changing drastically every year. Please come to Japan again in the near future.

C

Chris W.

5 / 5
Sep 10, 2024

A must do tour. See Porto from a different perspective

For me this is a must to do while in Porto. Joao our driver and guide is so proud and passionate about his city. He took us through its history while transporting us around. Many stops for photos and explanations of the city's past and culture. We travelled through the cobbled back streets taking in the views from the motorbike and sidecar. Stunning! We ended the tour in the old fishing village with views out to sea. Joao's recommendation for lunch was spot on! It's set us up for the rest of our stay in Porto. We now have a list of what to visit and what not to. Excellent tour! Well done Joao for producing such a novel and fascinating tour!!

Joao M.

Its our amazing guests that make it look easy :) Thank YOU!

I

Irene M.

5 / 5
Sep 10, 2024

Exactly what we hoped for

Kuni was great at maintaining communication and arrived early to our meeting. The itinerary was varied and unique. We enjoyed each of the bars we visited. This was for my husband because I do not drink. But, I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere of each of our stops. Thank you, Kuni for another fun night in Shinjuku.

Kuniaki T.

Yeah!!! Thank you for the review with the nice picture!! I had so much fun too. Thank you for coming to the tour even though you couldn’t drink. I saw that you and your husband are so kind to each other!! Please enjoy rest of your trip!^^ Sweet dreams!!

H

Hela R.

5 / 5
Sep 10, 2024

Shirakawago village with guide

Yurikosan is very dependable and clever guide. She took care of us - 3 people and explained history of prefecture, Sharakawago village and Japan. I would recomend her to my frend.

Yuriko S.

Thank you for an excellent review and nice comments! I also enjoyed driving from Takayama to Shirakawago and visiting the nostalgic village with you and your nice family. Someday in the future, I'd like to visit your country with my husband. See you again!

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

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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!