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A market stall with various seafood items and a person selecting food. 1
A traditional food item wrapped in leaves, placed on a wooden plate with a red spoon beside it. 2
Two people in traditional Japanese attire walking along a pathway with a traditional building in the background. 3
A person walking down a narrow alleyway between traditional buildings. 4
Two individuals in traditional Japanese attire standing in front of a building with a wooden gate. 5
By Japan Guide Agency
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,337 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • 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 storey 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 customisable route and an expert guide, you'll discover the best of Niigata in comfort and at your own pace.

Activity location

  • Hakusan Shrine
    • Ichibanboridori-cho, Chuo-ku,
    • 951-8132, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Hakusan Shrine
    • Ichibanboridori-cho, Chuo-ku,
    • 951-8132, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Check availability

Van (Up to 7 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Van (Up to 7 Pax)
Pickup included

Price details
NZ$1,812.92 x 1 AdultNZ$1,812.92
Total
Price is NZ$1,812.92
Until Sun, 23 Aug

Minivan (Up to 4 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Minivan (Up to 4 Pax)
Pickup included

Price details
NZ$1,866.24 x 1 AdultNZ$1,866.24
Total
Price is NZ$1,866.24
Until Sun, 23 Aug

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English

Regular Car (Up to 2 Pax)
Pickup included

Price details
NZ$1,337.30 x 1 AdultNZ$1,337.30
Total
Price is NZ$1,337.30
Until Sun, 23 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Private vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Customisable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
  • Inclusions
    Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Exclusions
    Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Exclusions
    You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Exclusions
    Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under 'What to Expect.'

Know before you book

    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

Activity itinerary

Hakusan Shrine

  • 30m
Hakusan Shrine is the spiritual heart of Niigata City, enshrining the deity of marriage and good fortune. Set in leafy Hakusan Park near the Shinano River, its vermilion hall and lively seasonal festivals make it a beloved local landmark. Your guide explains its history and the customs travellers can take part in.

Northern Culture Museum

  • 45m
  • Admission ticket not included
The Northern Culture Museum preserves the grand estate of the Ito family, once Niigata's wealthiest landowners. Wander the sprawling wooden mansion, its famous 100-tatami room and a beautiful Japanese garden for a vivid glimpse of feudal-era prosperity, with your guide sharing the family's storey.

Pia Bandai

  • 30m
Pia Bandai is Niigata's lively waterfront market, packed with stalls of fresh Sea of Japan seafood, local sake, fruit and Echigo rice. Browse the bustling aisles, watch fishmongers at work and sample sushi or grilled seafood made from the morning's catch as your guide points out regional specialities.

Niigata Furumachi Machi Minato Information Center

  • 30m
Furumachi is Niigata's historic entertainment and shopping quarter, once famed for its elegant geisha. Stroll the covered arcades and atmospheric back streets lined with traditional restaurants, sake bars and old shops, while your guide shares stories of the district's Edo- and Meiji-era heyday.

Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
Imayo Tsukasa is a historic Niigata sake brewery founded in 1767. Tour its handsome wooden cellars to see how Niigata's pure water and premium rice create the region's famously clean, dry sake. Your guide helps with a tasting of seasonal brews and explains the craft behind each bottle.

Befco Bakauke Observatory Room

  • 20m
On the 31st floor of the Toki Messe tower, the Befco Bakauke Observatory offers free 360-degree views over Niigata City, the Shinano River delta and the Sea of Japan. On clear days you can even spot distant Sado Island as your guide points out the city's landmarks below.

Former Niigata Customs Office

  • 30m
The Former Niigata Customs Office is a striking Meiji-era landmark on the banks of the Shinano River, built in 1869 when Niigata opened as one of Japan's first international ports. Admire its unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture as your guide recounts the city's history as a thriving port town.

Honcho Shokuhin Center

  • 20m
The Honcho market area is a lively old shopping district where Niigata locals buy fresh vegetables, seafood, pickles and homemade snacks. Wander the covered arcade and open-air stalls, sample regional treats and soak up the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere of everyday city life with your guide.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Hakusan Shrine
    • Ichibanboridori-cho, Chuo-ku,
    • 951-8132, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Hakusan Shrine
    • Ichibanboridori-cho, Chuo-ku,
    • 951-8132, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

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