Niigata Private Customizable Half Day Tour
Active
4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
Private: 1 Driver + 1 Guide
Private Car : This tour includes private chartered vehicle (1 driver) with a tour expert (1 tour guide). All transportation cost included<br/>Pickup included
Public Transport: 1 Guide Only
Bus, Trains or other: This tour includes public transportation costs with your tour expert (1 tour guide only). All transportation cost included
What's included
Choose 2 to 3 sites for a personalized tour of Niigata
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)
Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle..)
English-speaking professional tour guide
4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf.
Detailed itinerary
1
The old Niigata Custom House and other historic building structures from the Meiji and early Showa periods
2
A lovely place throughout the year as it comprises many greenery, ponds, Dutch-style gardens, and hills area. One of the best place to enjoy the beautiful bloom of Yoshino cherry
3
A museum with collection counts about 4,000 points and, including Redon, bonaru, Rodin, Picasso, great masters of modern art
4
The actual place where sake is made, learn the process of sake making, and taste a wide variety of fresh sake in the same building where it’s made.
5
A unique bar and shop where you can taste and purchase a large selection of local sake. It also offers various sake-related accessories like cups and special drink mixes
6
Furumachi means “old city,” and the spirit of the old entertainment district is still much alive in the area. Here you will find many fascinating shops, eateries, and pubs
7
The largest fresh food market along the Sea of Japan with a seafood center and farmer’s market
8
A serene and culturally significant Shinto shrine known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat
What's not included
Meals, food and drinks not specified
Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Moderate Cancellation Policy:
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event
PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:
After your booking, you will receive a link to the Niigata Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Niigata Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date
Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences
If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today
Mode of transportation: Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
Custom Itinerary:
Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time, and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and responses from the Custom Tour form, we’ll begin creating your itinerary and organizing the necessary arrangements for your tour
How far in advance should I book?
Preparing a customized tour takes time, especially if restaurant or venue reservations are needed. We recommend booking as early as possible—ideally 3 months in advance, or at least 1 month before your travel date. For requests made within 7 days of travel, we may not be able to arrange the tour in time, and your booking request may be canceled with a full refund
What if I'm late?
We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time
Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help
Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled
Attire: Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions
Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour
Meeting point
We meet all customer at the starting point. More details will be provided after booking.Please kindly confirm with us again if your tour detail does not have meeting point
About Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture, located on the northwest coast of Honshu, is renowned for its high-quality rice, fresh seafood, and stunning natural landscapes. With its long coastline along the Sea of Japan, hot springs, and the famous Echigo-Yuzawa ski resort, Niigata offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
Sado Island
Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata, is known for its rich history, gold mines, and traditional performing arts. It offers stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences.
Nature/Historical/Cultural
1-3 days
Moderate to Expensive
Echigo-Yuzawa
Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.
Adventure/Relaxation
1-2 days
Moderate to Expensive
Niigata City Aquarium
The Niigata City Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of marine life, including dolphins, penguins, and fish native to the Sea of Japan.
Nature/Education
2-3 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Noppe
A traditional Niigata dish made with grated daikon radish, fish, and other ingredients, served with a dipping sauce.
Dish
Contains fish and seafood
Hegisoba
A local noodle dish made with flat soba noodles, grilled fish, and vegetables, served with a savory sauce.
Dish
Contains fish and seafood
Koshihikari Rice
Niigata is famous for its high-quality Koshihikari rice, known for its sweet and sticky texture.
Staple
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Yoga
Meditation
Scenic Train Rides
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)
These seasons offer mild weather, beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, and are ideal for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
10°C to 25°C
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (GMT+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Niigata is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and verified tour operators.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Niigata Airport • 15 km from Niigata City
By train
Niigata Station
By bus
Niigata Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Niigata, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Bandai City
Furuichi
Minamichito
Day trips
Sado Island
1.5 hours by ferry • 1-3 days
Sado Island offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. It's known for its gold mines, taiko drumming performances, and scenic hiking trails.
Echigo-Yuzawa
1 hour by train • 1-2 days
Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.
Nagaoka
30 minutes by train • 1 day
Nagaoka is a city known for its historical sites, including the Nagaoka Castle and the Nagaoka Park, which hosts the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in August.
Festivals
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival • Early August
Sanno Festival • Mid-August
Niigata Matsuri • July
Pro tips
- Visit Niigata during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning scenery and pleasant weather.
- Try local specialties like Noppe, Hegisoba, and Koshihikari rice for an authentic Niigata culinary experience.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
- Consider renting a car for exploring rural areas and scenic spots at your own pace.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
