Hafen
Niigata

Depart the pier for an approximately one hour drive to the Tsubame-Sanjo area which is famous for their metalcrafts.

Tsubame-Sanjo, Tsubame City Industrial History Museum

The area was developed during the Edo Period for producing Wakugi (Japanese nail) and processing technology. Today their products such as cutting tools and metal tableware are becoming popular with their ancient tradition. Your first stop will be the Tsubame City Industrial History Museum which offers an insight in the industry. It is important to learn about the history of tradition and artisanal skills to understand how this metalworking industry has developed.

Tojiro Open Factory, Japanese Lunch

Next it is on to Tojiro Open Factory which was opened 50 years ago for knife manufacturing. During the visit to this open factory, you will be able to see the history and techniques of Tojiro and further understand why Japanese knives are world-renowned. Experience the sound and passion of the factory and craftsmen. Enjoy lunch at a local Japanese restaurant.

Sake Brewery & Tasting

After lunch, re-board your coach for a visit to a local Sake Brewery. Sake is the national beverage of Japan and is sometimes referred to as 'Japanese Rice Wine'. Niigata Prefecture is home to more than 90 Sake Breweries and is famous for its high quality. This is therefore the ideal place to not only learn the process of sake making but also how to pair Sake with different foods. You will also have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of fresh sake and also make purchases of your favorite if you so desire.

Re-board your coach for an approximatley 50 minute drive back to the port.

Depart the pier for an approximately 45 minute drive to the northern section of Niigata Prefecture where the historical city of Shibata is located.

Shibata Castle Ruins Park

Your first stop will be made at Shibata Castle Ruins Park, selected as one of Japan's top 100 castles. This castle was originally built at the end of the 16^th century by a Feudal Lord. The main gate and Ninomaru Sumi Yagura (watch tower) have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Shimizuen Garden & Ashigaru Nagaya

A short drive from the castle is the Shimizuen Garden which was constructed in the late 17^th century and has been a symbol of the Echigo area as a 'Daimyo' garden. You will also see the lodgings for common foot soldiers "Ashigaru Nagaya" which has also been declared as an Important Cultural Property. This house is kept in good condition and shows the lifestyle of the Ashigaru during the Edo Period.

Sake Brewery with tasting

Lastly, you will visit a local Sake Brewery. Sake is the national beverage of Japan and is sometimes referred to as 'Japanese Rice Wine'. Niigata Prefecture is home to more than 90 Sake Breweries and is famous for its high quality. This is therefore the ideal place to not only learn the process of sake making but also how to pair Sake with different foods. You will also have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of fresh sake and also make purchases of your favorite if you so desire.

Re-board your coach for an approximatley 40 minute drive back to the port.

Niigata Prefecture is famous for Brewage due to the rich environment in the heart of Japan's most fertile rice belt and this tour will take you to two different type of breweries to learn and experience the deep culture which the local people grew up with.

Yamada Miso Brewery, Miso Tasting

Your first stop will be at Yamada Miso Brewery, after an approximatley 40 minute drive. The Yamada family has been making Miso & Japanese Soy Sauce since 1891. They are specialized in making premium quality products using local ingredients and traditional techniques continuously for over almost 130 years. In addition to get to understand the  brewing process, learn the key role these staples play in Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste various types of each product.

DHC Sake Brewery, Sake Tasting

Next, re-board your coach for a short transfer to DHC Sake Brewery. Sake is the national beverage of Japan and is sometimes referred to as 'Japanese Rice Wine'. Niigata Prefecture is home to more than 90 Sake Breweries and is famous for its high quality. DHC Brewery is a renowned sake brewery located in Niigata, Japan. DHC took over the Oguro Sake Brewery in 2014, which was founded in the Meiji era, and has produced brands such as Koshino Umesato, Yuuten, Kasan, and Asahiharu. Also, it is known for producing high-quality sake. At DHC Sake Brewery, a traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients are used to ensure the best taste and quality. This is therefore the ideal place to not only learn the process of sake making but also how to pair Sake with different foods. Take the opportunity to taste a wide variety of fresh sake and also make purchases of your favorite if you so desire.

Re-board your coach for the an approximatley 40 minute drive back to the port.

Depart the pier for a short drive to the Shimomachi Area which tells the history of the Port Town of Niigata.

Niigata, Shimomachi Area, Former Niigata Customs House

During Edo and Meiji period, Niigata was developed as one of the biggest ports along the Sea of Japan with Kitamae-Bune (merchant ships) making it the economic artery connecting Osaka and Hokkaido. A short photo-stop will be made at the Former Niigata Customs House which is designated a Nationally Important Cultural Property due to its unique style. Opened in 1869, the building was built by local carpenters incorporating elements of western architecture using Japanese techniques and craftmanship.

Niigata City History Museum, Hakusan Park

Following the photo-stop, continue to the nearby Niigata City History Museum to learn in-depth about the culture and history of Niigata. The museum houses numerous dioramas reflecting irrigation canals, rice growing techniques and also a model of the Bandai Bridge. Leaving the museum, a short transfer takes you to the Hakusan Park. Opened to the public in 1873, this is one of Japan's oldest parks and was selected as one of the '100 Best Japanese City Parks'.

Geisha Performance, Former Wealthy Merchant House

After a short stroll around Hakusan Park, you will have a chance to enjoy a Geisha performance at one of the former rich merchant houses. The Geisha culture grew exponentially as the number of rich merchants increased in Niigata. Today, you will be entertained similarly to the merchants of olden times.

Northern Culture Museum

Departing the pier, enjoy an approxiamtely 35 minutes scenic drive to the Northern Culture Museum. This was the former residence of the Ito Family dating back to the Edo Period. The buildings cover 29,200m² and have a total of 65 rooms. Visitors have the opportunity to experience beautiful antiques from Japan, China & Korea such as ceramic, lacquerware & calligraphy from a by-gone era. The "walking" garden is also well-known as it was designed by a famous gardener. Seeing the peaceful garden from the inside is a must-do!

Sake Brewery & Sake Tasting

Proceed to visit a local Sake Brewery. Sake is the national beverage of Japan and is sometimes referred to as 'Japanese Rice Wine'. Niigata Prefecture is home to more than 90 Sake Breweries and is famous for its high quality. This is therefore the ideal place to not only learn the process of sake making but also how to pair Sake with different foods. You will also have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of fresh sake and also make purchases of your favorite if you so desire.

Re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the port.

Enjoy an overview of some of Niigata City's iconic sights during this half-day shore excursion.

Northern Culture Museum

Depart the pier for an approximately 35 minute scenic drive across the city to the Northern Culture Museum. Once the former residence of the wealthy Ito farming Family dating back to the Edo Period, it was converted to a museum post WWII. The buildings cover 29,200m² with 65 rooms housing over 6,000 antiques from over 200 years ago. You will have the opportunity to experience beautiful antiques from Japan, China & Korea such as ceramics, lacquerware & calligraphy from this by-gone era. The "walking" garden is also well-known as it was designed by a famous gardener. The peaceful garden is a must-do in Niigata!

Minatopia

Next is a visit to Minatopia, a historical cultural zone dotted with Western-style architecture created using Japanese building expertise. Contained here are some buildings which played an integral role when Japan opened up to the West at the end of the Edo Period. The buildings include - Niigata City Museum, the former Daiishi Bank & the former Customs Office which has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. Enjoy a guided outside visit to appreciate the famed architectural style including photo opportunities.

Befco Bakauke Observatory, Niigata Views

It is then on to the Befco Bakauke Observatory for a 360 degree bird's eye-view of Niigata City and the Shinano River. Located 125m from ground atop the Hotel Nikko Niigata, this observatory tis the highest point on the Sea of Japan side of the country. Enjoy the breath-taking views including the Bandai Bridge the symbol of the city before heading back to the port.

Depart from the pier for an approximately one hour drive to Murakami town also known as "The City of Salmon".

Murakami town-The City of Salmon, Kikkawa-dried salmon culinary tradition

The area has been catching and processing Salmon for centuries. Visit Kikkawa, one of the oldest shops in the region which still prepares 'wind-dried salmon' the traditional way. In their back room, you will see hundreds of salmon hung from the wooden ceiling as the process is explained.

Black Fence Street, Samurai Residence, Machiya Houses and temples, Oshagiri

The tour continues to Black Fence Street where you can find Samurai Residences, Machiya Houses and temples. Enjoy the ambiance of this ancient Castle Town during a guided walk within the historical walls. Enjoy a short stop at Oshagiri Hall to see the gorgeous floats called "Oshagiri" which are used for the "Murakami Taisai Festival each July.

Japanese Lunch, Shibata Castle Ruins Park

A short transfer takes us to a local restaurant for a traditional Japanese lunch. After lunch, depart for the Shibata Castle Ruins Park, selected as one of Japan's top 100 castles. This castle was originally built at the end of the 16^th century by a Feudal Lord. The main gate and Ninomaru Sumi Yagura (watch tower) have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Shimizuen Garden, Ashigaru Nagaya

A short drive from the castle is the Shimizuen Garden which was constructed in the late 17^th century and has been a symbol of the Echigo area as a 'Daimyo' garden. You will also see the lodgings for common foot soldiers "Ashigaru Nagaya" which has also been declared as an Important Cultural Property. This house is kept in good condition and shows the lifestyle of the Ashigaru during the Edo Period.

Re-board your coach for an approximatley 50 minute drive back to the port.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.