Niigata Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Patsy

What's a Private Day Tour of Shibata and Niigata Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

In the quiet morning hours, I introduced the historic city of Shibata starting from Teramachi, its temple district. The guests took great interest in photographing the canals where carp swim and the atmospheric temple buildings. Especially at Hokoji, the family temple of the Mizoguchi clan lords, they were fascinated by the gate and the weeping cherry tree said to have been given by Tokugawa Iemitsu. When we arrived at Shibata Castle, a retired local guide came over and kindly explained the castle's features in detail. It was very fortunate. The guests were delighted to gain deeper knowledge. Since there is a statue of Horibe Yasube, we talked about the Chushingura story, and by the time we finished, the gate had opened. We spent about ten minutes on the second floor of the main gate observing its structure and viewing portraits of successive lords, and the guests were pleased to be in touch with something genuine that has existed since the Edo period.

Afterward, as we passed through the rural countryside, they were delighted to see the rice fields where swans rest and feed. When I pointed to the wide fields and said, "The old Ito residence, now the Hoppo Culture Museum, owned the rice fields around here," they were very surprised. At the Hoppo Culture Museum, they took their time carefully touring the displayed old ceramics, the spacious tatami rooms, and the Japanese garden. I also made about ten minutes of free time for souvenir shopping. During this time, they were also able to do a little sake tasting.

We then returned to the city and, at "Minatopia" along the Shinano River, took photos while feeling the wind and scent of the sea and the river. By this point the sun had come out and it had become pleasant weather. The guests mentioned wanting to stop by a 100-yen shop, so I took them to a nearby home center that also had a Daiso 100-yen shop attached. There they bought additional rice crackers, snacks, and souvenirs. After that, we hurried to a high-end restaurant famous for sushi in the Furumachi area. Although there is also a conveyor-belt sushi branch of the same restaurant at Pier Bandai, this location allowed the guests to enjoy their meal in a calm, quiet atmosphere. Some of the guests had never eaten raw fish before or were not fond of it, but they said "it doesn't smell fishy" and finished everything with ease. For them, it had been a challenge taken on at the request of some of the guests. I had confirmed whether there were any allergies, but since I had not heard the background, I was a little worried, though they were thrilled to have eaten it deliciously. They left the restaurant fully convinced that high-end sushi really is different.

There was no longer time to visit "Ponshukan," but when I asked, they said it would be fine not to go. Since they had enjoyed sake in the morning, I felt that was good. Before returning to the port, we briefly stopped at a convenience store to use the ATM, and then returned to the port on time. Today, the guests seemed to spend a calm and quiet day enjoying the peaceful castle town, rural scenery, a wealthy farmer's residence, and sushi made with fish from the Sea of Japan.

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Tour Report by Patsy

Hello, my name is Mutsuko Watanabe. I am a professional government-certified guide- interpreter with eight years of experience, originally from the beautiful prefecture of Niigata. While Niigata holds a special place in my heart with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, I am passionate about showcasing the beauty of not only my hometown but also other fascinating destinations across Japan.
It is my greatest joy to help visitors discover the charm, history, and traditions of this amazing country in an engaging and enjoyable way. Whether it’s savoring local delicacies, exploring hidden gems, or learning about Japan’s deep cultural heritage, I am here to make your trip unforgettable.
I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and creating wonderful memories together!