Koichi

Jun 4, 2026
lf94252
Tripadvisor review: Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Koichi Sato - Tour Guide in Niigata
We had a wonderful tour with Koichi Sato in Niigata. He was a lovely and personable man
with excellent knowledge without being overwhelming. It would be hard to find a better
guide.

Apr 10, 2025
Rok99
Niigata Tojiro fruit knife workshop with a great guide
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Our wonderful guide, Koichi Sato, made this trip to the Niigata Tojiro knife factory and workshop, a truly exceptional experience. The knife factory artisans were welcoming and friendly and instructed us in the art of knife making. At their workshop we each made a small fruit knife. If you are lucky enough to get Koichi Sato as a guide, he will transform your experience of Japan. He has a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, perfect language skills, and a generous spirit. This tour is highly recommended.

Apr 3, 2025
bad4bob
Perfect Day in Niigata
Tripadvisor review: Niigata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Koichi, was absolutely amazing. He communicated with us in advance of the tour to determine our preferences for the day. He then communicated as options became available.

We had asked to see the city through the eyes of the local folks. To walk the streets and eat somewhere that he would eat.

We took a cab from our hotel to the Soto house and garden. This was a well maintained authentic house with an absolutely stunning garden. There was also a small shrine nearby that we visited.

Next we visited a local house for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. This was so very special. The host was wonderfully accommodating and welcoming. Learned all about the ceremony, the apprenticeship to become a teacher master and experienced the entire process.

Next we took a bus downtown and walked the streets and saw many street shops. Koichi then took us to a local restaurant for lunch. With his help we ordered a wonderful meal.

Next we took a bus to the newspaper’s building where we went to an observation level for fantastic views of the area.

We wanted to get some of the tools used during the tea ceremony, so we went to a department store to pick up the items.

Koichi had more in store for us but at this point we chose to head back to our hotel.

As advertised, we were responsible for local transportation and entrance fees. It was also our responsibility to host our guide for lunch. We spent about $6,000 yen for the cab, entrance fees, busses and lunch. We also gave our tea ceremony host a thank you card that Koichi provided for us along with a monetary gift. It was suggested that we give $8,000 to $10,000 yen but we gave more.

On the busses, you will want to have the Suica card. We have one in our Apple Pay app.

Finally, Koichi took several pictures of us through the day and sent them to us.

The day was absolutely perfect and exquisitely tailored to our desires.