Niigata in One Day: Welcome at Niigata East Port — Guide Kayoko

Title: What's a Private Car Tour of Niigata City from the Cruise Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Initially the tour was not planned with a vehicle, but I recommended a private vehicle and they later added one. I would like to thank [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for all the helpful advice provided at that time.

On this occasion, a ship that had called at Niigata Higashi Port was carrying more than 4,000 passengers, so the parking lots at every sightseeing spot in Niigata City were completely full. Hakusan Shrine was also crowded with guests from bus tours, but I had arranged in advance for the priest to give an explanation, so we were able to make our visit smoothly and efficiently.

The person who served as our point of contact had researched Instagram and YouTube thoroughly in advance and had a clear idea of where they wanted to go in Niigata. Because of this, quite a bit of planning was required to cover all of the desired locations within the available time, and I felt some pressure. However, everyone was a strong walker and kept moving along steadily, so in the end we completed the itinerary without any problems.

When I saw the guests off at Niigata Higashi Port, we ran about 15 minutes over the scheduled time. I had understood that the 15-minute extension fee would be settled in cash on the spot between the taxi company and the guests, but the taxi driver said that the extension fee would be billed through [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/). I was not able to press the driver any further on this, so I apologize if I have misunderstood. Thank you for your assistance.

Click here for more details: Niigata Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by KAYOKO

Hello. I’m Kayoko. I’m registered as a National Licensed Guide Interpreter by Tokyo Metropolitan City Government.
I had been living in Yamagata City, 400 kilometers north up to Tokyo for 1 and 3 months, and now just have come back to Tokyo. I really enjoyed living in Yamagata.
My hobby is horse riding and playing some musical instruments such as piano, clarinet, euphonium and tuba.
Thanks to my riding experience, I had a special opportunity to do volunteer works at 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the equestrian venue in Tokyo.
I am also a certified kimono instructor and can help you dress in the traditional Japanese kimono.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you.