Niigata Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour — Guide Patsy

What Is a Private Day Tour of Niigata's Kitakata Museum, Tsubame, and Yahiko Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The day started under cloudy skies, but the weather gradually improved into the afternoon. At the Northern Culture Museum, I advised the guests on how to appreciate the garden, and they took photos accordingly. They walked through every part of the large historic wealthy farmer's residence and were amazed by the luxurious tableware and the menu cards from wedding banquets. At the Tsubame Industrial Museum, the guests tried a tumbler-making experience using the tsuiki copperware technique, concentrating on their work for about 30 minutes. They ended up with a design they liked very much and were very pleased with it. At the Teradomari Fish Market Street, I showed the guests many kinds of seafood, but since they had eaten a large breakfast, lunch turned into snacks such as ice cream. I bought local "kuri okowa dango" and sasa dango for them to enjoy in the car, but aside from one okowa dango eaten by one of the guests, they kept them as a souvenir for the Hotel. At Yahiko Shrine, they were impressed by the unique way of worship, with two bows, four claps, and one bow, as well as the recently changed style of purifying the hands at the water pavilion. After completing their worship, we left the shrine with time to spare, so I thought it would be nice for them to photograph the rice drying racks. As we drove through the rice fields, the racks at the usual spot were in the middle of being taken down, which was a bit disappointing, but we luckily found another set of racks nearby and they were able to capture the traditional and nostalgic scene of hasakake rice drying.

Because including Yahiko Shrine in the itinerary during this season (October–November) means anticipating crowds, it is hard to fit in many stops, but since the time at the Tsubame Industrial Museum was entirely taken up by the making experience, I felt it is a facility well worth exploring thoroughly with about an hour and a half.

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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!