Winter: Geisha Experience Bus Tour | From Neaba

You’ve come to Japan’s snow country for its exceptional powder snow—now discover what makes this region special beyond the slopes. Meet Niigata’s traditional geisha during a Japanese lunch and private performance, enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets overlooking a historic Japanese garden, and explore the world of Niigata sake with a guided brewery tour and tasting.

In the evening, settle into a local izakaya to savour Niigata’s regional specialties and fresh seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan coast. From graceful geisha performances to locally brewed sake and memorable food, this tour offers a deeper connection to Niigata’s culture and way of life.

The tour includes transportation throughout the itinerary, English-speaking guide service until Niigata Station, admission fees, a Japanese kaiseki-style set lunch, and an izakaya dinner with all-you-can-drink sake.

Departing from and returning to Naeba Prince Hotel, the tour also offers the option to finish at Niigata Station for onward Shinkansen connections.

TOUR ITINERARY

09:00 | Departure from Naeba Prince Hotel

Meet your English-speaking guide at the front desk of Naeba Prince Hotel and board the tour bus for Niigata City.

11:50–13:25 | Japanese Lunch & Private Geisha Performance at Kappo Hotaru

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch accompanied by a private performance by Furumachi Geigi.
With a history of over 200 years, Niigata’s geisha tradition remains a distinctive part of the city’s cultural life. Watch graceful dances, listen to shamisen music and join in traditional Japanese games. This welcoming setting offers a memorable opportunity to interact with the performers and experience their art up close.

13:30–14:30 | Historic Villa, Japanese Garden & Matcha

Visit the Former Saito Family Villa, built in 1918 by one of Niigata’s prominent merchant families.
Discover elegant traditional architecture and a carefully designed Japanese garden. Enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while taking in the peaceful winter scenery, with the possibility of snow adding a seasonal touch to the garden.

14:50–16:20 | Guided Tour & Sake Tasting at Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery

Step inside Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery for a guided introduction to sake brewing.
Learn about the brewing process and the rice used to make Niigata sake, then sample several sake varieties and discover their different flavours and aromas. Sake-flavoured ice cream is another tempting treat to look out for during your visit.

16:30–18:20 | Free Time at Niigata Isetan & Bandai City

Enjoy free time to shop and explore one of Niigata’s main shopping districts.
Browse department stores, fashion shops and lifestyle goods, or pick up Japanese snacks and souvenirs. Whether you are looking for gifts or everyday travel essentials, this is a chance to explore at your own pace.
※For tax-free purchases at participating stores, please bring your passport.

18:30–20:00 | Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Sit down to dinner at a local izakaya and sample Niigata specialties such as seasonal seafood, sashimi, Tochio aburaage (thick-cut fried tofu), and Niigata-grown Koshihikari rice. All-you-can-drink sake is included.

20:00–20:05 | Optional Drop-off at Niigata Station

Guests continuing by Shinkansen may end the tour at Niigata Station. Please let us know in advance if you would like to get off here.

20:05–23:00 | Return to Naeba Prince Hotel

The coach returns directly to Naeba Prince Hotel, with arrival expected at approximately 23:00.

Tour Information

Price & Inclusions

¥28,000 per person, including tax

• Coach transportation throughout the itinerary, including the return to Naeba Prince Hotel
• English-speaking guide service up to Niigata Station
• Traditional kaiseki-style lunch and a private Furumachi geigi performance
• Admission to the Former Saito Family Villa, with matcha and Japanese sweets
• Guided sake brewery tour and tasting
• Dinner at a local izakaya with all-you-can-drink sake
• Travel insurance

Booking & Payment

• We will check availability when we receive your booking request.
• If payment is required, we will send you a PayPal payment link. Credit cards are accepted.
• Your reservation is confirmed once payment is complete.
• Please show your confirmation email when checking in for the tour.

Please review the travel terms and conditions before booking.

Important Information

• The itinerary and arrival times may change depending on weather, road conditions, and traffic.
• Snow cover at the sites visited depends on weather conditions.
• Please tell us about any food allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
• Please let us know in advance if you wish to end the tour at Niigata Station.
• The return journey from Niigata Station to Naeba Prince Hotel is operated by the coach driver. The English-speaking guide finishes at Niigata Station.

Travel Agency Information

• Tour planning and operation — Atago Shoji Co., Ltd., Travel Department
• Certified Travel Services Manager — Kazunori Oshima
• Address — 1-494-3 Higashiboridori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8065, Japan
• Travel agency registration — Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registration No. 2120
• Professional membership — Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)