1Day: Geisha Experience Bus Tour

Make your ski holiday at Naeba Prince Hotel even more memorable with a day exploring the flavours and traditions of Niigata.

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　2027/1/28  1Day

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 | Local Izakaya Dinner

End your time in Niigata City with dinner at a local izakaya featuring regional specialties and local sake.
Discover the flavours of Niigata through seasonal seafood, sashimi, the region’s famous Tochio Aburaage—thick-cut fried tofu—and Niigata Koshihikari rice.
Enjoy the warm atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya as you reflect on a day of cultural discoveries.

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

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

Relax on the direct bus transfer back to Naeba Prince Hotel after a full day of exploring Niigata.
Arrival is scheduled for approximately 23:00.

TOUR INFOMATION

Transportation

Large coach bus for the entire journey

Booking & Payment

• Availability will be confirmed upon inquiry
• If available, a payment link via PayPal will be provided (CREDIT CARD OK)
• Your booking will be confirmed once payment is completed
• Please present your confirmation email at check-in on the day

Please review the travel conditions before booking.

Price Includes

JPY 28,000 per person (tax included)

• Transportation throughout the itinerary, including the return transfer to Naeba Prince Hotel
• English-speaking guide service until Niigata Station
• Traditional Japanese lunch and private Furumachi Geigi performance
• Former Saito Family Villa admission, matcha and Japanese sweets
• Guided brewery tour and sake tasting
• Dinner at a local izakaya
• Travel insurance

Important Information

• The itinerary and arrival times may change depending on weather, road conditions and traffic.
• Snow-covered garden scenery depends on the weather.
• Please inform us of 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 transfer from Niigata Station to Naeba Prince Hotel is accompanied by the driver; the English-speaking guide does not join this section.

Travel Agency Information

Travel Planning & Operation: Atago Corporation Co., Ltd. – Travel Division
Certified Travel Services Manager: Kazunori Oshima
Address: 1-494-3 Higashiboridori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8065, Japan
Travel Agency Registration Number: Registered Travel Agency No. 2120 (Type I) – Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Affiliated Travel Association:
Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)