Japan Awaits

This 6-hour Private Niigata Artistry Tour with tour guide and private vehicle will visit the scenic Tsubame City which is known for its beautiful rice terraces and famous for being the birth place to the artistry and craftsmanship of many specialized techniques in silverware, knives, and more. Get some hands-on experience learning from masters in the craft and enjoy the atmosphere of a small town in the countryside of Japan.

The tour will begin at 10:30 AM at Tsubame-Sanjo Station in Tsubame City of Niigata (for guests coming from Tokyo, take the 8:24 AM train at Tokyo Station to arrive just in time to start the tour). The tour guide will be waiting at the station upon your arrival (we will have a designated location for guests to meet). Alternatively, guests can stay overnight at Yahiko Resort (available as an add-on at checkout) and the driver will pick you up at the hotel in the morning.

The first stop will be at Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum, showcasing the craft-making industry especially crafts made with metals. Historically, 90% of silverware and aluminum containers in all of Japan has been made from this little town of Tsubame, and even to this day, much of the same hand-crafted techniques and skills are continued here. At Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum, you can enjoy a hands-on experience at making copperware and utensils such as spoons, cups, and more (depending on availability). After marveling at the different metal crafts made throughout the centuries from Japan and around the world, enjoy an early lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, take a drive to Gyokusendo, a historic copperware shop that still uses hand-crafted techniques passed on from generations since 1816. You’ll see a demonstration from the master of the craft on how he beats the piece repeatedly by hand, with some items taking a few hours to a few days just to perfect. In a different silverware shop nearby, you’ll see some of the best silverware in the world that is only to be exported to various European countries for exclusive use within the quarters of royal families. 

Next, visit Toujiro Knife shop and gallery for an introduction to Japanese knives. Anyone who is serious about food knows the value of a good knife and Japanese knives are known around the world to be the best and most highly valued knives. Over centuries, Japanese metalworkers perfected the art of a strong sharp blade and it all started in the city of Tsubame. Here, you’ll learn about what makes traditional Japanese knives so special and you can get your hands on your very own prized kitchen knife that will take you to the next level in cooking.

From there, you’ll stop by to see the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan, which feeds into a nearby man-made river that has provided water to the ubiquitous rice fields all over Niigata. Take in the beautiful views of rice patties along the rivers before making one last stop to the Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center where you can see the various unique local products such as pots, knives, and other kitchen tools that are only sold here and no where else in Japan or in the world. Pick up some gifts here to bring home for family and friends.

From here, you can stay at Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center to shop longer and return to the train station that is just a 10 minutes walk away at your leisure (without the tour guide), or the tour guide and driver can take you to the station, ending the tour at 3:45 PM. You can take a train to return to Tokyo by 6 PM, or alternatively, you can choose to stay at Yahiko Hot Spring Resort (available as an add-on option at checkout). 

Availability: Tuesdays to Fridays (except some holidays and depending on availability)

Price:
–     2 or more people: ¥22,000 per person
–     1 person only: ¥44,000 per person

 Included:

• Transportation costs (private vehicle) within Tsubame City only
• English-speaking tour guide
• Small handicraft souvenir
• Photo opportunities and more

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks
• Lunch (options are local ramen or kamameshi (kettle rice with other ingredients and you can choose the ingredients). Costs for lunch will usually range from 1000 to 1500 JPY per person for the meal.
• Hands-on experience making copperware and utensils with costs ranging. Making cups would be 1700 – 2200 JPY and making spoons would be from 300 – 450 JPY. Reservations for hands-on experience depends on availability and at least one week notice is recommended.
• Bullet train to and from Tokyo (can be booked as an add-on at checkout)
• Other fees not included in the tour

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

Can I customize this tour to fit my personal preferences?

Unfortunately, this tour is fixed and while you can have a few different lunch options, all other locations on the itinerary may not be changed. For specific requests, feel free to ask us at the time of booking and we’ll try our best to address your questions and to accommodate where we can.