This full-day tour explores the scenery and craft traditions around Niigata with an English-speaking guide, available by public transport or private vehicle, meeting at Niigata Station. Begin at Yahiko Shrine, one of Niigata's most sacred sites, where a cedar forest leads to a main shrine with over 2,400 years of history, then continue nearby to the 634-meter summit of Mt. Yahiko for panoramic views over the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and rice fields.

With a private vehicle, the day continues to Sakana no Ichibadori fish market in Nagaoka for fresh seafood, and on to Tsubame-Sanjo, renowned for metal craftsmanship, where the Regional Industries Center offers Japanese knives, cutlery, and kitchenware. Given the greater distances, the public-transport version instead keeps to a closer loop around Yahiko Shrine and Mt. Yahiko.

Lunch can be arranged along the way at your own expense, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the tour's allotted time to suit your interests.