Historical Walking Tour of Niigata Port Town

Overview

Available languages

Russian

Japanese

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

In the 1800s, Niigata thrived as a port city. Ships from Russia, China, England, and all over the world came here to trade. Niigata citizens led lucrative lives making their living by shipping cargo and selling local products (mainly agricultural). The city was flooded with sailors from all over the world, allowing Niigata to blend and change with their influence.

Join us on a historical walking tour through the old port town Niigata, where we will explore the unique harmony of Western and Japanese cultures that developed in Niigata in the 1800s.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Masks

What To Expect

The Old Saito Residence

A more than 100 year old building with a beautiful garden. The design and the layout of the garden will definitely make you forget that you are only 10-minute walk away from the busy Niigata Shopping district.

40 minutes • Admission Included

Former Ozawa Family Estate

A historic building build in 1860s and occupied until 2005. Many of the original features of the building are still visible, but there are interesting modernizations to keep up with the times.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Historical Walking Tour of Niigata Port Town

Reviews

4.82

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent Tour
KCinTN2019,
Nov 3, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Jake was great. He gave us excellent information about the area and local customs and readily shared his personal experiences. We felt like we had a very immersive experience in Niigata in general and the old town area.
Niigata walk with a local
7GregC,
Nov 1, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Small group, great walk and informative talk. A good 3 hrs visiting historical houses, geiga street and gardens. Thanks Jake for your local insights,
Excellent guide. Make sure you know the exact starting point.
D5327YDmike,
Oct 29, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Isabella is an excellent guide, having lived in Niigata with her family for many years. It would help visitors if the location of the meeting point was marked on a map rather than being given as a post code - the taxi driver didn’t know where to drop us.
Excellent Customer Service
Peggy C,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Unfortunately we did not make the tour ..our starting point was the cruise ship Port and transportation to the starting point was just under an hour and there were limited transportation options .. I was in conversation with Viator and their customer service was 100% supportive .. nice to experience these days … although we missed the tour we were happy customers at the end of the day!
Nice day walking in Niigata
AndiS1974,
Aug 16, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a nice tour of the historic district of Niigata, Isabell explained everything in English, we learned a lot that day, the houses visited were very nice and imposing! There was plenty of time for photos everywhere. It was a great day.
Wonderful enriching tour
Charles C,
Apr 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our tour guide Isabella was fabulous. She was so knowledgeable and engaging. This city is a gem and particularly the Saito Villa expresses both the spectacular and cozy of Japan in harmony.
Niigata, then & now
Tracey L,
Oct 4, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Isabella gave us a detailed history of Niigata as a port town, and showed us around a number of historic sites, including the Saito Villa. A wedding party was photographing there, so this glimpse of a Japanese bride and groom was an added bonus. Her English was perfect and easy to understand. She was considerate and flexible. We opted for a private tour. Well worth the time and cost.
Wonderful morning in the old port and exposure to traditional Japanese house and garden
TPaul L,
Jun 28, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Knowledgeable guide and very informative tour about the Niigata city. Isabella was good on history and Japanese culture nuances.
Old town Niigata
Jknishimine,
Apr 24, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Saito house & Ozawa house Beautiful gardens. Loved hearing about merchant class. Jenya also gave us interesting information on Geishas.
Wonderful morning in Niigata
Ellen L,
Apr 8, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Our guide was most knowledgeable, and very good about, adjusting the pace to suit our group. I would highly recommend this tour and this guide!