Embark on an exclusive 3-day, 2-night journey to Niigata, a region celebrated for its stunning autumn landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine. This limited-time tour offers a unique blend of hands-on experiences, from harvesting rice and making traditional crafts to exploring ancient shrines and tasting premium sake. Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and vibrant traditions of rural Japan. A soul-enriching trip back to basics---Where ''Nothing'' Tastes Like Everything.
Options
Standard Plan (Shinkansen ticket included）2 People 1Room / Price per person
Standard Plan (Shinkansen ticket included）3～4 People 1Room / Price per person
The Highlight
Efficient & Convenient Transportation : Round trip with charter bus and Bullet train
Authentic Japanese Onsen Hotel Stay
The Authentic Harvest: Get your hands dirty with a genuine rice harvesting experience, learning firsthand about the traditional methods that produce Japan's finest rice, Niigata's famous Koshihikari.
Art and Illumination: Discover the breathtaking Kiyotsu Gorge, where art and nature merge to create a stunning, mirror-like reflection of the landscape.
Taste of Tradition: Savor exquisite local cuisine, including a premium kaiseki dinner, and enjoy a sake tasting at a renowned brewery.
Hands-On Workshops: Engage in creative activities like a lamp-making experience at a traditional Japanese paper studio and a rice ball-making workshop using newly harvested rice.
Relax and Rejuvenate: Unwind in the tranquil hot springs (onsen) at your hotel, surrounded by the peaceful, starry night sky.
The Experience
🚄 Efficient & Convenient Transportation: Begin your adventure from central Tokyo, whisking away to Echigo-Yuzawa Station in just about 1 hour and 19 minutes via the JR Joetsu Shinkansen. This swift connection allows you to transition seamlessly into the relaxed pace of the countryside, maximizing your immersive experience.
🏞️ Scenic Vistas & Artistic Fusion: Kiyotsu Gorge: One of Japan's three great canyons, the Kiyotsu Gorge is famous for its dramatic rock formations and the "Tunnel of Light" art installation. The panoramic viewing platforms offer breathtaking views of the gorge walls reflected in the clear water.
Yahiko Shrine: A majestic shrine with over 2,400 years of history, set against the backdrop of sacred Mount Yahiko. The serene grounds and traditional architecture offer a profound cultural experience.
Teradomari Fish Market: Known as "Fish Street," this vibrant market is a seafood lover's paradise. Stroll along the stalls brimming with freshly caught fish and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants (at your own expense).
Nishikigoi no Sato: Visit a peaceful pond dedicated to Nishikigoi, or ornamental carp. These beautiful, colorful fish are a symbol of good fortune and a fascinating part of Japanese culture.
🌾Hands-on Traditional Craftsmanship: Participate in a traditional Washi paper-making experience at Mondemachi Washi Kobo. Delve into the history and intricate process of Washi paper creation and craft your very own unique Washi lamp to take home, embodying the essence of Japanese traditional aesthetics.
🌾 Golden Autumn Exclusive! Deep Dive into Rice Cultivation: Engage in an immersive rice harvesting (Inakari) activity, personally feeling the joy of a bountiful autumn. What's more, you'll experience the autumn-exclusive "Tsuribashi Hasagake" (Suspended Bridge Sun-Drying) – a distinctive traditional method of drying rice in Niigata, connecting you to nature's bounty and the wisdom of local farmers.
🍙 Harvest Feast & Culinary Workshops: Savor the pure, sweet flavor of freshly harvested rice with "Shinmai Onigiri" (new rice balls). Participate in Tofu and Doburoku (unrefined sake) making workshops, gaining hands-on experience in processing local ingredients. From your palate to your fingertips, truly taste the authentic flavors of Niigata.
♨️ Healing Night in a Hot Spring Village: Stay at the charming "Jonnobi Village," and indulge in its renowned Jonnobi Onsen to wash away travel fatigue. In the tranquil countryside night, partake in a stargazing and handheld fireworks activity, creating unforgettable memories with your fellow travelers.
🍶 Local Sake Culture Exploration: Visit Ishizuka Shuzo (Himenoi), a sake brewery with a rich history. Gain insights into the traditional sake brewing process, enjoy a tasting of local sake, and have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs.
Tour Operator Information
Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd. Address: Kamiyacho Trust Tower 5F 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6905, JAPAN Registration Number: No.724 by Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Tour Information
From: TOKYO to NIIGATA Number of Days: 3 Days, 2 Nights Means of Transportation: Chartered Bus Bus Company Name: Jonnobi Takayanagi Village service bus Meals: Breakfast 2, Dinner 2, Lunch 1 Minimum Number of Passengers to Operate: 6 Number of Tour Condactor: 1
Tour Operations Manager: Kyota Kasai *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Include: Dinner
- 08:30Meeting at Tokyo Station, 1st Floor, Outside Yaesu North Exit Ticket Gate
- If you wish to take a stopover at Ueno or Omiya Station, please inform us the station of your choice when making a reservation. Please select the same departure and arrival station for each group.
- Departure from Tokyo Station at 9:28am by Shinkansen Toki313
- Arrive at Echigo-Yuzawa Station and Enjoy lunch on your own
- Kiyotsu Gorge sightseeing (approx. 90 mins)
- 14:30Lamp making experience at Kadoide Washi
- 17:00Check in at Jonnobi no mura Onsen hotel (Relaxing time at Jonnobi Onsen)
- 18:30Premium Dinner at Ginbei
- Kaiseki dinner at the hotel (picture for illustration only)
- 19:30Starry sky watching
- Include: Breakfast, Lunch
- 07:00Breakfast(Japanese Style Breakfast at hotel)
- 08:00Check out and Preparation for the experience( Put on and move around equipment for harvesting rice)
- Farming experience (Rice harvesting and hanging over a suspension bridge experience Rice harvesting and drying in the sun on a suspension bridge)
- Autumn harvest festival New rice rice ball experience + lunch + tofu or doburoku workshop
- Move to Ishizuka Sake Brewery
- Ishizuka Sake Brewery (introduction to the brewery, tasting, and souvenir purchase)
- Move to Echigo Yuzawa Station(charter bus around 90 mins)
- 15:00Arrive at Echigo Yuzawa Station(free time shopping /60 mins)
- 16:00Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Tokyo Sation by JR Shinkansen Tanigawa412
- 17:20Arrive at Tokyo station
- Include: Breakfast
- 09:00Depart from Takayanagi Jonnobi Mura (Jonnobi Onsen)
- 10:30Visit of the Yahiko Shrine (60 min)
- 00:00Teradomari Fish Market, with time for sightseeing and lunch (at your own expense)
- 14:30Nishikigoi no Sato
- 16:00Drop off at Echigo Yuzawa Station
- 17:08Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Tokyo Sation by JR ShinkansenTOKI 76
- 18:20Arrive at Tokyo station and tour ends
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- The tour includes specific activities and destinations as outlined in the itinerary. Any additional requests or deviations from the planned route will not be accommodated.
- The tour operates on a fixed schedule, and guests are expected to adhere to the provided timings for transportation and activities.
- Accommodation is provided at Jonnobi-Mura, a traditional Japanese Ryokan, offering an authentic cultural experience. Please be mindful of the Ryokan's customs and guidelines during your stay.
- Guests are welcome to take photos but are asked to respect the privacy of local residents and the cultural significance of the locations visited.
- Meals include local specialties such as seafood and miso-based dishes. Guests with dietary restrictions or allergies should inform the tour operator at the time of booking.
- The tour conditions and prices are based on fares, fees, and schedules as of March 10, 2025. Train names, numbers, and departure/arrival times may change due to timetable revisions by railway companies.
- If the train name is not confirmed at the time of booking, we will notify you of the confirmed train name and departure time by email at least 14 days before departure. Please be sure to check your email.
- Reservations for this tour are accepted until 17:00, 2 days before the departure date.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and well-fitting walking shoes.
- Meal menus may change depending on ingredient availability.
Important Booking Information
- Train tickets and limited express tickets will not be provided in advance; they will be handed to you by the tour conductor on the day of departure. Transportation costs from your home to the designated boarding/disembarking station are at your own expense.
- For customers not boarding en route, we do not make a confirmation call to the group representative before the trip.
- The tour will depart at the scheduled time at the discretion of our staff. Please be sure to arrive on time.
- If you miss the departure for any reason, you will be responsible for any additional transportation costs, and no refunds will be given. Arrangements for alternative transportation must also be made by the customer.
- The itinerary and times listed may change due to transportation delays, road conditions, weather, etc. Depending on the situation, the order of sightseeing may be reversed, changed, or omitted.
- Unless otherwise specified, standard reserved seats will be used on trains.
- In the event of late arrival requiring taxi use or overnight accommodation, our company will not cover any such expenses.
- Depending on the number of participants, a medium or small bus may be used.
- There are no toilets on the bus.
- Smoking is prohibited on both trains and buses. Reclining seats are generally not permitted (except on some courses).
- Train and bus seat assignments will be determined by our company. Due to the use of group tickets, we cannot accommodate requests for window or aisle seats. Even for bookings of two or more people, adjacent seating may not be possible.
- Facility admission fees included in the tour price may differ from the published rates. No refunds or additional charges will be made for any difference after the tour departs.
- We may not be able to accommodate requests for specific seats, smoking/non-smoking hotel rooms, or allergies. We will explain and may decline such requests in advance.
- If the minimum number of participants (10)is not met, or if operation becomes impossible due to disasters or accidents, the tour may be changed or canceled up to 14 days before the start date.
- Meal menus may change depending on the facility’s procurement situation.
- Information on trains, hotels, etc., is subject to change without notice.
- No refunds will be given for unused benefits or optional plans included in the tour.
- Lost property will be kept for two weeks after the end of the tour. Perishable food and items difficult to store will be disposed of immediately.
- Pets are not allowed on the tour.
- For reservations made online, all information will be sent by email. No documents will be sent by post.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before participating.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 21 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 20 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)