Local Workshop Hopping Tour in Niigata

5.0 (3 reviews) Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Duration5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

You can go cycling through the streets of this manufacturing town, and visit some local workshops which are usually closed to the public, and witness the craftsmanship up close.

On this tour, you'll ride a high-performance e-Bike, slicing through the breeze as you're guided to historical workshops and local spots that are usually inaccessible, thanks to the unique insights of a local tour guide.

Throughout the tour, you are able to experience the dedication and craftsmanship of artisans while gaining a deeper understanding of life in the Tsubame-Sanjo area. The activity is available for both solo travelers and groups.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
  • Use of bicycle
  • Gratuities
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Dinner
  • Alcoholic Beverages

What to expect

  1. 30m
    KRaft Gallery
    A portion of a former tabi (traditional Japanese socks) factory and warehouse, built nearly 90 years ago, has been renovated into a space where visitors can learn about the history and craftsmanship of the Tsubame-Sanjo manufacturing region while actually handling its products.
  2. 1h · Admission ticket included
    Step into a traditional blacksmith workshop in Sanjo, the town of metalworking. Under the guidance of master craftsmen, you will heat a real iron nail in a 900°C furnace, hammer it, and twist it into a unique, custom-made paper knife. A hands-on cultural experience and a perfect travel keepsake!
  3. 1h
    You can enjoy lunch at a long-established local restaurant.
  4. 1h 30m
    Visit the workshop of Makoto Susa, who served for many years as factory manager at Gyokusendo in Tsubame, Niigata, before establishing himself as an independent artist. Today, he is recognized as one of Japan’s leading metalwork artists. Under his expert guidance, you will experience the traditional art of tsuiki hammered copperware and create your own one-of-a-kind copper mamezara (small dish).
  5. 1h
    Ride through the manufacturing town of Sanjo by bicycle as a dedicated guide takes you to deep local spots, such as traditional dumpling shops and yakitori (grilled chicken) stands, unique to the area.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please come directly to the KRaft Kura Gallery building. You can park your car in the parking space in front of the building.

End point

Please come directly to the KRaft Kura Gallery building. You can park your car in the parking space in front of the building.

Pickup details

A guide holding a signboard with our company name will be waiting in front of the ticket gate at Joetsu Shinkansen Tsubame-Sanjo Station.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (3)
From
40,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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