Silversea Luxury Cruises A NIIGATA

Explore the history and highlights of Niigata during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Niigata, Shirone Kite Museum, Kite Displays

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 60-minute drive to the Shirone Kite Museum. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the museum. Along the way, learn about the Japanese tako (kite), said to have originated in China. Originally an upper-class indulgence, the kite was adopted by the masses beginning in the Edo Period, about 400 years ago. These kites can frequently be seen during the New Year's season, and many traditional songs about the New Year include the word, 'tako'. The museum has many kites from all over Japan, China and the rest of the world, with the biggest kite measuring approximately 131 feet (about 40 metres) in length. Shirone is famous for the 'Battle of the Giant Kite', which is held every June and dates back 300 years.

Northern Cultural Museum, Calligraphy, Ceramics, Lacquerware, Historical Documents, Garden

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the Northern Cultural Museum. It originally was a mansion belonging to Ito Bunkichi, who lived in the Edo Period (1603-1868) and was one of the greatest landowners in Japan. Today, the museum houses calligraphy and ceramics, lacquerware and documents related to the Ito family's history. The poet, Aizu Yachi, spent the last days of his life in a building which is now a part of the museum complex. Here, you can find copies of his works and documents related to him. You can also take a stroll through the garden, which features a big pond.

Befco Bakauke Observatory Room, Panoramic Views over the Sea of Japan and Sado Island

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Befco Bakauke Observatory Room. Built in 2009, the Observatory is approximately 410 feet (about 125 meters) in height; one of the tallest observatories on the coast of Japan. From the top of the observatory, take in wonderful panoramic views (weather-permitting) over the Sea of Japan and Sado Island, one of the largest islands in Japan. Tourists come from all over the country each year to visit Sado Island, which is rich in natural beauty and historic monuments. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Discover the traditional production methods and flavours of three ubiquitous Japanese specialities during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Niigata, Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery, Sake Production Tour and Tasting

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery, established in 1767 in the Niigata Prefecture, home to the most sake breweries in Japan. In order to make good sake, there needs to be good water and rice made near the brewery. The Niigata Prefecture is located in the Chubu Region, along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is famous for its high-quality rice, and beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery. The Niigata Prefecture makes the most rice in Japan as well, one of the main reasons this area is famous for its sake. During your guided tour of the Imayaotsukasa Sake Brewery, view the old equipment and learn about the traditional methods utilised to make their unique sake. Following your tour, proceed for a sake tasting.

Minemura Miso Factory, Miso Production Tour and Tasting

Next, walk over to the Minemura Miso Factory. Miso is a soybean food that is indispensable in Japanese cuisine. It is made from boiled and mashed soybeans that are mixed with salt and koji (malted rice). After mixing them, the mixture is kept in the warehouse from several months to several years. However, the mixture generally ripens in six months to a year, and is used for many foods in Japan such as miso soup. This miso warehouse was established during the Meiji era, more than a century ago, and renovated in this century. Following your guided tour, proceed for a miso tasting.

Niigata Senbei Okoku, Senbei Rice Cracker Production Tour and Tasting

Your tour continues with a drive to Niigata Senbei Okoku. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the facility. Along the way, learn about the history of senbei, a Japanese rice cracker said to have been in Japan for more than 300 years, and observe the production process by which it is made. Following your tour, proceed for a tasting of senbei and an opportunity to purchase some to take home with you. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Niigata Prefecture is located along the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chubu Region. It is famous for its high quality rice, beautiful coastal and mountainous sceneries. Niigata City, with a population of over 800,000, is the largest port on the Japan Sea coast, and the capital of Niigata prefecture.

Lecture of Japanese Wine and Rice Cracker

Depart the pier for an approximately 30 minute drive. The Lecture of Japanese Wine and Rice Cracker is composed of three parts. Firstly, learn about the history of the local vineyard, fascination of the Japanese wine and wine tasting. Then, enjoy the fascination of the representative rice cracker of Japan and tasting. Finally, get to know the mariage of Japanese wine and rice crackers. These lectures are held by famous local company, Iwanohara Winery and KAMEDA SEIKA. Iwanohara Vineyard is founded by Iwanohara Zenbei, resolved to contribute to the local area and society as a whole through grape cultivation and winemaking. His are carried on by those who work at Iwanohara Vineyard more than 125 years KAMEDA SEIKA is Japan's leading company, with a 30% share of the domestic rice cracker market. The fact is that it has continued to hold the top spot in the rice cracker business for over 40 years since 1975.

Niigata Saito Villa & gardens

Proceed to visit the Niigata Saito Villa. The Saito clan-one of Niigata's three hugely successful merchant families-rose to prominence in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and remained a powerhouse until the early Showa period (1926-1989). In 1918 the family built this lovely structure, graced by a magnificent garden. The beautifully landscaped garden offers a different view to each room of the house. The views through the windows are best when sitting on the tatami mats-so please sit on the floor, relax, and enjoy.

Nishi Ohata Area

Before returning to the pier, enjoy a stroll at Nishi Ohata Area to experience the scenic history of Niigata.

Experience the history, flavours and traditions of Shibata during a picturesque, half-day sightseeing tour of this delightful inland city.

Niigata, Shibata Prefecture and Castle Ruins, Omote Gate, Moat, Three-Story and Tatsumi Turrets

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive inland to the Niigata Prefecture, and a guided walking tour of the Shibata Castle ruins. Classified as a flatland castle, the Shibata Castle and its main building are located in the Niigata Prefecture. During the pre-Modern Age, the castle was located within the borders of the Echigo Province and associated with the Mizoguchi clan. The castle managed to retain two of its Edo Period buildings; the Omote Gate, and a corner turret from the secondary enclosure. The three-story turret and Tatsumi Turret over the moat were renovated in recent times; however, the three-story turret is located on the grounds of the Self-Defence Forces, and not available for public viewing.

Shimizu-en Garden

Next, proceed for a visit to the Shimizu-en Garden. Built in 1693 during the Edo era by the Mizouchi family, this Kyoto-style garden was utilised to host many events of the federal lord, such as tea ceremonies and 'Noh' performances. It was subsequently renovated by the Ito family, and is now part of the Northern Cultural Museum. Also build by the Ito family, it is the first private museum established in Japan following World War II.

Ichishima Sake Brewery, Guided Tour and Sake Tasting

Leaving Shimizu-en Garden, walk to the nearby Ichishima Sake Brewery. Niigata Prefecture is famous for Japanese sake made with traditional brewing methods. During your visit to the original Ichishima Sake Brewery, built in 1598, take a guided tour of the facility. Along the way, see the equipment utilised to make traditional Japanese sake, as well as the cultural documents of Ichishima family. Following your tour, proceed for a sake tasting and an opportunity to purchase some to take home. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Niigata at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the seaside beauty, landmarks and local lifestyles of Yahiko during this leisurely, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Niigata, Yahiko Shrine, Treasure Hall, Japanese Katana Swords

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 60-minute drive to the Yahiko Shrine. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. Originally built around 1300, this shrine was rebuilt in 1916 after a fire destroyed it. The 25 buildings and structures in the shrine are National Tangible Cultural Properties. The god that is worshipped here is said to be the grandchild of Amaterasu-Omikami, the most important god in Japan and believed to be the ancestor of the Japanese Emperor. Many samurai and emperors worshipped at this shrine, and some Japanese katana swords are kept in the Treasure Hall.

Teradomari Fish Market, Tour and Fresh Sushi-Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Teradomari Fish Market. This bustling market is built along the seafront, and lined with fresh fish for sale every day. Sushi is a mainstay of the Japanese diet, and Japan ranks among the Top 10 of all the countries in the world in terms of its sushi consumption.

Mt. Yahiko Skyline, Yahiko Panoramic Tower, Observatory Room, Mountain and Sea of Japan Views

Your tour continues with a drive along the Mt. Yahiko skyline en route to the Yahiko Panorama Tower, your final stop on this tour. This tower is near the top of the approximately 2,244-foot-high (about 684 metre-high), Mt. Yahiko, and is approximately 328 feet (about 100 meters) in height. It is also among one of the oldest observatory rooms that rise and rotate. The observatory room goes up-and-down like an elevator in approximately eight minutes. From the top, take in spectacular panoramic views of the mountain beneath you and Sea of Japan. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.