Travelling to Japan in spring - Come to Niigata!

Niigata Prefecture

Sado-ga-shima (Sado Island)

Sado-ga-shima:
Traditional Culture and Art Experience - 1 night 2 days

This itinerary allows you to fully enjoy Japan’s 6th largest island, sado-ga-shima in 2 days. Sado has numerous sites connected to ancient Japanese traditional culture, such as Nouraku(Japanese Classical Performance) and Wadaiko(Japanese Drums), and this itinerary enables you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Japanese art and culture, including participating in some of the art experiences. You can also visit the historical site at Sado Kinzan (Gold Mine) and a centre where Japanese crested ibis (Toki), which at one time was in danger of extinction, are now protected. Your accommodation has natural hot springs where you can enjoy therapeutic hot springs and seafood which only Sado can offer.

Date
Every Friday or Sunday. Departure between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010. (Except Apr 23 to May 7)
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
38,000 JPN per adult (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary.)
Accommodation
Aikawa-Yamaki Hotel or equivalent.
Included in the cost
Transportation from the assembly point to a drop-off point within the island, one night accommodation (with 2 meals), Lunch and entrance fees on day 2.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point (Sado Island Ferry etc,), Translation/Guide cost (For a quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT)
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facility will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Day 1 Assemble point: Ryotu-ko (Port) (approx; 13:00)►Ogi (Tarai Bune (tub-turned boat) experience)►Taiko Experience Exchange Centre (Drum experience)►Explore Syukunegi-Community – Important Traditional Building Preservation Area (Maze like villages)►One night stay at Sado Aikawa (Dinner at the accommodation; Delicious sea food)
Day 2 Breakfast at the accommodation, then sightseeing in Sado Island (Sado Kinzan, Daizen Shrine, Noh Butai (the classical Japanese musical theatre), Japanese crested ibis centre etc.)►Disembark at the port (Ryotu-ko) (approx; 15:00)


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Application and enquiry form

Shibata / Niigata

Visit Gounou Mansions (ancient rich farmers’s mansions) and the famous Murasugi hot spring option

Shibata prospered as a Niigata’s castle town for 400 years. It is one of Japan’s leading rice producing areas, hence there remain many ‘Gounou’ (Rich farmers mansion). You can see ‘Ichishima-tei’, one of the typical gounou. Lunch will be served at another of Niigata’s typical onsen ‘Sugimura-Onsen’ where you can also enjoy hot spring bathing. During the afternoon we will visit the Northern Culture Museum (Ito-tei). This was a series of mansions owned by a large landowner who became famous in Niigata and now it is open to the public as a museum. Enjoy the pure Japanese style mansion and gardens.

Date
Every Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Departure between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010. (Except Apr 23 to May 7)
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
22,000 JPN per adult (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary)
Included in the cost
Transportation from the assembly point to a drop-off point, lunch and entrance fees.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point , Translation/Guide cost (For a quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT), drinks etc.
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facilities will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Pick up point: Niigata City (Niigata station, hotels in Niigata) ( approx; 9:00)►Shin-Shibata city Gounou Mansion ‘Ichishima tei’ (10:00 to 11:00)►Murasugi Onsen (Lunch and bathing time) (12:00 to 13:30)►Niigata city Gounou Mansion the Northern Culture Museum (Ito-tei) (14:30 to 15:30)►Disembark at Niigata Station (approx; 16 :00)


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Application and enquiry form

Old Town

Experience ‘Traveler’s sentiment in Minatomachi’ at night in Niigata (Dinner at a Sushi or a high class traditional Japanese-style restaurant)

Along with Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo, Minatomachi in Niigata is one of Japan’s top 3 Geisha districts that features ‘Furumachi Geisha’. You cannot come to Niigata and miss Niigata’s fascinating night life! A local expert will guide you through the district, and according to your budget, dinner will be arranged either in a famous Niigata fresh Sushi restaurant or a high class traditional Japanese-style restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a drink in quaint surroundings of an Old Town club.

Date
Every Wednesday or Thursday. Departure between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010. (Except Apr 23 to May 7)
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
18,000 JPN per adult (Sushi option) 28,000 JPN per adult ( Traditional Japanese-style restaurant ) (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary)
Included in the cost
Guide from the assembly point to a drop-off point, dinner and Club entry ticket for ‘Niigata Blues’.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point , Translation/Guide cost (For the quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT), drinks, Geisha fee etc.
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facilities will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Meet at Niigata Station (approx; 17:00)►Dinner at either Niigata’s famous Sushi restaurant or high class traditional Japanese-style restaurant. (18:00 to 20:00)►After dinner drink at a club using ‘Niigata blues’ ticket (20:30 to 22:00)►Disenbark at Niigata station (22:30)


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Application and enquiry form

Matsunoyama-Onsen

Experience the slow pace of life in a traditional Japanese residence - 2 nights 3 days

Niigata, as one of Japan’s highest snowfall areas, developed a unique style of traditional housing that was built to withstand the immense snowfall. Due to the sturdy construction of these houses, many still remain. Enjoy a one night stay in one of these traditional houses and soak up the timeless atmosphere and unique slow pace of life of rural Niigata. Day 2: Visit Matsunoyama-Onsen, one of Japan’s top 3 medicinal hot springs, where you can enjoy high quality therapeutic hot spring and local delicacies.

Date
Every Thursday or Sunday. Departure between April 1 2010 and June 30, 2010. (Except Apr 23 to May 7)
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
45,000 JPN per adult (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary)
Accommodation
Hinano Inn Chitose or equivalent.
Included in the cost
Transportation from the assembly point to a drop-off point, 2 nights’ accommodation (with 2 meals), Lunch and entrance fees on day 2.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point, Translation/Guide cost (For a quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT)
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facilities will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Day 1 Meet at JR Nagaoka Station, Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station.(15:00)►Courtesy car will take you to the traditional Japanese accommodation►Experience life in the old traditional Japanese house (dinner at the accommodation: Home-grown Kosihikari rice etc.)
Day 2 After breakfast at the accommodation, drive to Matsunoyama Onsen►Sightseeing in Matunoyama Onsen (Echigo Mt Science Centre City Matsunoyama Tokamachi "forest school" Kyororo, Bijinbayashi (Forest Beauty) etc.)►A night at Matsunoyama Onsen (enjoy Japanese Onsen (hot spring) bathing and meal)
Day 3 After breakfast at Matsunoyama Onsen drive back to Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station.


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Application and enquiry form

Uonuma

World famous rice - ‘Uonuma Koshihikari Country Lunch’

Niigata is synonymous with rice. Uonuma is the producer of Japan’s No1 rice brand ‘Uonuma Koshihikari’ . Experience firsthand, each stage of rice production from planting to harvesting in the beautiful Niigata countryside (season dependant). Savour the ‘delicious’ air and unique country experience. Afterward enjoy a hearty meal with Koshihikari rice.

Date
Every Wednesday or Thursday. Departure between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010. (Except Apr 23 to May 7)
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
18,000 JPN per adult (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary)
Included in the cost
Transportation from the assembly point to a drop-off point, lunch and countryside experience.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point, Translation/Guide cost (For the quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT) drinks etc.
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facilities will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Meet at JR Nagaoka Station, Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station. (10:00)►Transfer by a courtesy car►Countryside Tour►Agriculture experience (Planting, harvesting etc.)►Koshihikari lunch►Disembark at JR Nagaoka Station, Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station.


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Application and enquiry form

Myoko / Yuzawa / Tsunan

Winter only: Snow and Ski experience

In Niigata, No.1 Snow country in Japan, children to adults and beginners to advanced skiers can all enjoy the high quality snow.

1) Snow experience option (snow shoe experience): Snow shoe experience enables you to appreciate the winter wonderland. A nature observation instructor will guide you through the snow world, a place you would never see otherwise. You might even encounter antelope or wild rabbit. (Provisionally Tunan town or Myoko city)

2 Ski experience option: Beginner to experienced, Niigata ski facilities boast a wide range of skier’s support and top quality snow. Feel the quality powder snow in the ‘skier’s Heaven’ (Provisionally Echigo-Yuzawa or Myoko)

Date
Every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Departure between 1 March, 2010 and 4 April, 2010.
Minimum Travellers required
4 people
Tour price
[1]7,000 JPN per adult [2]18,000 JPN per adult (due to the number of participant etc., the cost can vary)
Included in the cost
Transportation from the assembly point to a drop-off point, Ski lift pass and experience fee.
Not included in the cost
Transportation fare to the assembly point and from the drop-off point, Translation/Guide cost (For the quotation and the arrangement of these services please contact KNT), meals etc.
Tour conductor
The tour conductor will not accompany the tour however each facilities will have a person in charge to help you.
Itinerary
Meet at JR Nagaoka Station, Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station. (approx;9:00)►Transfer by a courtesy car►Snow experience option or Ski experience (Provisionally Tsunan town or Myoko city or Echigo-Yuzawa)►Transfer by a courtesy car►Disenbark at JR Nagaoka Station, Urasa Station or Echigo-Yuzawa Station. (approx; 17:00)


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Application and enquiry form
Information (please read carefully before you apply)

The tours are planned and conducted by Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred as KNT) and the participating customer ( hereinafter referred as the Traveller) will be bound in the Subscription Type Package Tour Contract (hereinafter referred as ‘The Package Tour Contract’) with KNT. The terms and conditions of the tour contract can be found in this leaflet and in the KNT tour contract (the Package Tour Contract part)

1. Subscription
Subscription for the Package Tour Contract can be made by telephone or fax, however the application form and the deposit (20% of the total tour cost) must be paid within 4 days of the date of the Subscription in order to make it a formal contract.
2. Cost
Total cost of the tour mast be paid 14 days before departure.
In the event of changes to the transportation fare/charges, the total cost of tour can be altered.
3. Minimum requirement of travellers
In the event that the number of Travellers subscribing for the tour does not meet the minimum number required, KNT reserves the right to cancel the tour. In principle we will notify each customer 4 days prior to departure.
4. Departure and arrival time
Details of the schedule will be given on another itinerary sheet. However please note that due to adverse weather or changes to transportation schedule, the time may be delayed.
5. Itinerary management / tour conducting services
For customer’s safety and smooth operation of the tour, the tour will be managed by a tour conductor or other person acting on their behalf (Tour bus attendant), however overall itinerary management is done by Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd Niigata branch office.
6. Advice to take out a travel accident insurance
Each tour comes with special compensation insurance. However this insurance does not have sufficient cover. We strongly recommend the customer to take out a travel accident insurance that has a sufficient cover.
7. Cancelation fee
In the event that the Traveller cancels the tour due to personal reasons, the change of the number of Travellers who subscribed to the tour, the departure date, and optional tours will incur a cancellation fee according to the regulation below.
Cancellation can be handled within business hours of the branch office you made the application.
Day trip 10 to 12 days before departure 7 to 2 days before departure The day before departure On the starting day and time of the tour No show or after the tour commenced
The total cost of 20% 30% 40% 50% 100%

Other terms and conditions are stated in the tour contract regulated by KNT (the Package Tour Contract part) and a separate document provided by KNT.

This leaflet was produced on December 15 2009

Handling of personal information

Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd (KNT) and the travel agent (hereinafter referred to as the Agent) where you subscribed, will use the Traveller’s personal information derived from the application form or from the telephone conversation to communicate with the Traveller and to arrange transportation or accommodation. Furthermore KNT reserve the right to use aforementioned information within our organization where deemed necessary.
In addition, KNT and the Agent may use Travellers personal information in Providing information about the services and product provided by KNT Information of our tour products Surveys To collate statistical material
KNT company policy on personal information; please refer to KNT’s website or KNT shops.