Excursion Niigata city history museum & geisha experience tour at Niigata

Northern Culture Museum

Depart from the pier by coach for a scenic 45-minute journey to the Northern Culture Museum, a remarkable remnant of the Ito family, the largest landowners in Echigo during the Meiji era. This estate is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the affluent class during the Edo period. The museum is also home to a breathtaking traditional Japanese garden, designed in the style of a stroll garden, allowing visitors to wander and enjoy various picturesque views. Exhibitions showcase traditional Japanese arts, including ceramics, textiles, and paintings, enriching the cultural experience.

Former Niigata Customs Office and Niigata City History Museum “Minatopia” (Photo Stop)

The next stop is the Former Niigata Customs Office, a historic building constructed by local carpenters in a Western architectural style to facilitate trade with foreign countries. This nationally designated historic site, recognized as a Japanese Important Cultural Property, offers excellent photo opportunities. Following this, a brief walk leads to the Niigata City History Museum, known as “Minatopia.” The museum's theme, “People’s Step with Water in Niigata,” introduces the rich history and culture of this vibrant port town. Minatopia consists of the museum itself along with several structures built when Niigata Port first opened.

Hakusan Park & Hakusan Shrine

Next, transfer to Hakusan Park, a Dutch-style promenade garden featuring artificial hills, trees, and flowers, celebrated as one of Japan’s top 100 city parks. Strolling through the park reveals its seasonal beauty, and the visit continues to the Hakusan Shrine. This large shrine, with over 1,000 years of history, is revered as the deity of business success and marriage, cherished by local citizens. Each year, over 180,000 visitors come to this shrine, especially at the beginning of the year.

Niigata Furumachi Geigi Performance

After the shrine visit, a short walk brings guests to a traditional Japanese house for an enchanting Niigata Geigi performance. During the Edo period, Furumachi thrived as a port town, and its lively geisha quarter was recognized as one of Japan’s top three entertainment districts, alongside Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo. Known as Geigi in the Furumachi area, these highly skilled artists perform traditional Japanese dance accompanied by Shamisen music and singing. The experience is further enhanced with the enjoyment of Japanese matcha green tea and delightful confectionery.

Points of interests

Points of Interest: Northern Culture Museum, Hakusan Park and Hakusan Shrine, Geigi Performance at a Traditional Japanese House

Note

Please note: At Northern Culture Museum, you need to take off your shoes if you go inside of the building. *Going inside of the building is not mandatory. Full cancellation for Geigi arrangement will be charged from 14 days prior to the call date, so please let TO know if we operate this tour or not before the date. At Geigi performance venue, guests need to take shoes off. It is recommended to bring socks. It is better to wear socks when coming into the Japanese traditional House. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.