Art & Culture
Area
Season
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Foodie tour in the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Usuki, exploring the cycle of food and nature from the perspective of soil cultivation
Usuki City has a long history of diverse food culture, and this tradition continues to this day. The city is committed to the "cycle of food" in the Usuki style, with the whole city working together to promote organic farming, local production for local consumption, and the creation of soil that has vitality. This is a foodie tour where visitors can enjoy the local food culture, including the "authentic agricultural produce" grown in the soil of Usuki, as well as the local brewing traditions. From the careful cultivation of the soil, to the fields where the produce grows, and finally to the dinner table after being cooked, this program allows visitors to experience the Usuki style of the cycle of food and invites them to appreciate food even more deeply.
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Enjoy the Onsen Culture and Natural Beauty of Shiga Kogen: "Long-Stay Nature Tour" and "ONSEN Gastronomy Tour"
[Long-Stay Nature Tour]
・Get an up-close view of wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the ever-popular Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, wild snow monkey park.
・A guide will take you through the winding streets of the Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kanbayashi Onsen areas. The labyrinth-like alleys will make you feel as if you're on a journey through another world.
・These onsen towns have thrived thanks to the blessings of the surrounding mountains. With a nature guide by your side, you’ll explore the natural and cultural beauty of Shiga Kogen. A gondola ride to an altitude of 2,000 meters ensures that even those worried about their stamina can comfortably participate.
・Most accommodations have onsen or large baths within facilities, so after a day of hiking, you can soothe your tired body and fully appreciate the healing power of the hot water.
[ONSEN Gastronomy Tour]
・On the first day, you’ll participate in the PREMIUM ONSEN Gastronomy Walking Tour, strolling about 5km through the onsen towns and enjoying the local produce of Yamanouchi Town like fruit and sake at various gastronomy points.
・After the walk, relax and unwind with a soak in one of the area's hot springs.
・On the second day, you’ll explore various spots that allow you to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen Resort, including a visit to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen.
・Yamanouchi Town, home to the world’s only place where wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe in hot springs, is also where you’ll find the "Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen Resort", with a history dating back 1,300 years. The stone-paved streets in Shibu Onsen and traditional eaves of this onsen town evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.
・It is possible to book this tour as a one-day walking event. -
Weaving the Ryukyu Story on Izena Island: A Tour of King Sho En’s History and Nature Exploration
This tour is designed to immerse you in the traditions, culture, performing arts, and natural beauty of Izena Island, which still retains a strong trace of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Throughout the tour, local residents, who are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, will accompany you as interpreter guides.
In the "King Sho En Special Guide" tour, descendants of King Sho En's family will personally guide you through the birthplace of the kings who ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years. You will also have the opportunity to dress in traditional Ryukyu royal costumes and take commemorative photos.
The "Traditional Festival Experience" allows you to visit sites where island residents still practice sacred rituals and festivals, such as "Shinugu," "Naakuchi" and "Iruchayo," which are used to pray for bountiful harvests and fishing. You will get to experience these time-honored traditions through simulated participation.
In the "Traditional Performing Arts Experience," the island's performers will deliver a lecture through which you can experience "Sho En Drums," a traditional performing art of the island that uses Japanese drums, and the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument.
For the "Nature Appreciation Plan," you can choose between enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty and stunning sea views with a clear kayak experience or a special cruising and fishing experience." -
1,300 Years of Tagajo’s Founding: A Special Culinary Experience Connecting the Ages
Tagajo City is a historic town where one quarter of the area is occupied by historical sites. In the Nara period, 1,300 years ago, "Kokufu Tagajo" was established as the political and cultural center of the Tohoku region. Come and experience the rich history and food culture of Tagajo by making a short trip from Sendai.
・A short journey from Sendai Station to Kokufu-Tagajo Station (approx. 15 minutes)
・Ancient Costume Experience
Enjoy a dressing experience with Nara-period replica costumes, allowing you to feel like an aristocrat from that era.
・Tohoku History Museum
Visit a special exhibition, which is only open for a limited time, as well as the permanent exhibition. Check the reservation site for the dates of special exhibitions. The permanent exhibits provide insight into the history of the entire Tohoku region.
・Ancient Rice Lunch
Enjoy a special lunch featuring ancient rice, a local specialty of Tagajo City.
・Shell Painting Experience
Try your hand at painting on clam shells, once used in the noble game of "Kaiawase" (shell matching).
・Learn the History of Tagajo
Deepen your understanding of Tagajo’s historical significance at the Tagajo City Archaeological Research Center.
・Shiogama Shrine
Visit Shiogama Shrine, dedicated to the god of salt production. Salt production was closely connected with the history of Tagajo.
・Ancient Cultural Experience at the Tagajo Ruins
Experience the atmosphere of the time at the historical ruins of Tagajo Castle, including the newly restored southern gate.
・Special Imperial Cuisine
This tour offers a special meal inspired by the idea of what imperial cuisine from the Nara period might be like if it were served today, a unique culinary experience only available in Tagajo.
*Please note that program content may vary depending on the event date.
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Urban Legend Taxi
A first of its kind, Urban Legend Taxi is an hour-long immersive horror experience tour that is brought to life with surround sound and 3D video using the latest technology from Sony, the pride of Japan. With the help of 3D video, 360 Reality Audio, and sound AR technology, you will be taken on a tour of secret urban legend spots around Tokyo. Escorted along in one of S.RIDE's premium vehicles, you will experience fear and horror in luxury!
Inside the vehicle, you can watch a program about the urban legends on a Sony Spatial Reality Display. Strange things will start to occur as you see thrilling urban legends take place in real time. The sound AR app Locatone™ is used to enhance the audio experience and make each spot you visit even more immersive.
This horror experience has been overseen by Haunted House Obaken, which has produced numerous haunted houses and horror events in Japan and overseas, so you will be sure to have an authentic horror experience.
Guidance on the tour is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, so tourists from outside Japan are also welcome. Investigating urban legend spots with the help of a chauffeur brings the experience to life and makes the horror even more real. Whether you are someone who loves urban legends or you just want to a new way to experience horror, this tour is for you. Who knows? Perhaps in the darkness and terrors of Tokyo, you will create a new urban legend of your own…
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Satsuma Samurai Spirit Tour in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Samurai existed in Japan from the medieval to the modern eras. They trained in swordsmanship and other arts in order to protect their lord, their families, and themselves. However, they also emphasized spiritual training through the learning of etiquette, tea ceremonies, and other cultural practices. Their bravery, wisdom, and aesthetic sensibilities were passed on to future generations, and have given rise to many cultures, traditions, and ideas.
Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture is a historically “samurai” city, where the spirit of the Satsuma samurai remains strong. The Samurai Program includes a guided tour of the largest scale armor-production site in Japan, an experience dressing in premium armor, an iaido experience, and a samurai dinner to deeply get in touch with the life and philosophy of the Satsuma samurai. -
MT.IWAFUNE EXPLOSION EXPERIENCE
1. "Henshin with Kamen Rider #1: Transformation and Explosion with Hiroshi Fujioka"
In this exclusive experience, you’ll learn the iconic “henshin pose” from Hiroshi Fujioka, the original Kamen Rider #1, and join him in an electrifying explosion scene.
2. "Become a Hero: Wire Action and Explosion"
Step into the role of a hero where you'll perform wire-action stunts. Guided by a former stuntman, you'll experience high-flying action and cinematic explosions.
3. "Anniversary Explosion Shoot in a Kimono"
Wear a beautiful kimono and capture unforgettable moments with a unique explosion photo shoot. Perfect setting to make your special day a cinematic masterpiece. -
The Tradition of Japan's Ama Divers: Ocean Lunch Tour
This tour will give you an authentic ama experience, allowing you to forge a connection with the earth and nature through food. The accommodation, Oyado the Earth, is located within Ise-Shima National Park. The tour begins on the grounds of the hotel. Participants will cross a beach only accessible at low tide to reach a private beach with small, isolated ama huts. Walking along the pebbled beach, with its natural hills and valleys, and listening to the crash of the waves, participants will gain firsthand insight into the unique lives of these ama divers. They will witness the cycles of nature, the lived experience of the ama divers as the seasons change, and the ways in which this culture has been preserved. Participants will arrive on the beach around the time that the ama divers return from their dive. The sight of these ama divers, emerging drenched from the waves, speaks to a hidden world that lies within the ocean. On the beach in front of the ama huts, close enough to feel the spray of the waves, participants will be treated to an aperitif selected by the accommodation’s sommelier and a chef’s lunch made with the ama’s catch. Afterwards, participants will head to the harbor to take in the lively scene of the ama divers unloading their catch of turban shells and abalone so they can be taken to market. Outside the fishing season or in case of bad weather, special permission is granted to enter the ama huts. Participants will be able to speak to the ama divers and gain deep insight into their experiences as they prepare for their dive. It is a truly special experience to able to visit a real ama hut rather than a reconstruction. The tour offers not only a walk on the unspoiled beaches of Ise-Shima National Park but also a glimpse into the real fishing and daily life of the working ama divers.
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Overnight Tour in Sabae, Including a Workshop on Echizen’s Most Treasured Craft, True Lacquer Kintsugi
Learn kintsugi (the art of repairing broken pottery with urushi lacquer) from traditional craftsman Takenobu Komamoto, who has preserved and passed down the traditional crafts of the city of Echizen in Fukui Prefecture for generations.
Takenobu himself will teach participants the techniques involved in kintsugi using real gold. This is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Kintsugi is applied to Echizen ware ceramics that have been discarded due to chips that occur in the manufacturing process. These chips prevent them from being sold as products.
A bowl restored by one's own hands will become a treasure for a lifetime.
Upon completing the workshop, those interested will receive a certificate of apprenticeship acknowledging the master-apprentice relationship with Takenobu. A cup of limited-edition local sake will be presented to solidify this master-apprentice relationship.
On each part of the tour, participants will be accompanied by a professional interpreter.
Private cars with chauffeurs are also available for transport from the meeting point and the accommodation. -
Explore the Secrets of the Jomon Period and Its 10,000 Years of Peace 「JOMON Peaceful Spirits Tour」
Japan’s Jomon period was a period of peace that lasted for over 10,000 years, making it a unique period of time in the world. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russo-Ukrainian War and Israel-Hamas War in Gaza have threatened world peace. In addition to the food crises caused by these wars, more and more attention is being given to food crises caused by climate change. A growing number of people believe that the Jomon culture of Japan can provide us with insights to achieve world peace and live in harmony with nature in order to protect the Earth. This hands-on program held in the Yatsugatake Mountains and the village of Hara in Nagano Prefecture—an area that flourished during the Jomon period and is considered a Japan Heritage Cultural Property—will explore the peaceful spirit behind the Jomon era and the secrets behind its peace.