Food & Drink
Area
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Discover the Charm of Shrines and Temples: A Unique “Miya-Daiku” Carpentry Experience in Hanbara, Aikawa Town
The “miya-daiku” are the carpenters who have constructed and repaired traditional Japanese wooden architecture, such as shrines and temples. Hanbara, in Aikawa-machi, is an hour from Tokyo, and is a place where you can meet miya-daiku, who there are now only 300 of across Japan, and experience traditional techniques and architectural culture. Nature-rich Hanbara is the home of the “Hanbara Miya-daiku,” one of the three great miya-daiku in Japan.
We offer two options for the “Exclusive Shrine and Temple Architecture Tour with Miya-Daiku Experience in Hanbara, Aikawa Town”: a one-day tour and a two-day, one-night tour.
・One-Day Tour
You will visit the workshop of Honmura Katsuhiro, a renowned miya-daiku who continues the proud tradition of Hanbara’s carpenters. Here, you’ll learn firsthand about the fascinating history, culture, and techniques of Japanese shrine and temple carpentry. Under his expert guidance, you’ll also have the chance to try using a traditional carpenter’s plane and experience the ancient technique of wood joinery.
The tour continues with visits to important wooden structures crafted by the Hanbara Miya-daiku, including the main gate of Shoraku-ji Temple in Aikawa Town and Nakano Shrine in Tsukui, Sagamihara City. At Nakano Shrine, you will be treated to a rare “formal shrine visit” and granted special access to view the main shrine building up close—a privilege not normally available to the public.
・Two-Day, One-Night Tour
This extended tour includes all the activities from the one-day tour, with the added luxury of an overnight stay at a high-quality wooden inn. You’ll also enjoy sake tasting at a local brewery and take part in cultural experiences such as traditional indigo dyeing. This in-depth tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the craft of miya-daiku and the unique cultural heritage of the region.
Both tours are guided by experienced professional interpreters, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. For added comfort, transportation by hired car is also available. -
Experience “Chaji,” a Banquet Celebrating Shizuoka’s Green Tea and the Culture of the 400-Year-Old Tokaido Road
(1) Savor green tea, one of the key healthy ingredients that supports Japan’s renowned food culture in a country known for its longevity.
(2) Enjoy an elegant banquet that allows you to experience the culture of "shukuba," the traditional post towns that flourished along the bustling Tokaido Road for over 400 years.
(3) Relish a kaiseki meal, expertly paired with Shizuoka’s local green tea and sake, served in the atmospheric setting of a historic private residence.
(4) Engage with local farmers who continue the tradition of the “Tea Grassland Farming Method,” a sustainable, recycling-oriented agriculture system that harmonizes with nature and is recognized as World Agricultural Heritage.
(5) Experience warm hospitality and unique interaction with local residents, a hallmark of this region. -
Experience Being a Lord at “Akashi Castle,” a National Historic Site A First-Ever Event Featuring the “Daimyo Feast Experience” and the Gastronomy and History of the Old Saigoku Kaido Road
"Daimyo Feast Experience" at Akashi Castle and Akashi Park (Overnight Stay)
For the first time in history, the “Daimyo Feast Experience” will be held at Akashi Castle, a nationally designated Historic Site. This event recreates, in a modern style, the menu served when the 8th lord of the Akashi domain took over Akashi Castle. The feast includes traditional dishes such as Akashi sea bream, which was once presented to the shogun, thereby showcasing the essence of Japanese hospitality.
Akashi Premium Gastronomy Walking Tour along the Old Saigoku Kaido Road (One-Day Tour)
This plan includes a ticket for the Premium Gastronomy Walking Tour, which takes visitors around Akashi Castle and explores the rich history and food culture of the Akashi Clan. You will visit places like the Uonotana Market, a historic site that has been in existence since the castle’s construction 400 years ago, and learn about the history of the Old Saigoku Kaido Road.
Akashi Premium Gastronomy Walking Tour along the Old Saigoku Kaido Road (Overnight Stay)
This package includes a stay at the Castle Hotel in Akashi City, along with a ticket for the Premium Gastronomy Walking Tour. This tour takes visitors around Akashi Castle and explores the rich history and food culture of the Akashi Clan. You will visit places like the Uonotana Market, a historic site that has been in existence since the castle’s construction 400 years ago, and learn about the history of the Old Nishikuni Kaido Road.
Old Saigoku Kaido and Akashi Gastronomy Hopping (One-Day Tour)
This gastronomy hopping tour lets you explore Akashi City along the old Saigoku Kaido Road. You’ll visit historic sites such as the Akashi Castle ruins (Akashi Park), the Uonotana Market, and other locations, focusing on the Uonotana Shopping Arcade. This plan is flexible, allowing you to purchase tickets in advance and follow a special map to visit three designated spots, incorporating a fun "town bar" element as you explore.
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A special tour to discover the secrets of Kobe Beef
(1) Visitors will undergo a strict entry process (dedicated gates, protective clothing, air showers, acrylic panels to prevent transmission of droplets) to prevent infections such as foot-and-mouth disease and take part in the first public tour of a Kobe Beef breeding facility. The tour will include a lecture by staff on breeding methods and the ingenuity of the breeding environment, etc., which have not been made public.
(2) Enjoy a special dinner of Kobe Beef and Nada-Gogo region Japanese sake served in an exclusive hotel room with a normally inaccessible nighttime view of Kobe Port as you learn more about the history of Kobe Beef and its compatibility with Japanese sake from a master teppanyaki grill chef.
Example: This cut of Kobe Beef goes well with this particular sake from this particular brewery.
(3) The first-ever "Premium Plan" tour (1 night, 2 days).
(4) Learn about the history of Kobe Beef and how this luxury item has been enjoyed locally while making and eating your own gyoza dumplings. -
KANOLLY Resorts HAKUBA CHEF’s TABLE
The "everything at its best" philosophy of the Italian restaurant Pellegrino chef and owner Hayato Takahashi in his pursuit of the ultimate dining experience will be coming to Hakuba.
Chef Takahashi of Pellegrino, one of Japan's most popular and exclusive Italian restaurants, and Tsuneomi Tomimatsu, the first Japanese member of The Order of Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba, will collaborate to hold a special dining event that can only be described as a miracle. The two have built a long-standing relationship of trust through Alba white truffles. The ingredients and wines served on this day have been carefully selected by the two to provide the very best for their guests. Here, Chef Takahashi will work his magic. -
Connecting with Japanese Treasures: The Essence of Courtly Culture and Hospitality
This program introduces participants to the origins of Japanese culture through an all-in-one luxury experience that recreates the historical practice of court nobles hosting Dutch and Korean diplomatic missions in Kyoto. Experience the refined elegance of Japan at an evening gathering in the style of the Nijo family, who were central to the Imperial court. Through recreating the custom of inviting a high ranking geisha to entertain distinguished guests, this program offers not just a cultural experience, but also a taste of the splendor of these historical banquets. This experience is perfect for affluent travelers who, like the diplomats of the past, wish to gain a deep understanding of Japan and take home unique memories, and is recommended for birthdays, honeymoons, hosting visitors, and other special occasions. Customize your experience with options such as a lecture, an incense ceremony, fine dining, a tea ceremony, a Noh dance performance, and a garden tour, to create the perfect party.
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Welcome to a Beautiful Frozen Resort... Thrills and Excitement Await You at Kawayu Hot Spring this Winter! ICE Laforet in KAWAYU & Mount Iwo Trekking Adventure
A new way to enjoy Kawayu Hot Spring in winter! Experience winter to the fullest! The joy of connection that transcends the cold... Enjoy ICE Laforet in KAWAYU day and night
■ Period: January 19 to February 1, 2025
● Premium Guided Nature Tour of "Mount Iwo" & "Kinmuto," which are usually closed in winter.
- Embark on a backcountry snow trekking tour in an area that is normally inaccessible.
● A special space made of snow and ice, which can only be experienced in an extremely cold region, will appear in the Kawayu hot spring town!
≫ Ice art will be created at the venue. A new winter activity, the "Yukiita Snowboarding Park," will open!
Enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and firewood chopping! ♪
≫ Enjoy original local gourmet food and drinks at "Igloo Dining" in the ice bar ♪
≫ In the evening, watch the Lantern Balloon Launch Event and bask in the soft glow of snow lanterns
Enjoy the artistic beauty of snow and ice, and take premium photos perfect for Instagram
● A special menu features locally produced ingredients! Kawayu Marché
≫ Savor a menu of food and drinks overseen by the chef who creates meals for Japan Airline's international first-class flights
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Discover Hyogo: Harmony of Nature and Tradition, a Journey to Meet Artisans
This special experience tour takes you on a journey through Hyogo Prefecture, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant traditional culture shaped by rich natural beauty and deep history. Connecting the traditional crafts passed down through generations of artisans with the abundant, seasonal ingredients of each region, this journey is a feast for all five senses.
Tamba pottery boasts over 800 years of history and a rich heritage as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. On this tour, you can make pottery alongside skilled artisans, connecting you with their traditional techniques. In Miki City, witness the traditional swordsmithing techniques up close and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient art.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Akashiura Fishery Cooperative, known for its high-quality fish, where you can watch the lively fish auctions and savor the luxurious taste of sushi made on the spot with fresh fish. This tour, which allows you to fully savor the charm of Hyogo through its local culture and cuisine, is a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories. -
The Beauty of Japan and Its Traditional Culture are Alive on this Zen x Craft x Food Journey of Discovery
Eiheiji Temple is a Zen training monastery founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, where many monks continue to practice asceticism to this day. This tour of Eiheiji Temple offers a plan where even beginners can experience the practice and spirituality of Zen Buddhism. A monk will guide you through the historic buildings of Eiheiji, and you will also have the chance to experience zazen meditation in a special private setting. You will stay at the shukubo temple lodgings, the "Hakujukan" or "Hakujukaku" located near the grounds of the temple. For dinner, you can experience of traditional shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) overseen by Eiheiji Temple. The next morning, you can also participate in the morning chanting ceremony with the monks. On days 2 and 3, you will visit workshops that are usually closed to the public. You can meet Toru Uchida, the eighth-generation master traditional artisan of "Shitsurindo," a workshop that has been officially recognized by Eiheiji Temple. Here you can observe the craftsmanship of Echizen washi papermaking and Echizen cutlery blacksmithing firsthand, and even try your hand at traditional crafts. For dinner on the second day, a renowned local chef will prepare a “Craft Invitation Exclusive” vegan French meal, combining the spirit of vegetarian cuisine with locally produced, locally consumed ingredients. On this tour, you can savor the seasonal delicacies of the region's natural food culture, and see how it is intertwined with Echizen-Sabae's 1,500-year-old legacy of traditional craftsmanship.
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NIAFF WORCOS -World Cosplay Tour in Niigata International Animation Film Festival
Enjoy a cosplay photoshoot tour of Niigata, an international port city with a rich history.
The architecture of Niigata City History Museum Minatopia combines Japanese and Western history. The Shinanogawa Water Shuttle offers extraordinary photo opportunities with the Important Cultural Property of Bandai Bridge in the background. The Northern Culture Museum was the residence of the Ito family, the foremost landowners of Niigata. Zoshunkaku in the Koji Fukiya Memorial Museum of Art, Shibata City is a guest house that was visited by Shibusawa Eiichi, the “father of Japanese capitalism” who is featured on the new 10,000 yen banknote. Have fun along with Japanese cosplayers at Gataket, a cosplay and fanzine event that will also be held once a month while the tour is held. Try Niigata’s food culture at Mikasaya, a Japanese restaurant with rock-lined corridors that make a unique backdrop for photos. This tourist plan includes visits to other Important Cultural Properties and historic sites all over the prefecture for the best cosplay experience. The town and its people warmly welcome cosplayers. We highly recommend the tour for cosplayers who are looking to take part in their first international event. You can individually book the places you want to go, or visit them all in a single package. Let the world cosplay tour begin!