Tour for Luxury Tourists: “The Path of the Craftsman—A Journey Through the Heart of Japan”

Hokuriku Shinetsu Tokai Kansai Nature & the Outdoors Traditions Spring Fall Winter

Experience what true Japan has been like since long ago through traditional craft experiences like sword forging, as well as traditional scenery in places like Shirakawa-go and Kyoto.

This tour is an in-depth experience of traditional Japanese crafts, natural landscapes, and culinary culture unique to various areas. The following unique experiences will be offered in the Aichi, Gifu, and Kyoto Prefectures.

(1) Traditional folk craft experiences
- Ceramic art: Learn from the direct apprentice of a Living National Treasure at the Kobeigama Kiln for an authentic Japanese experience. This activity is exclusive to participants of this tour, and the items can be mailed back to your home countries at a later date.
- Small blade making: Try your hand at making a small blade in a workshop not usually open to the public in Seki, Gifu Prefecture. This experience is also exclusive to participants of this tour, and items can be mailed back to your home countries at a later date.
- Mino-washi papermaking: Learn from an artisan how to make hon-minoshi paper, a method which is registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

(2) Traditional scenery and accommodations
- Tour historical buildings: Visit traditional buildings in places like Gifu Prefecture's Takayama City, Mino City, and Shirakawa-go, as well as Kyoto Prefecture's Kyoto City. Enjoy strolling around and taking photos wearing a kimono.
- Traditional accommodations: Stay in select accommodations in old private homes built more than 130 years ago, or in machiya-style townhouses designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. Enjoy an extraordinary experience in a truly special space.

(3) Culinary culture and seasonal produce
- Michelin Guide-listed restaurants: Enjoy dishes made with seasonal local ingredients, such as wild vegetables in spring, ayu (sweetfish) and eel in summer, matsutake mushrooms in fall, and wild game in winter. Accommodations can also be made for vegan or halal dining.

Participants will be accompanied by a guide from the region who is fluent in the participants' language, has extensive knowledge of the area, and who can provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Website	https://luxe-japan.com/
Location Name	- Kobeigama Kiln in the town of Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, which has produced Living National Treasures of Japan - The old streets of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings - The udatsu townscape of Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings - The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, a World Heritage Site which showcases Japan’s seasonal scenery - Sannenzaka, Gion Shinbashi, Saga Toriimoto, and Kamigamo in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, which are nationally designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings Google Map

Website

https://luxe-japan.com/

Location Name

- Kobeigama Kiln in the town of Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, which has produced Living National Treasures of Japan
- The old streets of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
- The udatsu townscape of Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
- The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, a World Heritage Site which showcases Japan’s seasonal scenery
- Sannenzaka, Gion Shinbashi, Saga Toriimoto, and Kamigamo in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, which are nationally designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Google Map