Nature & the Outdoors
Area
Season
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Adventure Tourism Activity: A Full-Body Outdoor Experience in Oze and Nikko Shirane
① Oze National Park: A special plan to run along the old Fujimi Route in the Oze National Park Mountain Marathon to run to Ayame-daira, a paradise in the sky and a Special Protection District.
・This event utilizes the Fujimi Route, which was once the main trail to Oze but has since fallen into disuse. The route leads to Ayame-daira, a place that was the starting point for Japan’s realization of the effects of tourism pollution and the birthplace of nature conservation efforts. The marshlands here have been restored through the long-term efforts of conservationists.
・A special food booth will be set up at the Fujimi Pass aid station, where participants can enjoy food using local ingredients like highland vegetables while taking in panoramic views of the mountains of Gunma from this Special Protection District. This provides an opportunity to experience local food in conjunction with the market.
② Nikko National Park: A special plan for the Marunuma Kogen Nikko Shirane Ascent to run through Mount Shirane, once a sacred site for religious mountain climbing and known for its unique volcanic terrain and rare flora such as the Shirane-aoi flower.
・This running event concludes near the summit of Mount Nikko Shirane, located in a Special Protection District within Nikko National Park.
・A food booth featuring local highland vegetables and other regional specialties will be set up alongside the aid station at the plaza near the summit of the Shirane Ropeway Station, at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
③ A market event organized by local residents will be held where visitors can experience local food, such as highland vegetables, and traditions. This will create opportunities for interaction between inbound tourists and the local community. -
A Cultural Dining Experience: Offering a Prayer at Mitokoura, Originating from Itsukushima “A High-Value Local Entertainment Dining Journey Through the History of the Sacred Island, Miyajima”
Miyajima, long revered as a sacred island where the gods reside, offers an array of charms. From its mystical natural beauty to a variety of cultural experiences, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, hiking, kayaking, SUP, and yacht cruises, Miyajima provides something for everyone. Just across from the island, Miyahama Hot Spring Village offers a luxurious retreat with panoramic views of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
In this plan, you will embark on a unique journey to enjoy what Miyajima has to offer in a new and exciting way. The experience starts aboard HANAIKADA, a restaurant boat designed to resemble a raft. The boat takes you to locations normally inaccessible by standard sightseeing boats, offering a guided tour of the majestic peaks of Miyajima from the waters surrounding Itsukushima Shrine.
Along the way, savor seasonal dishes crafted by local chefs and plated on Hiroshima’s traditional Osunayaki pottery. The highlight of the cruise is a live performance of Ujin Taiko, a traditional Hiroshima performing art, which will be held right on the boat.
Why not indulge in a premium stay that combines Japanese culture, entertainment, cuisine, and activities, all set within the awe-inspiring scenery of a World Heritage Site? -
Premium Dining at a Chartered Historical Site, Mt. Houdaiyama's Mitakayama Battery [A Unique Fusion of Food and Music in a Special Setting]
Premium Dining Experience on Mitakayama Battery at Mt. Houdaiyama
This event offers a fusion of opera, Noh, and fine dining, all in the name of peace. Enjoy an exclusive premium dining experience at a rented-out historic site of Mitakayama Battery on Mt. Houdaiyama, accompanied by a special concert by Maria Seiren, the first winner of Japan's Got Talent.
Acquiring Ingredients Locally with a Food Expert
Explore the local food scene by visiting food producers in Etajima, where you will personally select fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These will then be prepared right before your eyes by the head chef of Etajima-so, offering you a luxurious and one-of-a-kind dining experience that is distinctly Etajima. -
“We have a sea the world loves, but we’re aiming for something more. Certification as a starry sky reserve!” Invitation to a Special Night on Zamami Island: “Premium Starry Sky Photo Tour”
*Normally, you’d only gaze at the stars from land, but on this tour, you’ll be taken out to sea on a boat for a unique stargazing experience! Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the ocean as the night begins.
*A professional photographer specializing in starry sky photography will capture stunning images of the stars and you, creating a cherished memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
*Using special astronomical telescopes, you’ll be guided in observing planets and seasonal constellations that are visible from the southern islands.
*A special boxed meal will be provided during the tour, offering an original gourmet experience to complement your starlit adventure.
*At the local planetarium, you can dive deeper into the wonders of the cosmos, enhancing your knowledge and curiosity about the stars and astronomy. -
Explore the Illusionary Ice Carousel and Exclusive Winter Activities at Taisetsu Dam Lake, Surrounded by the Untouched Beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park!
Winter activity events will be held at the Taisetsu Dam in Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido. This is a dammed lake you which you can't normally access!
Experience the illusionary “ice merry-go-rounds,” spinning blocks of ice on the lake's surface. This is one of the world's first in this new sensory activity, the “Pleasure Ice Carousel!” By day, enjoy the whimsical “ice merry-go-round” and other exciting winter activities, and by night, walk on illuminated ice while gazing at a starry sky draped in silver light.
● A world's-first in this new sensory experience: “Pleasure Ice Carousel”
≫ Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the great outdoors from various angles as if you were on a pleasure boat, as you go around several ice carousels.
● Activities at the Taisetsu Dam Lake, which is located in a national park that is normally off-limits
≫ Cruising by snow raft with a local guide through the far-off, unexplored areas of the Taisetsu Dam Lake.
≫ Stargazing from the dam lake. Because it includes the view of the lit-up ice carousel, that makes this a never-before-seen sight!
● Kamikawa Marché & Ainu traditional craft experience
After enjoying the outdoors, you can also enjoy local food and traditional craft experiences. -
First-Ever Public Viewing of the Stone Quarry that Captivated World-Famous Sculptor Noguchi Isamu! Guided Tour of the Outdoor Contemporary Art Space
●The stone quarry, typically closed to the public, will be open exclusively for this tour, offering a unique chance to see the location that Noguchi cherished. (Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
●Join a guided visit to the outdoor art space at the quarry. (Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
●Visit "THE GALLERY TOKYO," an art gallery that opened in May 2024, which uses Date Kanmuriishi stone. (Ginza, Tokyo)
●Stay at Ichijoh ryokan, a 400-year-old hot spring inn that incorporates Date Kanmuriishi stone in its design and furnishings. (Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture)
●Enjoy local cuisine from Shiroishi City, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. -
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. -
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. -
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