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Connecting Yamagata Tsuruoka and Niigata Murakami through Modern Kitamae Ships - A Path Leading to Wellness and Culinary Culture
Discover Timeless Tranquility and Unique Tea Experiences in Yamagata and Niigata
In the charming city of Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, the tradition of incorporating wild herbs and fruits from the mountains and countryside into daily life has been cherished for generations. At Gyokusenji Temple, immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind workshop to create your own original blend of wild herb tea. Stroll through the temple's tranquil pond garden and center your mind with a calming zazen meditation session guided by the resident monk. End your day with a delightful “Shokuraku” food and tea pairing dinner, sharing a table with local producers for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Nearby, the historic Zenpo-ji Temple, a revered site of dragon deity worship, invites you to participate in a unique "Tea Meal ZEN" experience—a serene practice combining mindfulness and tea culture.
Head north to Murakami, Niigata Prefecture, Japan's northernmost tea-producing region, known for over 400 years of tea craftsmanship. Murakami tea is celebrated for its mellow flavor and delicate sweetness. Engage with the region’s rich tradition by creating your own lacquered chopsticks using Murakami Kibori Tsuishu, a local craft even prized in tea ceremonies, and witness the artisans' expertise firsthand. Afterward, unwind in the healing waters of Senami Onsen.
For dinner, savor the exquisite tea kaiseki cuisine at Kappo Shintaku, awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Niigata 2020, where every dish is elegantly infused with Murakami tea.
Finally, visit the historic Kokonoe-en, a tea house with over 250 years of history. Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony led by the ninth-generation tea master, paired with modernized Japanese sweets known as "Hiyorika", blending tradition with innovation for a taste of sweet perfection.
These captivating experiences offer not only a journey through Japan’s tea culture but also a chance to reconnect with nature and yourself. -
Fukushima Hope Tourism: A Journey to Learn About the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
Fukushima Hope Tourism offers a rare opportunity to visit the interior of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and ride a helicopter over the plant.
In addition, the Difficult-to-return Zone designation was lifted in the end of March 2024, and the tour will visit areas in Fukushima's Namie Town to trace the road to recovery, including visits to sites directly affected by the disaster.
Enjoy a special dinner prepared by a renowned chef who is hard for even locals to make a reservation with.
This tour is perfect for those looking to have a unique experience while learning about the current situation in Fukushima.
【Tour Highlights】
・Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (including interior tour)
・Ohori Soma-yaki Matsunaga Kiln (a site affected by the nuclear disaster)
・Ukedo Elementary School (a site affected by the nuclear disaster)
・Onahama Port -
Photogenic Fukushima Hamadori Tour
The Photogenic Fukushima Hamadori Tour offers unique experiences from a Taiwanese perspective, allowing guests to experience the charms of a new Fukushima Hamadori.
This tour features content curated by Taiwanese idol group Fukushima Momo Musume from Taiwan, a group appointed as Fukushima Prefecture's Tourism Ambassadors.
Tour the scenic Fukushima Hamadori area and enjoy activities such as hula dancing, horseback riding, and trying on samurai armor.
A dedicated guide accompanies the tour, and participants will also get a chance to interact with the idol group.
Transportation by chartered bus is provided throughout the tour. -
ELESONA
Held in the rich natural environment around Lake Tazawa in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, ELESONA offers a new experience that blends nature, culture, and music.
Participants can enjoy performances by leading artists in the dance music scene in Japan and overseas, while finding comfort, solace, and inspiration in their surroundings.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the latest in dance music with local culture, art, and the beautiful scenery of Lake Tazawa. Come and enjoy a special opportunity to feel at one with nature through music and discover the charms of the region. -
A Journey to Connect with the Essence of Zao: A Tour Blending Mountain Worship and Spiritual Reverence
Through this tour, visitors will expereience the deep-rooted beliefs and spiritual connection to Mount Zao that continues to the present day, as well as the sense of deep gratitude for the hot springs that flow from the mountain, all while interacting closely with the local community. Connect the past and present through cultural experiences and local food, gaining a real understanding of the lives of those residing in the foothills of Mount Zao.
There are two main parts in this tour. The first is the annual dawn pilgrimage to Kattamine Shrine. Visitors can witness the dedication of one of Japan's largest “shimenawa” sacred ropes, enjoy a mesmerizing “kagura” Shinto music and dance, and interact with local residents. The second is a unique fusion of food and light at Yugami Shrine, which is dedicated to honoring the region's hot springs. Savor locally sourced dishes and sake brewed at the foot of Mount Zao; it is truly a pairing that evokes the essence of Mount Zao.
We offer two tour options that incorporate these one-of-a-kind experiences: a luxurious 3-day, 2-night tour and an immersive long-stay Zao tour, both tailored to fit your personal travel style. The 3-day, 2-night luxury tour includes acommodation at a top-class hot spring inn at Togatta Onsen hot spring, where you can savor A5-grade local Zao beef and take part in the “Zao Cuisine x Sake” event at Yugami Shrine. The long-stay Zao immersion tour centers around the dawn pilgrimage to Kattamine Shrine, providing plenty of opportunities for deeper interactions with local residents and exploration of the stunning Zao region. -
A Snowy Journey Through Aizu Bandai
Discover the magnificent natural surroundings of Bandai-Asahi National Park through exclusive guided tours and helicopter access to normally off-limit areas.
Venture into enchanting snow-covered landscapes of Aizu jusing snowshoes and and crampons, and make your way to the ultimate hot spring. Traverse the frozen Lake Hibara, taking in the wonderful snow-clad landscape and vast natural beauty of Urabandai. Hop in a helicopter for access to ski and snowboard trails beyond the reach of regular lifts. This is the u ltimate chance to fully immerse yourself in the captivating winter wonderland of Aizu. -
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. -
Okitama Basin Food Workshop: "Connecting with the World through Small Efforts" 【villa aida × Jungsik Food Workshop】 Theme: "Is it worthless?" Captivating the world with what seems 'worthless.'
Kobayashi Kanji
Owner and head chef of villa aida (two Michelin stars, Green Star), which is ranked 35th in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024, and ranked Number 1 in Japan on the We're Smart World Best Vegetables Restaurants list, among other accolades.
Yim Jungsik
Owner and head chef of Jungsik (two Michelin stars) in Seoul, Korea, and Jungsik New York (two Michelin stars) in New York, USA.
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
⚫︎Part 1: Conversation (Dialogue Session)
14:30 - 15:30 (doors open at 14:00)
Enjoy finger food and drinks (including alcohol) from villa aida, Jungsik, and Pas Mal (Yamagata City)
⚫︎Part 2: Culinary Session (Kobayashi Kanji x Yim Jungsik 4-Hands Dinner)
Starting at 17:30 or 20:00
*Pairing drinks will be prepared by Kobayashi Yumi, villa aida's sommelier.
*Please choose from the following pairing options: alcoholic, non-alcoholic, or mixed.
⚫︎Part 3: Social Gathering (Get-Together)
From 10:00 PM until late into the night
Savor snacks and drinks (primarily alcoholic, with non-alcoholic options available) from villa aida, Jungsik, and Pas Mal (Yamagata City).
Venue: Yamagata-za Takinami -
Special Program to Learn about Award-Winning Sake from its Roots in Water and Rice
This content allows visitors to enjoy and experience sake more deeply from the perspective of local history, culture, lifestyle, and industry.
The city of Kitakata in Fukushima Prefecture is known as one of the three largest brewing centers in Japan. It has over 4,000 storehouses, the most of anywhere in the nation. Kitakata came to have so many warehouses due to its important position in the past as a trade hub in the Tohoku region. Japanese sake has been one of Kitakata's greatest cultural and industrial assets since the time the breweries were built. Its famous brands were born from the ultra-soft undersoil water born from the perpetual snow of Mt. Iide, and the sake rice of paddy fields developed since the Edo period. They have enough renown and value to win gold medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards.
This plan allows you to enjoy the culture and lifestyle of sake breweries in Kitakata City, where such excellent sake is born. Why not try the real thing in the town with the most breweries in Japan, where famous brands are born? -
Tracing Stories from Clay and Stone to Experience History and Culture - with commentary by renowned ceramic researcher Yumi Mori
This plan allows visitors to encounter the roots and charm of Aizu Hongo pottery.
Aizu Hongo pottery comes from the oldest pottery production area in the Tohoku region of Japan, located in Aizu Misato-cho, Fukushima Prefecture. This town is a rarity in Japan as a producer of both pottery and porcelain, and is located at the northern-most tip of the island of Honshu. Aizu Hongo pottery came from the official kiln of the Aizu clan, and has much history; the kiln was saved from two great fires by its artisans. The area is also said to have produced the first tea strainers in Japan, and at the end of the Meiji period it was known for the best teapots nationwide. The most attractive point is that different craftsmen express themselves in various ways, and you can enjoy a variety of works.
Why not experience the charm of Aizu Hongo pottery, which has been preserved and handed down along with the history of Aizu?