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A "Banquet of Hospitality" Loved by the Samurai
Honzen cuisine, established during the Muromachi period, was a style of cuisine used by the samurai to entertain their guests. Originating from the samurai code of etiquette, Honzen cuisine is the culinary style that forms the foundation of Japanese cuisine, where guests are welcomed and entertained with multiple courses. It was not merely about eating; guests also enjoyed performances of Noh and Kyogen theater during the banquet.
This event is the first time we have reconstructed Honzen cuisine with a historian, modernizing it while still preserving its traditional essence. The banquet will be specially arranged in the guest seating of the Yamamoto Noh Theater, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, allowing you to experience a unique meal and traditional performing arts, just as feudal lords of the Warring States period would have. To enhance your experience of the traditional performing arts, we will provide explanations and subtitles in English. -
Premium Wagyu Tour: Beyond A5
This tour offers the ultimate wagyu experience and gourmet adventure to experience Japan's most-sought-after wagyu, the renowned "Matsusaka Beef". Learn about and enjoy some Tokusan Matsusaka beef, one of the rarest and finest varieties of Matsusaka beef, right in its birthplace. In this region, cattle have been raised for agricultural purposes for many generations. The Tajima cattle were known for being hardworking, tame with people, small in size, and easy to raise. After the Meiji period, breeding techniques were developed to transform the Tajima cattle into high-quality Matsusaka beef, making it the top wagyu in Japan. Currently, this traditional breeding technique is distinguished from regular Matsusaka beef and is aptly named "Tokusan" (regional specialty) Matsusaka Beef, and it has been granted GI (Geographical Indication) certification. However, it is often called a legendary variety because its production accounts for only 3-4% of annual Matsusaka beef production, and it rarely reaches the market. In this tour:
1. Explore the world of "Tokusan Matsusaka Beef" through traditional techniques at the cattle barn... Discover the unique standards of taste that go beyond A5 (fat content) and understand the differences between types of wagyu. You will also learn about the feeding process and the size of the cattle, resulting in a deep dive into the world of wagyu that can only be experienced on this tour.
2. Talk to the 5th generation head of Matsumoto Chikusan, who is dedicated to continuing traditional breeding methods... A Wagyu artisan who meticulously oversees every step from breeding to butchering, ensuring the highest quality of "Tokusan" Matsusaka beef. Accompanying the tour from the cattle barn to the dinner venue, the owner generously shares his profound knowledge and expertise.
3. Enjoy a meal featuring the finest "Tokusan" dishes, from appetizers to the main course, prepared by a renowned chef who has been captivated by Tokusan wagyu and who previously served as the executive chef at Aman Tokyo. Enjoy an exclusive private dinner featuring a special talk given by the chef and the 5th generation head of Matsumoto Chikusan. -
Connecting Wakayama Kichu with the World: Virtual & Real Cycle Tourism HUB24 in MINABE and a Special Nighttime Private Visit to Kashima Shrine
Experience a wide range of premium activities, cuisine using local specialties, and other tourism sites and spots. A private tour where you can touch, see, and experience the renowned local specialties of the Wakayama Kichu region, such as Kishu Binchotan charcoal, Yura Mikan oranges, and Kishu Nanko plums. Accompanied by an attending rider, you'll cycle through and enjoy various private experiences. This private tour includes exclusive experiences created just for this journey, such as a nighttime visit to Kashima Shrine, a special tour of the island of Kashima, and tours of workshops in Kishu led by artisans where you can see places usually not open to the public. Additionally, you can take part in the harvesting of Yura Mikan oranges, an experience not typically available to the public, and enjoy a special meal using the freshly harvested fruits. The tour also includes making plum wine using the finest Kishu Nanko plums. As a treasure trove of food, Wakayama's culinary experiences offer a rare opportunity to explore its history, traditions, culture, and nature in an entirely new and immersive way.
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【Deep Gorge】The Studio + The Lodge
Only an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train. Kitakaruizawa is nestled in a lush forest at an altitude of 1,200 meters, located along the ridges of Mt. Asama, an active volcano.
In this tranquil pottery studio, immerse yourself in Japan's traditional craftsmanship and the soothing embrace of nature as you work with clay.
Escape the bustle of the city, immerse yourself in the peaceful forest, and create a one-of-a-kind piece to treasure always.
Located between the mountain resort of Karuizawa and the renowned hot spring area of Kusatsu Onsen, Kitakaruizawa offers the perfect blend of creative experiences, relaxation, and adventure in the heart of nature. You can either embrace a peaceful, introspective experience or dive into the creative process of making your first piece of art.
Experience Japan's beautiful nature and culture at our pottery workshop. -
An Unforgettable Experience for Oyster Lovers: Cruise the Seto Inland Sea, Harvest Fresh Oysters and other Local Ingredients, and Enjoy Sake with a Seaside BBQ (Including Oyster Shucking)
・The stage for this tour, Akitsu and Takehara, are known as the birthplace of Ginjo Sake, a type of sake that requires particularly advanced brewing techniques and is recognized as part of Japan's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
・In this gastronomic tour, you will visit breweries that still use traditional Ginjo brewing methods and can enjoy sake pairings with the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea that nurtured them.
・A local interpreter guide will be assigned to this tour.
●Visit Farm Suzuki, an oyster producer, and observe their oyster-farming process.
●Visit Okamoto Soy Sauce's brewery, established on Osaki Kamijima Island in the Seto Inland Sea.
●Try lemon picking at Iwasaki Farm.
●Try oyster shucking under the guidance of oyster producers.
●Enjoy a delightful seaside oyster BBQ using Kaki Komachi oysters, large oysters grown in Yasuura, Hiroshima, paired with sake from local breweries. -
Experience the Fusion of Shinto and Buddhism: Food and Dance of the Gods and Buddhas Tour at the National Treasure, Usa Jingu Shrine
Participants will have the exclusive opportunity to experience a private performance at the Noh theater located in a restricted area of Usa Jingu Shrine, the head shrine of the deity Hachiman. Enjoy a captivating Noh dance performance and a meal specially created just for this tour that blends the essences of Shinto and Buddhism. Before the meal and Noh performance, participants will also take part in a guided tour of Usa Jingu Shrine to explore the sacred grounds. Participants will not only visit Usa Jingu Shrine but also receive explanations from a guide about the history, agriculture, and cultural background of the region. They will have the opportunity to enjoy a Noh performance, regularly dedicated to the gods at this sacred site, and even experience some of the gestures and movements of the performance. The meals are prepared by Chef Jinnosuke Umehara, head chef of Tokyo Yakumo Saryo, and the event offers a unique experience where local chefs and service staff warmly welcome guests, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
(PR content)
・An exclusive dining experience at the Noh stage in the normally off-limits area of the National Treasure, Usa Jingu Shrine.
・Guided tour of the shrine and its history, led by an expert guide.
・Meals prepared by Chef Jinnosuke Umehara, the head chef of Tokyo's Yakumo Saryo.
・A specially curated course menu featuring meals dedicated to Shinto and Buddhism, created exclusively for this event.
・A unique dining experience with insights into the cuisine and its cultural significance, explained by a guide.
・A Noh performance during the meal will be conducted in a way that allows guests to actively participate in it as well. The Noh performance is only held on special occasions at the shrine. -
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. -
Mikuni Minato: A Special Community Exchange Tour
Cruise along the sea to view the port town of Mikuni Minato, followed by a stroll through town. Tour the Mikuni Matsuri float storage houses while riding on "Iino," a mobility device with built-in multilingual audio guidance, enjoy tea and traditional Japanese sweets inside historically significant buildings like the former Kishi family residence, experience Shamisen performances and Japanese culture, and learn about Mikuni Matsuri and Mikuni-bushi. Participate in a special prayer ceremony at Mikuni Shrine, which normally involves private rituals, and savor a heartfelt special dinner. End your tour with a stay at a traditional machiya (townhouse) hotel and an early morning stroll. Crab dishes will be served from November onwards. From October 7th onwards, cycling tours will be available to explore the surrounding attractions, such as Tojinbo and Oshima Island. You can choose between day-trip activities or a two-day, one-night tour.
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Experience Ukiha City's Food Culture and the Scenic Beauty of the Tsuzura Rice Terraces - Passing Down the Original Landscape to Future Generations
Experience the historic Tsuzura Rice Terraces, dating back to the Edo period, and the recently restored "Meiji no Yakata," a Meiji-period building that reopened in 2024. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the past while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere surrounded by nature. Savor local dishes made with local, fresh ingredients and immerse yourself in the historical landscapes. Engage in unique experiences like breakfast at a prime spot in the rice terraces, a special dinner under the starry sky of the terraces with a wine stylist, smoothie-making with fresh local fruits, and an exclusive wine salon experience at a secluded traditional house. Please visit the official website for more details.
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A Ride from Asakusa to Ueno and Yanaka: TIMETRIP TAXI
・Starting from Asakusa: A new, time-transcending taxi experience! Enjoy a journey through the Edo period from Asakusa to Yanaka and Ueno. A truly fun and immersive experience!
・From the large 4K monitor in the back seat of the taxi, you can experience a mixed reality journey as if you’ve time-traveled from the present day to the Edo period and a world of ukiyo-e.
・You can choose from three courses that tour the Yanaka area, where many traditional streetscapes remain; Ueno, which is home to many museums and galleries; and Asakusa, an area featured in numerous ukiyo-e prints.