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Enjoy Nasushiobara's Food, Hot Springs, and History with a Unique Garden Party at the Former Villa of Aoki Shuzo, Designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government
Nasushiobara has fantastic natural and cultural resources, including the great Nikko National Park, located in the Nasu and Nikko mountain ranges, as well as 178 cultural properties designated by the national and prefectural governments. Although the idea has always been to protect these resources, this program aims to use them in new and unprecedented ways in order to increase their appeal as tourism resources and pass them on to future generations.
This tour will offer special experiences such as a unique nighttime garden party at the villa of former Foreign Minister Aoki Shuzo (an Important Cultural Property that is also designated by the Japanese government as a Japan Heritage site); a wedding event set on the Momijidani Suspension Bridge which spansa the valley of Nikko National Park and is known as a ""sacred place for lovers""; and other special events that offer a glimpse of the local culture of Nasushiobara.
There will also be a premium gastronomy walking tour, which explores the nature, history, and cuisine of Shiobara Onsen and Itamuro Onsen in Nikko National Park. -
Private Nighttime Firelit Takigi Noh Theater Performance at Kishiwada Castle to Mark the 70th Anniversary of the Castle Tower’s Reconstruction!
- Kishiwada Castle, located not far from Kansai International Airport, will be booked out for a firelit nighttime Noh performance in a very special setting.
- With the lighting and sound showcasing the nationally designated cultural assets and the castle serving as backdrop, this is a scene that simply cannot be experienced on a regular Noh stage. The Hachijin no Niwa Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, will be open to allow visitors to enjoy the castle and garden together as scenery that is unique to Kishiwada City.
- There will be an even deeper experience of Kishiwada's history and culture at the Sugie Noh Theater and Gofuso garden, both national and municipal tangible cultural properties located adjacent to Kishiwada Castle.
- At the Ninomaru plaza of Kishiwada Castle, participants can enjoy foods and festivities distinct to Kishiwada and the Senshu area.
- This altogether makes for a condensed experience of Japanese culture, all in Kishiwada City. -
Get to Know the Gods and History of Nikko through Traditional Japanese Cultural Experiences and a World Heritage Theater Form
Nikko City is proud to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The Shrines and Temples of Nikko" is a World Heritage Site that includes not only the beautiful well-known buildings of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Jinja Shrine, but also the cultural landscape formed by the surrounding natural environment. During the quarter century since it was registered as a World Heritage Site, it has been visited by many visitors, both from Japan and overseas. December 4, 2024, will mark the 25th anniversary of its registration. An Executive Committee for the 25th Anniversary of World Heritage Registration was even established to make this commemorative year a more exciting one, with various celebratory plans underway. Visitors will enjoy experiences linked to the historical significance and background of the various shrines and temples in Nikko, as well as traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki, and dramatic readings that offer insight into Japan’s modern anime culture.
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Enjoy Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints and Edomae-Style Sushi After a Private Viewing at the Sumida Hokusai Museum
The tour includes an early-morning private viewing (an experience that is not usually available) at the Sumida Hokusai Museum, a museum established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. During this viewing, a curator and English-speaking professional guide will explain the ukiyo-e woodblock prints on display. Afterwards, a professional folding screen artisan from Tokyo’s only folding screen specialty store will guide you through the making of an ukiyo-e folding screen and give a talk on the history of folding screens used in Japanese daily life and culture. This will be conducted at MARUGEN 100, a less crowded area of the Sumida Hokusai Museum. You'll be able to take home a karakuri-byobu folding paper screen as a souvenir. Later, enjoy Edomae-style nigiri sushi made by a sushi chef from Sumida City, the birthplace of nigiri, using ingredients shipped directly from Toyosu Fish Market. This will be an unprecedented combination of Edo art, culture, and culinary tradition, and a very fun, content-packed experience for visitors to Japan.
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Ultimate Wellness Tourism: Special experience of nature and history in Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park Three days of sports, hot springs, and food to nourish the body and soul
This tour offers the ultimate in wellness tourism, making the most of the amazing natural setting, sports resources, hot springs, and food in Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. The goal is to help you achieve physical and mental wellbeing through amazing experiences unique to the Myoko area.
(1) Experience kurort walking, which allows you to control exercise stress and manage your body surface temperature during exercise. Enjoy aerobic exercise and strength training while walking and having fun in the great outdoors with a professional instructor.
(2) Take part in a refreshing underwater exercise program in a specially-booked hot spring training pool, to recover from fatigue.
(3) After learning the practical application of kurort walking, you can travel around sightseeing spots that are not part of existing courses (such as nationally registered Tangible Cultural Properties and some of the best waterfalls in Japan).
4) Courses by a master ""Onsen Sommelier"" available. You can also obtain the ""Onsen Sommelier"" qualification here.
(5) You will also be served healthy meals made from Myoko ingredients, as well as local cuisine, sushi, and more.
(6) Take the Setsugekka chartered resort sightseeing train and enjoy views of the Sea of Japan from the base of Mt. Myoko, while savoring dishes prepared by a local chef. (Depending on itinerary, others plans may not include this Setsugekka train ride.) -
Premium Tour Featuring the Traditional Performing Art of Kyogen at Muroji, A Temple Famous for Extraordinary Autumn Foliage
Avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing experience of the superb autumn foliage in Japan's ancient capital of Nara!
Built about 1,400 years ago, Muroji Temple is the only temple of Koyasan that permitted women to visit since ancient times. It is popular as a secluded spot for viewing the autumn leaves in Nara.
This year, for the first time, Muroji Temple will open its main hall—a national treasure normally closed to the public—as a stage for a premium tour that includes a performance of Kyogen theater, one of Japan's classic performing arts, presented by the Izumi school.
In addition to the main hall, visitors will be guided by a priest on a special night tour of the temple grounds, which includes national treasures like the Kondo (main hall) and a five-story pagoda. They will then be treated to a performance of Kyogen by Motoya Izumi, the 20th generation headmaster of the Izumi school, who performs both in Japan and overseas. A special dinner plan showcasing Nara's traditional vegetables (available Nov. 25–26), and a plan featuring a performance by Japan's only female Kyogen performers (Nov. 23–24) will also be available—a fitting performance for Muroji Temple and its strong affiliation with women.
A month-long autumn foliage festival and illumination event will be held starting November 1. Come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves and appreciate the essence of traditional Japanese culture. -
Local gastronomy tour personally overseen by a two-star Michelin sushi chef in Kitakyushu, a region known for its seafood and local charm
"The Kitakyushu region is one of the best areas for fishing in Japan, offering a diverse array of outstanding seafood. Fascinated by the climate and seafood of Kitakyushu, Edomae Sushi Nikaku has earned two Michelin stars for its sushi that takes full advantage of the local climate to showcase the history and tradition of Edomae-style sushi through unrivaled flavor.
Edomae sushi, a traditional Japanese style of sushi handed down since 1830, requires not only abundant fresh seafood, but also the speed and skill to prepare it precisely. Because of the delicate nature of Edomae sushi, there are very few places even in Japan, let alone the world, where it can be properly prepared.
Edomae Sushi Nikaku is very pleased to offer this local gastronomy tour to share the charms of the Kitakyushu region, which facilitates the crafting of exquisite Edomae-style sushi, and introduce Edomae-style sushi to foreign visitors.
The tour includes a visit to the local fish market where Kitakyushu's diverse seafood are brought ashore, as well as a chance to go out to sea and catch some of the abundant seafood yourself. Later, you will be treated to courses of the finest sushi at Edomae Sushi Nikaku, all while learning the history, culinary culture, and techniques of sushi craftsmanship as part of a one-day guided tour.
Visit Kitakyushu to experience the true essence of sushi."
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TENNOZ ART WEEK 2024
TENNOZ ART WEEK is an art event aimed at bridging Japan and the international art scene by programming world class art contents in the Tennoz art district and creating a platform for domestic and international art professionals and enthusiasts to gather. In 2024, we not only showcase contemporary art but also highlight the diversity of Japanese culture through crafts, animation, architecture, food, and the charm of regions where each culture thrives. By promoting the charm of the Tennoz art district to art collectors and travelers interested in art and culture, we aim to elevate the art scene and contribute to international cultural tourism.
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ONE Ariake Art Festival 2024
ONE Ariake Art Festival is an area-based art project in the Ariake Rim area. The aim of the project is to rediscover the charms and challenges of the region and connect the rich culture of Ariake with the importance of living with abundant nature. Many of the projects are nature conservation activities in the Ariake Sea and creative activities for children and people with disabilities.
The theme is “Diversification of Local Resources.” The festival combines the unique culture of the Kankai Ariake region—the art, craftsmanship, sports, food, drinks, and tea that have been cultivated over the generations—to create new experiences, products, and values.
1. ACTIVATE ART+KOGEI: HAGAKURE - Freedom & Passion exhibition
2. ACTIVATE ART+KOGEI: Flowers & Vases + Sake & Sake Vessels + Art from Kyushu exhibition
3. Industrial remnants art and traditional art networks
4. Hizen Hamajuku Autumn Kurakura Festival: Hizen Hamashuku Pickle Store Tazo (Concert + Art + Sake)
5. First international standup paddleboard (SUP) qualifying tournament and parent-child SUP tournament held in Ariake Sea + art (children's art workshop, art for people with disabilities)
6. Ariake Sea round-the-world cycling event
7. Ariake Sea beach clean-up -
Dance the Traditional Bon Odori in Nagarekawa
Immerse yourself in Japanese festival traditions through Bon Odori dance. This event includes instruction in how to perform the Bon Odori dance, as well as assistance in dressing in a rental yukata, a light kimono that is popular at summer festivals. There will also be a booth where you can write prayers from Hiroshima for world peace on strips of paper. Professional interpreters will be present at the event.
The Hashigo-zake tour and Hiroshima bar district tour will also be available in conjunction with this Bon Odori dance program.
The Hiroshima bar district tour allows participants to enjoy drinking and dining at restaurants around Nagarekawa at discounted rates. A tour-specific map and tickets will be provided to make getting around very easy. Each location has English menus for participants' ease and enjoyment.
The Hashigo-zake tour is a guided tour of the food establishments around the Nagarekawa area. You will be guided through the history and culture of Nagarekawa as you navigate its alleyways and shrines. Enjoy all-new dishes made with local Hiroshima produce with expert guides.