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Tour of the Spiritual Culture of Jion-ji Temple, the Tohoku Region’s Finest Prayer Temple
This two-day program allows participants to experience spiritual culture with both the body and the mind to gain invaluable spiritual and physical enrichment. The program takes place at Mt. Hayama, which was once home to 48 monasteries in three different temples, and was one of the three mountains of Dewa, as well as Jion-ji Temple, a nationally designated historic site with a 1,300-year history and the Tohoku region’s finest prayer temple.
Spiritual and cultural programs include a dialogue with the head abbot of Jion-ji Temple, a performance of Jion-ji Bugaku, a prayer dance designated as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property,
and a hike to Mt. Hayama, a former site of importance in Shugendo, a type of Japanese mountain asceticism.
The health food meals that will be served during the program will be a modern take on traditional vegetarian recipes from Jion-ji Temple.
This normally unavailable program at the historic Jion-ji Temple in Mt. Hayama will have yopu surrounded by the magnificence of nature, and you will gain a sense of spiritual richness and health you will not find anywhere else. -
Private Sightseeing Tours to World Heritage Sites with Shugendo Practitioners as Guides, for a Special Experience of Art and Nature
The tour includes a commentary by a sightseeing guide driver who is a Shugendo practitioner at Kongobuji Temple. Participants will tour the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range, a World Heritage Site, and visit various spiritual hotspots. Participants will also be able to take part in a workshop at the Shiyu-en Special Arts Museum—once a place of lodging for Emperor Go-Shirakawa during his pilgrimages to Koyasan—where they can paint nihonga Japanese paintings while sipping on sake. Participant accommodation will be provided in the form of a glamping experience at the Kudoyama Forest Fairy Tale House (former Kubo Elementary School), a facility located by a World Heritage Site called Kuroko Michi. For dinner, participants will enjoy a BBQ meal made with locally-caught wild game. They will also have the opportunity to engage in special experiences only available on this tour, such as viewing the famous sword Ichimonji Tachi, which the Warring States warrior Sanada Yukimura is said to have offered at the World Heritage Site of Niu Kanshobu Shrine, as well as view the World Heritage Sites of Jison'in Temple and Choishimichi Road, which are themselves associated with Kobo Daishi.
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Unazuki Special Guided Tour
(1) Discover the history of power supply development along the Kurobe River! Nekomata Station Trolley Exploration Guided Tour: A hidden gem introduced on the Buratamori TV program, Nekomata Station is the only station in Japan with a name that contains the kanji character for “cat.” In this tour, the Kurobe River Hydroelectric Power Station and its history will be explained in detail by an expert guide. Visit an observation deck overlooking the beautiful scenery at Nekomata Station, as well as a photo stand and a photo frame where you can take original photos.
(2) Tour the natural beauty of Kurobe Gorge by e-bike! The secret behind the popularity of “hidden sights” cycling in this area is the spectacular view from Unazuki Ski Resort, and the special coffee brewed by experts at the Statue of Peace. Experience a few moments of luxury, far away from the daily grind.
(3) Uncover the hidden history of the town and the lives of its people! Machibura Town Exploration Guide: Go deep into the nature of Kurobe Gorge, the daily life of the town, and its cultural background by visiting lesser-known places while listening to commentary from a local guide. Discover the charms of Unazuki Onsen town, and enjoy special experiences that will linger in your memory.
(4) Learn about power supply development in Japan's construction history. Trace the history of power supply development along the Kurobe River on a walking tour of the town alongside a local guide. Expert guides will explain the massive feat that was constructing the hydroelectric power plant, and the many difficulties that had to be overcome for them to achieve it. Local guides will relate the history of power supply development in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner. Take the opportunity to enjoy this unique, special experience. -
Premium KOGEI Experience in Kanazawa
Kanazawa, a city where traditional culture such as tea rooms, Zen, and Noh theater are still deeply rooted in daily life, will host Japan's only art fair specializing in kogei (crafts), from November 29 to December 1, to introduce the allure of kogei to visitors.
A premium crafts experience event will be held at the same time, covering everything from Japanese antiques to the latest trends.
1. TOUCH & TALK, a special viewing and hands-on experience at the National Crafts Museum
View a special exhibition, complete with commentary, at the National Crafts Museum, Japan's only national museum specializing in kogei. This is an opportunity to appreciate the masterpieces on display up close.
2. Visit the workshops of five prominent young artists
Tour the workshops of five popular artists who work with Kutani ware (ceramics), Wajima-nuri (lacquer), and Kaga Yuzen (dyeing)—some of Japan's leading traditional crafts. Get a firsthand look at the places in which these artists create their works, all places which are not usually open to the public!
3. Enjoy Kanazawa's antiques scene
An antique store owner in Kanazawa will offer detailed explanations of their items. Experience a tea ceremony with antique tools.
4. KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa 2024 Special Commentary Tour
A special tour of KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa 2024, the only art fair in Japan specializing in kogei, complete with commentary. Local sake will also be served in handcrafted cups in the venue’s VIP lounge.
Professional interpreters will be on hand at each event to aid communication with artists and experts. -
Kumano Food and Culture Branding Promotion Project: Experience the Essence of the Kumano Faith and Savor the Bounties of Nachi-Katsuura
This program is a chance to spend a meaningful time at Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seigantoji Temple, and Nachi-Katsuura Nigiwai Market.
- After the shrine gates are officially closed, head to the World Heritage Site Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine for a special nighttime visit in the hushed atmosphere. Afterwards, enjoy a premium dinner in the shrine precincts, with dishes and tableware that express the world of the Kumano mandala. After dinner, listen to a sacred dedication and savor local Kumano sake made from the holy waters of Nachi Falls.
- Experience a tea ceremony in Heian costume in the tea room at the World Heritage Site of Seigantoji Temple. This is the first time this tea room has been opened to the public, and it overlooks the three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls. Experience Kumano Shugen by viewing the hidden Buddha statues of Fudarakusanji Temple, learn about the essence of the Kumano faith through a Kumano mandala painting session, and participate in a ceremony at Gyojado Hall, which took 150 years to construct.
- You'll also go to Nachi-Katsuura Nigiwai Market. This market, which is attached to the Katsuura Tuna Market, serves fresh raw tuna from Katsuura, masterfully prepared on the spot by locals. This is a rare and delicious opportunity to appreciate fresh-caught whole tuna.
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Train with the Last of the Ninja: Nindo Demonstration and Training by a Genuine Agatsuma Sanada Ninja
Experience training under an authentic Agatsuma Sanada ninja in Higashi-Azuma.
The training is supervised by Master Jinichi Kawakami, who currently holds a 10th dan in the art of nindo, the highest rank in Japan, and who is an advisor to the Japan Ninja Council. Master Iyoku Matsukaze of the Sanada Ninja Arts Research Association, the only remaining master of Agatsuma Sanada ninja and a descendant of the Sanada ninja, will lead you through a genuine ninja training experience.
The implements used in technical demonstrations and training include authentic ninja tools from a time when ninjas were still active in Japan.
Learn the basics of ninja and Sanada ninja—etiquette, basic physical techniques, walking techniques, ninjutsu, ninja staff techniques, kuji symbolism, shuriken (throwing stars), and more—over the course of two days.
In the early morning, you will experience the sunrise at Mount Iwabitsu, a mountain once revered by the Agatsuma Sanada ninja, and be awarded Nindo Level 2 as proof that you have completed all of your ninja duties.
Only in Higashi-Azuma can visitors learn from the descendants of the real Agatsuma Sanada ninja and experience ninja training using real ninja gear! -
BIS F25 x The World of Anime: Luxury Anime Experience on Ice in Fukuoka
BIS F24, held in 2024 as THE BEGINNING OF THE ICE SHOW, is a fusion of skating, entertainment, and food. It was very well-received by visitors from many countries, who enjoyed the wonderfully experiential ice show, which you watched as if traveling.
The upcoming BISF25, to be held in 2025, will feature Japan's leading professional skaters and anime singers, who will represent the wonderful worlds of Japanese anime on the ice. This program is not just for watching figure skating, but for experiencing it too! It includes a figure skating class taught by skaters who appear in the show, a photography opportunity where you can shoot photos from special seats, and an announcer activity that will make you feel just like a pro announcer.
You will also be able to enjoy local-production-for-local-consumption dishes featuring Fukuoka cuisine in the hospitality lounge. For the after-party, you will head to a wonderful local venue where you will be able to meet and interact with the show’s performers.
Tickets range from the reasonably-priced to the luxurious, allowing you to fully tailor your viewing according to your budget and objectives. -
Find Yourself Entranced by the Architectural Beauty of Bruno Taut’s Work at the National Important Cultural Property of Atami Hyuga Villa Experience the historical architecture of Japan: Architourism of cultural properties in Atami through the lens of gastronomy
● Atami Hyuga Villa, a National Important Cultural Property
Take a guided tour through a cultural property that only offers limited tour dates and times and therefore lets in very few visitors. Find yourself entranced by this authentic experience, and by the architectural beauty of Bruno Taut’s work.
This unique 90-minute experience will give you a closer look into Taut’s insights.
● Tozanso, a National Tangible Cultural Property
Try your hand at a simplified version of ikebana flower arranging in a historic Japanese-style building. Savor some matcha green tea at the MOA Museum of Art, which is run by the same parent organization.
This facility, which is only open for a limited number of days, will be booked out specially for this tour so that participants can fully enjoy Japan’s historical ship district and culture.
● Kiunkaku, an Atami City Tangible Cultural Property
Appreciate Japanese architecture and a Japanese garden, then watch classical dance, which is a traditional art form in Atami.
Experience what the Atami Onsen hot springs were like in the Showa Period through traditional architecture and geiko culture.
This tour of Atami combines the items above with an overnight stay and transportation via the Tokaido Shinkansen (Green Car).
This is a premium plan that includes a stay at an Atami Onsen hot springs lodging facility, as a way of combining both an experience of the hot spring and of Atami-style gastronomy at your accommodation. -
Yamaguchi City Ouchi Culture Experience Tours: Yamaguchi Gion Festival Course and Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival Course
Enjoy the Yamaguchi Gion Festival, one of the three major festivals in Yamaguchi, and the Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival, one of the three major fire festivals in Japan, both of which have links to the Ouchi clan.
The Yamaguchi Gion Festival Course is a special experience plan that includes explanations by the chief priest of Yasaka Jinja Shrine on the eve of the festival, and a chance to take part in rituals that are not normally available to the public, such as carrying a portable shrine. Enjoy a meal and local Yamaguchi sake while watching the festival from special seating.
The Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival Course is a special experience plan that allows participants to interact with locals through activities like lighting lanterns and carrying a portable shrine.
The Onari Procession Experience Plan features an event based around the Ouchi clan—powerful daimyo lords in western Japan who built a cultural sphere to rival Kyoto using the wealth they gained through trade with Ming China around the fifteenth century. This reproduction of the Onari procession and banquet is based on Japan’s largest banquet of the Medieval period, which was held on March 5, 1500, when Ouchi Yoshioki entertained Ashikaga Yoshitane, the former shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate. At this event, a total of about 20 people, representing the shogun, Ouchi clan members, and the shogun's entourage, will wear Muromachi period costumes, ride horses, and take part in a parade through designated Ouchi cultural areas. Afterwards, you can enjoy a traditional banquet at Yuda Sansuien Garden. Dine on a Ouchi-gozen meal while watching traditional entertainment, as if you yourself were at this historical banquet. This is your opportunity to become a shogun and truly immerse yourself in the Ouchi culture of Japan’s Medieval period.
This is a comfortable tour that comes with a nationally licensed guide-interpreter, a tour guide, and private car. -
Walk from Iriomote Island to the Exclusive Private Yubu Island & Enjoy a Luxurious Breakfast Experience
This tour offers a private experience on Yubu Island before regular business hours so that you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a special experience that is all your own.
Participants on this tour will walk on foot from Iriomote Island to Yubu Island on a path usually traversed via water buffalo carts.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of rice balls made of black and purple rice and served in handmade baskets while you sit on Manta Ray Beach and gaze at the Yaeyama Islands.
Learn about how Yubu Island prospered and developed and about the elementary school that once stood on the island, interact with and feed the water buffalos, and roam freely around the island with a dedicated guide. It's an exclusive and invaluable experience.