
Traditions
Area
Season
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Special Experience in “The Heart” of Tokyo – A First-Ever Showcase of Ukiyo-e, Beautiful Scenery, and Exquisite Cuisine Among the Autumn Foliage of Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Indulge in Japanese tea while surrounded by autumn foliage! An outdoor tea ceremony at Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
Held at Kitanomaru Park, this outdoor tea ceremony allows you to observe a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy matcha green tea, and savor some autumn sweets. Immerse youreslf in the stunning autumn landscape while experiencing Japanese traditional hospitality.
Experience the stylish essence of Edo culture! Viewing of Ukiyo-e artworks in a special setting.
For the first time, rare ukiyo-e pieces from the Mitani family's collection, which are normally not on display, will be shown in a special exhibition for this event. Take a glimpse into life in the Edo period through Ukiyo-e artworks. The venue is the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters building, an Important Cultural Property that has never been opened to the public and is now specially reserved for this event. Don't miss this chance to admire the historical building's beauty as well!
A unique fusion of tradition and modernity! Creative cuisine from a two star Michelin chef.
Enjoy a special culinary experience that combines traditional Japanese culture with French techniques. Kitanomaru Park in the Kokyo Gaien National Garden will be exclusively reserved for the event. A two star Michelin chef will prepare original , one-of-a-kind dishes inspired by Edo's "iki" (elegance) at a live cooking station. -
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. -
Premium Content to Immerse in the World of the Last Supper ~IMMERSIVE DINNER in OTSUKA MUSEUM OF ART~
Located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, the Otsuka Museum of Art sits in an area rich in local resources and products like "Naruto Sea Bream," "Naruto Wakame Seaweed," "Naruto Kintoki Sweet Potatoes," "Naruto Lotus Roots," and "Naruto Brewery" products. The region also boasts traditional crafts such as "Otani Ware" and "Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)".
This content allows guests to fully experience the essence and charm of Tokushima’s local ingredients and traditional crafts. Participants will enjoy a meal in an extraordinary venue inspired by "The Last Supper," where they will be offered a high-value-added experience that showcases the best of Tokushima’s food and craftsmanship. -
Unraveling the 500-Year-Old Tradition of the "Shioya Bay Ungami (Sea God) Festival" - A Wellness Experience in Okinawa’s Ogimi Village, the "Village of Longevity"
Located in northern Okinawa, Ogimi Village is one of the "Yanbaru Three Villages".
The "Yanbaru 3 Villages" are famous as the "Miracle Forest Yanbaru" and are surrounded by nature and home to a wide variety of species.
The region is home to unique species, and in July 2021, it was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
This tour introduces wellness experiences and village culture, and takes place primarily in "Ogimi Village," which is within the Yanbaru area.
With approximately 40% of the population aged 65 or older and 20 residents aged 100-years-old or more (as of 2023), Ogimi Village is globally recognized as a "Longevity Village". This community, which has coexisted with nature while cultivating its unique food culture and traditions, has even been selected as one of the "World’s Five Longevity Regions".
How have they lived, what foods have they eaten, and what traditional events have they preserved and passed down?
This tour offers insights into a precious settlement that has upheld its traditions for over 500 years. Through exchanges with residents and guided explanations, participants will uncover the origins of this "Longevity Village".
The guide for this unique experience will be Mr. Takahiro Oshiro, a researcher who relocated to Ogimi Village and specializes in connecting traditional village culture with wellness tourism. His research within the community allows for an unparalleled, special experience.
Why not explore a new wellness experience in Ogimi Village, one of Japan’s most representative "Longevity Villages", and learn about its community and health culture? -
Recreating a Maeda Family Banquet: A Special Chance to Explore the Charm of Yamanaka Lacquerware and Kutani Lacquerware with Modern Master Artisans at Kaga’s Premier Samurai Residence
Experience the finest hospitality of the Maeda family and the rich culture of Kaga Domain through the themes of "Architecture," "Food," and "Craftsmanship."
Experience the allure, meticulous craftsmanship, and technical precision of one of Japan’s three major lacquerware styles—Yamanaka Lacquerware—and the globally acclaimed Kutani Lacquerware ("Japan Kutani"). They will be introduced with commentary from the artisans themselves. Additionally, take a moment to relax in Yamanaka Onsen, a hot spring town beloved by the Maeda family. Gain exclusive access to "Mugen-an," the pinnacle of samurai architecture, and savor the same dishes once served to the Maeda family, recreating the feudal lord's style of hospitality. -
Eat Like a Shogun in Kawaguchi
Experience a little bit of the Edo period at Shakujoji Temple, the first stop on the Tokugawa shoguns’ travels to Nikko. Learn about the temple’s connections to the powerful shogunate, and be blessed by the Buddhist priest.
The highlight of the tour is enjoying an authentic Edo-style lunch, the very same meal that shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune ate at the temple in 1728, recreated down to the smallest detail.
You will also have a chance to try on and take photos while wearing a rare Takasagozome kimono, once beloved by the women of the court. -
Hida Takayama Premium Content Tour ~Enhancing the Value of Nature, Culinary Traditions, and Crafts~
This tour immerses you in the grandeur of the Northern Japanese Alps, with 3,000-meter-class mountains, and the rich food culture and traditional crafts of Hida Takayama, nurtured by its abundant water and forests. The tour offers an opportunity to understand the "history" and "culture" inspired by the region's natural beauty.
In the Okuhida region, you gain access to exclusive content starting from the special chartered Shinhotaka Ropeway. You will take the ropeway to the summit, where you can enjoy a breakfast of bread and coffee with breathtaking views. After that, you will trek to Kamikochi. A mountain guide will explain how the traditional culture of Hida Takayama, cultivated by the abundant water and forests nurtured by the Northern Japanese Alps, has benefited from the blessings of this majestic natural environment. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner prepared by a local Takayama chef using Hida ingredients in the private space of the Shirakabadaira Station View Lounge. Afterward, enjoy stargazing from an observation deck located at an altitude of 2,156 meters. In the Takayama area, we have prepared a variety of opportunities to engage with traditional culture. At Hirase Sake Brewery, founded 400 years ago, you can tour the brewery and enjoy sake tasting accompanied by explanations from experts. Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as "Miyagasa" hat-making by artisan Toisaka at the Kusakabe Folk Museum. At Minashi Shrine, after an official prayer ceremony, learn about the historical relationship between the Imperial Family and the shrine, and witness the production process of shaku (a ritual wand) at a shrine carpenter’s workshop. At the Hasado Carving Workshop, you can observe and experience the traditional art of "Ichii Ittobori" (one-stroke carving with Japanese yew).
The entire itinerary is accompanied by an experienced interpreter guide, and transportation is provided using a chauffeured private vehicle (Alphard). -
Gourmet & Culture Tour in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
●Shichiken Brewery tour & sake tasting: Shichiken Brewery has produced sake in Hokuto City for nearly 300 years, since 1750.
Enjoy some sake while exploring the "Densogura," which showcases valuable calligraphy, artworks, and historical documents from the Kitahara family.
●Kyogen performance at Misogi Shrine: Misogi Shrine is dedicated to practicing and promoting the ancient Shinto purification ritual of "misogi," a profound spiritual practice aimed spiritual cleansing and renewal. The term misogi refers to the act of purification. It is the world’s only shrine featuring a shinmei-zukuri style main shrine and a Noh theater built with Kiso Japanese cypress.
Experience Japanese traditional culture through a kyogen (a type of traditional Japanese comic theater) workshop and performance led by Tanroh Ishida, a Noh actor of the Izumi school.
●Dinner dining experience
The dinner course features an abundance of local ingredients. With 20 years of experience in Yamanashi, Chef Shinji Yamada, the owner of “French Culinary La Cuillette" has assembled a special team for this exceptional day. In addition to the meal, we offer an "OSAKE Pairing" featuring special wines from Grace Wine Brewery, renowned as the best in the region, as well as sake from Shichiken Brewery and whisky from Hakushu Distillery. This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that can only be enjoyed on this day. We offer a one-night-only dinner held at Misonoki Shrine, which is normally closed to the public.
●Special stay experience: Stay at Hotel Key Forest Hokuto, a boutique hotel where modern design meets traditional Japanese art. -
Dream Experiences: Beyond Himeji Castle
Experience the serene beauty of Engyoji Temple, a sacred site in northern Himeji with over a millennium of history. Adding to this journey, savor a culinary masterpiece crafted by chef Yamaguchi of Kobe’s renowned Kitano Hotel, celebrated for offering the world’s best breakfast. This tour fuses the old with the new, presenting innovative shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) that incorporates French culinary techniques.
At Engyoji Temple, enjoy privileged access to rarely seen temple structures, along with a hands-on experience in gold leaf application, an essential craft in creating Himeji's traditional Buddhist altars. Accommodation includes one night at Kobe’s Kitano Hotel and another at the Yumenoi-an Yuyake-koyake, nestled in the Yumesaki Onsen area. Other highlights include picking strawberries that were grown using the latest technology, a tour of a 400-year-old sake brewery, and a workshop in a historic Cultural Property tea house overlooking Himeji Castle, where you can make Japanese confections and enjoy matcha tea. This is a fully-packed tour that allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Himeji beyond the castle. -
Nagano: Guided Freeriding Tour and Immersive Rural Living by a Professional Snowboarder (Three Days, Two Nights)
Join a three-day tour in Nagano Prefecture. Take exclusive snowboarding lessons by professional snowboarder Mr. Konishi, whose popular classes are fully booked every winter. Learn tips and techniques authorized by Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park on how to fully enjoy Japan’s premier snow resorts while engaging in a freeriding experience. Additionally, this tour is packed with opportunities to experience Japan’s traditional rural lifestyle. Reimagine your belongings with the art of indigo dyeing, using the exceedingly rare, nationally designated Ise Katagami stencils to create one-of-a-kind, upcycled treasures. Participate in collaborative cooking using locally sourced ingredients from Shinano, which is renowned as a culinary treasure trove. The recipes are supervised by Tokyo’s famed Italian chef Otsuzuki. Delight in snow activities, traditional countryside living, and meaningful interaction with the local community.