Traditions
Area
Season
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A High-Value Dining Program Set at a Natural Monument, Open Only During Low Tide – Orochi Restaurant
Iwami Tatamigaura, a nationally designated Natural Monument, is often referred to as the "Uyuni Salt Flats of Shimane" due to its stunning reflections of the sky at sunrise and sunset. Its beauty is comparable to the stunning Chichibugahama in Kagawa Prefecture or Unosaki Coast in Akita Prefecture, which are popular for taking Instagram-worthy photos. Because it is a Natural Monument there are very few events held at Tatamigaura, but this event with host a Kagura performance here to create a truly extraordinary and immersive experience.
We will invite performers of Iwami Kagura, a Traditional Cultural Heritage of Hamada City that is nationally recognized as Japan Heritage. Iwami Kagura has also been selected to perform at the Osaka Expo in 2025, and this event will help to build up momentum for that. By inviting visitors to enjoy the local food and culture, we hope that this will lead to more people discovering the appeal of Hamada City's diverse resources.
In additional, the event will also showcase dishes made using local ingredients, such as fresh seafood (including "Nodoguro" blackthroat seaperch) landed at the San'in Hamada Port, and the beef from castrated and virgin cattle raised in Shimane Prefecture. The beef is highly praised and has twice received the Prime Minister's Prize at the National Wagyu Excellence Contest, a competition for the quality of Japanese beef.
There is a lack of nighttime entertainment in Shimane Prefecture, and data shows that people often just eat at accommodation facilities, but this event was designed to extend into nighttime. By holding this event and tour, we aim to stimulate nighttime tourism in Shimane Prefecture by encouraging people to go out at night. -
Activities in the tea fields of Uji surrounded by the scent of mist, where you can experience "another Kyoto" that has continued for 800 years
Enjoy a variety of handmade experiences using high-quality tea leaves inside a former tea factory. Try your hand at "tea tasting" in the hidden tea fields shrouded in deep mist, or take part in a "hand-rolled tea making" experience, where you can make your own original tea by kneading the tea leaves by hand. There is also a programme called the "tea chef experience," in which you can cook and serve foods such as "cha-gayu" (tea porridge) and "Uji tea cookies." In the Yamada area of the Kamo District of Kizugawa City, another Kyoto that is unknown to many but has a free-spirited culture, you can experience the little-known origins of Uji tea culture.
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Enjoy the Onsen Culture and Natural Beauty of Shiga Kogen: "Long-Stay Nature Tour" and "ONSEN Gastronomy Tour"
[Long-Stay Nature Tour]
・Get an up-close view of wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the ever-popular Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, wild snow monkey park.
・A guide will take you through the winding streets of the Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kanbayashi Onsen areas. The labyrinth-like alleys will make you feel as if you're on a journey through another world.
・These onsen towns have thrived thanks to the blessings of the surrounding mountains. With a nature guide by your side, you’ll explore the natural and cultural beauty of Shiga Kogen. A gondola ride to an altitude of 2,000 meters ensures that even those worried about their stamina can comfortably participate.
・Most accommodations have onsen or large baths within facilities, so after a day of hiking, you can soothe your tired body and fully appreciate the healing power of the hot water.
[ONSEN Gastronomy Tour]
・On the first day, you’ll participate in the PREMIUM ONSEN Gastronomy Walking Tour, strolling about 5km through the onsen towns and enjoying the local produce of Yamanouchi Town like fruit and sake at various gastronomy points.
・After the walk, relax and unwind with a soak in one of the area's hot springs.
・On the second day, you’ll explore various spots that allow you to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen Resort, including a visit to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen.
・Yamanouchi Town, home to the world’s only place where wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe in hot springs, is also where you’ll find the "Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen Resort", with a history dating back 1,300 years. The stone-paved streets in Shibu Onsen and traditional eaves of this onsen town evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.
・It is possible to book this tour as a one-day walking event. -
Weaving the Ryukyu Story on Izena Island: A Tour of King Sho En’s History and Nature Exploration
This tour is designed to immerse you in the traditions, culture, performing arts, and natural beauty of Izena Island, which still retains a strong trace of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Throughout the tour, local residents, who are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, will accompany you as interpreter guides.
In the "King Sho En Special Guide" tour, descendants of King Sho En's family will personally guide you through the birthplace of the kings who ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years. You will also have the opportunity to dress in traditional Ryukyu royal costumes and take commemorative photos.
The "Traditional Festival Experience" allows you to visit sites where island residents still practice sacred rituals and festivals, such as "Shinugu," "Naakuchi" and "Iruchayo," which are used to pray for bountiful harvests and fishing. You will get to experience these time-honored traditions through simulated participation.
In the "Traditional Performing Arts Experience," the island's performers will deliver a lecture through which you can experience "Sho En Drums," a traditional performing art of the island that uses Japanese drums, and the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument.
For the "Nature Appreciation Plan," you can choose between enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty and stunning sea views with a clear kayak experience or a special cruising and fishing experience." -
1,300 Years of Tagajo’s Founding: A Special Culinary Experience Connecting the Ages
Tagajo City is a historic town where one quarter of the area is occupied by historical sites. In the Nara period, 1,300 years ago, "Kokufu Tagajo" was established as the political and cultural center of the Tohoku region. Come and experience the rich history and food culture of Tagajo by making a short trip from Sendai.
・A short journey from Sendai Station to Kokufu-Tagajo Station (approx. 15 minutes)
・Ancient Costume Experience
Enjoy a dressing experience with Nara-period replica costumes, allowing you to feel like an aristocrat from that era.
・Tohoku History Museum
Visit a special exhibition, which is only open for a limited time, as well as the permanent exhibition. Check the reservation site for the dates of special exhibitions. The permanent exhibits provide insight into the history of the entire Tohoku region.
・Ancient Rice Lunch
Enjoy a special lunch featuring ancient rice, a local specialty of Tagajo City.
・Shell Painting Experience
Try your hand at painting on clam shells, once used in the noble game of "Kaiawase" (shell matching).
・Learn the History of Tagajo
Deepen your understanding of Tagajo’s historical significance at the Tagajo City Archaeological Research Center.
・Shiogama Shrine
Visit Shiogama Shrine, dedicated to the god of salt production. Salt production was closely connected with the history of Tagajo.
・Ancient Cultural Experience at the Tagajo Ruins
Experience the atmosphere of the time at the historical ruins of Tagajo Castle, including the newly restored southern gate.
・Special Imperial Cuisine
This tour offers a special meal inspired by the idea of what imperial cuisine from the Nara period might be like if it were served today, a unique culinary experience only available in Tagajo.
*Please note that program content may vary depending on the event date.
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Setonaikai National Park: Teshima Sustainable Tour - "Island Life in Japan"
This tour offers a hands-on experience of island life, including agricultural and fishing activities, as well as interactions with local artisans. You'll get to participate in a private farm tour, connecting you to the sea and land through its food that only uses the island's organic vegetables.
You can also enjoy cycling around the island on an E-bike, which promotes carbon neutrality, while appreciating the art that harmonizes with the natural beauty of Teshima. The tour includes a private viewing of art installations, which makes for a special experience in a unique space. This sustainable tour provides an exclusive chance to immerse yourself in the island lifestyle and art, allowing you to fully appreciate the tranquil beauty of Teshima. -
Experience life as it was in the authentic Japanese fishing village of Sagiura – Next-generation living in a traditional house made from reclaimed materials
Take a guided walk through Sagiura Village, and experience one of Japan’s most well-retained landscapes to understand why the traditions and culture here have been preserved and passed down to the present. Stay at a traditional inn made of materials reclaimed from vacant houses, and become one with the nature and life of Sagiura as you reflect on your own past and future.
[What you will experience]
・A guided walk around Sagiura village
・Make salt using seaweed from the Sea of Japan based on a traditional method unique to Sagiura, and take home the salt as a souvenir
・Stay at Wajimaya, which is a traditional inn made from reclaimed lumber
・Take a fishing boat cruise on the Sea of Japan and visit a “blue cave” geopark spot, which is a rare cave where light shines deep inside
・Watch a video to experience a local festival held every New Year’s with "Shagiri," a type of music played with a short flute
・Gaze out at the Sea of Japan as you take a private bath with arame, a type of seaweed that is a specialty of Sagiura
・Enjoy a Japanese dinner made with local ingredients
・Have a traditional Sagiura fisherman's breakfast prepared by a local -
Urban Legend Taxi
A first of its kind, Urban Legend Taxi is an hour-long immersive horror experience tour that is brought to life with surround sound and 3D video using the latest technology from Sony, the pride of Japan. With the help of 3D video, 360 Reality Audio, and sound AR technology, you will be taken on a tour of secret urban legend spots around Tokyo. Escorted along in one of S.RIDE's premium vehicles, you will experience fear and horror in luxury!
Inside the vehicle, you can watch a program about the urban legends on a Sony Spatial Reality Display. Strange things will start to occur as you see thrilling urban legends take place in real time. The sound AR app Locatone™ is used to enhance the audio experience and make each spot you visit even more immersive.
This horror experience has been overseen by Haunted House Obaken, which has produced numerous haunted houses and horror events in Japan and overseas, so you will be sure to have an authentic horror experience.
Guidance on the tour is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, so tourists from outside Japan are also welcome. Investigating urban legend spots with the help of a chauffeur brings the experience to life and makes the horror even more real. Whether you are someone who loves urban legends or you just want to a new way to experience horror, this tour is for you. Who knows? Perhaps in the darkness and terrors of Tokyo, you will create a new urban legend of your own…
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Satsuma Samurai Spirit Tour in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Samurai existed in Japan from the medieval to the modern eras. They trained in swordsmanship and other arts in order to protect their lord, their families, and themselves. However, they also emphasized spiritual training through the learning of etiquette, tea ceremonies, and other cultural practices. Their bravery, wisdom, and aesthetic sensibilities were passed on to future generations, and have given rise to many cultures, traditions, and ideas.
Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture is a historically “samurai” city, where the spirit of the Satsuma samurai remains strong. The Samurai Program includes a guided tour of the largest scale armor-production site in Japan, an experience dressing in premium armor, an iaido experience, and a samurai dinner to deeply get in touch with the life and philosophy of the Satsuma samurai. -
A Special November Sumo Tour in Fukuoka Prefecture
Sumo wrestling is a typical November event in Fukuoka and a well-known example of Japan's unique culture. In this tour, participants get access to box seats for the Grand Sumo Kyushu Tournament. During the main tournament, participants get to watch the excitement of the morning practice sessions. They will then be served a meal of chanko (a typical sumo wrestler meal), which includes a chanko-nabe hot pot specially prepared for the sumo stable. This tour also includes things that can only be done in Fukuoka, such as visits to cultural sites, shrines related to sumo, and an exhibition focused on sumo culture.
Partipicants will be accompanied by a guide, so they can relax and enjoy the tour.