Derek Yamashita - Creative Director

Experience the Culture of Yamagata Alongside the Locals

This 3-day cultural immersion tour invites guests to discover Yamagata through its people, food, craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage. From hands-on culinary workshops and artisan encounters to guided visits to historic temples and relaxing stays in traditional hot spring inns, this program offers meaningful experiences that can easily be added to a broader Japan itinerary.

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Highlights of Yamagata City

This 4-day tour is designed as an easy addition to any Japan itinerary for travelers seeking to venture beyond the typical tourist route and discover a more authentic side of Japan. Experience the spiritual beauty of Yamadera Temple, relax in the famous milky-white hot springs of Mt. Zao, and explore the charming streets and local culture of Yamagata City.

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Shiogama Market Tour and Sushi Workshop

Culinary Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / Derek Yamashita

After a tour of the famous Shiogama tuna auction and purchasing fish at the nearby wholesale market, learn from a local chef how to work with multiple types of Japanese knives to prepare rolled and nigiri sushi by hand with fresh ingredients from Miyagi.

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The Samurai City of Aizu Wakamatsu

Locations / Derek Yamashita

Aizu-Wakamatsu is one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the Tohoku Region often referred to as a samurai city.

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The Bronze Medal Certification Program in Hawaii

Stories / Derek Yamashita

The first instance of the Japanese Bronze Medal Certification Course held across the State of Hawaii in 2026.

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Private Northern Japan Travel in Miyagi Fall and Winter Version

Experiences, Private Multi-Day Package Tour / Derek Yamashita

A 3-day, 3-night private tour of the charm of the countryside of Northern Japan in Miyagi Prefecture.

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Northern Japan Travel in Miyagi Private Tour

Experiences, Private Multi-Day Package Tour / Derek Yamashita

On this 3-night gastronomy and artisan tour, explore Miyagi Prefecture`s charming countryside just north of its capital of Sendai City. With ease of access from Tokyo via the Tohoku Bullet Train, this tour program is designed to introduce the countryside charm in a compact package that can fit into a variety of tour itineraries.

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Crafts Culture and Culinary in Miyagi

未分類 / Derek Yamashita

A Monitor Tour of the Miyagi Countryside Last month The Hidden Japan team worked with Miyagi DMO and other local companies to bring travel agents from around the world to Miyagi for an introductory tour introducing this region of Japan and its culture to these agencies that are looking for unique and new content for

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Private Shiogama Tuna Auction and Fishmarket Tour

Experiences, Factory and Brewery Tours, One-off Experiences / Derek Yamashita

See the tuna auction and morning market of Shiogama through this locally guided day trip from Sendai. This tour incudes lunch.

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Tsuyahime Rice Workshops in Yamagata

Culinary Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / Derek Yamashita

Visit the vast rice fields of Yamagata Prefecture, meet the farmers and chefs behind what is widely regarded as Japan’s top commercially produced brand of rice, and learn to properly prepare rice in this exclusive experience.

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