Traditional Crafts and Factories

Whether you want to get a hands-on experience learning a local craft from a master craftsman or simply to get a behind-the-scenes look at how things are made, we have the experience or tour for you!

Experiences

Yamagata: From City Scenes to Mountain Springs Package Tour

Surrounded by the misty green mountains of northeastern Japan, hit the sightseeing highlights of Yamagata City and nearby areas on this specially crafted tour. Includes hands-on cultural and culinary experiences, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao.

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Experiences

Sake Brewery Tour (Kanenoi Shuzo)

On this private brewery tour, we invite you to visit for a tour of this incredible natural water source and the sake brewery in Miyagi Prefecture. Afterwards, delight in the subtle flavors of this incomparable sake in a guided a tasting session with one of the sake makers. 

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Craft Workshops

Shimenawa Making Experience

As a means of purifying spaces and preventing evil from entering, shimenawa ropes are hung to welcome the god Toshigami into one’s home. This experience offers visitors the chance to make a shimenawa decoration using green wara.

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Experiences

Active and Artisanal in Yamagata City

An easy, one-day guided cycling tour exploring the traditional side of Yamagata City. Ride to a Japanese garden, a minor holy mountain to explore a hidden shrine, and the artisan district Hirashimizu for a weaving experience.

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Experiences

Beyond the Sushi Bar: The foundations and future of Japanese cuisine

A 5-day, 4-night tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.  

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Experiences

Yamagata Cycling: Nature and Craft

Tour around Yamagata City by e-bike, enjoy learning about the history and culture and create pottery in the Hirashimizu artisan hamlet. After pottery, visit a local restaurant for a lunch of Yamagata soba.

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Culinary Workshops

Washoku Culinary Experience with Knife Demonstration

After watching a live demonstration by a local washoku chef, participants can try their hand at preparing fresh fish themselves! Participants will learn about kitchen knives and experience the difference in ease of slicing before and after sharpening. After that, participants will prepare sushi and sashimi to savor for lunch.

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Experiences

Yamagata: Sake and Sightseeing 3 Day Package Tour

Experience Yamagata to the fullest, from dawn to dusk! This specially crafted three day tour includes bar-hopping, sake tastings, hands-on cultural activities, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao. The perfect short romantic getaway!

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