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!
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.
On this private tour of Kanenoi Sake Brewery, visit an incredible natural water source and go behind-the-scenes of this women-owned 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.
This June 1st – July 15th program offers an opportunity to experience “Sho-Aizome,” one of Japan’s oldest indigo dyeing techniques, passed down in the Monji area of Kurikoma, Kurihara City.
This 3-day, 2-night tour gives you the chance to not only watch, but take part in the Hanagasa Festival, of the top three summer festivals in Tohoku. This trip includes two nights at a central Yamagata hotel, a dedicated interpreter, a private dance lesson with a local instructor, costume rental, kimono dressing, hair and make-up, tabi, and zori sandals for the event on the evening of the 5th.
The Hanagasa Festival is the largest festival in Yamagata City where thousands of dancers fill the streets.
After watching a live demonstration by a local washoku chef, 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.
Learn the Suzume Odori, a traditional dance passed down from the times of the samurai. Enjoy the traditions of the samurai and townspeople from Sendai’s castle town days.
Zasu Pottery is one of the few remaining anagama (traditional wood-fired kilns) in the Tohoku region, continuing the tradition of producing unglazed, natural-fired pottery. Tour the old-style anagama kiln while listening to explanations from the pottery master.
A 5-day, 4-night private 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.
Experience Yamagata to the fullest, from dawn to dusk. This specially crafted 3-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.
Experience the splendor of Niigata Prefecture in this 3-day, 2-night private tour. Tour the factories of Tsubame Sanjo, see the majestic koi of Nagaoka, and delight in the local fermented food culture.
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.
From Niigata to Yamagata, experience the charm and beauty of traditions of craftsmanship in the Uetsu region of Japan on this 4-day, 3-night tour. Experience Japan’s “monozukuri” tradition for yourself while learning about the history and charm of creation in each area.
Explore the deep craft of production of Japan, which have continued to the present day. See how Japanese fabrics are made and how old-style sake was brewed through this unique, exclusive one-day tour.
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.
Enjoy a private performance of the Yatsu Shika Odori deer dance, a folk performing art from the Kurihara Ichihasama area with a 400-year history, which has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Miyagi Prefecture.
Surrounded by the misty green mountains of northeastern Japan, hit the sightseeing highlights of Yamagata City and nearby areas on this specially crafted 4-day, 3-night 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.
