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À la carte Experiences

From Sake Breweries and Silk Factories to Culinary Workshops, Martial Arts, and Spiritual Experiences, embrace local Japanese culture and craftsmanship through one of our unique private experiences.

Culinary Experiences

Shiroishi Umen: Guided Factory Tour of Kichimi Noodle Production

Founded in 1897 (Meiji 30), Kichimi Seimen has faithfully preserved the traditional techniques and spirit of Umen-making. At the factory, high-quality ingredients are carefully selected and processed using time-honored methods combined with modern technology. Every step—from mixing and kneading to aging, stretching, and drying—requires the experience and refined judgment of skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you can witness the noodle-making process up close, where manual craftsmanship and modern machinery coexist in harmony.

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January 8, 2026 No Comments

Ishinomaki Culinary Adventure

On this private sea-to-table culinary adventure tour, experience the bounty of the Sanriku fishing grounds just off the coast of Ishinomaki for yourself! Fish, fry, flambe, and feast your way through this all-day immersive experience.

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July 31, 2025 No Comments

Taiyaki Workshop in Kurihara

At old-fashioned sweets shop Kurikomaya in the Muikamachi neighborhood of Kurihara City, learn from the shop owner how to make taiyaki sweets, then try your hand at making one yourself.

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October 23, 2025 No Comments

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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June 3, 2024 No Comments

Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori Meal

Shojin ryori, is an ancient cuisine found on the Dewa Sanzan Mountains developed by the Yamabushi mountain monks with a storied history dating back over 1,400 years from when these sacred mountains were first opened.  

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July 3, 2023 No Comments

Farm to Bar

Experience the fruit kingdom of Yamagata Prefecture. Meet a Yamagata farmer and visit their orchard to harvest fresh fruit, then head to a cocktail bar where the bartender will craft an original cocktail or mocktail just for you!

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February 22, 2024 No Comments

Tofu Workshop

In this cooking workshop based in Yamagata city, you will learn how to prepare a local style of tofu with Yamagata soybeans from start to finish.

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July 4, 2023 No Comments

Mochi-Pounding Experience

Experience an indispensable element of Japanese holidays: mochi-pounding! Using a traditional mallet and mortar, pound mochi rice into this staple chewy morsel, and then enjoy the result as part of a delicious local dish.

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July 29, 2025 No Comments

Craft Workshops

Shiroishi Washi Fan Making Experience

This is an experience of making a fan using Shiroishi washi paper, a traditional product of Shiroishi City that is registered as a “Traditional Craft of Miyagi Prefecture.” Each piece of washi paper is hand-dyed, making it strong and durable, and each one is unique, with a different look.

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January 8, 2026 No Comments

Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Forge Experience

Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At the workshop of Norizane Miyagi, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making, try your hand at some smithing yourself, and view some genuine samurai swords in a private showing.

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October 29, 2025 No Comments

Kokeshi Doll Painting Experience

The kokeshi doll, born in the Tohoku region first as a toy, took on new life as an item travelers visiting the hot springs of the region would take back with them as a souvenir. In this experience, paint their own original kokeshi doll using the same kind of brushes and electric lathe the artisans themselves do.

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October 23, 2025 No Comments

Factory and Brewery Tours

Shiroishi Umen: Guided Factory Tour of Kichimi Noodle Production

Founded in 1897 (Meiji 30), Kichimi Seimen has faithfully preserved the traditional techniques and spirit of Umen-making. At the factory, high-quality ingredients are carefully selected and processed using time-honored methods combined with modern technology. Every step—from mixing and kneading to aging, stretching, and drying—requires the experience and refined judgment of skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you can witness the noodle-making process up close, where manual craftsmanship and modern machinery coexist in harmony.

Read More »
January 8, 2026 No Comments

Zasu Pottery at Hanayama: Gallery and Anagama (Traditional Wood-Fired Kiln) Tour

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. Their work features everyday tableware as well as flower vases, tea utensils, and art objects, blending traditional techniques with designs that fit modern lifestyles.
During the experience, you will tour the old-style anagama kiln while listening to explanations from the pottery master.

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January 8, 2026 No Comments

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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July 30, 2025 No Comments

Wakayanagi Jiori Textile Factory Tour

In the Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) periods, the Wakayanagi area of Kurihara flourished thanks to the production of Wakayanagi jiori, a traditional cotton textile. Learn about the Wakayanagi jiori production process and the special characteristics of the Y-type loom, about dedication to craftsmanship and techniques passed down through generations, from third-generation owner Kojun Chiba.

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July 30, 2025 No Comments

Outdoor Adventures

Mimamori Hachimaru Ranch Experience

Experience the Symbiosis of Horses, the Forest, and the Land! After learning some basics about horses, experience not only the strength of invisible bonds, but the harmony interwoven between humans and horses, a beautiful collaboration which transcends species through a teamwork activity using a machine through which humans and horses work together. Finally, learn about using sustainable agriculture to grow vegetables and rehabilitate the soil.

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January 19, 2026 No Comments

Experience the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival

The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima. Join the fight as a member of the Takeda or Uesugi forces in a special one-day tour.

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August 4, 2022 No Comments

Mt. Kurikoma Area Geo-Guide

Mt. Kurikoma Area Geopark, located around Mt. Kurikoma, features a rich and diverse natural environment. On this guided hike, learn the story of how people in the region have lived through and overcome numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods.

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January 8, 2026 No Comments

Oku-Matsushima Sagakei Gorge Sightseeing Boat Ride

Located around the jutting southeastern peninsula of Oku-Matsushima and Miyato Island, contrary to Matsushima Bay’s feminine seascape, Sagakei Gorge continues to astound and move spectators with its panoramic masculine, rough cliffs. Enjoy the scenic beauty while listening to the captain’s commentary on this adventurous voyage.

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January 20, 2026 No Comments

Guided Migratory Bird-Watching Tour in Miyagi

Embrace the hobby sweeping the masses- bird-watching! The Izunuma-Uchinuma wetlands are one of the wintering grounds frequented by the migratory waterfowl that come to Japan each winter. Contemplate the relationship between man and nature as you observe waterfowl rising from their roosts in the early morning and returning at dusk.

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July 30, 2025 No Comments

Northern Tohoku Adventure Tour

A 5-day, 4-night private adventure tour in Tohoku’s incredible northern prefectures. Trek, hike, cycle, and kayaking through three prefectures, actively enjoying Aomori, Akita, and Iwate’s sights, sounds, and some really excellent cuisine.

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January 30, 2026 No Comments

Dawn Reflections of Rice Paddies Hike

Around the end of May, rice fields of the Okitama region are filled with water. This hike aims to see the sunrise colors the surface of the rice fields and scattered villages below and travel to the summit of Mt. Kumano.

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March 15, 2024 No Comments

Geibikei Gorge River Cruise

Drift through the Geibikei Gorge, one of the most beautiful places in Japan, in a boat propelled by an oarsman maneuvering it with a single long pole. You may even get the chance to enjoy an “oarsman experience” in which you can try propelling the boat yourself!

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July 30, 2025 No Comments

Southern Tohoku and Niigata Adventure Tour

Explore Niigata, Fukushima, and Yamagata on this 4-day, 3-night private adventure tour. Explore Niigata city’s history and sake, hike through the stunning natural onsen landscapes of Fukushima, and embrace your inner samurai in Yamagata: this tour is for adventurous spirits looking for authentic experiences off the beaten path.

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February 12, 2026 No Comments

Hanagasa Festival

The Hanagasa Festival is the largest festival in Yamagata City where thousands of dancers fill the streets. In 2026, join the dance yourself for the first time!

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January 24, 2023 No Comments

Martial Arts

Experience the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival

The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima. Join the fight as a member of the Takeda or Uesugi forces in a special one-day tour.

Read More »
August 4, 2022 No Comments

Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Forge Experience

Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At the workshop of Norizane Miyagi, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making, try your hand at some smithing yourself, and view some genuine samurai swords in a private showing.

Read More »
October 29, 2025 No Comments

Samurai Spirit Experience

Experience what it felt like to be a retainer of the castle town of the Sendai Date clan. You will have the opportunity to try out drawing a real sword, which is something you don’t usually get to do, and try out tea at the Zangetsu-tei teahouse, where you will experience the mindset of a samurai.

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January 24, 2025 No Comments

Spiritual Experiences

Spirituality and Culture at Jionji Temple

A one-night, two-day tour program at Jionji, an ancient temple in the mountains, sure to enrich your mind and improve your physical health. Experience authentic shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine recreated from ancient recipes, try a Shugen trekking tour with a yamabushi mountain ascetic as your guide, and immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of this ancient temple.

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October 4, 2024 No Comments

Be a Shinto Miko Shrine Maiden For a Day

Experience being a miko, a shrine maiden, for a day at a largely revered shrine. Wear traditional miko clothing, learn about shintoism, create your own lucky amulet and participate in a formal
ceremony, then enjoy a local lunch.

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March 14, 2024 No Comments

Private Night Tour of Historical Zuihoden

In this special experience, make a night visit the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the samurai who built the foundation of Sendai. After a special viewing of the main hall, enjoy a performance of Japanese musical instruments in a solemn atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience at this remarkable place.

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January 24, 2025 No Comments

Yamagata Cycling: Goma Fire Ritual

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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February 13, 2024 No Comments
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