Private Sea to Table Experiences in Yamagata
Catch your own fish or shop for some at a local market, then watch or work alongside as a professional Japanese chef prepares it.
September 12, 2022
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Private Package Tours
On this page, explore our private package tour offerings. The Hidden Japan offers both single and multi-day package tours, combining some of our most popular a la carte experiences into carefully curated trips. These trips are perfect for adding an authentic short-term northern Japan adventure to your travels.
If none of these tours are quite right for you, please contact us about arranging a fully custom private tour (we do both full trips and single legs!).
Single Day Tours
Behind-the-scenes of Traditional Japanese Production Techniques Private Tour
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.
February 6, 2024
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Recenter Your Body and Mind with Private Shojin Ryori Dinner and Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple
Rinnoji Temple, which has one of the best gardens in the Tohoku region, offers a private tour and immersion in Japanese culture as you learn about the history of Rinnoji Temple and Zen culture. After a prayer and zazen experience, enjoy a meal of shojinryori.
January 24, 2025
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Ishinomaki Culinary Adventure Private Tour
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.
July 31, 2025
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Digital Detox in Miyagi’s Northern Mountains
Experience true freedom and tranquility in the remote mountains of Miyagi at an onsen ryokan without electricity. With only lamps to light your way, digitally detox and experience nature to the fullest. Includes full English language support.
October 10, 2025
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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.
February 14, 2023
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Highlights of Sendai and Matsushima 1-day Private Tour
A private guided tour that lets you experience the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights of Sendai and Matsushima all in just one day.
December 20, 2024
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Traditional Maiko and Music Performances and High Japanese Culture – collaboration with the Homma Museum of Art
Experience the best of Japanese high-class culture on this private tour including performances of traditional Japanese instruments of Shamisen, shakuhachi and koto, tea ceremony, tour the Homma Museum of Art, zazen meditation and more.
March 29, 2024
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Traditional Japanese beauty and art – collaboration with the Homma Museum of Art
Wear traditional Japanese clothing, Yukata, around the port town of Sakata while experiencing the traditional side of Japan. Try out traditional crafts, Sakata cuisine, visit historical locations of the area and more.
March 5, 2024
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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!
February 22, 2024
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Multi-Day Tours
Spiritual 3-day Private Tour in Shonai, Yamagata
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in this active 3 day and 2 night experience.
March 27, 2023
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Yamagata: From City Scenes to Mountain Springs Private Tour
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.
July 8, 2025
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Deep-dive into centuries-old Japanese Culture Private Tour
Okitama has an abundance of tradition, culture and history, from 1600 year old shrines to traditional childhood pastimes, festivals and cuisine. On this 3 day, 2 night tour, appreciate the longstanding culture and history that Okitama has to offer.
April 5, 2024
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Private 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.
February 12, 2026
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Highlights of Sendai Private Tour
Sendai is a dynamic and historically significant city bursting with culture, history, nature, and tradition. On this 4 day, 3 night tour, hit Sendai’s top sightseeing destinations, experience hands-on cultural, culinary and crafting experiences, and get to know the tradition and culture of this fascinating city.
June 28, 2024
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Discovering Yamagata: Private Tour
Surrounded by the misty green mountains of northeastern Japan, hit the sightseeing highlights of Yamagata City and nearby areas on either the 3 or 4 day versions of this specially crafted tour. Includes hands-on cultural experiences, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao.
June 30, 2024
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Farmer Homestay Programs in Yamagata Prefecture
Experience rural Japan life with a farmstay experience in Yamagata. Harvest or plant crops, and learn to cook traditional dishes.
July 29, 2022
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Northern Japan Travel in Miyagi Private Tour
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.
December 28, 2025
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Sanriku Seafood Sabbatical Private Tour
From oyster fishing and cooking in Ishinomaki to the seafood auction of Shiogama, Japan’s sushi capital, delight in the delectable seafood of the Miyagi coastline on this 3 day, 2 night gastronomy tour.
October 10, 2025
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Journey Through Miyagi Private Tour
Combining artisan workshops, local culinary delights, and charming local lodgings, the Miyagi Region offers a wonderful dive into traditional Japan for the open minded and curious traveler.
This tour is a customizable plan with a variety of options and length that can fit into existing travel itineraries thanks to the excellent access direct from Tokyo via the Tohoku Bullet Train. We recommend this for guests looking to break away from the main tourist sites of Japan for parts of their trip which mixes well with a visit to Tokyo and Kyoto.
November 17, 2024
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Beyond the Sushi Bar: The foundations and future of Japanese cuisine Private Tour
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.
January 22, 2025
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Spirituality and Culture at Jionji Temple Private Tour
A 1 night, 2 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.
October 4, 2024
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A Private Culinary Journey through Northern Japan’s Wine Country
From the soothing onsen waters and picturesque castle of Kaminoyama to the city skyline of Yamagata, experience the best local cuisine and culture this area has to offer on this 5 day, 4 night private package tour.
December 2, 2025
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Explore, Unwind, Connect: Discover Nature’s Wonders in Mogami Private Tour
Explore nature’s wonders in the Mogami region of northeastern Japan on this 2 day, 1 night tour, including a riverboat cruise and trekking to an ancient forest.
February 27, 2025
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Private Samurai Adventure Tour of Miyagi
Immerse yourself in all things Samurai on this 4 day, 3 night tour. Start in the Samurai town of Shiroishi, enjoy private tours of Date Samurai history hotspots in Sendai and Matsushima, and get in on the action in Tome with a Yagyu Shingan-ryu experience. Wind down your trip with a stay in a luxurious traditional onsen ryokan
October 10, 2025
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Highlights of Aizu: 3 day 2 night Private Tour in Fukushima
Experience the best of traditional and pop culture in Fukushima on this 3 day, 2 night journey, including martial arts experiences, historic towns, breathtaking nature, hot springs stays, a visit to tokusatsu mecca and even a stationmaster cat!
March 28, 2025
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Rebun Hokkaido Private Gastronomy Tour
Discover a different side of Japan and experience the vibrant food culture of the island of Rebun, Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in the northern panoramas and get to know the region’s fishing, culinary and cultural history through the experiences of local residents on this 4 day, 3 night tour.
June 4, 2024
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The Artisans of Uetsu: Encounters with silk, steel, and more Private Tour
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.
January 21, 2025
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Hidden Outdoor Okitama Private Tour
Interact with the abundant nature of the Okitama region- experience a hot air balloon ride, canoe in picturesque gorges and enjoy a night walking tour through the traditional Akayu onsen district.
February 6, 2024
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Two Day Cuisine and Culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata Private Tour
On this 1 night, 2 day tour, explore Yamagata’s traditional and modern food culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata City. On day one, experience, interact, and deeply enjoy all facets of this region’s incredible cuisine. On day two, immerse yourself in traditional culture, from mountain temples to maiko performances.
January 30, 2026
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Journey on the Uetsu Main Line: Exploring Sakata City Private Tour
In these carefully curated 2 or 3 day tour packages, enjoy the cultural and culinary highlights of port town Sakata, easily accessible via JR East’s scenic Uetsu Main Line.
January 30, 2025
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Soul of Uetsu: Spirituality and cuisine shaped by nature Private Tour
A 4 day, 3 night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
January 21, 2025
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3 Day 2 Night Tour in Niigata
Experience the splendor of Niigata Prefecture in this 3 day, 2 night tour plan. Make your own Japanese knife, onsen ryokan lodging, and more.
March 22, 2023
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Yamabushi Shojin Ryori Overnight Experience
Dine on Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori, sleep at a pilgrim’s lodge. Wake the next morning to harvest vegetables and learn to cook this cuisine.
July 29, 2022
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Yamagata Hanagasa Festival Package Tour
This 2 night tour gives you the chance to not only watch, but take part in the Hanagsas 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. Applications close June 15, 2026.
March 10, 2026
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Cuisine and Culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata Private Tour
On this three night, four day gastronomy tour, explore Yamagata’s traditional and modern food culture in Yamagata City and Kaminoyama. Meet local farmers, chefs, restaurant owners and employees to experience, interact, and deeply enjoy all facets of this region’s incredible cuisine.
December 8, 2025
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Private Northern Japan Travel in Miyagi Fall and Winter Version
A 3 day, 3 night private tour of the charm of the countryside of Northern Japan in Miyagi Prefecture.
December 28, 2025
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Samurai Story
Cultivate your mind, body and spirit as you experience firsthand how the samurai arts and traditions live on in the present day. In this private eight-day tour, participate in personalized experiences led by masters, whilst being supported by English-speaking guides knowledgeable in martial arts.
February 7, 2024
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Yamagata: Sake and Sightseeing 3 Day Private 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!
July 9, 2025
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Mt. Zao Snow Monster Private Tour
Marvel at the sight of the snow monsters atop of the frosty Mount Zao with this 2-day, 1-night tour.
December 27, 2023
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