Soul of Uetsu: Spirituality and cuisine shaped by nature
Nature and spirituality, deeply intertwined
A four-day, three-night tour program to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region's culture and cuisine
Journey in Japan’s Uetsu area to experience how nature, spirituality, and culinary traditions connect and shape this region and its local culture. Interact with Yamabushi mountain priests, craftsmen, chefs, cycling guides and more to more deeply understand and enjoy the charms of the Uetsu region. At Mt. Haguro, be guided up the 2,446 stone steps through the ancient forest by a Yamabushi mountain priest, learn about and enjoy the tradition of shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine passed down by the mountain monks. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the stunning scenery over the Sea of Japan and the rice fields on the coast, a quiet and tranquil garden at the base of a holy mountain where you will experience a zazen meditation experience, and take a cycling tour to enjoy the nature and tradition on this 4-day, 3-night tour connecting Niigata Prefecture’s Tsubame-Sanjo with Yamagata Prefecture’s Shonai region.
Tour at a glance
Inclusions:
- Accommodations (3 nights)
- Breakfasts on Days 2-4
- Lunches on Days 1-4
- Dinners on Days 1-3
- English-speaking interpreter-guide
- Yamabushi guide to lead Mt. Haguro experience
- Rental cycles and guide for cycling tour
- Other program fees
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Food and drink in addition to the prix fixe meals included as part of the package
- Transportation to starting location
- Other items not explicitly listed as included
We can also provide the following options for an additional fee:
- Interpretation in other languages (please inquire)
- Customization
Minimum number of participants
2 participants
Cost
From ¥460,000 per person (with a minimum of 2 participants)
Tour Length
4 days, 3 nights
Tour availability
Please inquire
Tour Start Location
Tsubamesanjo Station
Important notes
Dietary Restrictions:
Day 1
Tour Highlights
- Meet at Tsubamesanjo Station
- Stop for a lunch of local specialty Se-Abura (back fat) ramen.
- Visit a lively fish market promenade to sample some local delicacies including snow crab (if the season permits) and view the various shops in the marketplace.
- Drive the Mt. Yahiko Skyline, a scenic route leading to the top of Mt. Yahiko, where you can observe a panoramic view of the stunning scenery of the sprawling Echigo Plain and Sado Island floating in the glittering Sea of Japan from the Panorama Tower*
- Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Yahiko Onsen.
*In cases of closure do to weather or other reasons, the visit to the Panorama Tower will be swapped with a visit to a local sake brewery.
Day 2
Tour Highlights
- After breakfast at your accommodations, visit Yahiko Shrine, one of Niigata Prefecture’s most beloved spiritual sites, followed by a stroll around to some hot spring foot baths and a farmer’s market and local food court at a nearby tourism facility.
- Transfer to the city center for a lunch of Italian cuisine, served on a collection of carefully selected dishes with cutlery chosen from among the works of local craftsmen.
- After some time for shopping from a carefully curated collection of locally produced kitchenware, knives, and other products, travel to Tsuruoka City and stay overnight in a seaside hot spring town.
Day 3
Tour Highlights
- After breakfast at your accommodations, travel to Mt. Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan. With a Yamabushi priest as a guide, climb the stairs winding though rows of magnificent cedar trees to the mountain top, soaking in the power of nature and learning more about the spiritual culture of the Dewa Sanzan with your guide.
- Visit the shrine and enjoy a lunch of shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine at the top of the mountain.
- Transfer to a tranquil Buddhist temple at the base of Mt. Haguro and enjoy a zazen meditation experience with the chief priest of the temple. Sip a cup of matcha tea and gaze out at the tranquil Japanese garden.
- Transfer to downtown Sakata to a traditional ryokan inn to rest for the night.
Day 4
Tour Highlights
- After breakfast at your accommodations, join a local guide for an e-bike cycling tour in the port town of Sakata and surrounding countryside, including visits to waterfalls.
- Stop for a lunch of local specialty, Sakata ramen.
- Finish the tour at Sakata Station or Shonai Airport and head on to your next adventure.
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will check on availability for your request and contact you by email.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy for this tour is below. Cancellation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
4 business days or more before date of tour
No penalty
3 business days before date of tour
20% of total price
2 business days before date of tour
30% of total price
1 business day before date of tour
50% of total price
Day of the tour
100% of total price
