Experience deep Japan while supporting the locals and their culture, environment, economy and society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Experience rural Japan life with a farmstay experience in Yamagata. Harvest or plant crops, and learn to cook traditional dishes.
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.
In the Hirashimizu artisan village area, learn how to make pottery and the finer points of sake tasting from local masters.
Experience Iaido, a traditional sword-based martial art, at the very place it was founded: Iai Shrine in Yamagata Prefecture.
Learn Japan’s beloved traditional game of kendama alongside the locals of Nagai City.
Detailed info on the maiko geisha dance performances and meals offered at Somaro, and how to book reservations.
Forage for sansai (wild mountain vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms) in the pristine nature of Mount Gassan, Yamagata with a veteran guide.
Forage wild sansai vegetables on the slopes of Mount Haguro alongside yamabushi mountain monks, then use them to cook shojin ryori dishes.
Learn how to make Yamagata’s soul food, Imoni. Start from the local market and then learn from a Japanese chef how to prepare and cook this delicious food!
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.
Sakata City is the main port city of Yamagata Prefecture and retains much of the history from its golden days in the Edo Period.
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.
Located conveniently in the heart of Yamagata City, create your own Japanese soba from scratch with the guidance of veteran soba masters.
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the sunrise in spring time.
Embark on a journey to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Okitama region in rural Yamagata, Japan. Visit the places written about generations past, enjoying the sights, locals, cuisine and culture of the land.
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.
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.
Experience snow country activities in Nishikawa town, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. Enjoy the snow, relax in a sauna and also take part in exclusive behind-the-scene tours.
Experience the wonders and history of this legendary temple complex with a professional and skilled English guide.
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.
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.
