Nature & the Outdoors
Area
Season
-
Iwami Ginzan lifestyle experience tour
Flourishing from the Muromachi period (1336–1573) to the early Edo period (1603–1867), the World Heritage site “Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape” was a renowned silver mine.
Experience the culture and lifestyle in two traditional towns, Omori and Yunotsu, as well as a limited-time opening of the Okubo Mabu Mine Shaft, the largest in Iwami Ginzan, which is usually closed to the public. Feel the value of World Heritage site “Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape” through an accommodation plan that combines kominka old traditional houses (Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings) with small luxuries. -
Experience Ryukyu on Kume Island （Experience Ryukyu in Kumeisland)
In a collaboration between Okinawan traditions and beautiful ocean waters, this tour program can only be experienced here on Kume Island.
Experience precious Kumejima-tsumugi silk fabric, an Important Intangible Cultural Property of high artistic merit, handmade by artisans, and have an expert dress you in it. While wearing Kumejima-tsumugi silk fabric, visit sightseeing spots around Kume Island and learn about Okinawa’s food and traditional culture. Try your hand at weaving Kumejima-tsumugi silk fabric, stroll through old streets, take photos framed by beautiful sea waters, and visit the spectacular ruins of Uejo Castle, a National Important Cultural Property known as the Machu Picchu of Kume Island for its 360° panoramic views.
The Uezu House, a National Important Cultural Property, is the oldest historic private residence in Okinawa. With a wooden structure unique to Okinawa, it has withstood the wind and rain for 400 years, and offers magnificent panoramic views. Although the home is currently closed to the public, it will be accessible as a part of this tour.
In the deluxe plan, visitors will enjoy a unique Okinawan variation of tea ceremony called bukubuku tea at the Uezu House. This special tea ceremony imparts a sense of the mystical energy of the Ryukyu Islands.
A special dining course will also be served. Enjoy exquisitely fresh oysters, prawns, and "sea grapes" (a seaweed delicacy), which is grown in sea water about 612 meters deep, and available only on Kume Island. Visitors will enjoy a gastronomic experience using an abundance of Kume Island tuna and other local ingredients. -
Adventure on the Amami Islands, a World Natural Heritage site
Amami Oshima Island is an island rich in nature located roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and Okinawa. In July 2021, the area was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in recognition of its diverse range of wildlife living and growing in the area, including rare species such as the Amami rabbit.
The island has produced many unique traditional industries and cultures, such as Oshima tsumugi, one of the world's three major textiles, and brown sugar shochu. We will sell high value-added tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural attractions of Amami Oshima Island through trekking, cycling, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
Why are things like Oshima tsumugi and brown sugar shochu made only in the Amami Islands? There are still very few tours in Japan and other East Asian countries that offer such a unique opportunity to explore the connection between Amami's unique culture and nature through activities, making this tour a very special experience.
Come and experience the charm of Amami Oshima Island through this tour. -
A day of traditional culture in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden has been at the center of Japan for a thousand years. It was the location the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the home of the Emperor and the seat of government from the Heian Period (794–1185) until the Meiji Restoration (1868), when the capital was relocated to Tokyo. It remains a symbolic place of traditional culture, not only for Kyoto but also for Japan, and its vast area and serene ambiance showcases an the natural beauty of each season. This year's marché event will be the largest of its kind ever held in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, featuring food trucks and other vendors. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy an unconventional, large-scale cultural event. Enjoy culinary treats at the marché while experiencing the history and culture of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the remains of former noble residences, and the rich natural beauty of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
-
Travel back in time to the Edo Period: Japan Heritage Oyama Pilgrimage experience tours
Following the path of the Oyama Pilgrimage's history, visitors can experience traditions that have continued since the Edo period. This special overnight tour offers a modern take on Japanese culture, eliminating language barriers by providing an interpreter guide for each group.
Participants in the Noh Kyogen experience will wear Noh masks and costumes while receiving instruction in Noh Kyogen theatre from the Yamamoto family of the Okura and Kanze schools, which have long-standing links with performing arts in the area. Visitors can enjoy the experience of ascending a Noh stage, which is normally off-limits to visitors, under the guidance of professionals.
During the visit to Oyama Afuri shrine, visitors will don traditional garb and carry large wooden swords over 4 meters in length. A special cable car will carry visitors to the shrine for a formal visit outside of normal operating hours.
Visitors will also enjoy a special dinner at Teahouse Sekison, which was awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan, where they can savor local cuisine while enjoying night-time views from the lower shrine partway up the hill.
At night, visitors can bask in the atmosphere of the Edo period in the old shrine approach area and enjoy Edo-era games, such as hanafuda (traditional playing cards) at the shukubo lodging, as well as Japanese sake, which has earned many fans overseas.
For overnight stays, each group can rent a single shukubo, a Shinto-style lodging, and enjoy opportunities to interact with local residents, including hospitality provided by a leading priest.
Other optional content includes a fire-offering ceremony experience at Oyama Dera Temple, home to a Buddhist statue designated a National Important Cultural Property, a scroll-transcribing experience at the shukubo lodging, an Oyama tofu-making experience, and more. This special tour allows visitors to experience Edo traditions right up until checkout. -
Experience Miyazaki Culture with Japanese Craft Spirits - Miyazaki Shochu / Shochu Tourism
This year, the President’s prize, the highest award in the Authentic Shochu and Awamori Category of the Kura Master competition, went to a shochu called Aokage from the Yanagita Distillery in Miyakonojo.
Miyazaki Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of shochu and continues to be number one in Japan in shipments of authentic shochu.
However, Miyazaki Prefecture is not only known for its spirits. Visitors can also enjoy unique gourmet foods such as Miyazaki Beef, which is characterized by its superb meat quality and fine texture, and ripe mangoes grown right in Miyazaki. Both of these foods are a perfect match with Miyazaki shochu.
In recent years, Miyazaki Prefecture's natural wonders have also attracted attention from travelers. The "Cliff Diving World Series" competition, a high dive event held at tourist attractions around the world, was held at Takachiho Gorge in August 2023.
Takachiho is famous for its shrines associated with Japanese gods and its mystical scenic spots. Yokagura, a traditional form of dance which has been preserved and passed down by the villagers of Takachiho, transports visitors back to a time when the gods walked among us! Surrounded by the forests, beautiful air, and the quiet murmur of clear streams, this is the perfect place for making authentic shochu. Another shochu called Takachiho has also won over many fans around Japan and the world.
We hope you will take this opportunity to experience great pairings of shochu, gourmet food, nature, and tradition that can only be experienced in Miyazaki.
A unique shochu distillery and Miyazaki's rich nature await you. -
Special experience that utilizes a cultural asset: “Stay at the Sankeien Garden” “Cruising immersive theater” is an immersive performance onboard a ship that utilizes the space along the water
For one night only, stay in an Important Cultural Property and a city-designated Tangible Cultural Property (the inside of which is normally closed to the public) and enjoy the Sankeien Garden, a nationally designated scenic beauty spot, all to yourself.
- Experience accommodation in a city-designated Tangible Cultural Property in Sankeien (covering an area of approximately 175,000 meters-squared), which comprises the Outer Garden (gaien), which was first opened to the public in 1906 and features a landmark three-storey Muromachi period (1336–1573) pagoda relocated from Tomyo-ji Temple in Kyoto, and the Inner Garden (naien), which combines an old building and garden used as Hara Sankei's private garden. This program provides accommodation (one-night, two meals) for up to two groups of maximum four people per group.
- Dates: From Tuesday, October 31, to Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Premier cruise entertainment ~ Japan’s first "cruising immersive theater" ~ Premium performance for two days only
- Japan’s first waterside "cruising immersive theater" in areas such as “Yoshida Shinden,” the cornerstone of Yokohama’s development
- While taking a cruise down Ooka River and Nakamura River, experience the history and culture of Yokohama through the story of the origins of Yokohama told via an immersive performance
- The performance stages are all public spaces (onboard a ship, pier, or bridge, or in a town near the water, etc.)
- Performance by the dance company DAZZLE, a top tier Japanese immersive theater group, which has achieved many large-scale and regular performances
- Dates: From Friday, October 13, to Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Number of performances: 12 (six performances per day over two days)
- Start times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. -
Okukinu Super Forest Road Adventure Gravel Ride （OKUKINU Super Forest Road Adventure Gravel Ride）
This deal includes special permission to gravel ride through the Okukinu Super Forest Road with professional guides.
The Okukinu hot springs are located in the innermost part of Nikko and Oze National Parks and is one of Japan's most unexplored areas with abundant natural beauty and many gravel courses. After enjoying the gravel courses, relax with a meal made from local ingredients, such as wild game, and soak in the finest hot springs.
Enjoy riding gravel in the steep, mountainous terrain of Japan.
Personal equipment is allowed, but rental equipment is also available, and there is an extensive maintenance system in place. -
NAKED Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Fall 2023
NAKED, INC., the company that is responsible for event planning and direction, is a creative company that has created various flower- and nature-themed creative events such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Spring 2023 and NAKED FLOWERS, a nighttime light installation at the World Heritage site of Nijo Castle in Kyoto.
Fall leaves and light—illumination brings out their natural beauty by night.
This event goes beyond simply lighting up the garden to create a complete new world with projection mapping and sound evoking the atmosphere of Shinjuku Gyoen
Visually appealing food and beverages centered around "fall in Japan" as the theme will be available
A health-conscious menu, including vegan options, with a focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, including less plastic use
Safety and security based on new normal practices
Designed as a safe space, with lanterns to naturally provide distance and extensive measures to prevent crowding, close contact, and accidents, both inside and outside of the venue -
Discount! Gero Hot Springs at night “GERO Pura” ~Meal included! Choice plan to experience everything~
You can choose with 5,000 yen! Choice plan “GERO Pura”
Package details: Tickets for local bar 3,000 yen + other experience fees 2,000 yen (Gassho village entry ticket + local art experience + goheimochi rice cake tasting + bus ticket)
- Special autumn foliage light-up event at Gassho village, which is usually closed, to enjoy a festival atmosphere;
- 3,000-yen meal coupon ticket to enjoy local cuisine and alcohol at traditional restaurants and bars in the hot spring town;
- Local arts activities that change weekly, such as a Japanese drum performance or a geisha performance unique to the hot springs culture at the Shirasagi-za Theater in Gassho village;
- Yukata, which are commonly worn when walking around Japanese hot springs. Enjoy the autumn foliage light-up event at Onsen-ji Temple;
- Shuttle bus from the hot springs town to Gassho village.