Search
Category
Area
Season
-
Private VIP tour of world-renowned Naoshima and Setoda by HONDAJET
A new partnership between HONDAJET and helicopters, yachts, and hire cars is here! The trip from Haneda Airport to Naoshima, which used to take five to six hours, has been shortened to only two hours. The Geiyo Islands area, which includes Setoda and Shimanami Kaido, is also now only an hour away from the Naoshima area. This partnership has achieved an unprecedented level of convenience for visitors!
The local experience offers an exclusive taste of all three categories: culture, mindfulness, and interaction with locals. In Naoshima, the renowned Chichu Art Museum and Teshima Art Museum are fully chartered. Participants can also experience the "Ma" program, which uses aroma and tea to harmonize the five senses and mind.
In the Setoda area, participants will tour the hidden secret islands by catamaran yacht. On board, private chefs offer sushi, Japanese meat cuisine, Japanese-French cuisine, and more. Participants will also stop at local residences on the islands along the way and enjoy welcome parties thrown by the islanders.
There are also a variety of cultural experiences to have, such as visits to sake and soy sauce breweries, Japanese paper studios, pottery studios, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples. Surprising experiences that even Japanese people do not know about await visitors, including Gerhard Richter's largest work of art, Chichibugahama Beach, known as the Salar de Uyuni of East Asia, and the giant Goemon Cauldron Baths, which are only found in Japan. At dusk, a colorfully constructed grazing table is prepared, loaded with locally sourced ingredients. With a local brew in hand, sit back and enjoy the sunset and evening cruise. -
One-of-a-kind original Kaiyodo figurine-making project centered on Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku
Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku, opened in 2021 as a production factory for soft vinyl figurines, is a place where visitors can experience painting figurines and creating dioramas as well as learn digital modeling using the latest digital equipment.
We have prepared a plan that allows participants to experience how to make figurines using the same production tools and methods as professionals at a production site that is usually closed to the public.
You will sculpt figurines on the computer using Zbrush, which has now become a mainstream tool in the industry, and work with active professional sculptors to create your own original figurine. -
Intimate discovery of Benesse Art Site Naoshima: Enjoy the wide array of entertainment in the Seto Inland Sea for 2 days on Naoshima Island
A local guide will lead participants through the art facilities and provide support as they take the opportunity to explore and connect deeply with the history and philosophy of the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima. The tour offers first-class hospitality, including an introductory video created especially for this tour that summarizes the thoughts of the founders and architects, a helicopter and cruiser ride to see the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea archipelago from every angle, a stay in the Oval Suite at Benesse House, a special menu at the hotel's Terrace Restaurant, and a special charter of the Chichu Art Museum before the museum opens. Special menus in partnership with the island's eateries are also available for local dining options and socializing in the area.
-
Dogo at Night: The Blooms of Traditional Performances
After explaining the difference between Noh and Kyogen, the four traditional Japanese performances of Kyogen, Ozashiki Buyo, Yakyuken, and Jidaigeki Buyo are presented in an omnibus format (1 hour 45 minutes).
These performances are arranged to be enjoyed casually for people who do not have many opportunities to interact with traditional Japanese performance styles. After the event concludes, guests are allowed to take photos with the performers using their smartphones. The venue is the “Senju-den,” the Noh theater on the fourth floor of the Yamatoya Honten, located in the center of Dogo hot springs town. The stage is close to the audience, so you can feel the voices, gestures, and energy of the performers up close. Also, even though eating and drinking while viewing traditional Japanese performances is usually prohibited, beverages will be sold during the performances so that you can enjoy them with a drink in hand. Please check the reservation site for details. -
Experience the Essence of Japanese Sword Culture at Oyamazumi Shrine, which Holds 80 Percent of Japan's National Treasures and Important Weaponry
See the treasures of Oyamazumi Shrine, followed by a performance
Located almost in the middle of the Setonaikai National Park, Omishima Island is also known as the "Island of National Treasures." This is because it is home to as much as 80 percent of the armor designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, as well as the oldest piece of armor in Japan (a National Treasure), as presented by the emperors and great generals of the past. Guests will get down to the heart of Japanese sword culture, both traditional and modern, on a private ride on the SEA SPICA, a luxury sightseeing cruiser that has been used for the G7 Summit. On this guided tour, you will hear tales from a chief Shinto priest and a Japanese sword scholar, Paul Martin, regarding the treasures that have been gifted to Oyamazumi Shrine, which will be followed by a 2.5-D performance of “The Genpei Seven Nights of Swords.”
2.5-D Performance of “The Genpei Seven Nights of Swords”
A blind, traveling minstrel visits Oyamazumi Shrine in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea under cover of darkness. As he plays his tune, the notes stir ancient warrior spirits from beyond the grave, driven by an unyielding quest for a legendary sword of Oyamazumi Shrine. This extraordinary performance features swords and other weapons used during the Genpei period during the late 1100s that have since been dedicated to Oyamazumi Shrine. This tale of seafaring military commanders is brought to you by popular 2.5-D musical actors and will premiere on a purpose-built stage on the grounds of Oyamazumi Shrine. -
Japan Fruits
Japan Fruits, a duty-free shop (Note 1) selling fresh, high-value Japanese fruits and cut fruit that can be eaten on the spot, will open in the special security-restricted area (the food and shopping area after passing through customs) of Terminal 3 of Tokyo International Airport for a limited time from early October 2023 until the end of January 2024.
Visitors can experience the full appeal of fruits, which can only be gained by visiting the store, including comparing the flavors of different fruits in season. Grapes and mandarin oranges are sold in October and November, mandarin oranges and strawberries in November and December, and strawberries in January; melons and apples are sold from October to the end of January. Please buy some as a souvenir for that special someone (Note 1). In addition, the store will also display information about tourist farms with fresh fruit harvesting experiences and other tourist attractions in the surrounding areas.
Please enjoy the delicious charm of Japan Fruits while reminiscing on your happy memories of Japan before getting on the plane.
(Note 1: Due to plant quarantine regulations, there are a limited number of countries and regions where Japanese fruits can be taken.) -
Living with Shimanto River, the “Last Clear Stream”: Exploring the Symbiotic Relationship between People and Rivers through Dragonflies and River Fishing
'- Special Content (1): World’s first nature reserve for dragonflies
Until recently, it had been believed that leaving extraordinary natural environments alone was enough to keep them in good condition. Efforts at Dragonfly Nature Park, however, have evidenced for the first time in Japan the legitimacy of human intervention when it comes to maintaining a diverse ecosystem in the satoyama (woodlands/mountains near populated areas). The park conducts ecological maintenance work systematically throughout the year such as managing the water level and vegetation at the Dragonfly Pond. The park is also constantly conducting ecological surveys both inside and outside of the protected area. In this particular tour, participants will have the special opportunity to accompany Mitsutoshi Sugimura, executive director of Shimanto Dragonfly Park and Shimanto River Gakuyuu Hall Akitsuio and an expert that has been involved in dragonfly conservation for many years, on an ecological survey. Over the course of the tour, participants will learn about changes in the environment, as well as information about and the background behind the nature of Shimanto City and its conservation efforts.
Visits by Crown Prince Akishino: The nature reserve has twice received visits from Crown Prince Akishino due to Sugimura’s capacity as president and honorary president of World Wildlife Fund Japan (WWF-J). His communications with the Imperial Household are ongoing, with books written by him being delivered to the household through the WWF at the time of publication.
'- Special Content (2): Experience traditional river fishing as passed down through generations at Shimanto River
The Shimanto River is divided into separate fishing grounds held by individual fishermen, with the general public not permitted to fish in these grounds. The river is also home to many traditional fishing methods passed down through the generations that require traps to be changed depending on the season. Fishing is also closed during certain periods for conservation purposes, with fishing only permitted during the open season. -
Multi-Day Tour by Helicopter for Wealthy Foreign Tourists, Featuring Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Luxury Traditional Japanese Inns/Hotels
The idea behind the tour is that the novelty and special nature of the event will attract this target demographic. TripAdvisor, the leading OTA overseas, offers a variety of tours, but no tours that utilize helicopters to take participants around accommodations and restaurants. Using a helicopter gives this tour a sense of novelty. The tour can also be marketed as a special experience, as it can be tailored to meet the specific preferences and needs of wealthy foreign tourists. For instance, some tourists tend to favor ostentatious, extravagant experiences, the interior of the helicopter could be decorated with gold balloons for such a tour group.
Additionally, ARILA Inc. conducts over 300 helicopter tours a year and would be able to form partnerships with many airports and helicopter operators. This collaboration between ARILA Inc. and Gurunavi—a company with strong ties to the restaurant industry—also allows us to offer dinners for these wealthy foreign tourists at restaurants where they would normally be unable to get a reservation. This event will also appeal to foreign tourists through the inherent attractiveness of the various sightseeing destinations in Kyoto and Kumamoto Prefectures. -
Setouchi Triennale Premium Tour
This tour will be held at the site of the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival held every three years, and features private viewings of facilities like the world-renowned Teshima Art Museum and Chichu Art Museum. This is the first luxury tour offered by the Setouchi Triennale. It features a stay at the Benesse House; lunch at SHIMA KITCHEN, with meals prepared by a famous chef and made primarily with Teshima Island ingredients; a workshop by artists participating in the Setouchi Triennale; and a cruise on a salon ship around the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The tour also includes commentary by Fram Kitagawa, the general director of the festival and a quality tour guide, making it an exquisite limited-time experience not only for art fans, but also for first-time visitors to the Setouchi Triennale.
-
Creating Tourism Products with a High Added Value that Utilizes the Historical Value of Kotohira-gu Shrine
Enjoy a moment of serenity and travel alongside Shinto priests through the lush, mountainous grounds of historic Kotohira-gu Shrine in this brand-new guided tour.
Kotohira-gu Shrine is located on Mt. Zozu-san, near the Seto Inland Sea, and worships the gods of the sea. It is the main shrine of its sect. Its grounds are abundant in nature, contain many historic buildings, and have traditionally been the site of sacred rituals. As a result, the shrine was not open to public tours. That is, until now. Having received permission from the Chief Priest, this unique tour will provide you with exclusive access to the traditional grounds of Kotohira-gu Shrine. Within this relaxed atmosphere, you can take part in Shinto prayers, experience the ritual dance Kagura, view Japanese art in buildings closed to the general public, and enjoy a meal with locally grown food. As a private tour, you will also get a chance to speak with Shinto priests and shrine maidens, as well as enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese music with Ryuteki, a type of bamboo flute, and Sho, a type of reed instrument. Take advantage of this rare experience to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the peaceful atmosphere and traditional culture of Kotohira-gu Shrine. Since ancient times, mariners in the Seto Inland Sea have visited the shrine to pray for safety at sea. People involved in shipbuilding companies, shipping companies, yachts and boats, continue to visit the shrine today. The walls of this private, traditional-style study contain paintings by the genius painter Ito Jakuchu, who lived from 1716 to 1800. While usually closed to the public for preservation, they can be viewed on this tour.