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Embracing a healthy way of life through Okinawan karate
Karate is a practical martial art that was developed in a war-torn world long ago but has been handed down with a focus on kata practice performed alone. As such, it is a type of martial art that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of physical fitness, age, or gender. Karate practice, which helps to control the heightened tension in the mind and body so that the body can relax, can be considered a kind of moving Zen, and is an ideal "bodyfulness" method for business people who are exposed to intense stress on the front lines of their work. There are just over 350 dojos in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Participants on this tour will receive private lessons in Kobayashi-ryu karate and Ryukyu Kobudo from a renowned master who has students all over the world and who has passed on the teachings of Taira Shinken, the restorer of the Ryukyu Kobudo School. Inbetween training sessions, participants will take a tour to learn about the history of Shuri, and experiences related to food culture introduced as part of Blue Zones Okinawa and beauty are also included.
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The Tengu's Invitation: A Premium, Sanguine Night in Saijo-ji Temple
Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple is the third most prestigious Soto Zen temple, following Eihei-ji Temple and Soji-ji Temple in Tsurumi. The temple is steeped in Japan’s unique history and traditions and is a sanctuary of power spots. Enveloped in an air of solemnity and adorned with the legend of the Tengu, a long-nosed mountain goblin, this temple, built upon a sacred mountain, exudes a mysterious atmosphere quite unlike any other. Beloved by international travelers, this enchanting area boasts year-round allure, but it has a particular charm during the fall when vibrant reds and oranges hues transform the landscape. It is during this magical season that our special event unfolds.
-Special Autumn Foliage Light Up Event
For the first time ever at Saijo-ji Temple, for one week during fall, witness the temple grounds and fall foliage around the belfry hall and the Rurimon Gate be lit up in a breathtakingly beautiful illumination event.
Allow mystery and whimsy to spirit you away on this premium experience.
-Special Zen Meditation and Dharma Talk
Weary travelers may find solace and rejuvenation within the serene embrace of the main hall through this special journey of learning and healing.
Imbibe the intoxicating rhythm of Japan’s soul while enveloped in the velvety black of night and the bright colors of the autumn leaves.
-Limited Time Premium Dining
Let the tengu be your guide as you learn more about the Zen spirit of vegetarian cuisine that has been passed down through Saijo-ji Temple, and dine on original dishes from a progressive and modern restaurant where no other has dined before in the private drawing room, to which access is normally restricted for the general public. -
Project that creates and sells high value-added products that utilize the Geionkan facility and luxurious Ryukyu Bingata costumes, combining Okinawa’s history, culture, and cuisine
Participants can wear luxurious Ryukyu Bingata costumes, which are highly valuable and not normally available for rental, as well as indulge in an extravagant time at the Geionkan facility, an old, traditional, Japanese-style house privately reserved for participants and serviced for guests. Here, guests can leisurely partake in creative Ryukyu cuisine, which lavishly makes use of Okinawan ingredients, while watching Ryukyu performing arts (from among an Eisa folk dance, a Sanshin lute performance, a karate demonstration, or a Shishimai lion dance). In addition, a commemorative video in Ryukyu Village will be shot and specially edited into an original video for participants to take home as a souvenir of their trip. For those with limited time, there is also an à la carte plan available.
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Okumikawa Active Tour
Engage your entire body on this active adventure through the history and nature of Shinshiro City by e-bike or SUP with a professional guide who knows all of the hidden gems.
Activate your senses, release all the pent up stress, and apply your whole body actively by pedaling on an e-bike or paddling on a stand-up paddle board in the great outdoors. Then, just for good measure, take time to reflect on your feelings, emotions, thoughts, and life through a meditation experience, waterfall training exercise, and other activities that have withstood the test of time.
After a full day of physical exercise, relax your body by taking a soak in the hot springs, and relax your mind with dishes made from local ingredients. You will find the welcoming embrace of sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. This wellness tour is one where you can truly rediscover yourself. -
Awaji Island—The Birthplace of Japan: Satisfy the Senses with Zen Experiences and Gourmet Clean Eating
The myth of the creation of Japan is described in the Kojiki and Nihon shoki, considered to be the first written records of Japan. Here, it is said that Awaji Island was the very first island to be created. Journey to this significant island and experience Japan through two sustainable buildings, "Zenbo Seinei" and "Haru San San," designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning contemporary architect Shigeru Ban.
At Zenbo Seinei, turn your focus inward on a "Zen Wellness" retreat as you bask in the nature of Awaji Island. Then, show your body kindness by sampling some fermented cuisine free from animal products, flour, oil, and sugar.
At Haru San San, nestled amidst serene farmlands, culinary maestros, including Michelin Green Star chefs, will craft an exquisite “clean eating plan" that is both delicious and nutritious. This plan will be prepared with locally sourced ingredients both produced in and for Awaji Island.
Also on offer is a wide array of activities to deepen your experience of Japan, such as maki-e lacquer painting, Japanese musical instruments such as taiko (drum) and koto (zither), and old Japanese sake tastings. -
Mt. Minobu Wellbeing Bus Tour—750 Years of History ~Limited edition night tour of the Okuno-in Temple & ropeway, guidance from a real monk, and a vegan tasting experience~
Mt. Minobu is home to the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, a major school of Japanese Buddhism. On this tour, guests can partake in a profound Japanese experience with an exclusive night tour of the Okuno-in Temple. With the Buddhist monks as your guide, visit the mountaintop observatory where, under the night sky, you will witness the silhouette of Japan's three holy mountains (Mt. Fuji, Mt. Haku, and Mt. Tateyama) overlooking the Kofu Basin. Afterwards, take part in the ancient art of sutra copying at the temple. This mindful experience in a serene environment is sure to become one of the most cherished and unforgettable memories of your journey. Meals will be prepared according to the Buddhist vegetarian diet and are nutritious and highly regarded as a popular choice for a healthy diet.
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Usui Pass Mountain Railway and Higashi Karuizawa Hot Springs Upgraded Program
Join us on our specially curated excursion to the Usui Pass heritage railway, which is an attraction that is renowned for its magnificent autumn foliage views. Begin your adventure with a ride aboard Japan’s steepest sightseeing train, boasting an incline of 66.7 permille (a unit that represents the incline of a road as a rate per thousand). After visiting Japan's largest brick arch bridge, the Meganebashi Bridge, guests will have the opportunity to experience Japanese entertainment culture from over a century ago within the brick tunnel of the historic former Kumanotaira Station, a National Important Cultural Property, by watching a silent film, a form of entertainment that was popular in Japan around the time the tunnel was built. This “Silent Film Theater” offers a taste of the history and culture of Japan’s Meiji period (1867–1912). Once you have had your fill of the richness of nature and culture, join us on a journey to Isobe Onsen, the birthplace of the iconic hot spring mark. Not only can you spend the night here, but you can also delight in a genuine hot spring cultural experience where you will learn all there is to know about hot springs. Do not worry if this is your first visit to a hot spring: even onsen beginners can enjoy this experience, with foot baths and special hot spring rice crackers on offer. Finally, with gift sets fit for souvenirs featuring organic plums available for purchase, this special package promises an authentic taste of the Isobe region.
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Discover the Artistry and Soul of a Japanese Garden Through Its Gardeners—Tea Ceremony and Vegetarian Refreshments—
There is a mansion on the grounds of Kyoto’s Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and its garden, known as Shōsei-en Garden, is a historic Japanese-style garden that was created during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Situated opposite Kyoto Station, the garden sits on a vast plot of land, approximately 35,000 square meters large, has two ponds, one large and one small, and has a group of elegant mansions which contain a tea room and a drawing room. The landscape is rich and varied, with such seasonal flowers as maple trees and cherry blossoms. The garden has served as a guest house of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and many distinguished guests from Japan and abroad have come for the hospitality, including Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837–1913), who was the last shogun of the Edo shogunate, Emperor Meiji (1852–1912), and Nicholas II of Russia (1868–1918). This Buddhist temple garden was designated a national place of scenic beauty because it has retained the magnificent essence of the Edo period through its arrangement of garden stones; it is the imagination of literati come to life.
For this plan, visitors will experience the essence of traditional craftsmanship and the Japanese aesthetic found in the appreciation of nature and spirituality through a guided tour and pruning demonstration by the very people who tend to the garden every day: the gardeners. The garden has been graced with nature’s abundant blessings over the 370 years since its opening. It serves as a valuable green sanctuary in the heart of the city, a biological haven (refugium) for all living things. The head gardeners are currently leading a project entitled “Biodiverse Garden Cultivation and Management” to ensure the timeless preservation of this cherished environment. Examples and in-depth explanations of this project will also be on offer within this plan.
Finally, visitors will be able to transport themselves back to the refined elegance of the Edo period through the meticulous craftsmanship of a Japanese-style boat, expertly recreated for visitors to experience the boating lifestyle of that time. This, in addition to the hospitality epitomized by tea ceremony and accompanied by vegetarian refreshments in the exclusive tea room and drawing room, is sure to be a one-of-a-kind premium experience of a lifetime. -
Super Rare Tour in Yokohama! Special Yokohama Central Wholesale Market Exploration Tour
This will be a guided tour of a fish market, the fresh seafood epicenter of Japanese culture. Unveil the secrets behind some of the unique facilities of this fish market, such as the minus-50-degrees-Celsius tuna refrigerator, normally hidden from the general public, as well as the live fish tank teeming with the freshest catches available. This is the perfect chance to deepen your understanding of Japan’s unique way of sourcing and distributing its culinary treasures. Wander through the wholesale floor, comprised of 55 different stores, where a tantalizing array of seafood awaits. The sights and smells will surely whet your appetite, and you’ll even get to taste some seafood on this tour! Should something catch your eye, allow us to guide you to a carefully curated selection of hotels and restaurants that cater for your tastes so that you can eat to your heart’s content. We’ll also share some rare footage of places that you aren’t able to visit during your tour of the marketplace. Each location that we take you to has a QR code that you can scan for an informational video. Join us on this tour and indulge in the rich tapestry of Japanese flavors. It will surely provide some invaluable insight into Japan’s food culture.
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World-first stay on a bridge! The ultimate 24-hour Akashi Kaikyo Bridge infrastructure tour to experience all parts of the bridge
This is the world's first ever experience tour of staying inside the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is one of the world's longest suspension bridges, spanning Japan's main island (Honshu) and Awaji Island with a total length of 3,911 meters and a central span of 1,991 meters. Stay overnight in a private tent inside the Maiko Marine Promenade, which protrudes into the Akashi Strait at a height of 47 meters above the sea, and experience the thrilling view of the sea below through the glass floor. Enjoy the sunset, night view, and sunrise from the bridge's maintenance passage, which is one of the bridge’s best vantage points but is usually inaccessible to the public, and use a drone to take dynamic photos of the sunrise and sunset as backdrops. Freshly caught fish from the rich waters of the Akashi Strait and local sake will be served for dinner. With the bridge romantically lit up in the background, enjoy sushi prepared right in front of you at the historic Western-style building, the Former Residence of Sanji Muto, which is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property. At night, relax in an open-air bath and enjoy the night view. The next morning, take a chartered boat from the port to view the bridge from below, witness the bustling auction at the Akashi Fishing Port, and take a stroll to sample local gourmet, such as Akashiyaki and Akashi octopus. Fully experience the extraordinary feeling of staying on a bridge and the charm of the nearby sea!