Experiences

Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors, with detailed explanations and demonstrations of swordmaking by master bladesmiths, Zen history and philosophy embodied by the samurai spirit, and swift but deadly motions of iaigiri. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand - hammer the steel fashioned into a blade, calm your mind and heart with Zazen meditation, and learn about the correct way to wield a katana as the final blow is struck. Unleash the fighter in you.​

Enwrap yourself in the fine art, history, and process of traditional Japanese papermaking. Put your newfound knowledge to practice as a master craftsman guides you with the steps of creation from kozo (paper mulberry) to fine Minowashi. As the washi dries, savor an appetizing home-cooked countrystyle Japanese meal in the comforts of a rustic Japanese home with a history of over 70 years. Soak in the idyllic atmosphere before leaving with your original Minowashi paper, a tangible reminder of a priceless memory. Transport to the picturesque Monet's Pond is available as an option. 

Make your very own knife with your own hands from start to finish, from blade and handle sharpening, assembling, to engraving your name onto your handmade masterpiece. Choose from Gyuto and Santoku Damascus cooking knives, Damascus hunting knives and Damascus folding knives. ​Then, enjoy a visit to the nearby Knife Museum and buy from a wide variety of top quality knives available onsite. To finish, tuck into a delicious meal at a local restaurant where dishes like sushi, tempura, eel, and miso katsu can be prepared to your preferences.

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals in Japan featuring 23 gorgeously elaborate floats, with a history of about 350 years. Repairs and preservation of the floats are done over a three year period by the master craftsmen and carpenters of the Hida region, called the "Hida no Takumi“, highly respected for their skills and expertise, and are still asked to help with repairing items for festivals, stalls, temples, and shrines all over Japan to this very day.​

As part of this tour, participants get to see the gorgeous and elaborate festival floats up close, and have special access to a craftman's workshop not usually open to the public. A specialized guide will lead you to one of the following workshops of your choice and according the craftmen's schedule: shrine and temple construction, Shunkei lacquerware, blacksmithing, Ichii itto carvings. Depending on your choice of workshop, you can take part in the production process and purchase items. 

Introducing the world of green woodworking with natural and limitless potential of creativity. Fashion household items like spoons, butterknives, bowls and more from unseasoned wood recently harvested, as you learn about the strong bond between mountains and the people in the Hida region, and how it has shaped their life and work from the days of old. Take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved wood, and find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature.

Introducing the world of green woodworking with natural and limitless potential of creativity. Visit the forest nearby the workshop and safely remove wood, then fashion household items like spoons, butterknives, bowls and more from recently harvested wood, as you learn about the strong bond between mountains and the people in the Hida region, and how it has shaped their life and work from the days of old. Take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved unseasoned wood, and find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature.

* Lunch is also included in this course.

Enrich your life by embarking on a journey of self-expression and self-discovery through the world of Minoyaki ceramics in the seat of serenity. Heal and restore your mind, body, and soul away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you work on your very own clay creations, explore the rich history of the local area and uncover the deep and undeniable connection between soil and soul.