Experiences

Unfold the rich tapestry of culture and tradition at the heart of Gifu City through this illuminating course. Learn all about ukai (cormorant fishing) at the Nagara River Ukai Museum before visiting the home of a Cormorant Fishing Master, who will show you around and explain the ins and outs of his work, recognized by the Imperial Family of Japan. Alternatively, choose an option highlighting the artistry of one of Gifu City's beloved traditional crafts, Gifu lanterns, by visiting the private space of world-renowned artist, Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Gallery displaying his "sculptures of light". After a delightful teatime at a hotel lounge, enjoy a splendid dinner of grilled ayu (sweetfish) aboard one of three exclusive luxury observation boats, with a dedicated chef and wait staff. Witness the ukai as it begins at sunset, from a vantage view afforded in the comfort of your bench seat, transporting you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty. 

Take on this very special hands-on tour of the factory behind the highly sought-after and constantly sold-out premium, cemented carbide kitchen knives - a first in Japan, right here in Gifu! Watch the production process, help with sharpening and testing blades. After the tour, create your very own original pocketknife by affixing the cemented carbide (said to be the hardest material next to diamond) blade to the handle, made of wood produced in Gifu. For lunch, enjoy a delicious serving of unadon (eel rice bowl), a classic meal in Seki, the City of Blades, said to be a source of strength and stamina especially during summer days of scorching heat.

Fish for Gifu's renowned ayu (sweetfish), and one of Japan's finest, using a traditional method tried and tested by time! Presenting the tomozuri (live decoy fishing) style, which you will be introduced to through training videos in a lesson before putting it to practice fishing using live sweetfish as bait in the Nagara River with support from a professional guide. While tomozuri usually requires expensive specialized fishing gear, you will have free rental of the necessary equipment. Then, dig in to the freshly caught wild sweetfish, salted and grilled. Enjoy its mouth-watering taste and compare it to that of the locally farmed ayu. Ayu rice will also be served. Discover the goodness of "Ayu of the Nagara River System," a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors with this travel plan featuring sword forging, iai-jutsu (sword drawing), Zen history, philosophy and meditation embodied by the samurai spirit. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand - start by watching the sparks fly up close as a master bladesmith puts tried and trusted techniques to astounding work, hammer the steel fashioned into a blade at a famous workshop, before calming your heart and mind with Zazen meditation amidst the tranquil surroundings of a traditional temple, and finally, witness the swift but deadly motions of iai-jutsu with a genuine katana on temple grounds. Unleash the fighter in you.

Enwrap yourself in the fine art, history, and process of traditional Japanese papermaking. Put your knowledge to practice as a master craftsman guides you with creation from kozo (paper mulberry) to fine Minowashi. As the washi dries, savor an appetizing bento (packed lunch) 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.

Add another unforgettable chapter to your travels by choosing the transportation option, where you’ll get to stop by the picturesque Monet's Pond before your journey’s end. With water lillies floating in glass-like water and colorful carp swimming about, a visit to this vivid painting come to life is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Create your original razor-sharp Damascus knife using traditional Japanese methods from start to finish, from blade and handle sharpening, assembling, to engraving your name onto your handmade masterpiece, under the guidance of master swordsmiths. 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.

You can also choose to have lunch, and tuck into a delicious meal at a local restaurant where dishes like sushi, tempura, eel, and tonkatsu can be prepared to your preferences (optional).

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals featuring 23 gorgeously elaborate floats with an illustrious history of about 350 years. Repairs and preservation of the floats are maintained by the master craftsmen of the Hida region, called the "Hida no Takumi", esteemed for their exceptional skills and expertise nationwide, commissioned with repairs for temples, shrines, and festival equipment all over Japan to this very day.

As part of this tour, participants get to see the Takayama Festival floats up close, and gain special access to a craftman's workshop which is not usually open to the public. Your guide will accompany you to one of the following workshops of your choice and according the craftmen's schedule: shrine and temple carpentry, Hida Shunkei lacquerware, blacksmithing, Ichii itto (yew wood) carvings. Try crafting under the careful guidance of a master, or a take home a special gift made by them depending on your choice of workshop. Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to delve deep into the local culture of traditional crafting and carpentry, unavailable to independent travelers and standard tours.

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. This Premium Course starts a visit at the forest nearby the workshop to safely remove wood, and includes a packed lunch.

Enrich your life by embarking on a journey of self-expression and self-discovery, refining your senses through the world of Minoyaki ceramics in the seat of serenity, right here in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture. Heal and restore your mind, body, and soul far 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. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of French or Italian made from fresh local ingredients, and genuine matcha served in Mino ware. Stroll down the quaint Oribe Street, uncovering your favourite pieces of Mino ware.

Revival and renewal await you.