Experiences

Dive into the flavorful, aromatic, and delicious world of authentic Japanese sake handmade in ways tested and honored by time here at the world-class, top-ranked sake brewery Watanabe Shuzoten, also the sake brewery with the most smiles in Japan, and also a nationally designated Important Tangible Cultural Property. Experience all there is to this "living brewery" in Hida Furukawa, where yeast thrive in a natural environment enclosed by storehouses with porous mortar white walls that "breathe", where tradition, technique, and sensitivity are skillfully blended with overflowing joy, preserved for generations by the head of the Watanabe family who works and lives with the brewery staff under one roof.

Enjoy the liquid ambrosia brewed here as it simply is - absolutely delightful.

Traverse the skies, high above the clouds in peace and quiet awe, to a very special setting for a tasty early meal surrounded by the unparalleled mountain vistas of the Hida mountains, also known as the Northern Japan Alps. Take a private trip aboard the Shinhotaka Ropeway, Japan's only double-decker gondola and soar to an altitude of 2,156 meters above sea level from Shirakaba-daira Station to Nishihotakaguchi Station. At the summit, your delicious continental breakast of your preferred pastries, toasty serving of soup, and a cup of aromatic coffee await - all made from choice local ingredients. Take in this exceptional moment in time all for yourself, amidst a natural environment cloaked in nature's finest - whether the verdant greenery blanketing the lofty, majestic mountaintops to secluded valleys low in summer, to the fierce blazing reds, golds and ochres of autumn's brocade. Explore the primeval alpine forests or catch your breath, listening to the rustling of the leaves or harmonies of the birdsongs in the expansive "Itadaki no Mori" area. Truly a trip for the ages and a feast for the senses.

Journey deep into the heart of the Northern Japan Alps with this private course designed just for you. Reach the stunning heights of 2,156 metres above sea level, high up above the clouds to take in an unbroken, glorious view of nature's astounding beauty with sights like jagged cliffs blanketed in verdure, snowflecked summits, and bright alpine flowers - all this from Japan's only double-story gondola, the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Relish with all senses an authentic kaiseki course for lunch, highlighting the rich flavors of the four seasons of Hida. Then, soothe your heart, mind, and body in the waters of a private hot spring, before resuming your travels in Kamikochi, revered as a sacred place where "the gods descend". From the unbelievably clear, sparkling and turquoise waters of the Azusa River, to the undeniable majesty of the Hotaka mountain range - witness it all for yourself, with your very own eyes. Travel access is made convenient and comfortable with transportation by a maxi cab.

Retrace the origins of the grand history and refined architecture behind Japan's only remaining government building preserved from its establishment in the 17th century, the Takayama Jinya (Takayama Historical Government House). This structure from which 25 generations of provincial governors and magistrates carried out their official duties on behalf of the Edo Shogunate also houses the superb work of master craftsmen of the Hida region, called the "Hida no Takumi", in the form of the "kurehegi" technique still ongoing in use from 400 years ago. Learn about its roof structure, made up of as many as 500,000 kurehegi shingles (boards), and even try your hand at hammering shingles into the roof of the Jinya doma (room with earthen flooring), a space usually inaccessible to the public. After that, cross Takayama's iconic red Nakabashi bridge and make your way to the famous Takayama Historical District, and into Kazehikaru, a private gallery where you can enjoy the sophisticated hospitality of the Sowaryu-style tea ceremony. Enjoy the aroma and taste of matcha in a tea room while admiring the elegance of traditional Gifu craftsmanship such as the elaborate "Ajiro" ceiling made from techniques similar to the Jinya's "kurehegi", and the versatile but durable beauty of washi paper, along with the gentle interplay of light and shadow filtering through.

All the world's a stage, and this one has a role with your name on it! Check out one of Gifu's treasured local specialties,  ji-kabuki, or country kabuki, distinct from other types of kabuki for its down-to-earth atmosphere and strong connection to the local community. Get up close and personal with the local kabuki troupe, take in the sights, sounds, and stories of the stage and even put on the kumadori make-up yourself as you prepare to act in your very own role in a kabuki play right here in a historical theatre, a designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture established in 1894. Enjoy a specially prepared wariko bento (Japanese lunchbox) after your visit! Then, take a trip to Tsukiji Gorge, a valley tucked away in a fragrant canopy of Kiso cypress, and walk along the stunningly emerald waters of the Tsukechi River flowing from the snowmelt of venerable Mount Ontake. No time to waste - the stage and nature await!

Breath in deep. Relax. Take in the sights, scents, sounds of your natural environment covered in lush greenery, filled with the fresh, earthy aroma of a forest cherished throughout the ages. Focus on the here and now, as you immerse yourself in this shinrinyoku (forest bathing) course that reconnects you to the roots of restoration in the quiet and stillness of your surroundings. Shinrinyoku specialists will aid you in gently awakening your senses through activities of mindfulness, allowing you to commune deeply with nature, resetting your mind and body, making space for holistic healing. Knowledgeable local guides will take you off the beaten track to a nearby shrine and a legendary lake as they give you insights into the significant bond between the local Japanese people and the environment. Welcome profound revival.

Step right through the doors of a popular restaurant into a realm of delicious culinary possibilities! Create your ultimate, mouth-watering gyoza (Japanese dumplings) with this cooking lesson filled with expertise, humor, and cheer from gyoza expert, Chef Suzuki, using ingredients sourced from Takayama. From the classic, with fillings like Hida beef and Hida pork, to vegetable gyoza, and special variations like the rose-shaped gyoza dubbed by the media as "too pretty to eat", there's an almost endless variety of gyoza offered in this popular gyoza specialty restaurant. International tourists in snaking queues outside this restaurant are a common sight. Skip the wait, sign up for the cooking lesson of a lifetime and experience the local Japanese culture for yourself, from the art of preparing your edible masterpiece to savoring tasty food with fun-filled company, one delectable gyoza at a time.

Step into the shoes of a sake brewer! Get an exclusive taste of the magic that goes into the sake brewing process and how it differs to that of beer and wine with the help of a knowledgeable kurabito (brewery worker). With guidance from them, put rice through steps like polishing, steaming, molding, pressing, and more until it transforms into the liquid ambrosia recognized and valued worldwide for its sublime tastes. A local guide will also be with you to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation, making the very most of your sake brewery experience. There are slight variations in course content depending on the season. This course takes place during the sake brewing season from October to March.

Beat the sweltering heat and humidity of summer with this invigorating, thrilling, and wildly popular seasonal activity! Breathe in the fresh air and wade upstream through the refreshingly cool and clear running waters of the Kijiya Valley in the Nyukawa River in this shower climbing course about a 30-minute drive from the city centre of Takayama, Japan's largest city by area - 90% of which consists of forests filled with nature's abundance. This course includes an accompanying guide to help with navigation of the terrain, transportation between Kijiya Valley and Takayama, as well as rental wetsuits, ensuring convenience and safety for everyone. Elementary school children of 100cm or taller in height can also join, making this activity a great choice for families. Bask in the wonders of the great outdoors as you soak in cooling waters and enjoy summer to your heart's content.

Chop, simmer, and boil your way to making tasty seasonal culinary delights in the local way using ingredients such as Hida beef, Hida vegetables and seafood from the Hokuriku region, with a huge Japanese machiya (townhouse) built 200 years ago in an old merchant town as a very special setting. Tour the townhouse and and observe its elegant architectural styles and furnishings, featuring prized Takayama crafts such as Shunkei lacquerware and Shibukusa-yaki ware. Listen to stories of the rich history behind these traditional crafts while you are served food piping hot on fine tableware lovingly passed down from many generations prior. Enjoy friendly chats and banter with the owners of the townhouse while they share tales about Japanese traditions and the local history as everyone digs into the delicious meals prepared together, just like a Japanese home party - truly a priceless moment of connection to be had on your Japan travels.