Experiences

Draw ever closer to your beloved and deepen your mutual connection with a kimono wedding photoshoot far beyond the typical, here in the dreamy Japanese fairytale village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go. Welcome the concept of "musubi", a profound and essential part of Japanese culture. With multiple meanings such as to tie, to bind, and to link, it also includes the act of bringing forth new creations from the connection between formerly separate entities. From the joining of two households through ceremonial vows in marriage, to the fated meeting between two individuals, and even in the visible representation shown in the tying the obi (sash) of a wedding kimono, “musubi” is ever-present in Japan. We warmly invite you to partake in a day of commemorating and celebrating your love in the context of “musubi” clad in resplendent wedding kimono with photos taken of your time in Shirakawa-go – a beloved village retaining the quaint beauty of the Japanese countryside. Photography will be done while adhering to the established rules and regulations when visiting Shirakawa-go, as well as responsible tourism guidelines. Throughout the photo shoot, an accompanying guide will introduce to you the wondrous scenery of Shirakawa-go along with captivating stories of the local people, culture, and more. Create new, eternal memories of romantic bliss, linking the present to the future as you experience the essence of traditional Japanese weddings through this exceptional photo shoot.

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.

Draw ever closer to your beloved and deepen your mutual connection with a kimono wedding photoshoot far beyond the typical, here in the Japanese traditional town of timeless charms, Hida Takayama. Welcome the concept of "musubi", a profound and essential part of Japanese culture. With multiple meanings such as to tie, to bind, and to link, it also includes the act of bringing forth new creations from the connection between formerly separate entities. From the joining of two households through ceremonial vows in marriage, to the fated meeting between two individuals, and even in the visible representation shown in the tying the obi (sash) of a wedding kimono, “musubi” is ever-present in Japan. We warmly invite you to partake in a day of commemorating and celebrating your love in the context of “musubi” clad in resplendent wedding kimono with photos taken of your time in Hida Takayama – a town of historical, wooden architecture and traditional streetscapes preserved for centuries. Throughout the photo shoot, an accompanying guide will introduce to you the picturesque scenery of Hida Takayama along with captivating stories of the local people, culture, and more. Create new, eternal memories of romantic bliss, linking the present to the future as you experience the essence of the traditional Japanese weddings through this exceptional photo shoot.

Introducing the world of green woodworking with limitless natural creativity. Split and shape freshly cut wood using hand tools to craft chopsticks and chopstick rests, items essential to daily life in Japan, through this very special course. Engage your senses as you take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved wood, feel the smooth texture of its surface, and watch as your handmade item takes shape while time flies by. Learn about nature and the history of the way of life up here in the splendid mountains of the Hida region while viewing the different materials and tools on display. Experience the living wisdom and thriving woodworking culture of the "Hida no Takumi", master craftsmen of the Hida region, famous for its prestigious carpentry. Find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature. This course includes a pick up and drop off service as well as an English-speaking guide.

Introducing the world of green woodworking with limitless natural creativity. Split and shape freshly cut, unseasoned wood using hand tools to craft a rice paddle, an item essential to daily life in Japan, through this very special course. Engage your senses as you take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved wood, feel the smooth texture of its surface, and watch as your handmade item takes shape while time flies by. Experience the living wisdom and thriving woodworking culture of the "Hida no Takumi", master craftsmen of the Hida region, famous for its prestigious carpentry. Find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature. This course includes a pick up and drop off service, an English-speaking guide, as well as gohei-mochi making and servings of kuromoji tea.