Experiences

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.

Take in the marvelous sights along the pristine Nagara River, one of Japan's three clearest rivers as you e-bike for about 70km from Gujo Hachiman to Gifu City, surrounded by abundant nature, history, and local culture. Stop by popular destinations like the Udatsu Wall Historical District of Mino City, Gifu’s Great Buddha, Kogane Shrine and the Seki Hamono Museum, where you get to not only observe a traditional sword smithing demonstration, but also hammer a katana the way it's been done for centuries at the workshop of renowned bladesmith Fujiwara Kanefusa, whose family has been crafting swords for the Tokugawa family from the Muromachi Period for generations. Truly an exclusive experience! This course is recommended for those staying overnight in Gujo City and are planning to travel southwards the day after. Luggage will be delivered separately to your destination, further adding to your convenience with light and easy travel.

Walk the Nakatsugawa-juku post town along the historical Nakasendo with a guide, and go back in time to the Edo period, when travelers, merchants, and pilgrims made the journey between Edo (current-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Along this route, a beloved treat was created in the homes of the countryside - the humble "Kurikinton". Commercialized during the Meiji period, it grew in popularity and became the signature sweet of Nakatsugawa.

Stop by a famous wagashi (traditional sweets) store for a well-deserved break to enjoy some local refreshments like the delicious "Kurukinton" with a delightful range of Japanese tea. To conclude, a local "Wagashi Navigator" will guide you through other local wagashi shops. Spend an unforgettable moment traversing time and taste, just like the travelers of old.

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).

A picture is worth a thousand words. Preserve precious wedding moments into an album of everlasting photos taken in the dreamy Japanese Fairytale Village Shirakawa-go. While both Japanese and Western wedding attires are available, you are more than welcome to bring your own traditional attires for the photoshoot. We customize this wedding photo plan to your preferences, from outfit combination choices like two sets of kimono in different colors, Japanese and Western attires, or even including traditional clothing. Classic Shirakawa-go photography locations will be selected in accordance with the rules and etiquette when visiting the village, prioritizing responsible tourism during photo taking. A guide will help you uncover the hidden gems of the area, further deepening your experience of your visit and photoshoot. This travel plan is highly recommended not just for newlyweds, but also for any couple looking to commemorate a special anniversary. Begin eternal memories of your wedded bliss right here, right now.

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.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Preserve precious moments into a series of everlasting wedding photos taken in the Japanese traditional town of timeless charms, Takayama. While both Japanese and Western wedding attires are available, you are more than welcome to bring your own traditional attires for the photoshoot. We customize this wedding photo plan to your preferences, from outfit combination choices like two sets of kimono in different colors, Japanese and Western attires, traditional clothing, and requests for specific locations in Takayama. Photoshoot locations feature well-known and loved sites in Hida Takayama, including its historical streetscapes, shrines, temples, and various buildings of the past fashioned from the master craftsmanship of Takayama carpenters. A guide will help you uncover the hidden gems of the area, further deepening your experience of your visit and photoshoot. This travel plan is highly recommended not just for newlyweds, but also for any couple looking to commemorate a special anniversary. Begin eternal memories of your wedded bliss right here, right now.

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.

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.