Experiences

This charming walking course lets you stroll through a post town on the Nakasendo Highway as if you were a traveler from the Edo period, enjoying history, nature, and cuisine all at once. Your journey begins at the station, and the return trip by taxi ensures peace of mind. Using the 1756 travel guide Kisoji Anken Ezu as a reference, this cultural experience follows the Nakasendo route as modern day travelers retrace the footsteps of those who journeyed here centuries ago. It is the perfect activity for international visitors seeking an authentic historical journey.

Blend the art of relaxation, tradition and cuisine the way it's done in Gero City, home to Gero Onsen - one of the three best hot springs in Japan! Begin with elegant hospitality through a beginner-friendly tea ceremony, a classic practice of Japanese culture at an authentic tea room in the illustrious ryokan Suimeikan, followed by a stroll around the hot springs town, giving you firsthand insight into the the local history, customs, legends, and more. Experience for yourself the many reasons for Gero's glorious fame. Also, see if you can spot a statue of comic actor Charlie Chaplin who visited in 1932!

From the foot of the mountains lies a treasure trove of nature's riches and the wisdom of satoyama living. Discover these gems as you enjoy the plentiful seasonal vegetables, wild plants, medicinal herbs and more here in the Japanese countryside through the wonders of food in fun-filled gatherings. Learn about the deep knowledge of nature, food, and life lovingly handed down throughout generations and discover the best ways to use harvested local vegetables, wild greens, medicinal herbs, and more. Then, put your newly gained knowledge to the test by taking part in hands-on activities like cooking, fermenting, pickling, and drying with the Gujo countryside as your idyllic setting. Dig deep into the essentials of Japanese food culture and regional cuisine through the close connections to food preparation techniques featured in this course. Come along and escape the mundanity of daily routine.

Unearth and savor the treasures to be found hidden just beneath your feet, right here in the midst of nature's abundance.

Tap into the mind, spirit, and tradition of the samurai through an essential part of their identity as fearsome warriors - the prized Japanese sword. And what better place to do this than at Seki, the City of Blades, where their swords were known to "never bend, never break, and cut well". Start with a tour of the factory, one of Japan's rare manufacturers of iaito (practice swords) and authentic Japanese swords with 60 years of trustworthy expertise, before moving on to the exhibition room where you will be shown the different ways to appreciate Japanese swords, as well as insight into the methods of sword production. You can also purchase swords of your liking. After that, it’s time to move to the dojo to put on your iaigi and a hakama for a change of pace! Take on the way of the samurai hands-on, by learning the basic kata (forms) for iaido, such as battou (sword-drawing), kiritsuke (cutting or slashing), and noto (sword sheathing), using a replica sword. Carve out your own path, the samurai way. 

Come see the cutting-edge expertise, the time-honored tradition, and the enduring legacy behind the foundations of one of the world's three major cutlery centers - Seki City, the City of Blades, with a lineup of exciting activities with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. Start with an introduction to the history of blacksmithing in Seki and viewing of Japanese swords at a museum before enjoying a delicious unagidon (eel rice bowl) lunch - a source of strength and stamina for the local swordsmiths. Then, try your hand at making nerikiri, a type of traditional Japanese sweet supervised by a well-loved and long-established local confectionery store. Enjoy your delightful creations with green tea in a tea room. You have the option of doing so dressed in kimono. Finally, discover spiritual balance at a historical temple, where you can choose between Zazen meditation or shabutsu (tracing an image of Buddha) as your activity of choice. Manji (swastika)-shaped kaidan meguri and kanetsuki (ringing the temple bell) are also available.

Navigate the delicious, diverse and delightful world of Japanese cuisine in this fun-filled hands-on cooking class, with popular Flying Chef Shuji Ozeki as your trusty guide, accompanying you at every step with his remarkable culinary skills, warmth, and humor. Learn about the traditional Japanese meal structure, "ichiju sansai" (one bowl of soup and three dishes), and the basics of Japanese cooking through recipes in English. Then, dive right into preparing delectable dishes made from a variety of bountiful, seasonal Gifu ingredients. After your cooking lesson, stop by Seki Terrace, a store showcasing an astonishing variety of items of superb quality made in Seki, one of the world's three major cutlery production areas - from kitchen knives, to scissors, nail clippers, razors, and much more. A sharp knife of superior quality is a key to enhancing the flavor and texture of your food, so why not look for one to buy here, or learn to sharpen knives the traditional way through a hands-on lessons? 
For the PM course, your visit to Seki Terrace will be before your cooking class.

Renew your mind, body, and soul as you soak in nature's goodness at a private sauna and engage your senses in a setting of profound beauty, where the life-sustaining crystal clear waters Enbara Clear Blue run free. Breathe deep, cast your worries aside and unwind as you take in the earthy fragrance of seasonal Japanese herbs, and the welcoming warmth emanating from the firewood while you enjoy your slow sauna session. Listen to the rustling of the wind in the trees, the rushing of the river waters, the harmonies of the wild birdsongs as you cool down in the constantly refreshing, mineral-rich Enbara River (14°C in summer, 8°C in winter). Savor delicious coffee brewed from subterranean spring water and a lunch made from local, seasonal ingredients. Rediscover yourself in nature's rhythms. 

Draw enlightening inspiration from the stories, the techniques, and the masters of Gifu‘s best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the intricately elegant Gifu chochin (traditional Japanese lanterns), as you create a piece of your very own in the city of one of Japan's leading production areas of traditional lanterns. Uncover the rich legacy of lantern-making, which flourished due to the Nagara River and its efficient water transportation system, effectively moving materials of the highest quality for lantern-making, such as Minowashi paper made upstream. Learn from artisans who have been trained in techniques handed down through the ages as you add personal touches to your handiwork. While waiting for it to dry, explore the historical districts like Minatomachi, Zaikicho, and Kobikicho, old towns bearing the vestiges of a thriving merchant river port. Complete your journey with a visit to the "CASA Stella" store, showcasing the artistry and gentle light emanating from beautiful lantern installations, presenting an opportunity for mesmerizing photos.

Gain precious insight into the stories, the techniques, and the masters behind one of Gifu's best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the beautifully delicate but enduring Gifu wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas), before creating your very own miniature piece in the city of Japan's largest manufacturer of traditional umbrellas. Explore the quaint surroundings of the former riverside port district of Kawara-machi District while learning of the origins of the Gifu wagasa, then visit the workshop of one of only two craftsmen in Japan specializing in umbrella frames, deepening your understanding of Japan's crafts and culture. Craft and complete your original mini Gifu wagasa, a wonderful reminder of your unforgettable time in Gifu, along the Nagara River. 
*Closed length (including handle): about 28cm, open diameter: about 35cm

Wade through the crystal clear waters, and feel the refreshing coolness of your astounding surroundings as you scale the 21-meters-tall Fudo Falls through sawanobori, a summer-exclusive activity recommended to those who love the grand outdoors, especially its stunning mountains. Literally translated as "stream climbing", sawanobori is a traditional Japanese way of mountain climbing, described as a cross between canyoning and hiking, originating from the traditional way travelers of the past would brave river flows upstream to return home if paths through the mountains were especially fraught with danger and difficulty. Walk in their footsteps, together with a guide, as you journey into the wilderness of the Japanese Alps, teeming with nature's riches from luxurious tree canopies, giant boulders shaped from lava flows centuries ago, and rushing, pristine emerald waters home to prized ayu (sweetfish). Look forward to a hearty lunch of freshly grilled, mouth-watering toasties oozing with cheese, some appetizers, fried wedges, homemade dessert and a drink - a fitting meal to dig into after a fulfilling and fun-filled time of exploration amidst the sublime wonders of nature.