Experiences

Tread lightly the grounds upon which you stand. You are about to begin an adventure quite unlike any other. Step into the Gujo satoyama of Gifu, a vibrant mosaic of environments where man and beast have thrived for centuries in harmony. With the extinction of the Japanese wolf and mass movements into the inner cities, wild deer and wild boar populations have surged unchecked, causing significant damage to the native environment and local agriculture. Enter the hunter. Engage with a practice that was a key to the survival of humanity since the dawn of time, and how it is now a key component to wildlife management. Search the forest floor for signs of wildlife with guidance from a local hunter as they convey to you the history of Japan's culture of hunting and its coexistence with nature. Experience for yourself the strong ties between people, nature, and food as you join in activities like deer butchering and partake in some gibier (wild meat) cuisine. Uncover the deep sense of gratitude behind the acts of hunting, eating, and respectfully receiving the "gift of life" in the way of the Japan satoyama. Find and restore balance in the rewilding of your heart.

Etch a design of your very own making into an original Marumo Takagi Pottery "Chill'd Glass", exquisite drinking glasses radiating vivid colors upon contact with cold liquids, with this very special course! Pick and choose from a variety of Japanese patterns and icons before engraving them onto the glass surface with careful guidance from our experts - great even for complete beginners. Bring home a souvenir of your own crafting - a wonderful product of the splendid blend between Japanese tradition and modern mechanics, perfect for home use or as a gift for loved ones. 

Rewind the past one step at a time as you explore the significant areas of what used to be one of the liveliest post towns of the Nakasendo in southeastern Gifu. Mitake-juku, the 49th post town of what is sometimes also known as the Samurai Trail, fluorished as the town of Ganko-ji Temple, bustling with people and exchanges of information and culture. While it is now a much more peaceful and quiter place, it still impresses visitors with its abundance of history, nature, and regional cuisine, which you can enjoy through this hiking course. Travel with a copy of a very special travel guide in hand - the Kisoji Anken Ezu published in 1756 (Horeki 6) featuring the Kiso route from Tokyo through Nagano - the way the travelers of old did during the Edo period as you walk in their shoes for a spell and an adventure of a lifetime. This journey will from start from Mitake Station by hike and return by taxi. 

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.

Step into Mino City, the renowned birthplace of the prestigious Minowashi paper, and uncover its 1,300 years of illustrious history, cherished tradition, and art of boundless potential through a series of special Mino-exclusive activities, with a choice between making Minowashi paper the time-tested way or joining a Minowashi paper crafts workshop. With an accompanying guide, stroll through the historic merchant district that once thrived on the trade of Minowashi paper while dressed in a kimono of your choice, completing a look that harks back to the Edo Period. Admire the elaborate udatsu (pillars supporting firewalls) that are considered a rarity throughout Japan. Then, relish a sumptuous meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant. You also have the option of enjoying a tea ceremony in the peaceful and scenic compounds of a Japanese garden. 

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.