【Coming soon】 Heavenly Riches: From the Foot of Mount Ibuki, Activities featuring Kasuga's Historical Culture of Medicinal Herbs and Zairaicha Tea of the Heavens
Heaven meets earth in this course featuring the fascinating, centuries-long, deep-rooted local culture of medicinal herbs and the cultivation of the prized "Koraicha" tea variety in verdant terraced fields high up in the skies of the Kamigare District of Kasuga - examples of the bountiful blessings overflowing from the natural environment of Mount Ibuki, one of Japan's hundred famous mountains. With help and support from the Kasuga community members, learn of the different scents and shapes of herbs, as well as ways of handling them as you make your own blend using knowledge originating from as early as the Heian period, and using rare medicinal herbs that were said to have been established on Mount Ibuki by Oda Nobunaga himself. Next, see the vast, lush fields of "Gifu's Machu Picchu" with your very own eyes. This "Tea Plantation of the Heavens" is home to quality tea grown from the seed without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, carefully hand-picked and hand-rubbed. Nourishment from the mountain soil and the large temperature differences of day and night results in delicious tea with rich fragrance and clear flavor. Savor the beauty and the bounty of the mountains and the heavens here, through the natural wonders of medicinal herbs and tea.
Recommended points
● Gain first-hand, practical experience and understanding through the scent and handling of herbs guided by the wisdom passed down through generations living in the villages here at the foot of Mount Ibuki, renowned as a treasure trove of medicinal plants from the Heian Period.
● Delight in the rich, delicious taste and fragrant aroma of the "Wild Tea of the Heavens" with a history of 760 years of cultivation, rare and valued tea varieties born of the cooler climate and porous soil - ideal environmental conditions for growing tea.
● Discover the double cultures of medicinal herbs and tea at Kasuga, and engage with the locals as you learn of the deep connection between nature and daily life in this region.
● Enjoy the gentle breeze and take in the fresh, clean air as you survey the fantastic panoramic views of Gifu's Machu Picchu, here on Mount Ibuki.
● Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while you spend time unhurried in the Japanese countryside, at a mountain village about an hour from the city. Soak in the goodness and wellness that comes with being close to the great outdoors.
● Go beneath the surface, dig deep into the local culture and history with a guide as you savor the riches of the Ibi mountains in this luxury course.
Overview
- Season
- 2026/4/1～202７/３/３１ (Excluding Tues, year-end and New Year’s holidays)
- Place
- Number of Participants
- 2～6 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- Yoro Railway Ibi Station
- Ending Point
- Yoro Railway Ibi Station
- Meeting Time
- 09:20/13:20
- Schedule
-
9:30・12:30 - Depart Ibi Station by taxi
10:00・13:00 - Arrival at the Haruhi Information Center, introduction to Ibuki medicinal herbs, scent comparison of freshly picked herbs
10:15・13:15 - Ibuki Medicinal Herb Blending Activity ※Using rare Ibuki medicinal herbs
11:15・14:15 - Depart by taxi for the Kamigare District of Kasuga, also known as "Gifu's Machu Picchu"
11:30・14:30 - Arrive at Kamigare Parking Lot, walk to the observation point (about 20-minutes via a mountain trail) *Please note that this will be cancelled in the case of wet weather and slippery paths
En route, tea tasting at the Heart Koya Cafe, comparing three types of “Tea of the Heavens” (Hojicha, Zairaicha, Sannen Bancha)
12:50・15:50 - Depart Kamigare Parking Lot by taxi for Ibi Station
13:15・16:15 - Arrive at Ibi Station, activity concludes
※ This itinerary is an example.
- Important Information
-
● You can bring home the tea you have blended in the Ibuki Medicinal Herb Blending Activity.
*Please be sure to check the customs restrictions that apply for the country you will be entering.
● Access to the observation point is not allowed in the case of wet weather or slippery paths. Tea tasting at the Heart Koya Cafe will still be held.
● Please come dressed in comfortable walking shoes and clothes you can easily move in. Please take steps to keep yourself safe from extreme heat in summer.
- Contact Information
- For personal bookings and inquiries: Please click on the "List of affiliated DMC partners" on the upper right corner of the website, and contact the relevant affiliated DMC partners listed with your booking or inquiry.
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