Culture. Architecture. Nature. Japan's Heritage.

Each region of Japan has its historic charm, unique culture, and traditions shaped by its landscapes, climate, and people across centuries. This cultural legacy of Japan, whether in tangible artifacts or intangible practices, has been carefully preserved and passed down, ensuring that its narratives endure and are shared for generations to come. These stories, recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, are collectively celebrated as Japan Heritage.

Explore an Ancient Path in Hakone Hachiri

Experience 01

Hakone Hachiri, Kanagawa and Shizuoka

The Old Tokaido Road, connecting Kyoto and Tokyo for centuries, offers a true sense of history steeped in nature. Walk through the exceptionally preserved section of Hakone Hachiri, a cedar-lined stone path that unveils breathtaking views of lakes and mountains. Pause at a 400-year-old traditional tea house where you can savor their time-honored amazake (non-alcoholic sweet rice wine). Discover the art of local Yosegi woodcraft, spend the night at a serene inn, and indulge in the region's delectable soba and eel specialties on this replenishing guided journey.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #062 “A Perilous Mountain Pass on the Kyoto-Tokyo Highway"

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The Rich Heritage of Green Tea in Kyoto

Experience 02

Wazuka town, Kyoto

Wazuka town in southern Kyoto is best known for its legacy of producing the finest quality Uji green tea, a tradition spanning over 800 years. Taking advantage of favorable climatic and soil conditions, the tea plantations in the town form a beautiful landscape.
Harvest tea leaves in the fields, grind them into powder, and enjoy a tea-tasting session or a tea-infused lunch amid the breathtaking scenery. This immersive experience will lead you through the rich tea culture deeply rooted in this area of Kyoto, from the art of cultivation to the processing and creation of various tea-infused products.

This experience was inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #009 “Japanese Tea: Eight Centuries of Tradition."

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Japanese Copperware Craftsmanship in Toyama

Experience 03

Takaoka, Toyama

For over four centuries, the city of Takaoka has thrived on its proud tradition of craftsmanship, notably renowned for its copperware artistry. Discover this timeless craft by visiting the esteemed Nousaku casting company to tour their impressive manufacturing facilities, learn traditional techniques, and craft your own exquisite tin sake cup. Nearby in Tonami City, the long-established Wakatsuru Sake Brewery invites you for an exclusive brewery tour and sake-tasting. End the day with a Japanese dinner featuring Toyama's seasonal ingredients, perfectly complemented by the finest local sake.

This experience was inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #003 “Takaoka: Flourishing Folk Culture Under the Maeda Clan."

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Spirituality and Gastronomy in Yamagata

Experience 04

Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata

Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono, collectively known as the Dewa Sanzan, hold a sacred mountain faith that mixes nature worship with esoteric Buddhist beliefs. Ascend the stone steps of Mt. Haguro with a yamabushi mountain priest, embarking on a journey of enlightenment. After receiving a special blessing at the mountaintop temple, a local restaurateur will guide you through the secrets of mountain foraging and local cuisine using these naturally grown ingredients. For a deeper understanding of the yamabushi culture and their unique views on nature and spirituality, visit the Ideha Cultural Museum at the foothills of Dewa Sanzan.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #020 “Dewa Sanzan: A Journey to Rebirth."

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A Journey through the Sacred Shikoku Pilgrimage

Experience 05

Shikoku Region

The Shikoku Henro, a renowned pilgrimage route on the island of Shikoku, encompasses 88 temples, where Kukai, the founder of Japan's Shingon school of Buddhism, is said to have undergone training in the 9th century. The entire route requires nearly 40 days for an average traveler by foot, but on this condensed journey, visit significant temples and scenic sites, including Zentsuji Temple, considered the birthplace of Kukai. The local community extends respect to those who walk the path, offering drinks and a place to rest, a custom deeply rooted in this region and known as "osettai."

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #015 “Henro - A Spiritual Journey through Shikoku."

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Discover Wood Artisans in Hida Takayama

Experience 06

Takayama, Gifu

Gifu Prefecture’s Hida region is celebrated across Japan for its ‘Hida no Takumi,’ master artisans renowned for their exceptional woodworking skills. A journey to Hida immerses visitors in these age-old artisanal techniques refined over 1,300 years. Discover lacquerware painting, a local specialty since the 17th century, and visit studios where Ichi(yew) woodcarvings, utilizing the prefecture’s official tree, are produced. Another highlight is witnessing the grand floats constructed 300 years ago for the Takayama Festival, which are still used today. The restored Kusakabe residence, Taniya, offers overnight stays for a single group each night. Unwind in the evening at the adjacent Kusakabe Mingeikan, which serves as a lounge complete with a traditional sunken hearth.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #029 “The Wood Artisans of Hida Takayama”

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Trace the Footsteps of a Refined Samurai in Sendai

Experience 07

Sendai, Miyagi

The modern city of Sendai, founded around 1600 by Date Masamune, a prominent and highly cultured lord of feudal Japan, has a rich history tied to Masamune and his family. Discover the beauties of Sendai with visits to Zuiganji Temple, the ornately designed mausoleum of Date Masamune known as Zuihouden, and a boat tour around the Matsushima islands, renowned as one of the “Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan.” Tour the former Date residence before indulging in “Tansu Ryori,” a unique meal served in a small dresser or tansu. To immerse in the culture, meet a samurai descendant and craftsman behind Matsukawa Daruma—a Japanese doll symbolizing perseverance and luck. Learn about the techniques preserved for over 200 years, and acquire one to bring the essence of tradition home.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #019 “Sendai - Home of the Sophisticated Samurai”

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Dive into the Six Ancient Kilns' Heritage in Tamba-Sasayama

Experience 08

Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo

“The Six Ancient Kilns” refers to six villages renowned for their deeply ingrained pottery-making traditions: Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Bizen. These kilns boast a legacy of producing pottery from medieval times. Visit one of these regions, such as Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture. Nestled amid mountains and not too far from Kyoto and Osaka, this quiet town has thrived in pottery-making since the late Heian period (794-1185). Begin your exploration at the Tamba Antique Pottery Museum, and visit the nextdoor Cafe Oito,where drinks and delicacies are served on Tamba pottery. Explore various kilns and try your hand at pottery-making or acquire a unique piece to take home.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #050 “Six Ancient Kilns ~ Ceramics Born and Raised in Japan ~”

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Discover an Ancient Port Town in Fukui

Experience 09

Obama, Fukui

The coastal town of Obama once served as a seaport, supplying the old capital Kyoto with goods from mainland Asia and seafood,such as its primary catch, saba (mackerel), leading to the moniker “the Mackerel Road.” Experience Obama, where cultural traditions thrive, through its celebrated Wakasanuri lacquerware, the Myōtsū-ji temple founded in 806, and renowned pressed mackerel sushi in Kumagawa-juku, a post town along the famed Mackerel Road. For the night, enjoy the comfort of a thoughtfully restored townhouse that preserves its traditional architectural charm.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #005 “Wakasa Heritage - Connecting the Sea and Kyoto ~ Imperial food purveyors and the Mackerel Road ~.”

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Experience the Samurai Way of Life in Satsuma

Experience 10

Satsuma, Kagoshima

Izumi-Fumoto, nestled in Kagoshima Prefecture,is one of the notable fumoto villages once home to distinguished samurai of the Satsuma Domain. A key attraction is staying at RITA Izumifumoto, a transformed samurai residence offering a modern, minimalist hotel experience. Each suite is exquisitely designed to ensure a restful sleep. At the Izumi-Fumoto History Museum, immerse yourself in culture by trying on a kimono and partake in a tea ceremony at one of the historic residences. While the area is easily walkable, opting for the Izumi Cow Carriage tour presents a unique way to sightsee. Witness the historic Samurai homes and reflect on the life of a Satsuma samurai.

This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #082 “The Martial Towns of the Satsuma Samurai”

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Discover the Legacy of Ama Divers in Mie

Experience 11

Toba City and Shima City, Mie

The coastal areas of Toba and Shima in Mie Prefecture, renowned for their delicious seafood like abalone and Ise ebi lobster, are also home to the ancient tradition of ama divers. Join these skilled women as they dive without modern equipment and experience their way of life in their seashore huts, where they grill freshly caught shellfish and share their stories of ama culture. Later, visit the Shinmei Shrine, known as a place of worship for ama divers, and its special blessings that “grant at least one wish of a woman.” To end your day, unwind at the Amanemu, a luxurious spa resort and onsen retreat that offers the perfect blend of privacy and comfort.

This experience was curated in collaboration with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #073 “Meet the Ama Female Divers of Toba and Shima.”

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Wood Carving Artistry in Inami

Experience 12

Inami Town and Ainokura Village, Toyama

Tucked in the valley of Toyama Prefecture, a remote village boasts UNESCO-certified gassho-zukuri farmhouses, including a shrine and museums that exhibit a vast array of local crafts. Nearby, the town of Inami, famous for its wood carving heritage, comes alive with the sounds of mallets from traditional merchant houses. Here, visitors can watch artisans create from sketch to finish and purchase unique artwork or handcraft personalized sake cups to later enjoy local sake while savoring the scent of freshly carved hinoki wood. Throughout the town, carvings are showcased, including in a museum featuring works from numerous past artisans. The exquisite wooden Zuisenji Temple is another highlight, offering private tours and cultural activities like Sutra copying. After taking in the temple’s evening views, visitors can savor Japanese cuisine made from local ingredients and relax in beautifully restored artisan accommodations.

This experience was curated in collaboration with Japan's Agaency for Cultural Affairs ando inspired by the Japan Heritage Story ♯59 "Born from the Chisels of Master Woodcarvers.“

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Scenic Hikes and Sacred Heritages in Kunisaki

Experience 13

Kunisaki City and Bungotakada City, Oita

The Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture is home to stunning historical and natural sites, including rocky mountains once thought by locals to be home to ogres. Unlike other parts of Japan, where ogres symbolize misfortune, the people of Kunisaki see them as bringers of happiness. Visitors can hike scenic trails featuring stone Buddhas and enjoy Michelin Bib Gourmand soba noodles, a local specialty. At Fukiji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest wooden structures, guests can partake in private Zen meditation in English and stay overnight at the nearby temple lodge for an immersive cultural experience.

This experience was curated in collaboration with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #066 “The Kunisaki Peninsula – Where Ogres Bring Happiness”

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The Legacy of Police Pirates in Setouchi

Experience 14

Setouchi Islands, Hiroshima and Ehime

Explore the Seto Inland Sea islands and uncover the legacy of the Murakami Kaizoku, or ‘police pirates,’ who were pivotal naval forces ensuring safe sea navigation and trade. Visit the Murakami Kaizoku Museum to view over 1,300 artifacts, including fine arts and crafts from a notable family and items excavated from Noshima Castle. Try on traditional armor for a hands-on historical experience. For stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea, climb up to the 226-meter summit of Mt. Shirataki, passing more than 500 Arhat statues along the way. On Innoshima, historically known as a pirate stronghold, the Innoshima Suigun Castle displays an array of historical exhibits, including authentic pirate armor. The ideal route to explore these sites is by cycling the Shimanami Kaido, where you can also sample Houroku-yaki, a traditional seafood dish favored by the Murakami Kaizoku.

This experience was curated in collaboration with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #036 “The Murakami Kaizoku of the Geiyo Islands.”

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Spiritual Sanctuaries and Sunsets in Izumo

Experience 15

Izumo, Shimane

Revered as the “Land of Gods,” Izumo is known for its spiritual significance and scenic sunsets. It is home to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines, where a profound sense of sanctity prevails. North of the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Hinomisaki Shrine, an Important Cultural Property, stands out with its vibrant vermillion lacquer and intricate carvings. Nearby, Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse invites visitors to climb its 163 steps for stunning views of the Japan Sea. Inasa Beach, a renowned spiritual power spot, is the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset before unwinding at Izumo Hotel The Cliff, a MICHELIN Key-awarded hotel, featuring private balconies with outdoor jacuzzis and a restaurant serving dishes crafted from local seasonal ingredients. Before your journey home, savor the local specialty, Izumo Buckwheat Noodles.

This experience was curated in collaboration with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #048 “Izumo: A Land of Myths, Gods, and Sunsets.”

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Online Brochure

To learn more about Japan Heritage, please download our online brochure:

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