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.
Experience 01
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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Experience 02
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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Experience 03
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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Experience 04
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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Experience 05
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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Experience 06
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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Experience 07
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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Experience 08
“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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Experience 09
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 10
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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TOKYO LUXEY
URL | https://experience.tokyoluxey.com/
Email | hello@tokyoluxey.com