This is a program which introduces a deep understanding of "Japan" through "rice" in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture. Participants will stay in an old minka (traditional Japanese house) with a kayabuki roof (shingled roof), watch cooking rice in a kamado (a traditional Japanese cooking pot), with a master of rice, and experience seasonal agricultural activities.
Visitors can also enjoy some "experiences related with rice" such as Futomaki Sushi making experience with a local chef, and a visit to an award-winning sake brewery. This tour also includes visit in a beautiful historical residence of major landowner of this area, where the emperor Showa stayed during his visit to Niigata prefecture. On the second day, you will enjoy a full-course rice dinner that is specially created for this tour. The program offers real country life and warm interaction with locals that will make an unforgettable experience.
What's included
Accommodation, tax and service charge
Lunch
Experiences
Dinner
Taxi
Breakfast
Guide
Facility usage fee
Transportation from/to meeting point and dismissal point
What to expect
Day 1: Touching the Original Landscape of Japan: Kadoide Kayabuki Village
18h
・You will stay in an ancient thatched-roof farmhouse, surrounded by a warm atmosphere, lovingly preserved by the local community.
・You'll learn about seasonal agricultural practices related to rice from local veteran farmers. One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity to hear stories about rice cultivation from the perspective of these experienced farmers.
Programs are subject to change depending on the season.
・You will experience the traditional way of cooking rice in the "kamado" at the Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato, with the help of locals. The aroma of cooking rice and the flickering flames may make you feel nostalgic.
Day 2: Enjoy the unknown charms of rice
Izuka Residence
1h · Admission ticket included
The reason Niigata Prefecture became one of the top rice-producing regions was due to the presence of "wealthy farmers" who have developed the local economy as powerful landowners. Such mansions of affluent farmers still exist in Kashiwazaki City. The "Iizuka Residence", which you will visit during this program is one such estate, where even the emperor Showa once stayed. The local expert will guide you inside the residence and its breath-taking traditional Japanese garden.
1h · Admission ticket included
Exploring the Art of Sake, the Pinnacle of Rice Processing.
Niigata Prefecture is known for the nation's leading sake-producing areas in Japan. In this program, you will visit at 'Hara Brewery', that is one of the four breweries in Kashiwazaki City. During brewery visit, you will learn about the process of how to make Sake. Later, you can enjoy sake tastings and shopping at the same facility.
Day 3: Tour ends
30m
After departing from the hotel, the group will disperse at Nagaoka Station, the same location as the meeting point. We will also guide you to souvenir shops.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
A staff member holding a tour sign will be standing just outside the Shinkansen ticket gate at Nagaoka Station.
End point
A staff member holding a tour sign will be standing just outside the Shinkansen ticket gate at Nagaoka Station.
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
