Two Relaxing Days to Savor Japan’s Hidden Local Festival Gems

Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Duration2 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This tour is all about taking your time to explore and experience Japanese culture at a relaxed pace, away from crowded tourist hotspots.

You’ll enjoy unique cultural experiences with an English-speaking local guide by your side, you can immerse yourself in the journey worry-free and truly enjoy every moment.

You can enjoy a real castle and a town of gods that has passed down its traditions for over 1,000 years, where you can witness its rare festival. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stay in a magnificent Japanese-style resort that feels like living in a grand castle.

This is not just another sightseeing trip; it’s a unique experience. You'll walk through a town, where the festival comes to life as locals, who cherish their town and traditions, participate with great love and devotion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in cultural activities like kyudo (Japanese archery) or calligraphy, making it a truly enriching and unforgettable two-day journey.

What's included

  • Lunch
  • Tour Guide
  • Japanese archery experience
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Private transportation

What to expect

Day 1: Experience Japan in a Day: A Compact Cultural Journey with a Once-a-Year Festival
  1. Pass by
    Your adventure begins at Kakegawa Station.
    Embark on a journey to immerse yourself in Japan's rich history and culture—all in one compact experience!
  2. Kakegawa Castle
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Discover one of Japan's only two surviving wooden castle towers, a rare glimpse into history, and explore the 'Goten,' a palace that reveals the lifestyle of Edo-era lords. For those interested, a matcha tea ceremony experience in a traditional tea room is also available.
  3. 2h
    You can enjoy the parade of beautiful portable shrine floats through Morimachi from the best viewpoint.
    You will watch a dance performed by mystical dancers on the beautiful mikoshi floats gathered at Mishima Shrine.
    After the dance, the Maiko dancers will be escorted back to their respective towns on the mikoshi floats by the festival participants.
Day 2: Experience Morimachi Culture
  1. Mori-machi
    2h
    You can visit Oguni Shrine, one of the highest-ranking shrines in Japan, with a guide and enjoy several cultural spots on the grounds of the shrine and a walking trail with beautiful autumn leaves.
    You can enjoy shopping and snacks at Kotomachi Yokocho in front of the shrine.
  2. Mori-machi
    2h
    You can choose one of two unique activities:

    Kyudo Archery at a Shrine: Learn the art of traditional Japanese archery from a Shinto priest. You'll have the chance to shoot arrows and receive a commemorative goshuin (shrine stamp).

    Calligraphy with Artist Suikou: Visit Suikou’s atelier and learn the art of Japanese calligraphy directly from the artist. You can take home your personally written piece as a meaningful souvenir.
    Both options offer a hands-on cultural experience you’ll never forget!
  3. Mori-machi
    40m
    Visit the studio where beautiful red pottery called “Akayaki” is made, a special type of pottery in Morimachi. It is also available for purchase.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of Shinkansen ticket gates

End point

In front of Shinkansen ticket gates

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • It is not a private tour. There is a possibility that you will be with other customers.

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.
From
176,000.00 JPY per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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176,000.00 JPY per person
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