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3 Days Tour of the Origin of Japanese Food in Niigata

New3 daysNiigata Prefecture
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From $815
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Length

3 days

Itinerary

3 days planned

Group

Max 15

Guides

Japanese, English

Overview

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.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Touching the Original Landscape of Japan: Kadoide Kayabuki Village⌄

    ・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.

    Meals: Dinner: You will be able to experience taste of traditional Satoyama that has been passed down in the region and generations.

    Overnight: Kadoide Kayabuki Village [Japanese-style room (shared bathroom and toilets)]

  2. 2Enjoy the unknown charms of rice⌄

    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.

    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.

    Meals: Lunch: In this program, you will learn how to make sushi rolls from the owner of a local kappo restaurant. · Dinner: A full-course seasonal rice meal Example of course content: Appetizer + 4 other dishes + dessert · Breakfast: You will also enjoy a homemade Satoyama breakfast prepared by these mothers.

    Overnight: Accommodation in Kashiwazaki area[Western-style room or Japanese-style room (with bath and toilet)]

  3. 3Tour ends⌄

    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.

    Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel

What's included

  • ✓Accommodation, tax and service charge
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓Experiences
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Taxi
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Guide
  • ✓Facility usage fee

Not included

  • ✕Transportation from/to meeting point and dismissal point

Good to know

Starts: A staff member holding a tour sign will be standing just outside the Shinkansen ticket gate at Nagaoka Station.

Ends: A staff member holding a tour sign will be standing just outside the Shinkansen ticket gate at Nagaoka Station.

Cancellation: 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.

  • 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