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Rikuzen Takata Gold Bus Tour Public

New2 daysIwate Prefecture
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From $647
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Length

2 days

Itinerary

2 days planned

Group

Max 5

Guides

English

Overview

Delve into the rich legacy of gold in Japan with the Michinoku Gold Romance tour, where history meets hands-on exploration. Traverse significant cultural sites, including the famed Shishiori and Tamayama Gold Mines, and witness the remnants of Japan's gold rush. Engage in gold panning and crystal hunting to connect with the land that shaped a nation's wealth and spiritual life. Taste the region's renowned 'Golden Food Treasures,' such as fresh oysters and local sake, each dish steeped in history and crafted by passionate producers. This immersive journey will deepen your understanding of how gold influenced Japan's culture and regional identity.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Kesennuma – Rikuzentakata⌄

    Visit the Kesennuma City Shishiori Gold Mine Museum, where you can learn about “Monster Gold,” a massive natural gold nugget weighing approximately 2.25 kg with an estimated 83% gold content, mined in the late Meiji period. The museum displays photographs and reconstructed models of the nugget, mining tools used at the time, and exhibits illustrating how the gold mine modernized over the years. Afterward, take a walk through the actual mining site to explore remnants of mine tunnels, old trolley tracks, and piles of discarded ore (waste rock), offering a vivid glimpse into historical gold mining practices.

    With guidance from a professional guide, explore the residence showcasing the refined craftsmanship of Kesenn carpenters and plasterers, whose traditional techniques are evident throughout the architecture. After the tour, enjoy a specially arranged lunch (boxed meal) inside the Former Yoshida Family Main Residence.

    Visit a processing facility at a fishing port known for landing some of the highest-priced, premium-quality oysters in Japan. Under the guidance of local fishermen, enjoy a hands-on oyster shucking experience while learning about their harvesting techniques and craftsmanship. ※Depending on the season and weather conditions, some stops may be skipped.

    Meals: Lunch: You enjoy a specially arranged lunch (boxed meal) prepared with Golden Food ingredients. · Dinner: Enjoy a full-course meal prepared with Golden Food ingredients unique to this region.

    Overnight: Tamanoyu Ryokan A lodging facility in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture

  2. 2Rikuzentakata⌄

    Learn about the history of the Tamayama Gold Mine and the natural processes by which gold and crystal are formed, while enjoying hands-on experiences in gold panning and crystal hunting. After the gold panning experience, view historic remains such as the former refinery site, checkpoint ruins, and the Sennin Pit from the bus window.

    We stop at a roadside station with shops and restaurants using local ingredients, where guests will have free time. Souvenirs such as local seafood.

    Meals: Breakfast: At the lodging facility Tamanoyu Ryokan, enjoy a luxurious course-style meal from the morning.

What's included

  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓All necessary equipment for gold panning (helmet, rubber boots, etc.)
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Breakfast

Not included

  • ✕Lunch on Day 2 is not included, as participants will have free time for lunch at Fermentation Park CAMOCY at their own expense.
  • ✕Transportation costs to the meeting point (Ichinoseki Station) are not included in the tour.

Good to know

Starts: We will meet at the Ichinoseki Station East Exit Bus Boarding Area. Our tour guide, who will accompany you on the day, will be waiting with a sign displaying the tour name.

Ends: We will meet at the Ichinoseki Station East Exit Bus Boarding Area. Our tour guide, who will accompany you on the day, will be waiting with a sign displaying the tour name.

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
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels