Experiences

The Japanese traditional Tabi Shoe adorns your feet when you wear a kimono. Gyoda has a history of about 300 years as the most active town in Japan in Tabi Shoes production. Plain white Tabi are the most common style. But Musashino Uniform is famous for making unique and exciting Tabi Shoes that match modern fashion. Learn the history of Gyoda Tabi Shoes at Musashino Uniform, experience making your own Tabi Shoes, and choose your favorite SAMURAI TABI and yukata! Take a commemorative photo at Oshijo Castle or Sakitama Ancient Tomb Park, the symbols of Gyoda City. You can take home the SAMURAI TABI of your choice as a souvenir. The Tabi Shoes you made at the experience will be mailed to you at a later date after the craftsman has finished the final touches on your one-of-a-kind pair of Tabi Shoes. Schedule: 9:00 AM Gather at Kumagaya Station (meet the interpreter guide), transfer by chartered cab; 9:20 AM Arrive at Musashino Uniforms, receive guidance on how to make Gyoda Tabi Shoes (20 minutes), experience finishing Tabi Shoes (15 minutes), experience making your own Tabi Shoes (30 minutes), experience wearing SAMURAI TABI and Yukata (25 minutes); 11:00 AM Wear SAMURAI TABI and yukata and enjoy a walk around the city [Oshijo Castle, Sakitama Old Park, Gyoda Hachiman Shrine, etc.] to locations of your choice and take a commemorative photo; 1:00 PM Arrive at Kumagaya Station.

There are different varieties of Japanese sake, and the taste of each depends on many different factors. The Mikadomatsu sake brewed at Matsuoka Brewery relies on the mineral-rich natural water of Ogawa-machi, perfectly suited for sake brewing, and rice carefully selected from all over Japan, which together with superior techniques handed down over generations of brewers, result in this exquisite sake. On this brewery tour, you can observe the meticulous sake-making process and taste the aromatic and delicious brews of Matsuoka Brewery. *Children may enjoy the high-quality mineral-rich water used to brew sake, drawn from 130 meters underground.

Kawagoe, located just an hour by train from Tokyo, is a beloved destination for Japanese locals. Immerse yourself in the town's rich history with the help of a knowledgeable guide who is passionate about Kawagoe. Kawagoe offers a unique experience with its picturesque "kurazukuri" buildings constructed by wealthy merchants and Western-style buildings from the period when Japan became westernized (over a century ago), all located within a compact area. Today, some of these historical buildings have been repurposed into trendy cafes and restaurants. Its charming streets are a popular filming location for TV dramas and movies. Why not capture some of your own memories and feel like a movie star by taking some great pictures?

Experience the thrill of rafting just two-hours away from Tokyo! Dive into this 7-kilometer long adventure, navigating the exciting rapids that run through the majestic Chichibu Red Cliffs and the unique natural monument of Iwadatami, in this experience exclusive to Nagatoro. The term "Iwadatami" translates to "rock tatami" or "rock platform" and refers to the natural formation of rocks, resembling traditional Japanese tatami mats, that are the key scenic spot along the river. Our certified Rafting Association of Japan Guides, a.k.a RAJ Guides, ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable journey. This 3-hour escapade includes photo data to capture unforgettable moments. The tour content changes daily based on the water levels, and each day brings new and unpredictable thrills! You'll never know what excitement awaits you, making every outing a unique and exhilarating experience. Don't worry if you don't speak much Japanese, as English speaking RAJ Guides are also available to make sure the adventure is as enjoyable as it is memorable!

Nestled among mountains and rivers, Chichibu is a natural wonderland just a 90 minute train ride from central Tokyo. Our expert guides, who are passionate about and love the Chichibu area, will take you on a journey where you will discover the town's beloved attractions, hidden alleys, and recommended eateries and stores. Chichibu's seasonal charms vary so much that you will want to return each season. As a former center for silk production, Chichibu boasts an abundance of historical buildings that once served as homes and workplaces for wealthy silk merchants.

Koshigaya Strawberry Town stands as one of the Kanto region's premier strawberry farms, conveniently located just an hour away from central Tokyo. Indulge in a delightful 45-minute session of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking! This exclusive experience allows you to savor the unique and exquisite taste of fresh strawberries, a flavor found only in Japan and available during this season. The expansive strawberry orchard, adorned with sizable and luscious berries, offers a picturesque setting perfect for capturing memorable photos. Be sure to visit the official website for comprehensive reservation details.

Kawamuraya, a famous pickle shop that has been in business for over 200 years, makes a shaved ice beloved by local residents. This shaved ice is known for its sweet and gently flavored syrup made with rice malt. After the shaved ice season ends, the restaurant continues to offer lunch plates which incorporate its famous pickled onions, alongside a variety of healthy curries and sandwiches. *Normally reservations are not available, and you may have to wait in line. If you do not want to wait in line, you may contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk directly, at 048-788-5336 to make a special reservation. Please note that the Saitama Support Desk may only make one reservation per day, and this reservation is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Indulge in a luxurious "Chichibu Bar Hopping Tour" aboard an exclusively reserved train. The program starts with a private reservation of the "Fifty Two Seats of Happiness Express," a sightseeing restaurant train where you'll enjoy a special lunch meticulously curated by the chef and paired with premium Japanese whiskey "Ichiro's Malt." Then savor an overnight stay at a traditional Japanese architectural gem, the "Old Folk House Hotel." The next day, an exclusive tour awaits at "Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery," a distillery typically not open to visitors. The journey concludes with a special Chichibu Bar Hopping experience, as you disembark from the train to relish Chichibu Whiskey at local bars to your heart's content.

Catfish dishes are celebrated as soul food in the American South, yet there exists a Japanese town equally proud of its catfish culinary heritage. Nestled between two rivers, the town of Yoshikawa boasts a gastronomic tradition spanning four centuries. Renowned samurai and influential Japanese artists have relished its flavors. Visitors to Yoshikawa can savor a diverse selection of Japanese courses, ranging from delectable sashimi to expertly grilled dishes and mouthwatering tempura.

Chichibu Whisky Premium Tour: Experience the essence of Chichibu Whisky and traditional culture on a 2-night, 3-day journey! Start your adventure with an overnight stay in Old Folk-House Hotel, a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Explore the exclusive "Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery," not open to the public. Engage in a unique activity crafting coasters from Whisky barrel materials, surrounded by the nature of Chichibu. Enjoy nature beside a campfire and on boats with warm blanketed kotatsu-tables. The tour ends with a Chichibu bar-hop, where you can savor Chichibu Whisky in local bars and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japanese Whisky.