Experiences

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Discover the art of Japanese tea appreciation through a unique experience known as "tea fighting." This plan highlights Sayama tea, one of Japan's top three tea brands, celebrated for its exquisite flavor. What makes this experience truly exceptional is the opportunity to savor "single-origin" Japanese tea, cultivated and processed on the owner's tea farm. Your journey will be guided by the tea shop owner, starting from the tea farm and continuing to the processing factory. For lunch, relish a delightful meal at the "Chadokoro Issen" restaurant near the Iruma City Museum ‘ALIT’ – Tea Museum, where you will savor exquisite Sayama Tea Cuisine. Afterward, explore the Tea Museum to complete your comprehensive immersion into the world of tea. This tour is conveniently located about one hour away from Tokyo Station and 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station by train. It includes a local guide, private transportation from Irumashi Station, and a delectable lunch, ensuring that international visitors may participate with ease and peace of mind. Schedule - 10:30 AM: Meet up at Irumashi Station (an English-speaking guide will welcome you), and drive along a road through tea plantations; 11:00 AM: Arrive at the Tea Shop, Tea Farm and Factory Tour / Sayama Tea Seminar/Toucha (Fighting Tea) Experience / Shopping, receive a drinking comparison set as a souvenir to take home, featuring five tea varieties; 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Chadokoro Issen restaurant, Menu : Sayama Tea Cuisine; after lunch, visit the Iruma City Museum ‘ALIT’ Tea Museum; 1:30 PM: Arrive at Irumashi Station to conclude the tour.

Experience the splendor of Sayama Tea fields at your leisure with family and friends. Delight in a special combination of Sayama tea, sencha gelato and a Japanese style lunch box while seated on our terrace, encircled by picturesque vistas. We provide tables, comfortable cushions and camera stands to help you capture precious moments. Following your terrace indulgence, engage with local tea farmers, learn about their challenges and enjoy friendly conversations. This experience offers a distinctive and unhurried approach to immersing yourself in Japan's renowned tea culture. The fields are located about an hour away from Tokyo Station or an easy thirty-minute train ride from Ikebukuro Station. The tour package includes the expertise of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, private transportation from Irumashi Station and a delectable lunch. Schedule: 11:30 AM: Meet at Irumashi Station (Your English-speaking guide will be there to welcome you); 12:00 Noon: Stop by restaurant "Chadokoro Issen" to pick-up lunch; 12:10 PM: Explore Yamakyu Nakajima Garden (Receive a tea set and an explanation on how to use it); 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy the Cha-no-wa Terrace, reserved exclusively for 90 minutes; 2:00 PM: Return the tea set. Receive a souvenir at Yamakyu Nakajima Garden to take home with you; 2:30 PM: End the tour at Irumashi Station or Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma; Copyright(C)Iruma City

Embark on a captivating journey through Japan's cultural heritage with Miyazaki Tatami Shop's tatami-making experience. Uncover the 1,300-year history of tatami mats, integral to navigating Japan's varied climates. Join us for an immersive factory tour and hands-on session, where our amiable owner will guide you through crafting miniature tatami mats in just 30 minutes. Immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese tradition and culture, departing with a tangible piece of cherished craftsmanship. Curious about what a tatami mat is? In essence, it's a traditional Japanese flooring material crafted from rice straw or compressed wood, commonly found in Japanese-style rooms. A standard tatami mat measures about 3 feet by 6 feet (0.9 meters by 1.8 meters), frequently used to define room layouts in Japanese architecture.