Experiences

In the town of Kamikawa in the northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, there is a sword smith who opened a sword smithy as if guided by the god of steel. The Japanese sword is known as one of Japan's world-class traditional crafts, but in fact it is so connected to the spiritual world of the Japanese people that it can be said to be the very soul of Japan. The Japanese sword, which has been handed down from the Heian period to the present, is not only a work of art, but also a spiritual guardian deity that protects people from illness and evil spirits. You can experience the traditional skills and spirit of Japanese swordsmithing at Fusahiro, where the ancient swordsmith method has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Please experience the culture and spirit of the Japanese sword by feeling the burning flames, the hot air, and the sound of striking iron with your whole body, and experience the ultimate forging technique.

We will take you to a world roughly 1,000 meters up in the air, to experience a Free Flight (an untethered flight) in a hot-air balloon. With numerous options available, you can create a romantic experience with your loved one, or make memories with friends and family, or create your own original experience together. Before the free flight experience, you will receive a "Certificate of Flight" as a gift! We will also hold a traditional ceremony to celebrate your first flight in a hot-air balloon with a toast of champagne! We will prepare a set of drinks (non-alcoholic) on the ground, for you to eat in the air or at your leisure. English speaking staff is on-site for your convenience.

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.

Embark on a unique adventure as you craft Hana Chozu, Water Basin Flower Arrangements, at Oshijo Castle in Gyoda City, a location celebrated in novels and movies. Choose your favorite flowers to create a personalized masterpiece and capture a memorable photo with your creation! Join us for this exclusive experience, tailored to our unique setting. English-speaking guides are available for our international guests.

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!

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.

To make traditional Japanese washi paper, you need icy cold and clear water. Ogawamachi, in northwest Saitama Prefecture, is a region that has both of these conditions. The Hosokawa paper made here is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is highly regarded worldwide, having even been used to restore the Louvre and the British Museum. The Ogawa Washi Learning Center is a historical building constructed in 1936 for the study of washi paper, and is a place where craftspeople can learn and practice papermaking. Visitors can also observe and experience the washi-making process, ranging from simple introductory courses to a comprehensive four-day experience. *Reservations are required for experiences. Brochures in English and Chinese are available, but staff explanations are in Japanese only, so if you need an interpreter, please contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk.

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.

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.

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.

This is a unique factory tour facility where you can have fun watching, learning and studying about the world of confectioneries. Visitors can enjoy learning about chocolate, take a quiz tour, visit the museum zone where 1,500 "toys" are on display, and even make their own original confections (for a fee).

While Kyoto is the most famous producer of kimono textiles, it’s far from the only one in Japan. Nestled among spectacular mountains, the Chichibu region has also been a producer of kimono textiles for around 2,000 years. Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, flourished in mountainous regions like Chichibu where rice cultivation was limited. Initially, silk was used as clothing for commoners, with stronger varieties prized by warriors. Over time, advancements in design gave rise to Chichibu-Meisen silk, renowned for its beauty and popularized nationwide from the Taisho to early Showa era (1912-1945) as fashionable attire for women. Textile work, including sericulture, employed about 70% of Chichibu's population during this period, establishing it as the region's primary industry. The over 100-year-old Suzaki Ryokan, located in the charming old highway town of Ogano, offers a kimono dressing experience allowing visitors to partake in this cherished tradition.

To help visitors learn more about the role of the regional flood control facility, “Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel,” we have increased the appeal of our tours and begun the second installment of this ongoing social experiment. In addition to the wildly popular tour of the surge tank, known as the "underground shrine," we have added secret passages, pump rooms, and sections of the gas turbine which will be opened to the public in 4 different courses. We encourage you to experience the grandeur of the “Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel.” Please check the URL below for details regarding tours and facilities. Notes on the reservation site: You can switch to English by clicking on the mark next to the earth symbol in the top right corner of a header section

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.

Ever wondered how Japan's famous soy sauce is made? Dive into the experience at Kinbue Soy Sauce Park! Established in 1789, Kinbue Soy Sauce continues to practice traditional brewing methods, and invites visitors to explore its Kinbue Syoyu Park to enjoy everything soy sauce has to offer by “eating,” “learning,” “shopping,” and “playing.” Join an informative and fun guided factory tour, compare different soy sauce flavors at the restaurant, and discover an array of soy sauce-based souvenirs at the shop.

Chichibu Geogravity Park offers a full set of adrenaline pumping, dare devilish gravity-related activities for everyone to enjoy, especially thrill-seekers! Chichibu is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo. Chichibu Geogravity Park was created in 2019 as Japan's first gravity-based activity park. Gravity Park is operated with the strictest safety management in place, to provide maximum enjoyment. We dare say that you will enjoy yourself to the fullest, with many of our “first-of-a-kind” activities in Japan!

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.

Our tour will take you on a leisurely stroll through the renowned Omiya Bonsai Village, a true mecca for bonsai enthusiasts, with an expert guide who shares your love of bonsai. Omiya Bonsai Village is one of the rare places where bonsai artisans reside and collaborate, creating and perfecting this unique art form. At its height, the village boasted more than 30 bonsai gardens; today, six of these magnificent gardens are open to visitors. Over the course of three hours, we'll visit the Bonsai Museum and three distinctive bonsai gardens in the area, each with its own unique style and appearance. Our guide, steeped in knowledge and passion for bonsai, will provide fascinating insight into the cultivation and care of these miniature masterpieces, enhancing your appreciation of the art form.

Join us on a flavorful exploration of Kawagoe, renowned for its historic streets and hidden culinary treasures. This tour unveils the secrets behind the mouthwatering offerings of Ramen Ganja, a local gem that has captured hearts far and wide. Discover the essence of great ramen as we delve into the art of crafting soy sauce and dashi (soup stock). Immerse yourself in a sensory experience with a visit to a traditional soy sauce warehouse and indulge in a soup stock tasting session. Tour Highlights: 1. Soy Sauce Warehouse Excursion; 2. Dry Food Store Visit and Soup Stock Tasting; 3. Indulge in Ramen at Ramen Ganja, a beloved local hotspot. Led by Koedo Tourism Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Ariya Vesolowski, this unique journey promises to uncover the secrets behind the umami-rich world of Japanese ramen.

The Railway Museum opened in Omiya, Saitama City, on October 14, 2007 as the main project to commemorate the 20th anniversary of JR East. In July 2018, the new South Wing was opened and the permanent exhibits in the Main Wing were completely renewed. This renewal has transformed the museum into one that develops a rich story of people and railroads from a variety of perspectives by dividing the museum into five stations: rolling stock, history, jobs, science, and the future.

Kagura stands as one of Japan's oldest forms of entertainment, steeped in ritualistic devotion to the gods. Preserved and passed down by the people, Sato-kagura represents a 'one-of-a-kind' experience plan where you can (1) watch, (2) dance, and (3) toast with the performers of Sato-kagura, carefully handed down in Kawagoe, where Edo culture from the 1600 to the 1800 endures. Capture the memories with as many photos as you like! Your guides, goodwill tourism ambassadors adorned in kimonos, will foster connections among participants by providing lively and easy-to-understand explanations. Whether joining alone or with others, a great time is assured. The tour concludes with a toast featuring seasonal sake from a local brewery, ensuring both participants and performers enjoy the experience. Plus, get insights directly from the performers themselves.

Tantoku, a lumber merchant, was founded in 1869 in Rokkencho, Kawagoe City. The annex (hanare), built by first generation Tokujiro Suzuki, and the 200 tsubo (1,860 ㎡) Japanese garden (karesansui) are open to the public.

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?

Become your favorite anime character! This photo studio specializes in cosplay experiences, and is located in a traditional Japanese-style house. Costumes, wigs, and other garments are all provided, so you don't have to bring or purchase anything on the day. Even those trying out cosplay for the first time are welcome to join. The package includes full cosplay makeup and skincare along with 6 photos and editing by a specialist cosplay photographer. Plus, you’ll get a 5-minute video recording on your smartphone. The sets, costumes, wigs, and props are made by staff with over 10 years of cosplay experience, and each photo is edited by a professional to match the character's appearance.