SAMURAI SWORD The Ultimate Experience

Experience the thrill of rafting just two-hours away from Tokyo! Dive into a 7-kilometer adventure, navigating the exciting rapids nestled between the majestic Chichibu Red Cliffs and the unique natural monument, Iwadatami, an exclusive experience you can only find here. The term "Iwadatami" translates to "rock tatami" or "rock platform." It refers to a natural formation of rocks that resemble the layout of traditional Japanese tatami mats, the key scenic spot along the river. Our certified Rafting Association of Japan Guides, a.k.a RAJ Guides, ensure a safe, secure, and, most importantly, enjoyable journey. This half-day escapade, lasting approximately 3 hours, includes photo data to capture those unforgettable moments. With the tour content changing daily based on the water levels, 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!

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 an 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.

Indulge in a luxurious ""Chichibu Bar Hopping Tour"" aboard a special train. The program is rich with experiences, starting with a private reservation of the ""Fifty Two Seats of Happiness Express,"" a sightseeing restaurant train where you'll enjoy a special lunch paired with premium Japanese whiskey ""Ichiro's Malt,"" meticulously curated by the chef. Following this, an exclusive tour awaits at the typically restricted ""Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery."" Afterward, you can savor an overnight stay at a traditional Japanese architectural gem, the ""Old Folk House Hotel."" 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.

The taste of sake depends on many factors, and Matsuoka Brewery's Mikadomatsu sake largely depends on two vital ingredients: the mineral-rich natural water of Ogawa-machi, which is perfectly suited for sake brewing; and rice carefully curated from all over Japan. This is combined with the superior talent handed down over generations of brewers. On this brewery tour, you can observe the meticulous sake-making process and taste the aromatic and delicious brews of Matsuoka Brewery. *Children can instead enjoy the high-quality mineral-rich water used to brew sake, drawn from 130 meters underground.

To make traditional Japanese washi paper, you need harsh 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 Ogawamachi Washi Experience 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.