8:00, for those arriving by train, we will pick you up at JR Nasu Shiobara Station.
Adorned in splendid robes, monks and pilgrims alike will lead the procession to our destination, ascending the mountainside. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself in a world far removed from the mundane.
As The sacred ceremony begins,you'll witness and partake in fascinating traditional rituals, including prayers and the burning of Goma wood.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional soba noodle restaurant, where elegance meets taste. Savor the healthy and refreshing tempura soba, made with 100% locally sourced, nutrient-rich vegetables. It's a dining experience that delights your taste buds and lifts your spirits.
After lunch, we'll visit one of Nasu Shiobara's highlights – its waterfalls, a marvel in an area boasting over 100 cascades. Crossing the suspension bridge offers a breathtaking view, so captivating that it earned the name 'Mikaburi Waterfall,' meaning 'the waterfall you'll look back at again and again.' This spot is also renowned for activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Myouunnji temple・Meiji no Mori
During the Kamakura period, after losing a battle, the shogun Taira no Shigemori's aunt, Myōun Zen-ni, fled from Kyoto and built this temple(1134) With a history of over 800 years, it’s the only building in Shiobara that survived the Boshin War. Don’t miss the ceiling, which reveals why it remained unscathed!
In April, the local souvenir shop "Meiji no Mori Michi-no-Eki" was renewed. It offers unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else, along with fresh vegetables and fruits.The soft serve ice cream is incredibly delicious.
At 15:30 We will go together to Nasushiobara Station to see off the day trip guests.
Check into a hot spring ryokan, where traditional architecture soothes your soul. First, slip into a yukata and unwind, savor the leisurely pleasure of "kakenagashi" hot springs, and feast on exquisite traditional Japanese cuisine. Enjoy your time until the next morning. For breakfast, partake a hearty meal made with abundant local ingredients. Soaking in the hot springs under the morning sun is truly blissful.This experience offers a serene and authentic experience that promises relaxation and rejuvenation.
※About "Kakenagashi" Hot Springs:
While many hot springs adjust their water by heating, adding water, or recycling, 'kakenagashi' hot springs are constantly replenished with fresh water directly from the source. Untouched and 100% natural, these springs are renowned for their superior health benefits.
Experience the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy!
Try expressing your name in kanji and writing it beautifully on a uchiwa fan. We’ll explain the meanings of the kanji and the origins of names, highlighting how family hopes and wishes are embedded in them in Japan.
This unique experience breathes new life into your name, creating a special keepsake to take home. It’s sure to be the best souvenir!
For lunch, indulge in a delicious trout set meal that will change your perception of river fish.
A "teishoku" meal features a main dish, rice, miso soup, and delightful side dishes, offering a traditional and visually pleasing Japanese dining experience.
Your freshly caught fish is cooked on the spot, and you can even try your hand at fishing! The fish is slowly grilled over charcoal, making the skin crispy and the inside tender, perfectly seasoned with natural salt—it's simply irresistible. Additionally, savor traditional, healthy Japanese sweets that have been enjoyed locally for generations.
Wander through the verdant and aqueous power spot of Ryuuka Falls, where the sacred scenery is so enchanting, it's as if fairies themselves reside here. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, basking in the abundance of negative ions. The waterfall cascades in three tiers, resembling a dragon ascending to the heavens, which is how it earned its mystical name.
Experience a tea break like no other in a teahouse perfectly harmonized with nature, situated right above a river. Enjoy your tea in a traditional Japanese teahouse and savor delicious dumplings made with yomogi, known as the queen of herbs. With breathtaking views, this tea break will be pure bliss for your senses.
At 16:00, we will escort you back to Nasu Shiobara Station.
Your guide Ann-chan, with Experience in Over 30 Countries
Ann-chan is a native of Nasu Shiobara, having lived in Tokyo for 32 years and is a former commercial production director. With a background of experiences across the globe, she's a unique guide. Always bright and energetic, she never fails to keep her clients smiling.
Photo Session with ”Kansu" the Head Priest
At Kawasaki Daishi, where numerous monks perform their duties, the highest rank among them is the head priest, known as the 'Kansu.' Meeting the Kansu is a rare opportunity, so much so that people come from Tokyo just for a chance to take a photo with him. Securing this photo is incredibly precious, guaranteed to be a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Here, you can purchase a unique "Ofuda" Japanese talisman available only at this location. Named 「Hifuse Mamori」,this is a talisman renowned for its efficacious protection.
You can also obtain a Ofuda personalized with your name (advance reservations only).
Ofuda Small : ¥5,000
Ofuda Medium : ¥7,000
Ofuda Large : ¥10,000
Ofuda Medium with gold& silver "mizuhiki": ¥20,000
Ofuda Large with gold& silver "mizuhiki": ¥30,000
※About "Ofuda" ...Japanese Talismans are part of traditional Japanese culture, symbolizing blessings and protection received from Buddhas and gods. They embody an invisible force that serves as a mental support in daily life, believed to bring positive effects. Talismans are made of paper or wood and are typically in the form of a flat plate.
※About "mizuhiki"... Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese decorative knotting craft used on gift-wrapping and ceremonial occasions.