Satoyama Sanctuary: A Five-Sense Journey into Japan’s Sacred Roots and Sustainable Future
Discover an immersive retreat in the heart of Shobara, where pristine satoyama landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see
Stay in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house, reserved for one group only—an exclusive escape into nature
Experience the deep spirituality of Mt. Hiba and Kumano Shrine, both featured in Japan’s oldest text, the Kojiki
Savor sustainable gastronomy, with seasonal ingredients grown in fertile soil and nourished by crystal-clear streams
Marvel at one of the world’s largest natural bridges, and explore dramatic gorges carved by ancient forces
Awaken all five senses in a place where nature, culture, and sustainability come together to shape a better future
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Schedule
Day
Shobara City
1:00 PM
〇
Meet at Bigo Shobara Station After arriving, move in a passenger car
1:40 – 2:40
Visit the Hiwa Museum of Natural Science (Director Attended: Japanese Way of Life)
2:55 – 4:30
☆Chojaya (cycling) rice terraces ※In case of rain or for those not participating in the cycling event, a kuromoji (spicebush) workshop will be held at Chojaya
4:30
Check in at Chojaya 250-year-old Historic Farmer’s House – CHOJAYA -Old private house for rent (max. 8 people can stay) Facilities: *2 Japanese-style rooms, 1 bedroom, 1 living room with the open hearth, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bathrooms *2 Japanese-style rooms (6 futons), 1 Western-style room (2 double beds)
7:00-9:00
Dinner *Dinner and interaction with a local mother Go to bed CHOJAYA(Rent 1 modernly renovated old private house) Overnight
Morning
X
Lunch
X
Dinner
〇
Day
Shobara City
Morning
Breakfast at Chojaya
9:40AM-2:00PM
〇
Leave Chojaya Experience Traditional Fire-Based Living: Cook with a kamado stove, try firewood chopping, light a Goemon bath, and enjoy a sunken hearth with charcoal heating. Discover the essential role of fire in daily life through hands-on activities Lunch: Japanese cuisine
2:35-3:35
〇
Kuchiwa Local Museum
4:00
Return to Chojaya
4:05-6:00
Chojaya Kagura Experience ※Appreciation and costume experience 【What is Kagura?】 Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that blends dance, music, and storytelling to honor the Shinto gods. It began as a sacred ritual at shrines to entertain the deities and pray for good harvests, protection, and prosperity. Over time, Kagura evolved into a theatrical performance enjoyed by local communities. It features elaborate costumes, dynamic movements, and rhythmic music played on drums and flutes. There are many regional styles of Kagura across Japan—from solemn shrine ceremonies to lively folk performances inspired by mythology and history.
7:00-9:00
Dinner at Chojaya ※Visiting Chef’s Creative Cooking Course A guest chef will visit Chojaya to prepare a special dinner using local ingredients and game meat, cooking right in front of you while explaining each step of the process. This interactive experience offers a deeper understanding of local foods, their origins, and traditional techniques. Feel free to ask questions and engage with the chef as you enjoy this unique culinary evening. Go to bed CHOJAYA(Rent 1 modernly renovated old private house) Overnight
Morning
〇
Lunch
〇
Dinner
〇
Day
Shobara City
Morning
Breakfast at Chojaya
9:10AM-12:00PM
〇
Leave Chojaya Kumano Shrine Mythical Land 1,000 Year Cedar Forest Bathing
12:10-2:00
Lunch at Yamasemi in a traditional Japanese house
2:15
Train Schedule – Geibi Line Remote Area Experience Arrive at Bingo-Ochiai Station (Start of Geibi Line remote area experience)
2:42
Depart from Bingo-Ochiai Station (Geibi Line)
3:32
Arrive at Tojo Station
3:32-5:30
Tojo Machinami Town Walking and Snack Tour ※Tea time at a cafe on the street
5:45
Check in at Taishakukyo Kanko Hotel KINSAIKAN For 2 persons: 1 Japanese-style room for 2 persons For 3 persons: 1 Japanese-style room for 3 persons For 4 persons: 1 Japanese-style room for 4 persons For 5 persons: 2 Japanese-style rooms for 5 persons For 6 persons: 2 Japanese-style rooms for 6 persons For 7 persons: 2 Japanese-style rooms for 7 persons For 8 persons: 2 Japanese-style rooms for 8 persons
7:00
Dinner with local ingredients at Hotel KINSAIKAN Go to bed Taishakukyo Kanko Hotel KINSAIKAN Overnight
Morning
〇
Lunch
〇
Dinner
〇
Day
Shobara City
Morining
Breakfast at Taishakukyo Kanko Hotel KINSAIKAN
9:30-10:20
〇
Leave Taishakukyo Kanko Hotel KINSAIKAN Lake Shinryu-ko Boat Cruise and Scenic Walk at Taishaku Gorge
11:00-12:30PM
Lunch at Kyukamura Taishaku Gorge – Featuring G1-Certified Hiba Beef
1:00-3:00
Stroll to Onobashi Bridge and Hakuundo Cave (Upper Taishaku)
Afternoon
Afterwards: For travelers heading to Okayama, drop-off will be at JR Niimi Station or Hiroshima Station For those heading in other directions, drop-off will be at Shobara Station ⇒ The tour ends
Morning
〇
Lunch
〇
Dinner
X
Remarks
Tour price
¥670,000 (approx. $4,620 USD) per person (based on 2 adults per group, 1 person)
¥450,000 (approx. $3,105 USD) per person (based on 3 adults per group, 1 person)
¥362,500 (approx. $2,500 USD) per person (based on 4 adults per group, 1 person)
¥317,500 (approx. $2,190 USD) per person (based on 5 adults per group, 1 person)
¥287,500 (approx. $1,980 USD) per person (based on 6 adults per group, 1 person)
¥266,000 (approx. $1,835 USD) per person (based on 7 adults per group, 1 person)
¥250,000 (approx. $1,725 USD) per person (based on 8 adults per group, 1 person)
Request/Announcement
The above schedule is a sample. It can be adjusted according to your request, so please feel free to consult with us.
What's included
・Private vehicle
・Admission fees (museums, temples, etc.)
・Transportation (JR, ferry, etc.)
・English interpretation guide *Please let us know if you would like another language.
・Luggage delivery fee ( Takku-bin: ①Aman Kyoto - Azumi, ②Bella Vista - Aman Kyoto)
・Experience fees (tea ceremony & kimono, cruise, rickshaw, private water cab, geisha dinner)
・Dinner at Kyoto Kitcho (please pay for drinks on site directly)
・Accommodation fee
Cancellation Policy
21 days ago: 20% of total accommodation / travel product charges
14 days ago: 30% of total accommodation / travel product charges
7 days ago-: 50% of the total accommodation / travel product price
From the day before to the day: 100% of the total accommodation and travel product charges
Map
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Mt.Fuji
6.Shobara City
Inquiry
Please feel free to contact us anytime.
The itinerary provided here is just a sample.
The number of nights and the content can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Please feel free to consult us about the number of people, participation date, content, budget, etc.
