Description
Day one, start in Shobara, Hiroshima, where your guide will share the area’s spiritual and historical significance through kamishibai storytelling. Visit Kumano Shrine, known for its ancient cedars, then stay at Chojayashiki, a traditional inn in a 250-year-old farmhouse. Enjoy a special dinner crafted by Chef Mikawa using local ingredients.
Day two takes you to Okuizumo, where you’ll experience the centuries-old tatara iron-making tradition. Create your personalized knife with a local master blacksmith, followed by a soba lunch at Himenosoba Yukarian and a visit to the Tatara and Sword Museum. Relax at Tsukaru, a ryokan with hot springs and modern cuisine.
On the final day, meet the Itohara family, masters of tatara iron-making, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony while learning about their legacy. The tour concludes at the sacred Izumo Taisha Shrine, exploring its spiritual and cultural ties to Japan’s mythology and craftsmanship.
This tour blends history, mythology, and craftsmanship, offering a unique experience of Japan’s cultural roots.
Itinerary
| Day1 |
1:10 p.m. |
Meet in front of JR Shobara Station. Meet local guide and staff. Transfer to Kumano Shrine by rental car. |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Introduction session with local guides at Izanami Chaya. |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Guided tour of Kumano Shrine led by local guides. |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Arrival at Chojayashiki, check-in at traditional inn. |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Explore the area by cycling or walking. |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Dining-out event with a special chef. |
| Overnight |
Overnight: Stay in a traditional Japanese inn at Chojayashiki. |
| Day2 |
8:30 a.m. |
Departure from Chojaya. Transfer to Fukuyori Terraced Rice Fields. |
| 10:00 a.m. |
Okuizumo region and walk to viewpoint. |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Hands-on knife-making experience. |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Traditional soba noodles at Himenosoba Yukarian. |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Tatara iron and sword museum. |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Engrave your name on the handmade knife. |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Arrival at TSUKARU. Check-in and enjoy the hot springs. |
| 7:15 p.m. |
Enjoy local specialties at TSUKARU. |
| Overnight |
Overnight: Stay at TSUKARU Hot Spring Resort. |
| Day3 |
9:00 a.m. |
Transfer to Itohara House. |
| 9:30 a.m. |
Learn about the Itohara family’s legacy in Tatara iron-making. |
| noon |
Noon: “Uzu-ni” meal – A recreation of sacred meals from Izumo Taisha Shrine. |
| 1:30 p.m. |
1:30 p.m.: Guided tour of Izumo Taisha Shrine. |
| 2:30 p.m. |
End of Tour: Around 2:30 p.m., the tour ends at Izumo Taisha Shrine. |
Overview
-
Tour Type
A cultural immersion journey, with expert bilingual guides, highlighting Japan’s craftsmanship and spiritual roots.
-
Tour Area
Hiroshima prefecture (Shobara city), Shimane prefecture (Okuizumo town, Unnan city Izumo city)
-
Price per person (tax incl.)
2 Adult 150,000(JPY)
3 Adult 120,000(JPY)
4 Adult 110,000 (JPY)
5 Adult 100,000 (JPY)
-
Availability
Available year-round
-
Meeting time and place
At 1:10pm, JR shobara station (JR庄原駅)
-
End of Tour
Around at 2:30 pm, the tour ends at Izumo Taisha Shrine
-
Eligible participants
20+
-
Number of participants
5
-
Japanese Level
None
-
Accommodation
Accommodation 1: Chojaya
– One group per day
– Dinner (Chef-catered dinner available) and breakfast (need reservation )
– one twin bedroom, Two Japanese style bed rooms, bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, hair drier, refrigerator, kitchen
Amenities:
– bath towel, face towel, toothbrush, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cotton swab, face cleansing & moisturizers. Nigh ware NOT provided
Accommodation 2: TSUKARU
– One group per day
– Dinner (Original modern cuisine) and breakfast (Japanese or western style)
– Two twin bedrooms, bathrooms, free WiFi, hair drier, refregerator, TV, kitchen
Amenities:
– bath towel, face towel, toothbrush, handsoap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cotton swab, face cleansing & moisturizers
– Nightware NOT provided
-You may be asked to share a twin bedroom with another participant of the same gender, depending on the number and composition of the participants.
Inclusions
- English-speaking guide fee throughout the tour
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) featuring local and traditional cuisine
- E-bike rental
- Accommodation
- Admission fees for nearby footbath and Onsen
- Transportation within the tour (car rental)
Exclusions
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Optional activities or experiences not included in the itinerary
- Transportation to the meeting point (Shobara Station)
- Drinks during dinner (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Other personal expenses not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
Story teller
Chie is a regional-certified English tour guide specializing in Japan’s San’in area, encompassing Shimane and Tottori Prefectures. With extensive experience as a local guide in eastern and central Shimane, as well as a through guide covering Shimane, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures, she is dedicated to making international guests feel at home. Chie is eager to share the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating region with you.
Physical Requirements
Moderate. The tour includes a hands-on knife-making experience, which requires some stamina and manual dexterity. Participants should be comfortable with activities that involve standing and using tools for extended periods. While the tour is accessible to many, those with specific physical concerns should consult with the tour organizers to ensure suitability.
Travel planning and implementation
Shimane Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency, Region-106
Tavikala Corporation
406-12, Minari, Okuidumo Town, Nita-gun, Shimane
tel: 050-3559-0222
MAIL: get@tavikala.com
Cancellation Policy for “Though Inaka” [ Life to Knife: Immerse into the Soul of Rustic Japan]
Cancellation of the custom-ordered “Though Inaka” [ Life to Knife: Immerse into the Soul of Rustic Japan] is subject to the following charges:
Cancellation Charges:
31 or more days prior to the first day of the tour: 10% of the total tour cost
30-8 days prior to the first day of the tour: 20% of the total tour cost
7-4 days prior to the first day of the tour: 50% of the total tour cost
3-0 days prior to the first day of the tour or non-appearance: 100% of the total tour cost
Payment Refund Process:
In the event of cancellation, after the customer completes the payment of the tour cost, the refunded amount will be calculated by deducting cancellation charges, bank handling charges, and any other costs incurred by travel service providers (railway company, accommodation, etc.) from the amount already paid.
The refunded amount will be remitted to the bank account specified by the customer.
Cancellation Date:
The date of cancellation refers to the date and time when the notice is received by “Though Inaka” based on Japan time. This contrasts with the local date and time when the customer sends the cancellation notice.
Refund Processing Time:
Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be credited to the customer’s account.
Contact for Cancellations:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [contact@thoughinaka.com] via email.
Please include your name, booking reference number, and the reason for cancellation in your email.
By participating in the “Though Inaka” [ Life to Knife: Immerse into the Soul of Rustic Japan], you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this cancellation policy. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
