3-Day Art and Nature “Connection to the Earth” Tour in Nishiawakura
Highlights
Okayama
nature, cultural, Eco Tourism
Private Tour
3 Days
Easy
English
Description
Nishiawakura Village, the winner of the Excellence Award for its sustainable forestry and revitalisation efforts given by the Japan Times in 2021, is tucked away deep in the mountains of northern Okayama Prefecture.
We invite you to come here and observe the local people’s wisdom and practice to live in harmony with our natural environment. Through your interaction with our locals, including artisans, artists, entrepreneurs, and farmers, you will get a deeper insight into our country’s aesthetic ideals such as “yo-no-bi” (beauty found in modest and humble handmade items for everyday use) and wabi-sabi (a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete) that permeate Japanese culture.
Itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrival
- Please arrive at Nishiawakura Station in Okayama Prefecture.
- After dropping all your luggage at Nokishita Toshokan B&B, which is just a one-minute-walk away from the station, we will have a 2 to 3-hr walking tour of the village to learn about its history and industry and the environmental initiatives.
- Awakura Shrine
- Awakura Village Hall/Library (architecture tour)
- Visit a natural dye artist, Nanako Suzuki, at her studio, Someya
- Coffee break at Base 101%
Hot Spring and Dinner
-
Day 2: Art & Nature
- After a homemade healthy vegetarian breakfast, you will have a kimono-wearing session with a professional kimono dresser in-house. You will learn about the history and culture of kimonos. At the end of the session, you are invited to choose one of the antique kimonos to wear back home.
- Have a rice ball-making session if the weather permits, and have a picnic lunch outdoors.
- Visit a musical instrument maker at Mori no Oto.
- Learn about why he moved to the village and get inspired by how he combined his passion for music and care for our woodland in his social business.
Hot Spring & Dinner
-
Day 3: Hike on a Trail
- Have Breakfast and then hike on a historic trail, Wakasugi Fores or visit to Mr. Miyazaki, a local potter.
- Lunch at a local eatery
Good-bye and thank you!
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
-
For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | /person |
| 3 to 6 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 6 | /person |
|
This is a private tour |
|