9-Day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience

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Today, you'll be introduced to the craftsmanship of this part of Japan, starting at the knife factory, where artisans have learned and evolved their craft over many years. You'll then dine in a restaurant where this craft is illustrated in some informative videos as you use their cutlery, a unique dining experience that you can be sure never to have again! Arriving in Niigata, you'll immediately be introduced to the sake made here, finished with a tasting.

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In the morning, drive to Sakata and immerse yourself in local cultural traditions with a doll-making experience where you'll learn about the different hanging dolls made in different areas and try your hand at making one yourself. Finish the day exploring the Homma Museum of Art, featuring ancient and contemporary pieces and surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden.

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You will make your way to Ginzan Onsen, one of the most beautiful onsen towns in Japan, with some stops along the way. Before arriving at the onsen town, you'll stop at Mount Haguro to take a leisurely walk around a trail that takes you past many shrines and pagodas. You'll stop for another sake tasting and learn about even more techniques behind the national drink before dawning your yukata and relaxing!

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You will take a leisurely journey back to Tokyo with some stops along the way. You'll capture a little more of Japanese culture before you leave with a stop at one last sake brewery and visit a temple just a few hours outside of Tokyo. Your private driver will take you to your accommodation for the night.

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You will start the day by heading to Inuyama via Nagoya in the morning. After lunch and a 30-minute orientation tour with a brief explanation of the history of Samurai, you'll head to Inuyama Castle for a tour from the interior to the exterior. The castle was built 500 years ago and is considered one of Japan's five national treasures. Only 12 ancient castles exist in their original state across Japan. Only five of those 12 have been designated as National Treasures. Inuyama Castle is the smallest and oldest of them, dating from approximately 1440, though the current construction was built almost a century later. After the exciting trip to the castle, you will check into your hotel.

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You will rise early to make your way to Seki-Zenko-Ji Temple, where you'll spend the morning practising Zen meditation and Okaidan Meguri, a Buddhist tradition of walking in the underground tunnel that goes beneath the temple. These practices will assist in your preparation for laido, the art of welding and cutting the katana sword. Tonight, you will stay in a historical area that was once known as a lively merchant district famous for the “Udatsu” walls that line its streets.

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You will meet with katana artisans in their own ateliers and see their crafts practised firsthand. You will learn their history, and you may even get a glimpse of their personal antique collections. You'll visit a shiroganeshi (habaki-maker), a sayashi (scabbard-maker), and a togishi (sword polisher). Lunch will be at a local restaurant serving unagi, a meal that has been enjoyed among swordsmiths for centuries. You'll return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.