Top Mie Prefecture Classes & Workshops

Private Bento-Making & Waterfall Hike in Rural Japan (Akame 48 Falls) Slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty of rural Japan. A friendly local host-guide will lead you through making a traditional bento with fresh local vegetables and premium Iga beef. Dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options and allergies, can be accommodated with advance notice. Afterward, hike through the scenic Akame 48 Falls and enjoy your lunch surrounded by forest and waterfalls. A rare chance to connect with local food, nature, and countryside life. Highlights / ・One-group-per-day private tour in Japan ・Hands-on Japanese bento making experience ・Fresh local ingredients and premium Iga beef ・Waterfall hike in Akame 48 Falls, a national scenic area ・Authentic rural Japan and countryside experience ・Ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Japan trip ・Easily accessible from Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Nagoya ・AkameguchiStation pick-up and drop-off included

• Exclusive Access: Participate in rituals not open to the public. • Cultural Depth: Learn directly from the Ujiko, the local guardians of the shrine. • Meaningful Keepsake: Create a personalized Goshuin with guidance from shrine staff. • Intimate Connection: Enjoy a private Naorai meal with the priest and locals — a moment rarely shared with outsiders. • Scenic Setting: Located near the ancient capital of Ise, this area is steeped in the spirit of Japan’s Shinto heartland. Perfect For Travelers Who: • Seek authentic cultural immersion beyond sightseeing. • Appreciate quiet, meaningful experiences over crowds. • Want to connect with locals and Japan’s living traditions. • Value spiritual or reflective travel and cultural storytelling.

In this program, you will experience the forefront of modern agricultural technology, particularly through the use of drones and IT, and delve deep into research on sustainable agriculture conducted in collaboration with Mie University and other research institutions. Participants will have the chance to see real-life applications of data-driven agriculture and understand how precision farming contributes to increasing agricultural productivity and environmental protection. You will explore cutting-edge agricultural tech, experience organic rice farming, and make onigiri, gaining insights into sustainable practices and local culture. For example, the day starts at 10:00 with an orientation, followed by introductions to modern agricultural technology at 10:30 and sustainable research at 11:30. After a hands-on ONIGIRI lunch at 12:00, practical tech application at 14:00 leads to a 15:30 discussion on agriculture. The program wraps up at 17:00 and a farewell photo at 18:00.

You can experience a variety of authentic Japanese activities, and as an extra option, you can also try the dressing in twelve-layered kimono "Juunihitoe" , the traditional attire of the Japanese imperial family. Enjoy the Instagram-worthy ambiance of the Heian period, dating back 1300 years, within meticulously reconstructed buildings that do not use any modern nails or fasteners. Finally, this program concludes a visit to a shrine and a leisurely time with Ise tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

Exclusive Access: Step inside the rail to clean and maintain sacred areas usually strictly closed to the public. Cultural Depth: Shed your tourist status and learn directly from the Ujiko—the devoted local guardians who have protected the shrine for generations. Mindful Practice: Experience "moving meditation" by sweeping the fallen leaves with a bamboo rake, clearing both the shrine grounds and your own mind. Meaningful Keepsake: Craft your own personalized Goshuin (shrine seal) and receive an exclusive version featuring your name written in Japanese Kanji. Scenic Setting: Located in Meiwa Town, the historic gateway to Ise Jingu, immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of Japan’s spiritual heartland.

・You will be given a lecture by a 20-year professional on how to process fish in the fishmonger's backyard, which is normally off-limits to the public. ・You can taste the fresh ingredients from Ise-Shima on the spot and take the rest home with you. ・You will also receive a fishmonger's certificate.