Top Chubu How to Get Around in 2026

The “Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon” is a folk song event with over 300 years of history, held annually in Etchu Yatsuo from September 1st to 3rd. Its refined dances, songs, and musical performances attract many visitors each year. On this special tour, you can experience the locally rooted Owara dance from an unusually close distance in a private tatami room. Plus, let's actually dance with the locals!"

The Noto Peninsula is often called a “treasure trove of marine fermentation.” Here, traditions such as Ishiru fish sauce, sweet kome-ame malt syrup, seafood-friendly miso and soy sauce, and seasonal local sake have been passed down for generations. Framed by rugged outer shores, calm inner bays, and the satoyama hillsides, the people of Noto have long transformed nature’s gifts into singular flavors through the wisdom of fermentation. More than preservation alone, this culture is a living proof of how generations endured harsh winters and humid summers by harnessing the power of rice, salt, and microorganisms. In every taste, you encounter not only flavor, but also the memory of the land and the quiet prayers of its people.

Explore the enchanting snow-rich regions of Japan, where snow influences not just winter scenery, but also food, culture, and tradition year-round. This immersive journey reveals how melting snow creates pristine water sources essential for high-quality agriculture and fermentation practices. Discover the depth of local cuisine, from refined sake to traditional dishes, and experience unique crafts shaped by this snowy landscape. Witness how spiritual beliefs and everyday life harmonize with the natural environment, showcasing the profound connections between snow and Japanese culture throughout the seasons.

Explore the essence of Japanese culture through an immersive journey that intertwines history, food, fermentation, and nature. Wander through a breathtaking landscape shaped by mountains and forests, discovering how traditional practices in agriculture and craftsmanship developed over time. Engage in hands-on experiences at historical sites and craft workshops, while indulging in local culinary delights, including rice cultivation and sake brewing. This exploration reveals the deep connections between community, spirituality, and the environment, offering a rich understanding of Japan’s cultural evolution.

This special journey explores the traditional performing arts and sake brewing of Etchu Yatsuo, which developed as a merchant culture distinct from the samurai cultures of Kanazawa and Takayama. It is a private tour starting from Etchu Yatsuo Station on the JR Takayama Line.

Travel from Tsuruga Port to Eiheiji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Zen monasteries, where you can enjoy a peaceful cedar-forest setting and traditional monastic architecture. After exploring the temple, visit NOUSAKU Eiheiji Store for free time to have lunch (at your own expense) and join a hands-on tin amulet-making workshop. Following the experience, return to Tsuruga Port in time to reboard your ship. This premium shore excursion combines spiritual discovery with traditional craftsmanship. Guests experience the tranquil atmosphere of Eiheiji and create a unique souvenir inspired by Japanese culture. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving at Tsuruga Port, the tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a small-group setting of up to five guests, ensuring a comfortable and personalized cultural experience.

Kajikazawa Bayashi is a traditional festival performance designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Fujikawa Town. Originating in the Kajikazawa district, this unique art form combines elements of Kyoto's Gion Bayashi and Edo Bayashi. In this immersive cultural experience, participants wear traditional happi coats and learn taiko drumming and festival flute performance directly from local preservation society members. Guests will also explore the history of Fuji River transportation and make "Mimi," a traditional local dish, with local residents. After intensive practice, participants will perform in a final showcase wearing festival attire, with the performance recorded as a commemorative video. Through music, rhythm, and interaction with the local community, guests can experience the spirit and energy of a traditional Japanese festival in a way that transcends language.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. A highly efficient, sensory half-day that immerses you in Niigata’s historical merchant wealth and its best-known beverage culture. Stroll the refined Furumachi Geisha District, enjoy a quick snack-and-shop stop at either Niigata Honcho Market or Pier Bandai, then visit Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery for a photogenic brewery tour, tastings, and exclusive bottle shopping—before returning to Niigata Port. Lunch is not included in this tour.