Discover Japan’s Countryside | Tohoku Journey through Yamagata’s Rural Landscapes
Thousand-year-old traditions
the sacred dances of OKITAMA,YAMAGATA
For over a thousand years, people here have lived in harmony with nature—
worshipping its power, fearing its force, and praying with deep reverence.
Meltwater nurtures the rice fields, mountains shift in color with the seasons,
and the sound of festival drums awakens the spirit of the land.
Over time, prayer became dance, the dance became the Black Lion,
and the Black Lion connected gods and people as a living heritage.
In this story-driven cultural journey to off-the-beaten-path Japan,
you’ll witness sacred rituals, the Black Lion Dance, and ways of life rooted in nature worship.
What awaits is a quiet intensity—an emotional immersion into the soul of this land.
Tour
1
Exclusive Black Lion Dance Experience
A living tradition passed down person-to-person for over 1,000 years.
The Black Lion Dance is not learned from written records— it is passed down face-to-face, voice-to-voice, for nearly 1,000 years.
With bulging eyes and a jet-black lacquered head,the lion is a symbol of strength and protection for the community.Children dream of carrying the lion one day.During this exclusive access experience, you may touch the lion head,beat the drums, and join local dancers—something that never happens outside the festival.
It is a true living heritage, sustained through deep connections between generations.
Deepening Experiences
Sacred Boat Pilgrimage through Mifuchi Gorge
A mystical water gorge — birthplace of the Black Lion legend.
“Deep within a narrow gorge accessible only by boat or canoe lies a sacred place of nature worship.
The people of this region have long believed that a dragon god resides here.
The Black Lion Dance traces its origins to this gorge and its ancient legend.
Towering cliffs rise more than 50 meters high, creating a mystical landscape—one of Japan’s hidden cultural treasures, untouched and rarely seen by visitors.”
2
Kumano Shrine – Priest & Shrine Maiden Experience
Serve the sacred deity of En-musubi – the God of Connection.
A sacred journey of En-musubi: connecting hearts, people, and futures.
At this 1,200-year-old shrine, you will wear the traditional robes of a priest or shrine maiden and take part in rituals normally closed to visitors—purifying the grounds, crafting amulets, and offering prayers inside the sanctuary.
Behind the main hall, search for the Hidden Three Rabbits — a secret carving believed to grant wishes and bless meaningful connections.This is not a tour.
It is a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and let destiny reveal its path.
Deepening Experiences
Miyama Washi Paper-making Workshop
An artisanal craft preserved with care by the local community.
Miyama Washi has been handmade for more than 400 years using locally grown mulberry and traditional techniques passed down within this small satoyama community.
The paper can last over a thousand years.
In this workshop, you will make your own washi—
a handcrafted local tradition preserved through generations.
3
Connecting with Local People
There are people here you can meet only on this journey.
At the farmhouse restaurant, a grandmother cooks with vegetables she grows herself.A family who has brewed sake for generations.An artisan who keeps carving the black lion mask day after day.And the local people who dance the lion dance and protect their festival.
These people do not appear in guidebooks.Only through this journey can you meet the storytellers who carry the living traditions of this land.
The moment you feel their warmth, a landscape becomes a personal memory.
This is a journey to meet people — not just places.
Itinerary
DAY
1
| 11:30 | Meet at Akayu Train Station |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Mt. Jubuichi–scenic（viewof OkitamaBasin） |
| 13:20 | ShishiyadoRestaurant —Lunch |
| 14:20 | NaganumaBrewery —Japanese sake brewery |
| 17:00 | Special Kurojishi Black Lion Dance Tour |
| 18:40 | TAS Park Hotel NAGAI – Dinner and Stay |
Lunch – Shishi-Yado Ibushitei
Handmade Soba & Mochi
“A soba & mochi lunch served at a restaurant themed around the region’s Black Lion cultural heritage,where local food traditions and performing arts come together.”
Dinner – TAS Park Hotel NAGAI
“Blessings of Nagai’s Pure Water” Seasonal Dinner
“A seasonal dinner course expressing the purity of Nagai’s water and fertile land—each dish carefully crafted to highlight the locally sourced ingredients.”
Stay – TAS Park Hotel NAGAI
“A modern city hotel featuring hot spring-style bathing facilities and an e-sports area.
Reopened after full renovation in April 2024.”
https://taspark.co.jp/
DAY
2
| 09:00 | Depart from hotel |
|---|---|
| 10:10 | Mifuchi Gorge – Tour of sacred waters(private boat or canoe) |
| 11:50 | Nagomi-anFarmhouseRestaurant-Lunch |
| 14:10 | Miyama Washi – Japanese paper making activity |
| 16:30 | YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI-Dinner and stay |
Lunch – Nagomi-an Farmhouse Restaurant
Homestyle dishes made with homegrown vegetables
“A farm-to-table countryside dining experience.
Every dish is handmade using vegetables grown by the farmer herself,
offering warm conversation and genuine local hospitality.”
Dinner – YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI
A special dinner where seasonal ingredients take center stage
“A true seasonal tasting experience—
there is no fixed menu, as the chef designs the dinner based on the freshest ingredients of the day.”
Stay – YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI
“A luxury ryokan where guests experience the essence of Yamagata— local culture, cuisine, and private open-air hot spring baths in every room.
Awarded 1 Michelin Key in the 2025 Michelin Guide.”
https://yamagata-the-takinami.com/
DAY
3
| 08:10 | Depart from hotel |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Kumano Shrine – Priest and Shrine Maiden interactive tour |
| 12:40 | RyukohanIchiden Restaurant-Lunch |
| 15:10 | Akayu Train Station — End of tour and farewell |
Lunch – Ichiden
Kaiseki course
“A fine-dining kaiseki experience crafted by a former executive chef of Park Hyatt Tokyo’s “KOZUE,”using premium ingredients selected from Yamagata and across Japan.”
https://ryukohan-ichiden.jp/
Course Content
| Available Period | May 9, 2026 – November 15, 2026 |
| Unavailable Dates | Some dates are subject to unavailability due to facility operational reasons. If your preferred date is unavailable, we will work with you to find an alternative date. |
| Retail price | ¥600,000 per person (for a 2-person reservation) (tax included; includes private boat and canoe options) |
| Included in Package Rate | Private transportation (car, shuttle), lodging, meals, tour guide, tour and activities |
| TourItinerary | 3 day & 2 night package (meals included: 2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner) *see next page for detailed itinerary* |
| Meeting Point & Time | JR Akayu Train Station ticket gate, 11:30 AM |
| Group Size | 2-7 people |
| Reservation Period | At least 30 days prior to desired date |
| CancellationFee | Fee varies by how many days prior to reserved date: 11 days or more: 20%, 3-10 days: 40%, 1-2 days: 50%, same day or no-show: 100% (no refund) |
| Required Information at Reservation |
(1)Preferred date (2)Number of guests, guest name, gender, and address (3)Emergency contact number (4)Allergy information (5)Desired option activity at Mifuchi Gorge – Private Boat or Canoe(6)Shoe size |
| AdditionalInformation |
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| Available Languages | English / Chinese (Mandarin) |
