• Experience Japanese village life during a 4 day stay in a private 19th-century house and learn about the local food traditions, including healthy fermented pickled vegetables and umeshu liqueur (sweet Japanese ‘plum wine’)

• Discover the time-honoured craft traditions of the Hokuriku region, including handmade paper, lacquerware, ceramics and traditional knives, and watch the artisans in action in their workshops

• Enjoy a tea-ceremony style dinner—the origin of the celebrated Kaiseki (Japanese degustation) cuisine dating back to the 16th century — by candlelight served on locally crafted lacquerware

• Visit the renowned Eiheiji Zen Buddhist temple, set in deep forests—Zen meditation and overnight ‘pilgrimage’ experiences available on request at an additional cost

• Immerse in history at the Ichijodani-Asakura archaeological site, where the peaceful country scenery today belies its significance as a political centre and a major battle site during the Japanese Medieval Period

A short but relaxed ‘village stay’ itinerary that allows you to experience contemporary village life, discover diverse craft traditions and food culture, and explore some of the sights of the Hokuriku region on the Sea of Japan coast of central Japan. in You will be staying on most nights at a private traditional village house over 150 years old that has been restored as part of ongoing community-based efforts to promote regional eco-tourism. Your host is an experienced tea-ceremony master, who will provide you with a dining and cultural experience out of the ordinary that you will not find on any other commercial tour itineraries. Your other tour experiences include visits to craft artisans’ workshops and small regional museums, a renowned Zen Buddhist temple deep in the forests, a Medieval archaeological site, and simply taking in the atmosphere and sights of an ordinary Japanese village. Depending on the season, you will have opportunities to participate in agricultural and/or village heritage restoration activities. Through your participation in this tour, you will be directly supporting community-based initiatives aimed at revitalising declining regional areas and preserving architectural heritage, and artisans dedicated to preserving craft traditions into the future. Extended stays beyond the tour duration, including WWOOFing arrangements, can be organised upon request.

MAIN DESTINATIONS COVERED: Sabae, Echizen, Eiheiji (Fukui)

TOUR LENGTH: 6 days (5 nights)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS: 5

SEASON: mid-May to late June, late October to mid-December, early February to late March

BOOKINGS CLOSE: 90 days before agreed departure date

START LOCATION: JR Kanazawa Station [MAP]

END LOCATION: JR Kanazawa Station [MAP]

FITNESS LEVEL: moderate

CULTURAL TOLERANCE: moderate (must be able to sleep on traditional futon bedding on at least 4 nights)

COST: from AUD $2600/person (5 persons) to $4100/person (2 persons), including ALL ground transport, accommodation, meals, tour guiding, fees and charges