A tour using a shuttle bus departing from the ski resort to immerse in the history and culture of the snowy castle town Takada. Experience Kendo, Japan’s traditional martial art, in the hometown of one of Japan’s famous warlords, Uesugi Kenshin. You will be able to see, hear, and try the world’s only sport culture originating from the Samurai. The meal venue will be the 100-year-old Ukiyo restaurant, a national tangible cultural property over 140 years old. Explore the exquisite wooden four-story architecture of the restaurant and enjoy a traditional meal. After the meal,

you can choose from Plan A or Plan B.
• Plan A: Experience making kumiko crafts or tatami coasters.
• Plan B: involves dressing in traditional winter attire, such as a kakumaki or tonbi coat, for a photoshoot. Afterward, you can enjoy freshly roasted Japanese tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets) at the popular Taga Tea Roasting Shop, and finish the experience with shopping for items like rice crackers and more.

• Scheduled Dates
• December 23(Mon) to 26(Thu), 2024;
  January 8(Wed), 9(Thu), 15(Wed), 16(Thu), 20(Mon), 22(Wed), 23(Thu), 2025.
  Plans to continue in the following year.
• Preferred Selling Price (tax included)
• Adult/Child: ¥30,000 per person
  Infant (ages 3-6): ¥10,000 (Child’s lunch included)
  Infant (under 3): Free (No meal included)
• Included in the Price
• Interpreter guide fee, round-trip shuttle bus fare, lunch at Ukiyo, Kendo instructor fee, kumiko craft materials, food and drink at Taga Tea Roasting House, rental fee for Kakumaki and Tonbi outfits.
• Meeting Location & Time
• Akakura Onsen Bus Terminal / Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Detailed Itinerary

• Minimum Participants
• 1 person
• Maximum Participants
• 20 people


• Other Notes
• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking.
  Lunch is included, but additional beverages must be paid separately at the location.
  Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies.
  Payment for souvenirs can also be made by card.
  There are no seat assignments on the bus; please follow the guide’s instructions for seating.
  Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian.

Plan details

Kendo Experience

“Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art rooted in swordsmanship. Over its long history, martial arts have evolved from being ‘combat techniques to defeat an opponent’ to ‘training one’s mind and body,’ and it has come to be known as ‘the way of human formation.’ It is a sport that can be enjoyed throughout life, regardless of age or physical strength, meaning that it can be practiced without concern for physical differences. Kendo values etiquette, starting and ending with respect, and it is one of the traditional martial arts rooted in Japanese swordsmanship. It is said that there are approximately 1.6 million practitioners of Kendo in Japan, which is about ten times the number of Judo practitioners.”

Taga Tea Roasting House

“This area, once lined with ryotei (traditional Japanese inns) and small eateries, was a geisha district. Taga was one of the many geisha houses. Takada is a castle town established in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadaakira, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Merchants and artisans lived in narrow townhouses that featured covered walkways at their entrances, known as ‘gangi.’ These walkways still protect passersby from rain, snow, and sunlight. On Gangi Street, you can hear various sounds and smell different scents, including the fragrant aroma of freshly roasted tea. It is a place where you can leisurely enjoy freshly roasted tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).”

Hyakunen Ryotei Ukikyo: History and Venue Tour

“Located in Nakacho, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, which prospered as a castle town of the Takada Domain during the Edo period, this area was primarily known for its fish market and wholesale businesses. In the late Edo period, the second generation ran a catering business, and later, from the end of the Edo period to the early Meiji period, the third generation began operating a kaiseki restaurant, marking the beginning of ‘Hyakunen Ryotei Ukikyo.’ From the Taisho to early Showa periods, it established its current wealth and status, leading many business figures to visit Ukikyo, creating a perception that coming to Ukikyo was a status symbol. The expansion of the third floor and the establishment of a large banquet hall and garden marked a period of growth for Ukikyo. Additionally, Nakacho was one of the premier geisha districts in the prefecture, with 13 geisha houses and over 100 geisha in Showa 13, indicating its significant prosperity.”

Hyakunen Ryotei Ukikyo: Special Lunch

“The special lunch features fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, expertly prepared by skilled chefs.”
The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

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