Business hours: 9:30-17:30 Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
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: Try on traditional winter clothing of the snowy region (Kakumaki and Tonbi) and take photos.
Afterward, both plans will enjoy freshly roasted Japanese tea and sweets at the popular Japanese café, Taga Tea Roasting House, followed by shopping for senbei (rice crackers) and other items.
Detailed Itinerary
• Plan A
10:00 Akakura Onsen (Meet) → Bus → 10:30 Lotte Arai Resort → Bus → 11:00-11:45 Kendo experience → Bus → 12:00-13:15 Ukiyo (Tour and Lunch) → 13:15-14:00 Kumiko craft experience → 14:05-14:55 Taga Tea Roasting House (Tea & Shopping) → 15:00 Ukiyo → Bus → 15:40 Lotte Arai Resort → Bus → 16:10 Akakura Onsen (End)
• Plan B
10:00 Akakura Onsen (Meet) → Bus → 10:30 Lotte Arai Resort → Bus → 11:00-11:45 Kendo experience → Bus → 12:00-13:15 Ukiyo (Tour and Lunch) → 13:15-14:00 Try on Kakumaki/Tonbi & Photo shoot → 14:10-14:55 Taga Tea Roasting House (Tea & Shopping) → 15:00 Ukiyo → Bus → 15:40 Lotte Arai Resort → Bus → 16:10 Akakura Onsen (End)
Plan details
“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.”
“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).”
“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.”
“The special lunch features fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, expertly prepared by skilled chefs.”
The photo is for illustrative purposes only.