On this tour, you can experience the woodworking and food culture of Okawa, a city that flourished due to its proximity to the Ariake Sea and the Chikugo River (the tour is available in both English and Chinese guidance). Admire the lift bridge, the symbol of the city, while experiencing the landscapes of the Ariake Sea and Chikugo River, and the history of woodworking. Afterwards, we will explore the Kobo and Enokizu areas, the birthplace of Okawa woodworking, where the old townscape still remains. Only on this tour you’ll be able to enjoy the profound charm of Kumiko woodworking, and experience it by crafting an authentic Kumiko lampshade, learning from a local artisan. At the end of our tour, you will enjoy a dinner prepared with plenty of blessings from Okawa and the Ariake Sea. The dinner is held at a storehouse on the grounds of the former Yoshiwara Family Residence, a national important cultural property located in the Kobo/Enozu area. Enjoy the flavor of Okawa, where ingredients from the sea, river, and land co-exist, in a fantastic space surrounded by Kumiko folding screens illuminated by lights.
(The contents of the dinner vary depending on the plan)
●Plan (A) Saturday, January the 13th, 2024 / Capacity: 20 people / 47,000 yen (tax included) per person
13:30 Gather at “Hanzakai-no-machi visitor parking lot” *Transfers available from Saga Airport and Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.
13:40〜【1】Visit to the “Chikugo River Lift Bridge”, designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese goverment, and to the longitudinal dam designed by the Dutch engineer Johannis de Rijke: learn about the history of Okawa, which flourished as a port town due to its proximity to the Chikugo River and the Ariake Sea, and cross the lift bridge by foot.
14:30〜【2】Experience the art of light and wood “Okawa Kumiko” at Kioshita Mokugei: only the participants of this tour will have the possibility of creating a Kumiko lampshade under the guidance of the Kumiko artisan who collaborated with the JR Kyushu to decorate the interiors of the “Seven Stars in Kyushu” deluxe train.
16:00〜【3】Kobo/Enokizu Hanzakai-no-machi Guided Tour: take a walk with your guide through the interior of the “Former Yoshiwara Family Residence”, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and the historic townscape with medieval origins.
18:00〜【4】A dinner to enjoy the treats of Okawa and the Ariake Sea: enjoy a dinner prepared by a chef from Okawa in a place decorated with Kumiko craftwork. (You can also choose among many drinks such as local sake, vinegar drinks, and beer.)
20:00〜 End of the tour (according to your request, we will ride you back to your accommodation facility in Okawa or Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station)
●Plan (B) Sunday, January the 14th, 2024 / Capacity: 10 people /55,000 yen (tax included) per person
13:30 Gather at “Hanzakai-no-machi visitor parking lot” *Transfers available from Saga Airport and Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.
13:40〜【1】Visit to the “Chikugo River Lift Bridge”, designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese goverment, and to the longitudinal dam designed by the Dutch engineer Johannis de Rijke: learn about the history of Okawa, which flourished as a port town due to its proximity to the Chikugo River and the Ariake Sea, and cross the lift bridge by foot.
14:30〜【2】Experience the art of light and wood “Okawa Kumiko” at Kioshita Mokugei: only the participants of this tour will have the possibility of creating a Kumiko lampshade under the guidance of the Kumiko artisan who collaborated with the JR Kyushu to decorate the interiors of the “Seven Stars in Kyushu” deluxe train.
16:00〜【3】Kobo/Enokizu Hanzakai-no-machi Guided Tour: take a walk with your guide through the interior of the “Former Yoshiwara Family Residence”, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and the historic townscape with medieval origins.
18:00〜【4】A dinner to enjoy the treats of Okawa and the Ariake Sea: enjoy a pairing dinner prepared by a chef who runs a French restaurant in Tokyo. (We offer local sake, vinegar drinks, wine, etc. to match each dish.)
20:00〜 End of the tour (according to your request, we will ride you back to your accommodation facility in Okawa or Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station)
*The order of the tours may change.
