This tour takes you around the nature-rich Kuma region to experience the bounty of the 700-year-old Sagara Clan. Visitors can deeply experience the charm of this region through a variety of activities, including a walk along the clear Kuma River, a cooking class using local ingredients, and an electric bicycle tour of the countryside. You will also have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Kuma shochu brewery, enjoy the spectacular view from the historic castle ruins, and experience kobujutsu (ancient martial arts). We also offer special programs to experience firsthand the 700-year history of the Sagara Clan. We hope you will find your own special experience on this trip that traces the nature, food, history, and the footsteps of the Sagara Clan in Kuma.
Highlights of the Experience
(1) BBQ on the Water and Shochu Experience: Visitors can experience the profound world of shochu while tasting BBQ made with locally produced beef on a traditional wooden boat.
(2) Electric Bicycle Food Tour: Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Kuma region while riding in comfort on an electric bicycle and sampling local specialties.
(3) Ancient Samurai Experience: Experience the spirit of the Samurai and refresh your body and mind through Taisha-ryu swordsmanship in this historic and sacred place.
(4) Local Food Culture Experience: Visitors can deeply experience the food culture of the Kuma region through cooking classes using local ingredients and dining at selected restaurants.
(5) Harmony of history and nature: Visitors can enjoy memorable experiences amidst shrines, castle ruins, and beautiful natural scenery that evoke ancient history.
Schedule
Day 1
– 11:00 Meet at Kagoshima Airport
– 12:00 – 13:00 BBQ lunch on the water on a traditional wooden boat (local beef)
– 13:30 – 17:30 Guided walking tour of shochu (including a visit to the exclusive shochu aging cellar)
– 17:30 – 18:00 Check-in at Ayu no Sato, free time
– 19:00 – 21:00 Shochu Pairing Dinner
– 21:00 – 21:30 Aoi Aso Shrine Night Walk (optional)
Accommodation: Ayu no Sato
Day 2
– 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast
– 8:45 – 15:00 E-bike food tour, including tea time at a tea plantation, lunch at Ganko Tofu, and shopping at a local farmer’s market
– 15:00 – 16:00 Stop at Ryuukinka no Sato
– 16:00 – 18:00 Local cooking experience
– 18:00 – 20:00 Dinner at Ryuukinka no Sato
– 20:00 Free time afterwards
Accommodation: Ryuukinka no Sato
Day 3
– 6:30 – 7:30 Hike to Takayama Castle Ruins Observation Deck
– 7:30 – 8:30 Breakfast at Takayama Castle Ruins Observation Deck
– 8:30 Transfer to Shingu Zenji Temple
– 10:00 – 12:00 Taisha-ryu Kenjutsu Experience
– 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
– 13:30 Depart for Kagoshima Airport or Shin-Yatsushiro Station
