Take a Stroll Back in time at Takehara, Hiroshima's Little Kyoto

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2 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Take a stroll back in time at Takehara, Hiroshima's Little Kyoto.

The ecotour site, Takehara, located in the south-central part of Hiroshima Prefecture, and facing the Seto Inland Sea, is known as a ”Little Kyoto'' town in Hiroshima. The Takehara Townscape Preservation District, lined by historical buildings from the Edo period (1603-1867) to the Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) eras, is designated as a Japan Heritage surrounded by a nostalgic landscape.
In addition, saké using Hiroshima's unique “soft water brewing method'' and wa-én (和塩, Japanese salt) rich in mineral and nutritious are produced in Takehara by taking advantage of nature's blessings.

A special experience for those who love art, history, nature and culture.

The ecotours will provide an opportunity for visitors to see art making processes or experience ‘the artistic space of hospitality’ created by shohekiga paintings.
Please join us!!

What's Included

Soba noodle lunch at the local saké brewery Fujii Shuzo Co., Ltd. (saké brewery)
All Fees and Taxes
Breakfast at NIPPONIA HOTEL
Lunch
Dinner
`Japanese wa-én (和塩) full course dinner’ using Takehara’s salt for all dishes from appetizers to desserts and local ingredients, ‘gyohan' (魚飯, Takehara's traditional cuisine for guests)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting time is (13:00) at NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town (Front desk/restaurant building, as shown on the right). 1-4-16 Honmachi, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, 725-0022

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Interact with young artists (Tour A) OR see shohekiga paintings in historical buildings (Tour B), All-inclusive

    1 stop
  • 1

    You can see the art making process of shohekiga paintings and interact with young artists in the Takehara Townscape Preservation District on Tour A (1 Feb-6 Feb). On Tour B (21 Feb-26 Feb), you can see the newly created shohekiga paintings by young artists that are exhibited in historical buildings. You will feel the power of art breathing new life into the historical townscape. Shogekiga are large paintings on sliding doors or folding screens seen in traditional Japanese architecture. Some shohekiga paintings are treated as important art pieces and collected by renowned overseas museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. In the Takehara Townscape Preservation District, known as a `Little Kyoto’ town in Hiroshima Prefecture, you can see the historical transition of architectural styles from the Edo period (17th century) to Showa (1926-1989) eras. In the District, there are stores, cafés and restaurants renovated from old houses and stores.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Japanese saké made using Hiroshima's unique soft water brewing method & SETOUCHI blue pottery making

    1 stop
  • 2

    At Fujii Shuzo (a local brewery), saké is produced using Hiroshima’s unique soft water brewing method. Please enjoy a saké tasting and take a look at saké, saké sets (tokkuri (flask) and cups), tableware, handicrafts, accessories and bags made of kimono fabric, etc. at their gift shop. Fujii Shuzo is famous for its saké brand Ryusei which was served at the working dinner of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in 2023. At Tokobo Fudo (a local pottery studio) let’s make a small saké cup and a salt plate in SETOUCHI Blue. Takehara, located in the Seto Inland Sea area, has recently drawn the attention of visitors due to its selection as one of 52 places to go in 2019 by the New York Times. Setouchi means the Seto Inland Sea and the blue is thought of as the local theme color by people in the area. After experiencing art, local food culture of salt and saké in Takehara, why not keep your memory by making a souvenir? A small blue saké cup and a salt plate will retain the memory of your trip.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Fukuyama Tourist / Setonaikai Ecotourism Association

Tags

Dining Experiences
Multi-day Tours
Historical Tours
Sake Tasting
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Seasonal
Small Group
DSA non-compliant

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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