Tagajo City is a historic town where historical sites occupy one-fourth of the city's area. 1300 years ago, during the Nara period, "Kokufu Tagajo" was established as the political and cultural center of the Tohoku region. Why not extend your trip slightly from Sendai to experience the rich history and culture of Tagajo?
The Tohoku History Museum is a prefectural museum that conveys the history of the Tohoku region to the present day. In this program, you will be guided by a curator through both the permanent and special exhibitions.
*Please note that the content of the special exhibitions may change depending on the period.
Permanent Exhibition:
The history of the entire Tohoku region, from the Paleolithic era to modern times, is displayed in nine period-specific sections. Additionally, there are detailed display areas that delve deeply into three themes that best represent the characteristics of the Tohoku region.
Special Exhibitions:
September 14th (Saturday) to September 23rd (Monday): Special Exhibition "Washoku - The Wisdom of Japan's Nature and People"
2023 marks the 10th anniversary of "Washoku" being listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This exhibition will introduce Washoku, which is gaining increasing attention worldwide, from various perspectives such as science and history, using a variety of specimens and materials.
October 12th (Saturday) to December 15th (Sunday): Special Exhibition "Tagajo 1300 Years"
This exhibition commemorates the 1300th anniversary of Tagajo's founding, depicting why Tagajo was established in this area 1300 years ago, its role, and how it developed, based on excavation research results, and relating it to the trends of the Ritsuryo state, Mutsu Province, and Northern society at the time.
Lunch will feature a menu using ancient rice, a specialty of Tagajo. Ancient rice is a chewy-textured, purple rice rich in nutrients that are beneficial for beauty and health. It is believed that ancient rice has been cultivated in Tagajo for a long time.
Engage in the ancient noble pastime of kai-awase (shell matching), where pairs of clamshells are matched—a game popular among nobles in the Heian period. In this tour, you will have the special opportunity to decorate clamshells using iwa-enogu (natural mineral pigments), which are also used in Japanese paintings.
Afterward, visit the Tagajo Archaeological Research Center, where staff will explain the findings from archaeological excavations.
Try on costumes that recreate the attire worn by nobles and officials during the Heian period, handmade by residents of Tagajo City. Choose from a variety of colorful outfits.
Costume production by the Tagajo Manyo Festival Executive Committee.
Founded in 724, 1300 years ago, Tagajo is one of Japan's three great historic sites, alongside Heijo-kyu in Nara and Dazaifu in Fukuoka. The "Tagajo Monument," which commemorates the founding of Tagajo 1300 years ago, has been designated as a national treasure this year. The south gate, which is being restored to commemorate the 1300th anniversary, is also a highlight. Commemorative photos will be taken in Manyo costumes.
Shiogama Shrine is a shrine located in neighboring Shiogama City, next to Tagajo City. It is the head shrine of all Shiogama Shrines nationwide, dedicated to the god of salt-making. It has been cherished by people from nobles to commoners since ancient times. Learn about the history of salt-making, which is said to have shaped the landscape of Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, and its relationship with Kokufu Tagajo.
Nara period cuisine mainly consisted of dried foods that were easy to preserve. Since Heijo Palace was in a basin in Nara, dried and salted ingredients were brought from all over Japan. On the other hand, in Tagajo, which is close to the sea, fresh seafood may have been enjoyed since ancient times. If imperial cuisine from the Nara period existed in the modern era, we would offer special imperial cuisine unique to Tagajo for this tour.
The contents of the packaged travel contract (hereinafter referred to as the "Travel Contract") are based on the contents described on this page and the contents described in the "Tour Conditions".
| A Journey to the Ancient Northern Heart: The Roots of JAPAN | ||
| Departure date |
[Special Exhibition "Washoku" Period] 2024 9/14(Sat), 9/15(Sun), 9/16(Mon, Holiday), 9/18(Wed), 9/19(Thu), 9/20(Fri), 9/21(Sat), 9/22(Sun),9/23(Mon, Holiday) [Special Exhibition "Tagajo 1300Years" Period] 2024 - October 10/18(Fri), 10/20(Sun), 10/25(Fri), 10/26(Sat), 10/27(Sun) - November 11/10(Sun), 11/13(Wed), 11/15(Fri), 11/16(Sat), 11/17(Sun), 11/19(Tue), 11/20(Wed), 11/21(Thu), 11/23(Sat), 11/24(Sun), 11/26(Tue), 11/27(Wed), 11/28(Thu), 11/29(Fri), 11/30(Sat) - December 12/1(Sun), 12/3(Tue), 12/4(Wed), 12/5(Thu), 12/6(Fri), 12/7(Sat), 12/8(Sun), 12/13(Fri), 12/15(Sun) | |
| Travel days | Day trip | |
| Number of meals | Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1 | |
| Schedule | *The program content may change due to unforeseen circumstances. | |
| 1 |
Meeting Point: Sendai Station (10:00) (Transportation by Train) Kokufu Tagajo Station (10:30 -10:45) (On foot) Sightseeing: Tohoku History Museum (Approx. 90 min.) (On foot) Lunch: Ancient rice lunch at &Sun (Approx. 45 min.) (Transportation by Jumbo Taxi) Shell painting experience: Tagajo Shiyukan (Approx. 75 min.) (On foot) Sightseeing: Tagajo City Buried Cultural Property Research Center (Approx. 30 min.) (On foot) Manyo costume dressing experience: Tagajo City Cultural Center (Approx. 30 min.) (Transportation by Jumbo Taxi) Sightseeing and commemorative photo: Tagajo Castle ruins (Approx. 30 min.) (Transportation by Jumbo Taxi) Sightseeing and commemorative photo: Shiogama Shrine (Approx. 45 min.) (Transportation by Jumbo Taxi) Dinner: Special Imperial Cuisine (Approx. 120 min.) (Jumbo taxi transfer) Tagajo Station (20:15-20:30) (Transportation by Train) Return to Sendai Station: (20:45〜21:00) Note: Timings may vary based on season and number of participants. Final itinerary will be provided before departure. |
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| Price | JPY 50,000 (tax included) per person | |
| Included in price | Transportation, lunch and dinner, tour guide, experience fees, facility usage | |
| NOT included in price | Transportation to/from meeting point, accommodation costs, additional personal expenses | |
| Payment | Confirm your booking with payment by credit card (Visa/Master) or bank transfer within 10 days. Details and invoice will be provided upon booking. | |
| Alteration and Cancellation |
The following charges will apply for any changes or cancellations made after the booking is confirmed: •20 days before: 20% of tour charges •7 days before: 30% of tour charges •1 day before: 40% of tour charges •Day of tour: 50% of tour charges •After tour starts or no show: 100% of tour charges |
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| Minimum number of participants | 5 people 5 (tour may be canceled if this minimum is not met; full refund will be issued). |
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| Participation conditions | Children under the age of 6 are not permitted to participate. In addition, as alcohol is served on this tour, children under the age of 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (alcohol is not served to children under the age of 20). | |
| Booking | 21 days before the tour. | |
| Terms & Conditions | Please review the terms and conditions before booking. ご旅⾏条件書（国内募集型企画旅⾏） |
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