The Origin of Japanese Food: A Journey through Rice in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture
A tour of a top rice-production region in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture
Since its introduction from another continent in the Yayoi period (300BC to 300AC), rice has become the staple food of Japan, the center of the economy, and the center of culture, including festivals. In other words, rice is indispensable for understanding origin of Japanese food and culture.
This program is based on the concept of rice.
And when we thought about where the best place was to learn about “roots of rice”, the answer was found in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture.
Niigata, renowned as a rice-producing region, offers not only rice farming experiences but also a range of rice-based products, including sake. Visitors can enjoy everything from cooking rice in traditional hearths to sushi. The region is still home to the original landscapes of rice cultivation, where there are still many ancient farmhouses and residences of local landowners.
Join us on a journey to explore the origins of Japanese cuisine in the city of Kashiwazaki.
Program
This program allows you to fully experience the charm of rice, from ‘cultivation’ to ‘processed products’ and ‘culture’. It’s more than just eating; this journey involves learning about the methods of rice cultivation, its various uses, and the culture and history associated with rice. Rice is an inseparable part of understanding Japanese food culture. Discover the hidden allure of this staple in Kashiwazaki.
Touching the Original Landscape of Japan: Kadoide Kayabuki Village
Located about 20km from the city center of Kashiwazaki, ‘Kadoide Kayabuki Village’ in the Takayanagi area welcomes you on the first day of the journey. You will stay in an ancient thatched-roof farmhouse, surrounded by a warm atmosphere, lovingly preserved by the local community. Here, you can experience the Japanese way of life in harmony with nature, a tradition carefully maintained over generations.
A Unique Agricultural Experience in a Rice-Producing Region
You’ll learn about seasonal agricultural practices related to rice from local veteran farmers. One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity to hear stories about rice cultivation from the perspective of these experienced farmers.
Programs are subject to change depending on the season.
Kamado cooking experience with therapeutic magical flames
You will experience the traditional way of cooking rice in the “kamado” at the Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato, with the help of locals. The aroma of cooking rice and the flickering flames may make you feel nostalgic.
“Gottso”, a feast in the Satoyama
Dinner is served with kamado-cooked rice and accompanied with “Gottsuo” that are prepared by local mothers. “Gottso” means “feast” in the local dialect. The carefully prepared Satoyama dishes use plenty of local seasonal vegetables and wild plants, are truly a hearty treat. Here, you will be able to experience the warmth of local mothers’ hospitality and taste of traditional Satoyama that has been passed down in the region and generations.
The next morning, you will also enjoy a homemade Satoyama breakfast prepared by these mothers.
Visit to Iizuka Residence, a wealthy farmer’s mansion
The reason Niigata Prefecture became one of the top rice-producing regions was due to the presence of “wealthy farmers” who have developed the local economy as powerful landowners.
Such mansions of affluent farmers still exist in Kashiwazaki City. The “Iizuka Residence”, which you will visit during this program is one such estate, where even the emperor Showa once stayed. The local expert will guide you inside the residence and its breath-taking traditional Japanese garden.
Learn to make Sushi Roll from a Japanese Chef
Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese foods. In this program, you will learn how to make sushi rolls from the owner of a local kappo restaurant, Sasagawa. You will be able to master the technique of how to make sushi rolls. Perhaps try making sushi rolls for your family and friends when you return to your home country?
Exploring the Art of Sake, the Pinnacle of Rice Processing
Niigata Prefecture is known for the nation’s leading sake-producing areas in Japan. In this program, you will visit at ‘Hara Brewery’, that is one of the four breweries in Kashiwazaki City. During brewery visit, you will learn about the process of how to make Sake. Later, you can enjoy sake tastings and shopping at the same facility.
The highlight of this tour: A full-course seasonal rice meal
For dinner on the second day, you will enjoy the exclusively made “rice menu” at the kappo restaurant Sasagawa. Rice is incorporated in every dish from appetizers to desserts, and you will be reminded of the versatility of rice. Seafood and vegetables proudly sourced locally are lavishly prepared to create a unique full-course meal that are available only here. The dinner is served and paired with local sake to complete the experience.
Example of course content: Appetizer + 4 other dishes + dessert
*All menus are rice-related, but the contents change depending on the season as they use seasonal fresh ingredients.
Menu Supervision
Plan details
The contents of Subscription Type Organized Tour Contract (hereinafter referred to as the “tour contract”) shall depend on the contents described on this page and in the “Terms and Conditions of the tour”.
| The Origin of Japanese Food: A Journey through Rice in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture | ||
| Dates | TBA | |
| Days | 2 nights 3 days | |
| Number of meals | Breakfast 1 / Lunch 1 / Dinner 2 | |
| Schedule | ||
| 1 |
13:00 Meet with a guide at the meeting point of Nagaoka station | Transfer by chartered taxi 14:30 Check-in Kadoide Kayabuki no Sato 15:00 – 17:00 Seasonal agricultural experience 17:00 – 18:00 Kamado Cooking Experience 18:00 – 20:00 Dinner traditional Satoyama cousine Accomodation at Kadoide Kayabuki no Sato |
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| 2 | Day 2 |
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast | Transfer by chartered taxi 10:00 – Visit at Residence of Iizuka | Transfer by chartered taxi 11:45 – 13:00 Maki Sushi Experience and lunch with what you made | Transfer by chartered taxi 13:15 – Visit Sake Brewery and Tasting | Transfer by chartered taxi 15:00 Check-in Hotel / Free | Transfer by chartered taxi 17:30 – Dinner with a full course rice meal | Transfer by chartered taxi Accommodation in Kashiwazaki area |
| 3 | Day 3 |
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at Hotel | Transfer to Nagaoka station by chartered taxi 10:30 End of program at Nagaoka Station |
| Price |
Prices per person -For 3 persons in a triple room at “Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato” :From 88,000 yen (tax included) / 1 person -For 2 persons in a double room at “Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato”:From 93,000 yen (tax included) per person. -For 1 person in a double room at “Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato”:From 98,000 yen (tax included) per person. Please note that the maximum number of guests per room at “Kadoide Kayabuki-no-Sato” on the first day is 3; if you book a room for 4 persons, the room will be 2 rooms x 2 persons. |
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| What’s included in price |
Taxi/ Accommodation, tax and service charge / Meals/ Guide/ Experiences/ Facility usage fee | |
| What’s NOT included in price |
Transportation from/to meeting point and dismissal point | |
| Payment |
Once we have completed the arrangements according to your application, we will send you a reservation confirmation and invoice via email. Payment is accepted by credit card (VISA/MASTER) Please check that there are no discrepancies in the details of your arrangements, such as the date, tour details, and traveler’s name, and then complete the payment procedure within two weeks of making your reservation. |
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| Regarding changes/ cancellations |
We accept requests for changes or cancellations by email or telephone. If you cancel after the arrangement has been completed, the following cancellation fees will apply. From 20 days prior to the day before the travel start date: 20% of the travel fee From 7 days prior to the day before the travel start date: 30% of the travel fee The day before the trip start date: 40% of the trip fee On the day of the start of the trip: 50% of the trip fee After the start of the trip or non-participation without notice: 100% of the trip fee |
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| Minimum number of participants |
5 persons If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour may be cancelled. In such a case, we will notify you of the cancellation by e-mail at least 20 days prior to the start of the tour. The full amount of the tour fee received from the customer will be refunded. |
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| Condition of participants | Those under 6 years old are not allowed to participate. Additionally, since alcohol will be provided on this tour, those under the age of 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (alcohol will not be provided to those under the age of 20). | |
| Application deadline |
2 weeks before the travel date | |
| Travel conditions |
Before applying, please be sure to check the travel conditions below. Travel Travel conditions (domestic recruitment type planned travel) |
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- *Changes to the program
- Please note that some programs may be subject to change due to weather conditions on the day of the tour, instructions from the guides, or the spread of infectious diseases.
- *Supported languages
- English
- *Personal belongings
- Please manage your valuables items by yourself.
- *Countermeasures against infectious diseases
- We may refuse your participation in case if you have a fever or not feeling well on the day of the tour.
- *Availability of tour guide
- A tour conductor will accompany the tour from the time of arrival till the time of departure of this tour.
- *Contact
- We will provide emergency contact telephone number in the tour confirmation mail.
- *About shopping for souvenir
- You will have some time for souvenir shops during tour, and we will be able to give you language assist in a store. However, we will not be able to exchanges or returns of merchandise. To prevent any problems, please be sure to check the merchandise and receive a receipt.
[Accommodation information]
– Kadoide Kayabuki Village [Japanese-style room (shared bathroom and toilets)]
*Amenities and equipment: toothbrush, face towel, bath towel, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hair dryer, yukata (for adults), Wi-Fi
*Bath and toilet facilities are shared.
*Room assignment may not be available depending on availability.
*The room key will be a simple one, so please take care of your valuables by yourself.
*Because of the rich natural environment, there is a possibility that you may encounter insects during your stay. We will provide insect repellent, and we appreciate your understanding in advance.
Hotel in Kashiwazaki area
*On the second day, you will stay at Kashiwazaki area hotel.
[Western-style room or Japanese-style room (with bath and toilet)]
*Amenities and equipment: toothbrush, razor, shampoo set, face towel, bath towel, hair dryer, nightgown or yukata, TV, Wi-Fi
*Breakfast on the third day is included.
-Hotel New Green [Western-style room (with bath and toilet)]
*Amenities and equipment: toothbrush, razor, shampoo set, face towel, bath towel, hair dryer, nightgown, TV, Wi-Fi
*Breakfast on the third day will be served buffet style.
[Transportation]
A chartered taxi will be used for transportation during the tour. Depending on the number of participants, you may share with other participants.
Access to the meeting place (Nagaoka Station)
[By trains]
From Tokyo: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (Tokyo Station → Joetsu Shinkansen → Nagaoka Station)
From Shin-Osaka: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes (Shin-Osaka Station → Tokaido Shinkansen → Tokyo Station → Joetsu Shinkansen → Nagaoka Station)
From Osaka: Approximately 5 hours (Osaka Station → Limited Express Thunderbird → Kanazawa Station → Hokuriku Shinkansen → Joetsu Myoko Station → Limited Express Shirayuki → Nagaoka Station
From Niigata: Approximately 20 minutes (Niigata Station → Joetsu Shinkansen → Nagaoka Station
*Drunking and driving is prohibited by law in Japan. The train is a convenient way to get to the meeting place.
Coming Soon.