Savor the local drinks and food at historical town, KOMORO, Nagano Prefecture
******The airfare to/from Japan is not included.******
<Schedule>
Day 1
12:30 Meeting at Komoro Station
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12:40-14:40 Welcome Drink & Lunch
Location: Waki-honjin
*Local Japanese sake tasting with a certified sake sommelier.
*Special lunch box featuring seasonal and celebratory ingredients
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14:50-16:30 Hokkoku Kaido Walk
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16:40-17:00 Arrival and Check-in Check-in at your accommodation for the night
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18:00 Dinner
Day 2
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
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9:30-10:40 Stroll through Komoro Castle Grounds
Komoro Castle, with nearly 500 years of history, is a scenic landmark listed among Japan's Top 100 Castles and Cherry Blossom Spots. Known as Japan’s only “ana-jiro” (castle in a hole), it sits lower than the surrounding town, protected by valleys and volcanic cliffs. While the original buildings are gone, visitors can explore the castle grounds and enjoy breathtaking views.
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10:50-12:20 Tea Tasting Game (Cha-kabuki, with local Japanese sweets)
Sencha tea, popular since the Edo period, is the focus of a unique Cha-kabuki performance inspired by tea leaves transported along the Hokkoku Kaido. Enjoy an interactive tea tasting game where you guess the type of tea from five varieties, guided by a Japanese tea instructor to learn more about the history and culture of Japanese tea.
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12:30-13:50 Lunch at Honjin
The tour lunch will be an Italian pasta meal at a restaurant in the renovated Hon-jin, the most prestigious building in Komoro-juku Post Town. Enjoy a relaxing time with your group in the private "upper room," once used by the feudal lord.
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14:20-16:00 Komoro Distillery Tour, Whisky & Cocktails Course Experience
The Komoro Distillery, opened in 2023, is a new hub for Japanese whisky, located at the foot of Mt. Asama with access to high-quality water for whisky production. Led by master blender Ian Chang, the team crafts premium Japanese whisky. After a distillery tour, enjoy a Whisky & Cocktails Course where a professional bartender will teach you to create cocktails that highlight the whisky's flavor. Experience the world of Japanese whisky at this exciting new destination.
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16:30 Arrive at your accommodation
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18:00 Dinner
Day 3
7:30-8:30 Breakfast, check out of your accommodation
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9:00-11:00 Pilgrimage to Zenkoji Temple and Nunobiki-Kannon Walk
Take a scenic walk to Nunobiki Kannon, along the historic pilgrimage route to Zenkoji Temple. Once a popular destination in Edo times, the path features lush nature, rock formations, waterfalls, and stone Buddhas. End your journey at Kannon-do Hall, with breathtaking views of Mt. Asama.
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11:10-13:10 Soba-making Experience and Onikake-soba Lunch (SAVOR JAPAN food supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries)
Onikake soba, certified by SAVOR JAPAN, is a traditional dish with soba noodles in a warm broth made from local ingredients. Learn to make your own soba and enjoy it in a hot broth, guided by a professional soba maker, in a historic dye house along the Hokkoku Kaido, a registered cultural property.
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13:30-15:00 Manns Wine Komoro Winery Tour (tasting of 4 kinds of SOLARIS wine)
Manns Wine Komoro Winery, a pioneer in premium Japanese wine, has won numerous awards globally. Located in Komoro, known for its ideal climate, the winery specializes in high-quality wines. The premium wine SOLARIS, made from 100% Japanese grapes, showcases their craftsmanship. During your visit, you'll tour the winery and taste four varieties from the SOLARIS series.
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15:50 Arrive at Komoro Station, end of the tour