Arimatsu shibori is a tie-dyed textile produced mainly in the Arimatsu and Narumi areas of Midori Ward, Nagoya. It is typically made by dyeing cotton fabric with indigo, and the pattern changes depending on how the thread is tied. It is a traditional craft of the Arimatsu and Narumi areas of Nagoya, and almost all of the processes are done by hand, so it is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Another feature of Arimatsu shibori is that each piece is handmade, so there are no two exactly the same. Even outside of Japan, “SHIBORI” means Arimatsu. Although it is a traditional craft, many techniques have been continuously developed and improved.
During the tour, you will receive direct instruction from an Arimatsu Shibori designer and be able to create your own original Arimatsu Shibori piece. From traditional Arimatsu hand towels to fashionable scarves, you will work while listening to an experienced Arimatsu Shibori designer’s instructions, so even beginners can feel at ease. All materials and tools required for the work are available on-site, so you do not need to prepare them yourself.

There is a miso storehouse in Hatcho Village (now Hatcho-machi), eight cho (approximately 870m) west of Okazaki Castle. Miso has been made here according to a recipe devised by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was Shogun at the time, for his own health. This recipe has been passed down for 360 years and has been passed down to the present day as Hatcho Miso, a high-quality miso that carries on the tradition. At this miso storehouse, you can see the ingredients placed in wooden barrels, weighted down with stones, and the miso being aged over two summers and two winters in a natural fermentation process.

After touring the miso brewery, you can enjoy stewed udon noodles made with Hatcho miso at the adjacent restaurant. You can experience the difference in umami and depth of flavor that is created by using Hatcho miso in stews. How about some miso ice cream for dessert after your meal? The rich spiciness of Hatcho miso and the sweetness of the ice cream create an exquisite balance, and you can feel it melt in your mouth.

Located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Okazaki Castle is the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became Shogun during the late Sengoku period of medieval Japan. During the Sengoku period, it served as an important base in the Mikawa region (located halfway between Kyoto and Edo). The current castle was restored in 1959 using reinforced concrete, and its exterior has been recreated to resemble its former appearance. Here, you will tour Okazaki Castle, and your tour guide will provide detailed explanations about the history and culture of the Sengoku period. Travel back in time to the Sengoku period and immerse yourself in the historical context in which the culture of the Shogun and Daimyo was born in medieval Japan.

Okazaki City is the number one producer of Japanese candles in Japan. Japanese candles are traditional Japanese candles made primarily from vegetable oils and Japanese paper. Unlike typical Western candles, Japanese candles use Japanese paper and rush for the wick, which gives them a large, flickering flame and creates a unique atmosphere. They are also known for producing less soot and a long burn time. At Isobe Candle Shop, a specialty shop for Japanese candles, you can not only see the traditional manufacturing process of Japanese candles, but also have the mystical experience of watching the flickering flames of Japanese candles in a quiet studio.

There are certain dishes that are always available at traditional izakayas in Nagoya. One of them is the Nagoya specialty “Dote-ni.” “Dote-ni” is a dish made by simmering pork offal and beef tendons in red miso and mirin. In Nagoya, this dish is made with “Haccho miso,” a traditional miso made in Okazaki City.
“Haccho miso” is a high-quality soybean miso made only from soybeans, salt, and water, and is aged for two years while strictly adhering to a 370-year-old manufacturing method. Hatcho miso has a deep richness and unique astringency, and because the smelly innards are simmered in this miso, the distinctive taste is eliminated and the flavor is enhanced.
Another dish is “fried chicken wings.” It is a dynamic dish in which half a young chicken is fried and grilled as is, then dipped in a secret sauce that has been aged and flavored with various condiments. This has become a taste that many Nagoya residents desire. There are many izakayas in Nagoya that serve “fried chicken wings,” and each store competes with each other to come up with the best secret sauce, creating a taste that is unique to Nagoya.

inuyama castle
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s castles designated as a national treasure, and was built in 1549. The castle tower is one of the oldest surviving castle towers, and is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. From the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kiso River and the surrounding beautiful scenery, and many tourists visit the castle, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. There are also historical documents and exhibits inside the castle, where you can learn about the history of Inuyama Castle.

Yurakuen
Yurakuen is a Japanese garden near Inuyama Castle, which was built by Yurakusai, a vassal of the Tokugawa family, during the Edo period. The garden features ponds, waterfalls, and teahouses, and you can enjoy seasonal flowers. In particular, the garden also has a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha green tea. It is a space where you can relax your mind and body while feeling nature in a quiet environment.

Kiso River Cormorant Fishing
Kiso River cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method carried out on the Kiso River, which flows through Aichi and Gifu prefectures, and is known as a seasonal feature of the summer. This fishing method, which uses a bird called a cormorant to catch fish, has been practiced throughout Japan since ancient times, but cormorant fishing on the Kiso River is particularly famous.

The Mino Washi Paper Making Experience is a traditional Japanese paper making experience held in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. Mino Washi has a history of about 1,300 years and is widely known as “Mino Washi” due to its high quality. In this experience, you can make your own Japanese paper while learning about the washi paper making process.

Contents of the Mino Washi Paper Making Experience

Explanation of the history and production process of washi paper：Before the experience, you will be given an explanation about the history and production methods of Mino Washi paper. You will learn how it is made and the materials and tools used.

Preparation of materials：We will use plants such as “kozo” and “mitsumata”, which are the raw materials for washi paper. We will prepare these materials and learn the necessary processes.

Production of washi paper：Now we will begin the actual process of making washi paper. The fibers soaked in water are ground up to create the raw material for washi paper. After that, the paper is made using special tools.

drying and finishing：The paper you make will be dried and any necessary finishing touches will be added. You can then take home the paper you made.

Creating artworks：After your experience making washi paper, you can use it to draw pictures or create collages.

The charm of the experience
Understanding traditional culture: Through making Mino washi paper, you can gain a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese culture and techniques.
Expressing creativity: By making your own washi paper, you can express your creativity.
★Making memories with family and friends★