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Tsuwano, located in the mountains of the Chugoku region, is a town nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, shaped like an open barrel. At the bottom of this "barrel," people's lives unfold, and the unique culture and history of Tsuwano have been slowly brewing over time, much like fine sake.

Tsuwano's true spirit is found in its dedication to preservation. The town’s centuries-old traditions, its stunning nature, and the warm-hearted locals come together to offer an experience as rich and refined as aged sake. The townscape, with its well-preserved castle town appearance and over 700 years of history, offers a journey through time, allowing you to feel the weight of its ancient heritage.

Based on four key elements that make up Tsuwano, we have created a story for this special tour. Come enjoy this unique experience we have prepared for you!

Tsuwano is a town that values its history and culture, and the locals have worked hard to preserve the traditional landscapes and way of life by avoiding unnecessary economic development.

However, with the current challenges of population decline and aging, this carefully protected town may disappear in the near future.

Amidst this, a guest from overseas once said, "Tsuwano has everything we want." Tsuwano may not be easily accessible, nor is it widely known.
Yet, it is through its unique local culture and exceptional hospitality of omotenashi that we can offer an authentic experience of Japan, one that cannot be found elsewhere. This vision inspired the creation of this tour.

We invite you to experience the remarkable treasures of Tsuwano that we hold close to our hearts.

INDEX

No.01

Castle Town Walking Tour & Washi Traditional Paper-Making Workshop

No.02

Luxurious Afternoon Tea at the Tsuwano Castle Ruins

No.03

Local Specialties Dinner in a National Heritage Building

No.04

Private Kagura Performance at Taikodani Inari Shrine

Castle Town Walking Tour & Washi Traditional Paper-Making Workshop

Stroll along the main street, where the town's historic landscape has been preserved, and learn about the town's values.

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Luxurious Afternoon Tea at the Tsuwano Castle Ruins

Relax with afternoon tea while enjoying the breathtaking view from the ruins of Tsuwano Castle, where the tranquility of local life merges with the lush landscape.

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Local Specialties Dinner in a National Heritage Building

Savor a special Tsuwano dinner served in a nationally designated heritage building once used by the feudal lord during the Edo period.

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Private Kagura Performance at Taikodani Inari Shrine

Experience the ancient Iwami Kagura, a sacred dance of the Shinto gods, specially performed just for you in the most prestigious area of the local shrine.

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If you would like to make a reservation for the tour or find out more about it, we invite you to click the link below to visit our official website, where you can find all the details you need.

Meeting

Meet at Tsuwano Station

The journey begins! Enjoy a welcome drink of local tea while we introduce ourselves and give you a brief introduction to this charming town.

Walking & Workshop

Walking Tour & Washi Workshop

Take a stroll along the main street where the town's historic landscape has been preserved. Meet the locals and discover our history, values & way of life.

Hike & Afternoon Tea

Scenic Hike to Castle Ruins & Afternoon Tea

Relax with afternoon tea while enjoying the breathtaking view and reflect on the legacy of the people who shaped this town over the centuries.

*A chairlift will take you to the mountaintop.

Strolling around

Free Time

Enjoy free time to check into your accommodation or explore local shops and scenic spots.

*Guided tours are available upon request.

Dinner

Traditional Local Cuisine in a Historic Building

(Monomi Yagura Observation Building)

Savor local specialties and sake in a room once used by the feudal lord of Tsuwano during the Edo period— a location normally off-limits to the public.

Kagura

Private Iwami Kagura Performance at Taikodani Inari Shrine

(Motomiya Hall)

As night falls, end your day with a private viewing of Iwami Kagura, an ancient Shinto performance passed down through generations only in this western Iwami region of Shimane. This takes place at the most prestigious shrine hall, the Motomiya.

Closing

End

By reflecting on your journey through Tsuwano, you will realize that this isn’t just an ordinary sightseeing tour. We’ll conclude with important messages that lie at the heart of the town.

Tsuwano, located in western Japan, is nestled deep in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains.

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Once a thriving castle town, Tsuwano has preserved its rich food culture, sacred traditions such as Iwami Kagura (Shinto dance) and Sagimai (UNESCO-recognized Heron Dance), as well as a way of life that is in harmony with nature.

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What makes Tsuwano truly special is its seamless blend of the past and the present, where age-old traditions coexist with modern life.

In Tsuwano, you will discover values and a way of life that inspire us to live meaningfully in today’s world.

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If you would like to make a reservation for the tour or find out more about it, we invite you to click the link below to visit our official website, where you can find all the details you need.