Step into the traditional earthen-floor kitchen of Ryugon and discover the wisdom of life in Japan’s snow country from a local grandmother. Cook prized Minami-Uonuma Koshihikari rice over a traditional stove and prepare a seasonal mountain vegetable lunch together. In the afternoon, unwind in the open-air hot spring and historic wooden bath for a truly restorative taste of slow-paced Snow Country life.

Head to Uozu Port, one of Japan’s top destinations for red snow crab, and learn how to expertly open a freshly cooked crab using your hands—no tools required. Enjoy its naturally sweet, tender meat during a 60-minute all-you-can-eat feast, then make your own traditional Toyama trout sushi to take home. Discover two of Toyama’s most iconic flavors in one unforgettable experience.

Travel to Nanto City in Toyama and learn to make the region’s iconic trout sushi under the guidance of skilled artisans. From arranging fragrant sasa leaves to layering the trout and rice and pressing it into shape, discover the delicate balance of rich, savory trout and high-quality rice from the snow country.

Wander through the beautifully preserved streets of Hida Takayama and discover the art of kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding craft. Using a unique six-strand weaving technique and a selection of colorful sashiko threads, you'll create your own handcrafted bracelet while connecting with the heritage and craftsmanship of the Hida region.

Begin your day inside Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens. At a historic teahouse beside the garden’s oldest fountain, enjoy freshly cooked clay pot rice and seasonal Kaga ingredients while taking in the peaceful morning scenery of Kanazawa.

Depart from Nagoya for a winter day trip to Toba and Ise. Enjoy a 100-minute all-you-can-eat oyster feast at a farm-operated oyster hut in Uramura, where fresh oysters are grilled and steamed to bring out their natural sweetness. Then visit the sacred Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu and stroll through the historic streets of Okage Yokocho before returning to Nagoya with a taste of Mie still lingering.

Discover the living culture of the Ama, Japan's traditional female free divers, in Ise-Shima National Park with a Chinese-speaking guide. From learning about the art of pearl cultivation to sharing a charcoal-grilled seafood feast at an Ama hut and cruising through the intricate coastline of Shima Bay, experience the deep connection between local communities and the sea.

Cruise alongside the cormorant boats on the Nagara River and witness the ancient art of cormorant fishing up close. A professional Chinese-speaking guide provides live commentary on the traditional fishing techniques, from the final roundup to the catch inspection. Afterward, savor an ayu (sweetfish) kaiseki dinner at a riverside hotel and discover a centuries-old tradition once protected by the Imperial Family.

Step into Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, and experience the legendary Gujo Odori, held over more than 30 consecutive nights each summer. Learn the traditional dance steps in a beginner-friendly workshop, dress in a yukata, and join locals and visitors dancing late into the night. Between festival nights, discover the beautiful waterways, historic streets, and mountain castle of this charming castle town.

Step into Hanamizu Farm in Tokamachi, Niigata, and pick your own Echigo-hime strawberries inside a warm greenhouse surrounded by deep winter snow. Enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberries known for their exceptional sweetness of 13° Brix or higher, delicate texture, and rich aroma, while discovering the rare “Fragrance Peach” variety grown specially by the farm.

Stay overnight in a century-old gassho-zukuri farmhouse in the UNESCO-listed villages of Ainokura or Suganuma in Gokayama, Toyama. Share a fireside dinner featuring Hida beef, mountain vegetables, and local Gokayama tofu with your hosts, then step outside beneath a sky filled with stars. Experience the quiet rhythms of authentic rural Japan, far from the crowds.

Step into Tsunan’s deep winter snow and uncover carrots that have spent the season beneath more than a meter of snow. Dig them up with your own hands and taste their naturally enhanced sweetness—a unique winter experience found only in snow country.

Dress like a snow-country local and step into a traditional “Honyara-do” snow cave. Discover centuries-old winter traditions in Tokamachi, Niigata, with charcoal-grilled mochi, warm amazake, and stories of prayers for a bountiful harvest.

Drift along the Nagara River aboard a traditional wooden boat, taking in panoramic views of Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle while enjoying a beautifully prepared local artisan bento.