Top Nagano Prefecture Classes & Workshops

【OUTLINE】 Explore Nagano’s Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area by bicycle and learn about life in the Japanese countryside with explanation by a local guide. You will see examples of traditional Japanese houses in an old residential area, have a talk with farmers in apple orchards and rice paddy fields, touch the Japanese spirits in a shrine with a sumo ring and a temple with a thatched roof, and view the scenery of the river and surrounding mountains from the Chikuma River Cycling Road. And lastly, have soft ice cream while taking a footbath.

Learn to make soba noodles from scratch at a Nagano cooking class that includes a traditional meal. You’ll knead, roll out, and cut the dough for soba noodles, then eat them alongside pickled nozawana, spicy daikon radish, and chestnut ‘ohagi,’ a rice ball with sweetened sesame or soybean flour. By preparing soba noodles from fresh dough, you’ll learn essential techniques for recreating soba noodle dishes at home.

【OUTLINE】 Explore Nagano’s Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area by bicycle and learn about life in the Japanese countryside with explanation by a local guide. You will see examples of traditional Japanese houses in an old residential area, have a talk with farmers in apple orchards and rice paddy fields, touch the Japanese spirits in a shrine with a sumo ring and a temple with a thatched roof, and view the scenery of the river and surrounding mountains from the Chikuma River Cycling Road. And lastly, have soft ice cream while taking a footbath.

We will provide skiing and telemarking for beginners to intermediate level students in an easy-to-understand and kind manner. You can also change the lesson contents in the morning and afternoon, so please join with your family We recommend Karuizawa, which is slippery from both Tokyo and the station, but it is possible in other areas if you have special needs.

Experience the best of Japan - the thrill of deep powder, the beauty of an unique culture, and the fun of a great guided tour. Enjoy some of the most amazing snow on planet earth, stay in a truly authentic Japanese ski village where you are the minority, visit mom and pop restaurants and mix with the locals, be entertained by Geisha, Taiko Drum, Shimansen Guitar, Lion Dance and Karate performances, visit the world famous Snow Monkeys, walk through ancient castles, temples and shrines and relax in natural hot pools. Where other companies may talk up the cultural aspects of Japan we include them in our tours so you get a truly authentic Japanese ski experience. And best of all you get to share this all with a group of like minded ski and snowboard enthusiasts, all hosted by instructor/guides who are just plain passionate about what they do for you as our testimonials attest to. And don’t forget our hidden gems that we leave as a surprise for you on your journey with us at JPC Tours.

100% hands-on from start to finish, experience a uniquely authentic Japanese Cuisine for yourself! The region of Matsumoto is famous for the quality of its Soba (buckwheat flour noodles), thanks to the exceptional quality of the local environment. Just a short walk from Matsumoto Castle, you can sample this traditional Japanese dish and even have a go at preparing it yourself! The soba-making workshop is an opportunity to get more than just the literal bite of this tradition. Step into the shoes of an apprentice and learn from an experienced soba master! Discover all the basics and learn how to use authentic soba-making tools. The activity is divided into two stages and it’s completely hands-on from start to finish. The best part is you get to eat your own noodles at the end! This is an exciting and enriching experience you can share with family and friends, and an unforgettable way to discover a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine! The Soba master speaks English and Japanese.

There's no better place to experience Japanese history and culture than in a city with a real castle from the feudal era! Come and enjoy three different experiences with this unique workshop! Taiko Drumming: Our passionate instructors will guide you step-by-step as you progress through the many rhythmic patterns that gradually increased in difficulty. Learn how to become a real Taiko Drummer right next door to Matsumoto Castle! Samurai Sword Fighting: Experience for yourself this ancestral fighting art. Learn how to handle a sword and after covering some moves, you can have your stage combat recorded on video. Become the star of your own samurai story! Ninja Experience: A fun experience for all, especially for families with kids. The Ninja Master will teach you three major ninja methods: Ninja Throwing Stars, Ninja Blowguns and Ninja Combat. Receive Ninja training from a Ninja Master and become a real Ninja Warrior! Activity available in English and French.

* Hiking the snowy mountains at the foot of Mt. Asama with snowshoes! * Experience making original ice cream while hiking! * Recommended for families because there are few up and down courses! * After the tour, you can also enjoy hot springs and lunch at the Takamine Kogen Hotel! * A free pick-up car is also available from Karuizawa Station!

House visiting tour that you can experience how Japanese live there. The house is located in a very historical area where people is usually not allowed to come in expect residents. You can enjoy learning Japanese daily life and the story what brought the house owner to Karuizawa. Also, you can experience to make Onigiri (Rice ball) which is Japanese essential finger food with the house owner.

Lesson will be given by a professional Soba chef with an English translator. Young and old can enjoy it at ease.

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