Things to do in Kansai Page 11

• Age 11～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 13:30 / 14:30

This is a maiko transformation studio located right next to Gojo Station, one station away from Kyoto Station by subway. Transform into a maiko of your dreams ☆ This plan includes a studio shoot ♪ * Only indoor shooting, you can not go out.

• Age 12～Age 90
• 1～2 hours /3～4 hours

Goshuin were originally used as proof of visiting temples and shrines. Recently, there is a "goshuin boom", and there are various elaborate goshuin. Artistry is also added to the red stamp. Therefore, you will make your own red stamp colored paper to commemorate your visit to Mt. Koya.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 0～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00

The ruins of Shichi Castle are said to have once been the castle of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's military strategist Kuroda Kanbei and Kato Yoshiaki, one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake. The representative of the "Society for Preserving Shichi Castle," which is dedicated to preserving the castle every day, will guide you through this precious historic site, which was an important base for the Awaji Navy under Hideyoshi. Located in Shichi, Minami Awaji City, near the Seto Inland Sea and the Naruto Strait, Shichi Castle is said to have been built by Suga Izuminokami Michitada during the Kamakura period, and was surrendered in 1581 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked Awaji. After that, it was guarded by his vassal Kuroda Kanbei (Kuroda Yoshitaka), and from 1585, Kato Yoshiaki, one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, became the lord of the castle. The Awaji Navy, which had Shichi Castle as one of its bases, achieved great success in Hideyoshi's conquests of Kyushu, Odawara, and Korea, and there is no doubt that Awaji Island and Shichi Castle were important naval bases for Hideyoshi. However, the valuable historical site where Kuroda Kanbei and Kato Yoshiaki once lived has been swallowed up by bamboo forests in recent years and is on the verge of being forgotten by local residents. At that time, the local volunteers "Shichi Castle Preservation Society" stood up, worried that the valuable remains would disappear if things continued like this. In order to let many people, not just the locals, know about the Shichi Castle ruins and to pass on the story to future generations, they have been clearing the bamboo forest every day for about five years, and have been carrying out maintenance activities such as installing entrance roads and signs. This is a tour of the Shichi Castle ruins guided by Mr. Sekiguchi, the representative of the "Shichi Castle Preservation Society" who has a stronger passion for Shichi Castle than anyone else! The Shichi Castle ruins are currently being maintained, and recently wells and stones that are thought to be old stupas from that time have been discovered one after another. Perhaps you, as a participant of the tour, will discover an important relic! ■Experience schedule (if departing at 10:00) 10:00 Meet at the parking lot (north side of Shichi Castle ruins, across the street from the main entrance of Super Marunaka *see photo below) 10:00-10:05 Use the handmade sign as a landmark to move to the remains of the Honmarudai 10:05-10:15 Guide explains the history and characteristics of Shichi Castle 10:15-10:55 After viewing the remains such as the Taiko stone, the remains of the turret, and the old well, walk around the moat to Ise Shrine and Shomyo-ji Temple 10:55-11:00 Return to the parking lot and disband

• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 0～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 09:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00

Awaji tiles have been around for 400 years since the Edo period. As one of the three major tile production areas in Japan, tiles are still being manufactured there. The craftsmen who make onigawara and decorative tiles by hand are called "onishi", and it is a valuable experience to be able to see the craftsmanship of the onishi, who know the soil. Awaji tiles have been around for 400 years since the Edo period. As one of the three major tile production areas in Japan, tiles are still being manufactured there. The craftsmen who make onigawara and decorative tiles by hand, which are indispensable for temples and shrines, are called "onishi", and their numbers are decreasing, with only about 10 on the entire island of Awaji (about 50 nationwide). Tatsumi Co., Ltd., which you will visit on this plan, has five onigawara. The factory tour is a private plan limited to one group per time. With the guidance of the potter's president, Okitsu Yusuke, you will observe the tile manufacturing process and the techniques used by the onigawara craftsmen to make the onigawara tiles. You will also be able to talk to the onigawara craftsmen, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, in the exhibition area, valuable pieces made during the Azuchi-Momoyama period are on display, giving you a glimpse into the evolution of this traditional craft that has continued for 400 years. Another attraction is that all the onigawara craftsmen's works from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the present day are on display in one place. After the experience, you will be given a souvenir aromatic tile to choose from and can take home with you. Below is the experience schedule. You will be guided through the tour as follows: 1. Manufacturing site 2. Onigawara craftsmen at work 3. Onigawara collection (exhibition area)

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Family

• Age 12～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 13:00

Surrounded by nature at the foot of a small hill, Shunyoso shows off the graceful expressions of the four seasons that are unique to Japanese-style architecture. The owner, who is also a certified old house appraiser, will guide you through the house and explain the traditional techniques that are difficult to reproduce today, the design that highlights the playfulness of the craftsmen, and the immeasurable historical and cultural value. After the tour, Shunyoso will quickly transform into a sweets shop. Enjoy an elegant moment with tea and Japanese sweets in an elegant space. Shunyoso is a masterpiece of modern Japanese architecture that was designed in 1941 by architect Toyoen Yamamoto, an authority on the study of home orientation, based on the ideas of feng shui, and was completed over a period of seven years by local carpenter Sankichi Saito and others. Further on, in 1983, the walls, gateposts, doors and gardens were renovated by architect Izue Hiroshi, who was even called a "master" by the famous architect Kurokawa Kisho, and they now harmonize beautifully to create a magnificent architectural landscape. The vast grounds of 1320m2 (approximately 1,400m2) contain eight buildings, including the guest house, storehouse, reception hall, sleeping hall and permanent residence, and in 2004 it was designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and in 2017 it was designated as an important structure for the formation of the Hyogo Prefectural Landscape. However, with the aging of the population and a social trend in recent years that only pursues efficiency, it became difficult for the previous owner to maintain and manage the buildings, and they gradually deteriorated, leading to a long period of time when the gates were closed. The turning point came in 2015. In order to preserve this precious cultural asset for future generations, the fourth-generation owner purchased it and began repairs and renovations. Finally, in October 2016, Shunyo-so was revived and reborn as a new international tourist resource for Awaji Island. In this experience program, the owner himself will guide you through the house, explaining the charms of the house, such as the traditional techniques that are difficult to reproduce today, the building materials that are also difficult to obtain today, the designs that highlight the playfulness of the craftsmen scattered throughout, and the elegant furnishings, based on the historical background of Shunyo-so. Please enjoy this space, which is filled with history and culture and represents the best of traditional techniques, to the fullest. After the tour, you will be served tea and Japanese sweets in the tea room or one of your choice. Please enjoy not only as a precious cultural asset, but also as a sweet shop. *Guides in English are also available, so we can accommodate customers from overseas. *A five-minute walk from Shunyoso is the historic and prestigious "Takenoguchi Hachiman Shrine," which celebrated its 1,100th anniversary in 2021. Why not visit the shrine as well? You can also enjoy a stroll through the historical and atmospheric streets of the Takenoguchi area. Experience schedule (The schedule below starts at 10:00, but please read the time differently if starting at 13:00) 10:00 Meet on site 10:05 Check-in and briefing Guided tour of Shunyoso 11:00 Enjoy tea and Japanese sweets in the teahouse. 11:30 End

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity

• Age 14～Age 88
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 13:00

Let's draw an illustration in a townhouse! Any motif can be illustrated (desired date and time available upon request) *Limited to 1 to 2 people as it is a face-to-face one-on-one session.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity

• Age 10～Age 80
• 1～2 hours
• 13:00 / 16:00

Let's create a variety of interior greenery by arranging fake succulents! Let's decorate various places with mini ornaments and make it a nice green point of the room!

• In Door Activity

• Age 3～Age 99
• 1～2 hours

[Akitsuno Garten] Jam is made using locally harvested seasonal citrus fruits in a classroom inside a wooden school building of a former elementary school. Chop tangerine peels and fruits and squeeze in a pot. For small children, the staff will carve it for you. Write an illustration or message on the lid of the jam jar and use it as a gift!

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 3～
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 12:30 / 15:00

A professional photographer will accompany you on a sightseeing trip. Please leave a wonderful photo that you cannot usually leave with your memories. Kintetsu Nara Good access from the exit 4 of the station.

• Age 6～Age 100
• 1～2 hours

This is an activity where you can experience wearing traditional Japanese clothing, kimono. This plan allows participants to actually try on the kimono themselves and wear it as a souvenir to take home. You will be challenged to feel the profoundness of kimono, and we will of course help you with any difficult parts as necessary. Once you have finished dressing, we will take a snapshot of the participants (with their own camera). After the photo shoot, you can go out in your yukata, and you don't need to return it, so you can go out until late at night. A simple hair style is also available as an option if you wish. Reservations can be made for 2 to 8 people per lesson, but if you have more than 1 person or 8 people, please consult in advance.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity

• Age 18～Age 75
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 12:30 / 15:00

This is a tour around the three towers in Ikaruga Town on a new-generation vehicle, the "EV TRIKE." Experience the romance of history as you ride through the World Heritage site of Horyuji Temple and Ikaruga Village, which has 1,400 years of tradition! There are also stops at each spot on the tour course, so you can enjoy taking photos freely. Customers who wish can also enter the grounds of Horinji Temple and view the interior of the temple. (Admission fees are separate) The tour uses an electric trike, which can be driven by anyone with a regular driver's license. The operation is very simple and everything is done with the handlebars, so even first-time motorbike riders can drive with confidence! Enjoy the scenery and fresh air of Ikaruga to the fullest. *Please be sure to check* ・A driver's license is required to ride a trike. Foreigners must bring an international driver's license and passport. Please note that if we cannot confirm your license, you will not be able to participate. ・The trike is a one-seater. Children and people without a license cannot ride with you.・The tour will be held even in rainy weather. ・The weight limit for the buggy is 100kg. ◆◇Meeting place◇◆・Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru (free parking and luggage storage available)◆◇Tour start time◆◇・Start at 10:00・Start at 12:30・Start at 15:00The tour takes about 2 hours, including the time required for reception, license verification, and driving practice. ◆◇Price◆◇4,800 yen (tax included) per person・The fee includes staff guidance, car insurance, and fuel. *Temple admission fee is not included. ◆◇Number of participants◆◇2 to 3 people*If you would like to participate alone, please contact Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru. ◆◇Schedule◆◇Meet at Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru (please arrive 10 minutes before the start time)↓Check your license etc., fill out the participation agreement↓Practice operating the trike↓Start of the tour! ◆◇About the tour course◆◇Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru↓Horin-ji TempleCustomers who wish can visit the temple grounds. ↓Hokki-ji Temple↓Ikaruga Shrine↓Horyu-ji Temple West Gate↓Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru (Finish Line)*The course may change depending on traffic and weather conditions. *About Insurance*Our shop provides automobile insurance for all trikes. Insurance premiums are included in the participation fee. Please see below for details of coverage. Amount of coverage・Liability and property damage coverage: Unlimited・Personal injury coverage: 30 million yenWhen insurance is applied, you will be responsible for a liability deductible of 30,000 yen for liability and property damage coverage, and a vehicle insurance deductible of 30,000 yen.

• Age 12～Age 65
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 13:00

The owner travels to coffee-producing regions around the world and carefully selects coffee beans that are thoroughly managed from cultivation to harvesting and transportation! In order to enjoy high-quality coffee with a rich original flavor called "specialty coffee," he roasts and brews the beans himself. The flavor changes drastically depending on the strength of the roast and the time, so adjust the roasting level to match your favorite flavor and aroma. Experience the profound world of coffee. A place in the Shitoori district of Minami Awaji City, where idyllic rural scenery spreads out. After getting off the car, walk for two minutes along a country road surrounded by trees to the Awaji Island Coffee Laboratory "BASE COFFEE," an annex to the premises of "Fuku Cafe," a quiet, hidden old-style cafe. If a cafe is a hideaway, this laboratory has the atmosphere of a "secret base." The owner, who is obsessed with the depth and unanswerable charm of coffee, is researching and studying every day to get to know coffee better and to pursue the creation of "coffee that makes you want to talk about it with others and makes you smile". The owner carefully selects coffee beans from producing areas around the world, including Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, and thoroughly manages the process from cultivation to harvesting and transportation. Using these top quality beans, you will experience roasting, the most important process that determines the taste and aroma of coffee. For the roasting process, we use a roasting pan called "mankashakasha", which is actually used in Ethiopia, one of the countries where we purchase beans. You can choose to roast lightly to bring out the fruity aroma and acidity of citrus fruits, or roast deeply to bring out the richness and bitterness of chocolate, or you can aim for something in between. In either case, it is difficult to conduct heat thoroughly to the inside of the raw beans in order to remove the moisture contained in them. In addition, even if you choose the same beans and roast in a hand pan, the heat transfer changes depending on how the beans roll and how the wind hits them, so even if the conditions are slightly different, the taste will not be the same and an original taste will be created. The staff will give you a thorough lecture, so please feel free to try it. When the roasted beans are cooled and ground in a coffee mill, a scent containing various elements, including the scent of nuts, caramel, and citrus, rises. This is the moment when the coffee beans emit the most aroma in their life. There are hundreds of elements of the aroma, which becomes a complex and rich coffee aroma that fascinates many people. Then comes the finishing process. Hot water is poured over the fragrant freshly ground beans to extract the maximum aroma and flavor, but there is also an appropriate way to pour the hot water. When you put the carefully extracted coffee in your mouth, your face will naturally break into a smile. *One cup of roasted and ground beans will be used for tasting, but you can take the remaining beans home with you.

• For Rainy Days