Immerse in Authentic Japanese Culture in Aichi: From Tea Ceremonies to Festive Celebrations

Immerse in Authentic Japanese Culture in Aichi: From Tea Ceremonies to Festive Celebrations

Aichi prefecture, nestled in Japan's Chubu region, is brimming with a multitude of exciting things to do! One of its major factors is its accessibility, with the Chubu Centrair International Airport and a convenient subway system in Nagoya, the prefecture's central city. While many tourists flock to the popular spots such as Nagoya Castle and Nagoya Dome, locals urge travelers to delve deeper into Aichi's true culture and heritage. Here are our top recommendations to make your journey more enjoyable and authentic:

1. Nerikiri Making Workshop: Discover the art of Nerikiri, a traditional Japanese sweet often served at tea ceremonies. In Nagoya, you can participate in a beginner-friendly workshop to create these intricate sweets under the guidance of a professional confectioner.
2. Docent-led Hatcho Miso Factory Tour: Learn about this staple Japanese seasoning, used in everything from miso soup to ramen. Aichi's Hatcho Miso Factory offers guided tours, providing insights into its production and use in everyday Japanese cuisine.
3. Tokoname Pottery Classes: Aichi is renowned for its pottery culture, especially Tokonameyaki, dating back to the Heian period. Pottery workshops can be found not only in Tokoname City but throughout Aichi, giving visitors the chance to create their own ceramic souvenirs.
4. Soba Noodle Making Experience: Soba is a traditional Japanese food normally boiled and eaten with hot soup or chilled with tsuyu sauce. In Aichi, you can participate in a workshop where a soba chef will teach you to prepare and cut this specialty food.
5. Sake Brewery Tour: Japanese alcohol, particularly sake, is a perfect accompaniment to many dishes. Aichi's sake production is substantial, and some breweries even offer tours to demonstrate how local sake is made.
6. Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) Experience: This unique form of fishing, employing trained cormorants to catch fish, is still practiced in some parts of China and on the Kiso and Nagara River in Japan. Inuyama City, Aichi, offers Ukai fishing from June to October.
7. Fermented Food Workshop: After learning about miso and other fermented foods through the miso factory tour, participate in a traditional Japanese experience to learn about various fermented foods and even make your own miso!
8. Knife Sharpening Workshop: Japanese knives are essential for preparing Japanese food. In a hands-on workshop, you can select a knife of your choice and sharpen it using traditional Japanese sharpening techniques.
9. Tea Farm Visit: Explore the world of matcha, a popular type of Japanese green tea, by visiting a tea farm and learning about its cultivation and production process. Afterward, enjoy a tasting session to sample different kinds of matcha.
10. Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Workshop: Sanshu Asuke Yashiki is a living open-air museum showcasing the local history and folklore. The facility offers demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as papermaking, weaving, and indigo tie-dyeing, allowing you to immerse yourself in Aichi's rich heritage.

These activities offer an opportunity to experience Aichi's authentic culture and traditions, allowing travelers to explore more than just the famous tourist attractions. Be sure to book your preferred tours ahead of time to ensure a truly unique and memorable adventure in Aichi!

1. Beyond Nagoya Castle and Nagoya Dome, consider joining a Nerikiri Making Workshop in Nagoya for an immersion in traditional Japanese sweets craftsmanship.
2. To delve deeper into Japanese cuisine, book a Docent-led Hatcho Miso Factory Tour in Aichi, showcasing the production and use of this staple seasoning.
3. For an enriching cultural experience, sign up for Tokoname Pottery Classes offered throughout Aichi, creating your own ceramic souvenirs emanating Heian period traditions.
4. Soba Noodle Making Experiences can be found in Aichi, providing hands-on lessons from experienced soba chefs.
5. Sake breweries in Aichi offer behind-the-scenes tours, demonstrating the local production of this popular Japanese alcohol.
6. Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) experiences are available in Inuyama City, allowing tourists to witness this unique tradition dating back to China and Japan.
7. Fermented Food Workshops offer insights into various fermented foods, including miso, allowing visitors to partake in this traditional Japanese experience.
8. To master Japanese knife skills, join a Knife Sharpening Workshop, utilizing traditional Japanese sharpening techniques.
9. Venture to a Tea Farm Visit to learn about the cultivation and production process of matcha, a popular Japanese green tea, followed by a tasting session.
10. Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Workshop provides a distinctive opportunity to immerse in Aichi's local history and folklore by engaging in traditional craft demonstrations such as papermaking, weaving, and indigo tie-dyeing.

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