Fondue & Wine: 1-Day Tour of the Hiruzen Highlands, Okayama
Bask in the landscapes of the Hiruzen Highlands in this 5-hour tour where you’ll taste local wine and cheese, tour museums and sprawling parks, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Take part in a 5-hour tour of the Hiruzen Highlands, complete with gourmet experiences and guided visits to parks and museums, together with a knowledgeable guide and an English-speaking interpreter
Indulge in a premium fondue course lunch at a local dairy farm and taste artisanal wines made with mountain grapes from the region at a winery
Enjoy a guided tour of GREENable HIRUZEN, a modern facility where you can learn about sustainability and environmental practices from the area
Private transportation, lunch, wine and cheese tasting, and entry to facilities are all included in the tour price
Experience Details
North of Okayama, you’ll find the Hiruzen Highlands, a plateau teeming with wilderness and stunning vistas. And yet, naturescapes are only one part of what this area has to offer. With easy access to pure mountain waters, this area has developed a creative array of fermented foods ranging from Japanese staples like miso or sake to international products like wine and cheese, with a unique and innovative twist.
In this 5-hour tour with transportation, you’ll start off by visiting the sprawling Herb Garden Herbhill, a natural treasure trove with hundreds of different flower types, set against the majestic backdrop of the mountains. You’ll enjoy a premium fondue lunch at a local farm where Jersey cows can be seen grazing in the fields, and visit a local winery to taste wines crafted from the region's mountain grapes. Finally, you’ll visit a modern museum, an architectural masterpiece by world-renowned Kengo Kuma. Here, you can learn more about the local efforts towards an eco-friendly future. Throughout the day, a knowledgeable host and an English-speaking interpreter will be there to engage you with fascinating insights into the spirit of the area.
Experience Flow:
- Meet your host at Roadside Station Kaze no Ie at 9:50
- Visit the Hiruzen Herb Garden Herbill (45 min)
- Enjoy a premium fondue lunch at Hiruzen Jersey Land (1 h 10 min)
- Tour the Hiruzen Winery and enjoy a guided tasting of Hiruzen wine made with mountain grapes and Il Ricottaro cheese, as well as free time for shopping (1 h)
- Tour GREENable HIRUZEN and learn about the area’s sustainability practices (1 h)
- Return to Roadside Station Kaze no Ie at around 15:00
Inclusions
Premium fondue course lunch at Hiruzen Jersey Land
Mountain grape winery tour, Hiruzen wine and Il Ricottaro cheese guided tasting
Transportation within the tour by private vehicle
Tour conductor & interpreter guide fee
Facility visits and experience fees
Exclusions
Transportation to the meeting point and from the drop off point
Beverages
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Roadside Station Kaze no Ie in Maniwa, Okayama. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
When booking, please inform the host of your nationality.
Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Please note that the tour itinerary may change due to weather or traffic conditions.
Please inform your host of any food restrictions or allergies in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 weeks before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
The home of Japan’s favorite folkloric character, some of its best-preserved historical sites, and amazing seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
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