Maniwa (Okayama): 2-Day Fermentation Tour w/ Overnight Stay
On this 2-day, 1-night tour of Maniwa, Okayama, taste local specialties, tour historical streets and modern museums, and discover the colorful character of this “fermentation town” in Western Japan.
Highlights
Learn about the unique fermentation culture of Maniwa, Okayama on an immersive two-day tour that includes brewery visits, walking tours, museum visits, sake and wine tastings, and more
Stroll through the Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District, a quaint former post town dotted with traditional buildings and townhouses
Four meals showcasing local ingredients and fermentation methods are included (lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day)
Visit the innovative GREENable HIRUZEN museum and sustainability facility where you can learn firsthand about Okayama’s eco-friendly initiatives
10 meals
Experience Details
Fermentation can add depth of flavor and straight-out transform all sorts of foods and condiments — and few would know that better than locals in Maniwa, Okayama’s “fermentation” town. This local region, away from the crowds of mainstream tourism, offers a unique glimpse into long-standing traditions and a truly unique food culture that makes the most of koji mold and other fermentation methods and ingredients to craft Japanese and international specialties, from miso and sake to cheese and wine.
On this two-day tour, explore the town and learn about its rich, long-standing fermentation culture. Tour breweries, take part in cultural workshops, enjoy food and drink tastings, and visit an avant-garde museum showcasing eco-friendly initiatives that pay homage to the lush forests of the area to discover what makes Maniwa truly unlike any other place in Japan — or the world.
Experience Flow:
Day 1
-Meet your host at JR Okayama Station
- Travel by minibus to the Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District and explore the area, visit a local brewery and learn about its fermentation methods (1 h)
- Enjoy a special fermented lunch and stroll through Katsuyama (1 h 45 min)
- Take part in an indigo dyeing workshop (1 h)
- Tour a vinegar and miso brewery and learn about Maniwa fermentation (1 h)
- Travel to your accommodation (either Shinjomura Sugai residence or Yubara Onsen, depending on availability) and enjoy dinner with locally sourced ingredients
Day 2
- Departure from the hotel at 9:00 and stroll through Shinjomura Gaisen Ave. (30 min)
- Guided tour through GREENable HIRUZEN (45 min)
- Hiruzen Winery mountain grape vineyard tour and wine and cheese tasting (1 h 15 min)
- Lunch & stroll (1 h)
- Kaze-no-Ie Roadside Station visit and souvenir shopping (30 min)
- Drop off at JR Okayama Station (around 16:00)
Inclusions
Lunch and dinner on the first day; breakfast and lunch on the second day
Sake and wine tastings
Tour conductor and interpreter guide fee
Indigo dyeing experience, facility visits and experience fees
Transportation within the tour by private minibus
Exclusions
Transportation to the meeting point and from the drop off point
Beverages
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Okayama Station West Gate Bus Terminal. 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.
Please note that minibus seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
10 meals
On this 6-hour tour, spend a day exploring the distinct traditions of Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture. Explore the quaint townscape of Katsuyama, visit breweries and factories to learn about local fermentation methods, and sample food and drinks.
In this 5-hour tour of the Hiruzen Highlands, experience this area’s unique character through mountain grape wine and fermented cheese tastings, a generous fondue lunch, a tour of the avant-garde GREENable HIRUZEN and more.
Explore a rural town in Western Japan on two wheels in this cycling tour of Maniwa, Okayama. Breeze through a preserved post town, learn about the culture and traditions of the area, miso and vinegar breweries and enjoy a delicious local lunch.