Tokyo Ome: Discover Japan's Enduring Traditions in Two Days

Discover a Hidden World Just One Hour from Tokyo

Located just an hour from central Tokyo is Ome, a tranquil town that still embodies the essence of old Edo through its landscapes, narratives, and customs. Once a crucial route that supported the daily life of the shogun’s capital, this area is rich in culture influenced by samurai, merchants, and generations of local families.

The Living Heritage of Iwakura Onsen

This tour offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the profound heritage of Iwakura Onsen—believed to have been discovered over 1,200 years ago and once recognized as Tokyo’s sole historic hot spring village. Culture here is not merely showcased; it is actively preserved and shared by the residents of Ome. Accompanied by local experts and cultural guardians, you will discover the artistry, folklore, and craftsmanship that characterize this extraordinary region.

A Journey Into the Craftsmanship of Edo

Experience the enduring art of Japanese sake brewing at one of Tokyo’s most historic distilleries, where traditional techniques have been refined over centuries. During this exclusive behind-the-scenes excursion, you will trace the brewing process step by step through areas not accessible to the public, concluding with a curated tasting of 2–3 premium sake varieties—featuring top-grade selections as well as seasonal and aged offerings. Feel the essence of Japanese aesthetics as you are invited into a tranquil temple to enjoy classical koto music, traditional storytelling, and the delicate harmony of an intimate tea ceremony—moments that capture the quiet essence of wabi-sabi.

Stay at a Historic Ryokan Preserving Japan’s Past

Your accommodation at a 180-year-old ryokan, the last remaining inn of Iwakura’s once-thriving onsen village, provides a unique link to Japan’s living heritage. Set amidst natural rock formations and unspoiled greenery, the hot spring encourages you to unwind and embrace the gentle pace of this historic community.

Connect with the Land Through Local Farm Traditions

You will also deepen your understanding of Ome’s rural charm through interactions with local farmers who uphold traditional growing practices passed down over generations. Their seasonal harvest showcases the area’s abundance and the lasting connection between people and the land.

Meet the Keepers of Ome’s Cultural Soul

Throughout the tour, you’ll encounter individuals who protect Ome’s cultural legacy—storytellers, artisans, monks, and families who keep the traditions of this exceptional region alive. Each experience has been thoughtfully designed to provide insights into the spirit, flavors, and enduring beauty of Tokyo’s concealed cultural treasure.

An Immersive Cultural Journey into Japan’s Timeless Spirit

This journey is more than just a visit. It serves as an invitation to engage with the stories, craftsmanship, and natural beauty that have shaped Ome for over a millennium—an immersive cultural experience crafted for travelers in search of authenticity, depth, and a truly significant adventure in Japan.

Itinerary

• Meet at Sawai Station
• Ozawa Brewery Brief introduction to the history and craftsmanship of a 320-year-old sake brewery, followed by an orientation at Sasagoya—a dedicated tasting and briefing room used for brewery tours
• Sake brewery tour Follow a special route not open to regular visitors, exploring key parts of the brewing process such as the rice polishing area, fermentation rooms, 300-year-old cedar barrels, and an underground well, followed by a tasting of 2–3 premium sake varieties.
• A souvenir ochoko (sake cup) is included for all participants. Guests under 20 or non-drinkers will receive yuzu cider instead of sake at the tasting.
• Transfer by vehicle
• Check-in at Mamadaya Ryokan Complete check-in procedures, followed by an introduction to the history of Iwakura and the ryokan, then time to rest
• Walk from Mamadaya Ryokan to Jofuku-ji Temple
• Koto performance and “Yuki-onna” storytelling at Jofuku-ji Temple Depart the ryokan on foot about 10 minutes before the event and begin upon arrival
• Dinner Enjoy your meal at Jofuku-ji Temple
• Tea ceremony experience Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at the temple
• Return to the ryokan Walk back to Mamadaya Ryokan; free time and hot spring bath.
• Harvest experience Enjoy picking seasonal vegetables at a local farm
• Breakfast Traditional Japanese breakfast served in the dining room with all guests together
• Check-out
• Transfer from Mamadaya Ryokan to Shiofune Kannon Temple
• Shiofune Kannon Temple visit Guided walk through the temple grounds, including explanations of its history and unique features. Participate in traditional practices such as incense offering and bell ringing, followed by free time to explore
• Lunch Soba or udon lunch served at the dining hall inside the temple grounds.
• Drop-off at Ome Station Farewell greetings and a brief introduction to the station area before dismissal

Price Details

Included

• Transportation fee (as per itinerary)
• Accommodation for 1 night
• Meals: Day 1 dinner (first drink included), Day 2 breakfast and lunch
• English-speaking guide
• Sake brewery tour at Ozawa Brewery
• Souvenir ochoko (sake cup)
• Koto performance
• Tea ceremony experience
• Harvest activity
• Temple visit and participation in traditional practices at Shiofune Kannon Temple

Not included

• Transportation to the meeting point
• Additional drinks at dinner (after the first drink)
• Personal expenses

Important Information

Minimum number of participants: 6

If the minimum number of participants (6) is not met by 13 days before the scheduled date, or due to other operational management circumstances, the tour on that date may be canceled.

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.

Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team

Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309

Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency

Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Emergency Contact (Day of Tour)

For immediate assistance on the day of your tour,

the emergency contact details will be provided in the final voucher.

Contact (Sales Office)

Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309

Tel:+81-70-1735-1547(10:00-18:00, Weekdays only)

Tour Operations Manager: Kyota Kasai

(Responsible for transactions regarding this travel contract)

Purchase Notice

Participation Requirements

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Special meal requests cannot be guaranteed; please inform the operator in advance if you have allergies
• Breakfast does not accommodate allergy requests or vegan options.
• Pregnant guests may join the tea ceremony but should avoid drinking matcha
• Age requirement: 18 years or older (due to the farm harvest activity)
• Alcohol service policy: Guests under 20 years old or those who do not drink alcohol will receive yuzu cider and a complimentary ochoko instead of sake. Tour price remains the same

Weather Conditions

• The tour operates in light rain; severe weather may lead to cancellation or itinerary changes

Costs Not Included

• Transportation to the meeting point is not included
• Additional drinks at dinner are not included

Local Environment

• There are no convenience stores or supermarkets near the ryokan; please bring any necessities in advance

(a self-service refrigerator with soft drinks and alcohol is available)

Accommodation Information

• Rooms are Japanese-style, and some may feature futon bedding instead of Western beds
• Room types vary by size and layout and will be assigned based on group size and availability
• Room type cannot be selected
• Guest rooms do not have a private bath or shower; only a toilet and washbasin are available
• The hot spring bath is a shared facility with separate areas for men and women
• There is no private or reservable bath
• Guests who feel uncomfortable bathing with others may wear swimwear
• Bathing hours are until 23:00 on Day 1, and from 7:00 to 9:00 the next morning
• Check-in and check-out times follow the itinerary.

How to Use

Please provide your order number on-site.