Fondue and Wine: 1-Day Tour of the Hiruzen Highlands, Okayama

North of Okayama, the Hiruzen Highlands open into wide plateaus, fresh air, and sweeping mountain views. But beyond its scenery, this region is also shaped by something less visible yet deeply rooted in daily life: fermentation. With access to pure mountain water, locals have developed a food culture that transforms both Japanese staples like miso and sake, and international products like wine and cheese, all with a distinct regional character. On this five-hour guided tour with transportation, you will experience both the natural beauty and creative food culture of the Highlands, supported throughout the day by a knowledgeable host and an English-speaking interpreter. Your journey begins at Roadside Station Kaze no Ie, where you will meet your host, then head to Hiruzen Herb Garden Herbill, a peaceful landscape filled with seasonal flowers set against mountain views. From there, you will continue to Hiruzen Jersey Land for a premium fondue lunch made with local dairy, where Jersey cows graze in open fields nearby. After lunch, you will visit Hiruzen Winery for a guided tasting of wines made from mountain grapes, paired with Il Ricottaro cheese, followed by free time to explore and shop. The experience then continues at GREENable HIRUZEN, a striking architectural space designed by Kengo Kuma, where you will learn about the region’s sustainability efforts and its connection to the surrounding environment. The tour ends as you return to Roadside Station Kaze no Ie around 15:00, completing a relaxed journey through food, nature, and modern design in the Hiruzen Highlands.