2-Day Fermentation Tour with Overnight Stay in Maniwa, Okayama

Fermentation is more than a technique in Maniwa, Okayama. It is a way of life that shapes the region’s food, drinks, and identity. Known as Okayama’s “fermentation town,” this quiet area away from Japan’s usual tourist routes offers a rare look at traditions passed down for generations. Using koji mold and pure mountain water, locals create everything from miso and sake to cheese and wine, blending Japanese heritage with global influences in a way that feels both grounded and inventive. Over two days, you will explore this landscape through brewery visits, cultural workshops, tastings, and stops at sustainability-focused and nature-focused spaces. Together, they reveal a side of Japan deeply rooted in its environment while continuing to evolve. On Day 1, you will meet your host at JR Okayama Station and travel to Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District. You will walk through a historic former post town, visit a local brewery, and enjoy a special fermented lunch. After free time in Katsuyama, you will join an indigo dyeing workshop, then visit a vinegar and miso brewery. In the evening, you will travel to your accommodation at Shinjomura Sugai residence or Yubara Onsen and enjoy a dinner made with local ingredients. On Day 2, you will walk along Shinjomura Gaisen Avenue before visiting GREENable HIRUZEN, a cultural facility highlighting sustainability. You will then tour Hiruzen Winery, explore the mountain vineyards, and enjoy a wine-and-cheese tasting. After lunch and free time, you will stop at Kaze-no-Ie Roadside Station for souvenirs before returning to JR Okayama Station in the late afternoon.