Hiroshima Ini Rice Terraces Private Tour and Cooking (Akiota)

Japan is known for its beauty, and the terraced rice fields of Akiota in northwestern Hiroshima Prefecture are a perfect example. In this private experience, you can take in lush mountain landscapes, learn about Japanese rice from farm to table, try hands-on cooking, explore traditional crafts, and enjoy local sweets. Your day begins with pick-up from Hiroshima Station. Travel by chartered car through the changing scenery from city to countryside, accompanied by a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Government guide-interpreter. The journey to Akiota takes about one hour, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the view. Start with a 40-minute tour of the Ini Rice Terraces, recognized as one of Japan’s 100 best terraced rice fields. Learn about the history and cultivation of these iconic paddies as you wander among the fields and soak in the serene atmosphere. Next, step into a traditional Japanese townhouse for a hands-on cooking lesson lasting about two hours. Prepare sushi, seasonal vegetable tempura, and miso soup using local ingredients and traditional seasonings. After cooking, enjoy your creations for lunch in the living room while admiring the sweeping countryside view. After lunch, visit a Togochi crafts workshop to see skilled artisans at work and browse handmade crafts. Spend about an hour discovering unique souvenirs that reflect Hiroshima’s traditional craft heritage. Finish the day with a stop at a famous taiyaki shop. Try this classic Japanese sweet, a fish-shaped waffle filled with custard, red bean, sweet potato, or other fillings, and enjoy a final taste of local flavor before returning. This experience combines nature, hands-on learning, local flavors, and traditional craftsmanship for a full day of discovery and immersion in rural Hiroshima.