Fermented Bento Workshop on the Yamanobe Trail
Craft your own fermented bento in a 100-year-old farmhouse along Japan’s oldest trail. After cooking, enjoy your handmade lunch as a picnic overlooking ancient kofun (burial mounds).
Highlights
Located in a 100-year-old farmhouse on Japan’s oldest trail, Yamanobe-no-michi
Hands-on fermentation-focused Japanese cooking
Seasonal ingredients from local farmers and our garden
Outdoor picnic on ancient sacred ground
10 meals
Experience Details
Hosted in cofunia, a 100-year-old farmhouse at the foot of ancient burial mounds along the Yamanobe Trail, this hands-on workshop invites you into Japan’s slow food culture.
We start with a short talk on Japanese fermentation—introducing miso, koji, soy sauce, and pickles—then cook together using seasonal and fermented ingredients, including herbs from the garden.
This workshop is perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture—not just the flavors, but the values and landscape that shape them.
<Schedule>
10:30 – Welcome & Fermentation Talk
Arrive at cofunia and explore the basics of Japanese fermentation.
11:00 – Bento Cooking
Make three seasonal dishes with miso, sake lees, or soy sauce koji.
12:30 – Bento Assembly
Pack your bento with housemade pickles and garnishes.
13:00 – Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your bento outdoors—either in the garden or atop a nearby kofun mound.
<Sample Menus>
We offer two seasonal menus. Guests staying overnight can enjoy both experiences across two days. Each includes three dishes you’ll make and two side dishes prepared in advance using cofunia’s house recipes.
Two Menu Options
Guests choose from two seasonal menus. Overnight guests can enjoy both over two days.
Menu A: Kakinoha-zushi Bento
- Salmon & pickle sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves
- Baked spring rolls with glass noodles and veggies
- Tofu-miso salad (Shira-ae)
- Soy sauce koji egg (pre-prepared)
- Local pickles (pre-prepared)
Menu B: Onigiri Bento
- Two rice balls: miso paste & umeboshi
- Koji teriyaki chicken
- Seasonal salad or spinach with dashi soy
- Fried koya tofu (pre-prepared)
- Local pickles (pre-prepared)
What You Get
Good To Know
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g. no red meat, egg, fruits).
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
We will meet at cofunia, a 100-year-old farmhouse near the Yamanobe Trail. The house is situated along the historic Yamanobe Trail, in a peaceful rural setting. Please note: Nearest station is Nagara Station (JR Sakurai Line) — about 25 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by taxi.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
The historic seat of power and faith in Japan, Nara has some of the most authentic and breathtaking culture in the entire country — and also friendly deer!
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10 meals
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