Wakayama 3-Day Tour: Castle, Crafts & Tuna-Cutting Show
On this one-time 3-day tour of Wakayama in February 2025, participate in lacquerware and maki-e workshops, tour Wakayama castle and watch a tuna-cutting show, with delicious lunch options included.
Package Options
Highlights
One-time event! Join a 3-day tour of Wakayama that includes a guided visit to Wakayama Castle, a matcha tea experience, maki-e decoration workshop, a cooking workshop and more cultural activities
Guided by certified traditional craftswoman Kumiko Tanioka, make a piece of Japanese traditional art to last you a lifetime: a delicate Kishu-style lacquerware bento box or wooden bowl
Take home an original Japanese knife used extensively for cutting sushi and sashimi — Sharpen a Yanagiba knife and have it engraved
Watch a tuna-cutting show by a master tuna carver, then use the fish and your customized knife to learn to make sushi rolls in a decorative sushi-making class with a renowned instructor
Lunch is included every day of the tour, ranging from a traditional Japanese-style meal at a local restaurant to a bento lunch and sushi rolls made by yourself
10 meals
Experience Details
Less than two hours from Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, Wakayama Prefecture reveals a different side of Japan. Known as the country's spiritual heartland, here you'll find the sacred grounds of the Kumano trail (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Koyasan mountain temple. A sprawling coastline, outstanding supply of fresh tuna and sunkissed beaches draw visitors looking for a relaxing break. Put simply, here there's something for everyone to enjoy.
During this three-day journey, you can learn about Wakayama's rich history and culture. From strolling the historic Wakayama Castle to watching an exciting tuna-cutting show by a contemporary master, you can see different aspects of Wakayama and even experience them yourself. Under the guidance of a local craftsman, you'll make a lacquerware bento box and engrave a yanagiba knife, which you'll later use to cut sushi rolls during a decorative sushi-making class. Pack the sushi into your handcrafted bento and enjoy it on the peaceful grounds of Kotonoura Onzan-Souen Garden.
Day 1
-Meet your host at Wakayama Station & travel to your first stop
-Traditional Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant & self-introductions
-Tour of Wakayama Castle
-Knife-sharpening workshop with a master tuna carver
-Matcha tea experience
Day 2
-Lacquerware workshop
-Lunch
-Maki-e decoration workshop
-Souvenir shopping
Day 3
-Tuna-cutting show
-Decorative sushi-making experience
-Lunch
Upgrade this tour to include a 2-night, 3-day stay at Wakaura Onsen Manpa Resort, a Japanese-style hotel (ryokan) by the bay in the city of Wakayama. Only a short walk from the beach, this three-star hotel is the perfect place to relax in the soothing waters of its hot spring tubs or simply by the restaurant terrace overlooking the bay. Breakfast and dinner meals are included (see Options).
What You Get
Good To Know
- Please wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty throughout the event. Activities will be held outdoors on the first day.
- Guests who opt for the overnight stay option package can request a private chartered vehicle instead of a bus for an additional fee. Please inquire upon booking.
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the central ticket gate of JR Wakayama Station on Wednesday, February 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. A Google Maps link will be shared upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 weeks before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Whether you want a taste of tropical beach life, or traditional temple life, this diverse prefecture has you covered.
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10 meals
Discover how experts assess the quality of fresh tuna at the Nachi-katsuura fishing port with explanations from a local guide. Then, taste that quality with a fresh sashimi breakfast including two types of tuna and a special swordfish.
Delve into Buddhist history and cuisine in this private experience in the ancient Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama. Taste authentic vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) and experience a goma fire prayer ritual performed by monks.
Restore body and mind in this spiritual experience in Ekoin, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in the lush forests of Koyasan, Wakayama, where you can savor a vegan Buddhist lunch and participate in a traditional meditation guided by monks.
Enjoy a vegan Buddhist lunch in Ekoin, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in Koyasan, Wakayama. Learn about shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) and feast on a variety of fresh dishes while overlooking the tranquil temple gardens.