Overview
Discover the cultural spirit of Morioka on this immersive afternoon tour combining traditional craftsmanship and spiritual heritage. Begin with a scenic drive through historic Edo- and Meiji-era streets before arriving at Kunzan Kobo, home of the renowned 400-year-old Nambu ironware tradition. Tour the workshop, try pressing patterns into molds, and taste water boiled in Nambu ironware to appreciate its unique qualities. Continue to the World Heritageâlisted Chusonâji Temple, where the serene atmosphere and the glittering KonjikidĹ Golden Hall reveal the refined aesthetics of the Heian period. With an English-speaking guide, private transport, and hands-on cultural experiences, this tour offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with Japanâs artistry, history, and spiritualityâall within an accessible and engaging halfâday journey from Morioka.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Private car transfer
- National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
- Admission fees
- Experience fees
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Other personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
[Drive-by] Enjoy the atmosphere of traditional machiya townhouses from the Edo period (1603â1868).
Stop 2
[Drive-by] Appreciate the elegant Western-style architecture from the Meiji period (1868â1912).
Stop 3
Immerse yourself in the Nambu Ironware Traditional Craft Experience. Discover the charm of Nambu ironware, which has a history of 400 years. Learn directly about the depth of traditional crafts through activities such as touring the workshop, pressing patterns into molds, and tasting water boiled in Nambu ironware.
Stop 4
This World Heritage site conveys the beauty of the Heian period (794-1185) to the present. Behold the Konjikido Golden Hall and various national treasures and important cultural properties. Japan's history and aesthetic sense are condensed amidst a tranquil atmosphere, creating a mystical space that cleanses the heart and providing a valuable opportunity to touch upon the spirituality of Japan.
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adultâs lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ on the day depending on reasons such as road conditions and congestion at destinations.
- Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a hired car, a large bus (mid-size bus, small bus), or a train or route bus on some parts of the tour.
- Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.
- While children 0-5 years old may join free of charge, if there are many participants, children 0-5 years old may have to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian on board the hired car. If guaranteed seats on the hired car are required for such children, please book them under the child rate.
- Lunch is not included. As this is an afternoon tour, please have lunch prior to participating. There are many restaurants and cafes in the Morioka Station Building FESAN near Morioka Station
- At Chuson-ji Temple, as there are many stairs and areas or paths with poor or unequal footing, please participate wearing shoes and clothing that are comfortable to walk in. Bringing rain gear in case of inclement weather is recommended.
- Please leave large luggage such as suitcases at your hotel or a station locker prior to participating in the tour. As for medium-size suitcases whose total height, width, and length is within 140cm, each person is allowed to bring only 1 during the tour.