As you begin your journey, enjoy a local sake tasting at the Waki-honjin, a historic building once used by the second-highest-ranking samurai during the Edo Period (1603-1868) on the Hokkoku Kaido in Komoro Post Town. Guided by a local sake expert, you’ll sample famous local sake, including Asama-dake, brewed with underground water from the sacred Mt. Asama. You’ll also savor a Shokado-bento lunch box, featuring fermented foods made with an abundance of local ingredients, perfect for special occasions.

Komoro Castle, with a history spanning nearly 500 years, is a scenic landmark that has earned its place among Japan’s Top 100 Castles, Top 100 Historical Parks, and Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The castle attracts many visitors, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Known as a natural fortress, it is protected by valleys formed by rainwater and volcanic ash cliffs, which took tens of thousands of years to shape after the massive eruption of Mt. Asama. Uniquely, Komoro Castle is considered the only “ana-jiro” (literally, a “castle in a hole”) in Japan, where the castle is situated lower than the surrounding castle town. While the original buildings no longer stand, you can still explore the castle grounds, which cleverly integrate the natural terrain of Mt. Asama, along with the breathtaking scenery.

The Komoro Distillery, opened in 2023, serves as a new hub for Japanese whisky, a spirit gaining worldwide recognition. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Asama, the distillery is surrounded by pure, high-quality water essential for whisky production. Led by world-class master blender Ian Chang, the team is dedicated to crafting the finest Japanese whisky. After touring the distillery, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in the Whisky & Cocktails Course, where a professional bartender will guide you in creating cocktails that enhance the full flavor of whisky. Enjoy a refined experience at this exciting new destination for Japanese whisky.

At the foot of Mt. Asama lies Hishino Onsen , a therapeutic hot spring known for its healing properties and treatment of illnesses (toji-ba) since ancient times. For this tour, you’ll stay at Tokiwa-kan , a peaceful inn in the area famous for its open-air bath, accessible by a charming mountain train. Relax and unwind in this serene retreat, surrounded by nature.

Embark on a scenic and cultural walk to Nunobiki Kannon, located along the historic path of faith leading to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Once considered a must-visit destination in Edo times, this temple attracted countless worshippers. As you journey along this ancient pilgrimage route, you’ll pass through lush nature, admire unique rock formations, waterfalls, and stone Buddhas that have stood the test of time. Retrace the footsteps of those who once made this sacred journey. At the trail’s end, take in the breathtaking view from Kannon-do Hall, perched on a cliff, with a stunning panorama of Mt. Asama in the distance.

Manns Wine Komoro Winery is a pioneer in premium Japanese wine, earning numerous awards both in Japan and internationally. Their wines have even been served to overseas VIPs visiting Japan. Located in Komoro, a region known for its ideal climate, low rainfall, abundant sunshine, and significant temperature differences between morning and evening. The winery is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines unique to Japan. The premium wine SOLARIS, made from 100% domestically grown grapes, represents the pinnacle of Manns Wine’s craftsmanship, from grape cultivation to bottling. During your visit, you’ll tour this leading winery in Komoro and enjoy tastings of four varieties from the SOLARIS series.

As your journey comes to an end, the farewell lunch of the tour will be an Italian pasta meal at a restaurant renovated from the Hon-jin, the most prestigious building in Komoro-juku Post Town. Enjoy a relaxing time with your group, sharing memories in the privately booked “upper room,” which was once used by the feudal lord.
(*The photo shows the interior of a different room in the restaurant.)

Your stay will be at Kume-ya Inn, where you’ll enjoy exclusive rental of the entire building. Kume-ya is a renovated waki-honjin (a nationally registered tangible cultural property of Japan) located in Komoro-juku. The waki-honjin was once a facility where important individuals, ranked just below the feudal lord, stayed during the processions passing through Komoro-juku. Experience a relaxing stay while immersing yourself in the timeless atmosphere of the Edo Period.

Onikake soba, certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ SAVOR JAPAN for local traditional cuisine, is a dish made with soba noodles lightly boiled in a warm broth featuring a variety of local ingredients. Legend has it that the samurai who ruled Komoro during the Edo Period introduced kiri-soba (cut-soba) to the local people. In this experience, you will make your own soba noodles and enjoy them in a hot broth, all while being guided by a professional soba maker. The experience takes place in a building that was once a dye house along the Hokkoku Kaido, a nationally registered important tangible cultural property. Enjoy this local traditional food in a historically rich and atmospheric setting.

Embark on a scenic and cultural walk to Nunobiki Kannon, located along the historic path of faith leading to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Once considered a must-visit destination in Edo times, this temple attracted countless worshippers. As you journey along this ancient pilgrimage route, you’ll pass through lush nature, admire unique rock formations, waterfalls, and stone Buddhas that have stood the test of time. Retrace the footsteps of those who once made this sacred journey. At the trail’s end, take in the breathtaking view from Kannon-do Hall, perched on a cliff, with a stunning panorama of Mt. Asama in the distance.

As your journey comes to an end, the farewell lunch of the tour will be an Italian pasta meal at a restaurant renovated from the Hon-jin, the most prestigious building in Komoro-juku Post Town. Enjoy a relaxing time with your group, sharing memories in the privately booked “upper room,” which was once used by the feudal lord.
(*The photo shows the interior of a different room in the restaurant.)

Komoro Castle, with a history spanning nearly 500 years, is a scenic landmark that has earned its place among Japan’s Top 100 Castles, Top 100 Historical Parks, and Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The castle attracts many visitors, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Known as a natural fortress, it is protected by valleys formed by rainwater and volcanic ash cliffs, which took tens of thousands of years to shape after the massive eruption of Mt. Asama. Uniquely, Komoro Castle is considered the only “ana-jiro” (literally, a “castle in a hole”) in Japan, where the castle is situated lower than the surrounding castle town. While the original buildings no longer stand, you can still explore the castle grounds, which cleverly integrate the natural terrain of Mt. Asama, along with the breathtaking scenery.

Sencha tea became popular during the Edo period, and now you can experience a unique tea kabuki performance inspired by the theme of tea leaves transported along the Hokkoku Kaido. This fun and interactive tea tasting game invites you to guess the type of tea from five different varieties. With the guidance of a Japanese tea instructor, you’ll deepen your knowledge of Japanese tea and its rich history.

Included in the tour is the Hokkoku Kaido walking tour. Visit local spots like miso and antique shops, offering a glimpse into the life of Komoro, far from the bustle of big cities. Connect with locals and enjoy dishes prepared by local chefs using fresh, regional ingredients.
(Food photos are for illustration purposes only.)

The first of three activities on the tour is Kyu-do (Japanese archery) at Komoro Castle. This 500-year-old castle, ranked among Japan’s top 100 castles, historical parks, and cherry blossom viewing spots, offers a beautiful setting, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons. Uniquely, Komoro Castle is the only castle in Japan located lower than its castle town. In this Kyu-do experience, you’ll focus on the “mind, technique, body” approach—respect, calming the mind, and using strong legs and correct form. Local Kyu-do members will guide you carefully. (Optional practice clothes available for an additional charge.)

The second experience is calligraphy, a private program held in the storehouse of a 170-year-old paper shop in the inn town. Led by a local former high school Japanese teacher, you will learn the basics of brushwork, including “tome,” “hane,” and “harai.” Afterward, you can try writing your favorite words in kanji or English. Enjoy expressing yourself through beautiful black-and-white calligraphy.

The final experience is the tea ceremony, held in the tea room of the second-highest-ranking wakihonjin (a registered tangible cultural property) in Komoro-juku. The tea ceremony follows the principle of “Ichigo-Ichie,” meaning “one life, one meeting,” which reflects the idea that each encounter is a “once in a lifetime experience”. During the ceremony, local tea masters will serve tea with great sincerity, wishing you a wonderful and memorable trip to Japan. Enjoy this farewell tea ceremony, infused with the spirit of Komoro’s warm hospitality.

Included in the tour is the Hokkoku Kaido walking tour. Visit local spots like miso and antique shops, offering a glimpse into the life of Komoro, far from the bustle of big cities. Connect with locals and enjoy dishes prepared by local chefs using fresh, regional ingredients.
(Food photos are for illustration purposes only.)

This restaurant is a renovated Honjin, the most prestigious building in Komoro-juku. For lunch on the tour, we’ll enjoy a pasta meal in the ‘Jodan-no-ma’ room, once used by the feudal lord, now specially reserved for us.
(The photo shows a different room in the restaurant.)

Kumeya is a renovated accommodation facility that was formerly the second-highest-ranking Wakihonjin in Komoro-juku. The building is designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property.

Visit Komoro-juku’s Togyaba, once a historic warehouse for miso and soy sauce production until the 1960s.

At the foot of Mt. Asama lies Hishino Onsen , a therapeutic hot spring known for its healing properties and treatment of illnesses (toji-ba) since ancient times. For this tour, you’ll stay at Tokiwa-kan , a peaceful inn in the area famous for its open-air bath, accessible by a charming mountain train. Relax and unwind in this serene retreat, surrounded by nature.