Onigiri Making with Local Chef & Miho Shrine
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Port
Sakaiminato, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$390
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Enjoy a day immersed in the rich culinary heritage and cultural beauty of the region. This tour offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of onigiri making using fresh, local ingredients and discover the fascinating world of Japanese sake. You will also visit the historic Miho Shrine, where you may witness the elegance of Gagaku (ancient court music) and Miko-mai (sacred shrine dance) during a prayer ceremony. The day also includes a visit to the scenic Mihonoseki Lighthouse.
The journey begins at a local sake brewery with a long-standing history. Through a guided tour of the facilities, you will learn about the heritage of the brewery and see firsthand the meticulous process behind crafting high-quality sake. Following the tour, you will enjoy a hands-on onigiri making experience. Guided by a skilled onigiri artisan affectionately known as "Onigiri-kun," you will learn the traditional techniques of shaping and preparing Japanese rice balls using fresh, local ingredients before creating your own onigiri. We highly recommend pairing your handmade onigiri with a selection of sake for a tasting.
After lunch, the tour proceeds to Miho Shrine for a short prayer ceremony to receive traditional blessings. The Miho Shrine, built in the 16th century, is dedicated to the god of fishermen, economic prosperity and music, and the goddess of abundant harvest. Surrounded by the Shimane Peninsula's dense forest, Miho is a lead shrine among thousands scattered across Japan.
Finally, you will take a relaxing stroll around the Mihonoseki Lighthouse, before returning to Sakaiminato. Pause for photos at Mihonoseki Lighthouse, the oldest stone lighthouse in the region. Built in 1898 by a French architect, ranked among the top 100 historical lighthouses in the world.
Please Note:
You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency and credit cards, as most vendors do not accept US dollars. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse. The drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. For those who are 19 years old or younger, and for those who do not prefer alcoholic drinks, soft drinks will be offered. The kind of ingredients available at the onigiri experience will change seasonally and daily, they cannot be confirmed. No inside visit at the lighthouse.