Living with the Gifts of the Beech Forest
Duration1day
DifficultyEasy – Moderate
Summary
For centuries, the beech forests of Northern Tohoku have sustained both the land and the people who call it home. This region flourished through a hunter-gatherer way of life, giving rise to the traditions of the Matagi mountain hunters, a food culture centered on wild edible plants and mushrooms, and a lacquerware culture that has long made use of beech wood in everyday life and craftsmanship.
Take a peaceful retreat walk through the beech forests of Appi Kogen, where the scenery transforms with each season. Spend time with horses grazing freely in open pastures, then gather with local residents to prepare traditional home-style dishes using the bounty of the mountains. This is an opportunity to experience not only the beauty of nature, but also the lifestyle and wisdom that have grown from living in harmony with it.
Highlight
- Stoll through the Appi Beech Forest
- Make traditional foods for lunch with a local mum
- Learn about the connection between lacquerware and life in Iwate
COURSE ITINERARY
9:00
Meet at Morioka Station
Arrival
Meet at the Taki-no-hiroba in front of Morioka Station
About 60 mins
Transfer via private vehicle to Appi area
Your guide will select the best options of the following activities depending on the weather for the day.
Beech Forest walk
Enjoy a relaxing retreat walk through the beautiful beech forests in Appi area.
Meet horses
Meet and interact with horses that graze freely in the highlands area. Learn about their history in this area.
Traditional Cuisine Experience
Visit a local family and prepare a traditional lunch together. They will introduce you to many local foods, so make sure you are hungry!
Visit a local lacquerware store
Learn about the importance of Appi Lacquerware in this area,and look around the local shop.
Visit a local Miso store
Stop by a store that makes miso and other foods in this area. They also serve miso flavored ice-cream, which is quite delicious!
About 60 mins
Transfer via private vehicle back to Morioka
Relax in the vehicle as you transfer back to Morioka station to finish the tour.
16:30
Finish at Morioka Station
Finish
Finish the tour back at Morioka station.
Information
Price
2 PAX 120,000JPY
4 PAX 65,000JPY
6 PAX 49,000JPY
※PER PERSON Min 2 people
Tour type
Guided
Inclusions
✔ Private Vehicle
✔ Local Lunch making experience
✔Local guide
Exclusions
✖ Transportation to and from the listed starting/finishing points
✖ Extra drinks or extra dishes
✖ Costs of a personal nature
Notes
The weather can change quite a lot depending on the day, and even within the same day, so please ensure you have good quality rain-wear, as we hike in the rain as well (provided it is deemed safe). Exact course will be decided depending on weather conditions.
Please advise of any dietary restrictions beforehand. Please note, vegan diet is not able to be catered for at this time.
Please ensure you have a good physical ability so you are able to participate in all activities.