【Cancelled】 Discover Japan: Experience “Matagi Culture”, a traditional way of life in Japan’s unexplored northern Tohoku region (Feb 7, 2024)
Explore Tour
Experience the wisdom of practicing sustainable living as a protector of the mountains in the cool and snowy climate of Tohoku.
Let’s explore the culture of the Matagi, who live in harmony with nature and utilize the abundant gifts from the mountains.
The northern Tohoku area, situated at the edge of the Japanese archipelago, is home to a culture rich in ancient Japanese traditions. A community of hunters residing in the mountainous regions of this area has been known as “Matagi” for a lengthy period, and they have maintained a traditional lifestyle.
The Matagi community resides amidst the mountains and the village, overlooking their surroundings. Unfettered by the constraints of human time span, they reflect upon themselves within the expanse of natural time.
Guesthouse Oriyamake provides a three-hour day tour to acquaint guests with the Matagi way of life.
What is the Jomon Period?
It lasted over 10,000 years, from around 13,000 B.C. until the introduction of rice culture to Japan. Its remnants are primarily located in the eastern region of Japan. During this era, people mainly relied on hunting and gathering, making use of plentiful chestnuts, walnuts, acorns, and other deciduous broadleaf trees, as well as abundant wildlife and other resources.
This era is believed to have been peaceful, lacking differences in status or wealth, and it is uncommon worldwide for such a prolonged period of peace to have occurred.
What are Matagi?
No instances exist of hunter-gatherer societies settling down, and it is claimed that the culture of sustainable living in this area has been passed down from the Jomon period.
Unlike typical hunters, the Matagi possess a distinctive culture comprising customs for mountain gods and regulations for the hunting season. Group bear hunting is especially famous. In this area, it is known from archaeological sites from the Jomon period that a hunter-gatherer lifestyle has been practiced.
Reservation
Deadline for participation
Included/Exclude
Included:
- Local Guide
- Mataki Experience at ORIYAMAKE Moriyoshi sanroku Guesthouse
- Lunch featuring Matagi Cuisine
- Transportation Service
Not Included:
- Accommodation Fees (Must be booked separately)
- Other Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
Special Japanese Experience Day Tour - February 7, 2024 (Wednesday)
Travel Overview:
- Departure Date and Time: February 7, 2024 (Wednesday) at 9:30 AM
- Meeting Point: Appi Kogen Resort
- Disbandment Date and Time: February 7, 2024 (Wednesday) at 3:30 PM
- Disbandment Location: Appi Kogen Resort
Detailed Itinerary: Enjoy Beautiful Snowscapes Along the Way
- 9:30: Departure from Appi Kogen Resort
- Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 1.5 hours)
- 11:00: Moriyoshisanroku Guest House ORIYAMAKE
- Matagi and Snowshoeing experience and a lunch of local delicacies (3-hour stay)
- 14:00: Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 1.5 hours)
- 15:30: Arrival at Appi Kogen Resort, Tour Conclusion
Come and discover the wonders of Northeastern Japan with us, where rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes await your exploration.
Embark on the "Copper Pheasant Hunting Experience Course" for an immersive journey into the Matagi culture and the stunning natural landscapes of the mountains. This course is tailored for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Overview:
- Distance: About 1-4 km (adjusted according to the group size and participants' fitness)
- Minimum Altitude: 127 meters
- Maximum Altitude: 400 meters
Equipment Rental Includes:
- Matagi Nagasa (Hunting Knife)
- Bear Guard
- Kanjiki (Snowshoes)※1
- Work Gloves
- Hand Warmers
- Long Boots
Schedule:
- 10:00-10:20: Briefing on safety and an introduction to Matagi culture, including origins and hunting methods.
- 10:20-10:50: Begin trekking in the hunting area after purifying at a Morobi※2 site, wearing kanjiki.
- 10:50-11:00: Create your hiking stick from forest wood and explore the hunting area, collecting Kuro-moji.
- 11:50-12:40: Prepare a meal in the snow, using Gampi※3 for fire-starting. Menu includes bear meat barbecue, rice balls, bear hotpot, and Kuro-moji tea.
- 12:40-12:50: Experience sliding down steep slopes like a Matagi.
- 13:00: Return to ORIYAMAKE and conclude the tour with a bus ride.
※1: Traditional gear for walking on unstable surfaces like snow and mud. ※2: Aomori Fir (Aomori Todomatsu). ※3: Birch bark.
This course offers a chance to experience the beauty of the mountains and engage in various activities like lunch in the mountains and making hiking sticks. It's a special experience recommended for nature lovers and those with a spirit of adventure.
There are two designated hotels for the shuttle service, allowing you to depart from your preferred location. Below are details of the designated hotels:
- ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort (5-star):.
- Hotel Information: ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
- Highlights: The first luxury hotel in the Tohoku region, offering a lavish stay and welcoming guests with stunning views and comfortable amenities.
- ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen:
- Hotel Information: ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen
- Highlights: Featuring the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, this hotel is ideal for activities and relaxation. Refresh in comfortable accommodations.
You can choose either of the above hotels as the departure point for the tour. Both hotels promise a luxurious Japanese experience to kick off the tour. For more details and reservations regarding the shuttle service, feel free to contact us.
In case of rainy or bad weather,
We will proceed with the experience even in rainy or bad weather.
Cancellation Due to Failure to Reach Minimum Participation
Minimum Participation: 4 persons
This experience requires a minimum number of participants, set at 4 individuals. However, if the minimum participation is not met, the tour will not take place.
If it is determined that the tour will not reach the minimum participation, the following cancellation policy will apply:
- Cancellation Notice: Upon confirmation that the minimum participation will not be met, we will provide customers with the earliest possible notification.
- Refund: In the event of tour cancellation due to not reaching the minimum participation, the full amount paid will be refunded. The refund process will be conducted to the credit card or specified payment method used for the reservation.
With this policy, your payment is protected even if the minimum participation is not achieved. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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- Agency Name: Appi Travel Co., Ltd.
- Registration Number: Travel Business Registration No. 2-235, Governor of Iwate Prefecture
- Address: 117-1 Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Travel Service Supervisor: Mikiko Ono
- Phone: +81 195 73 6228 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- E-mail: reserveappi-travel.jp
For more detailed information, please refer to the following documents. (Japanese documents)
- 「安比トラベル募集型企画旅行取扱条件説明書」(PDF:2MB)
- 「旅行業約款募集型企画旅行契約の部」(PDF:2MB)
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- Company Name: Hachimantai DMO Inc.
- Location: 1-590-497 Matsuoyoriki, Hachimantai City, Iwate 028-7302, Japan
- Phone:+81 50 8890 5563
At Hachimantai DMO Inc. we offer special Japan experience tours to customers from both within Japan and around the world. Our mission is to provide our customers with a luxurious experience of the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Japan, especially in the northeastern region. Leveraging our regional expertise, we take pride in assisting in the creation of comfortable and memorable journeys.
With a priority on your safety and satisfaction, we promise heartwarming journeys through Japan with our professional staff. If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to contact us.
For reservations and inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to the following contacts:
Contacts: Hata, Sato
- Phone Number:+81 50 8890 5563
- Inquiries
- Business Hours:Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/3)