Cook and eat a local dish offered to the gods to pray for a good harvest in a former samurai residence with local women
The Ina Kaido is an ancient highway running all the way through the Ina Valley. Local lords, common folk, animals, and goods all once moved along this historical road. During this experience, you’ll explore Inabe-juku, a post town of the Ina Kaido, and cook “okarako” at a former samurai residence. Of two huge fires that once razed Inabe-juku to the ground, this is the only building to have survived.
Okarako is a local traditional autumn dumpling dish made with rice which is offered to the gods to pray for a good harvest. People around Inabe-juku Post Town soak glutinous rice in water for three nights, crush it, then shape it into dumplings. After offering them to the gods, they cook them in a soup with squash or taro for the family to eat. This dish represents the history of rice culture in the Ina Valley, known as a top producer in southern Nagano Prefecture.
The friendliness and hospitality of the Inabe-juku Association members who are dedicated to preserving and utilizing the town for future generations will make your experience all the more memorable!
Cuisine/Culture/Activity
・You’ll be guided through the hidden back alleys of Inabe-juku Post Town. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the local area, including the ancient irrigation system flowing from the Central Alps, and the historical buildings and structures.
・The okarako cooking experience will take place at an old samurai residence, the only local building to have survived two great fires in the 18th century. Enjoy the traditional architectural style and design.
・Meeting local people is one of the main joys of traveling! Enjoy a heart-warming experience with members of the Inabe-juku Association.
11,000 JPY~
Heartland Japan
10:00/13:00
10:00 Meet at Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence
10:00-11:00 Briefing & Explore Inabe-juku
11:00-11:45 Prepare and cook the Okarako
11:45-12:45 Okarako lunch
13:00 Finish at Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence
Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence (12 min. walk from Inashi Station on JR Iida Line)
Inabe-juku Former Isawa Family Residence
(4 mins by car from Inashi Station on JR Iida Line)
[Parking: Available]
Late-April ~ Mid-November
No restriction
30 days prior
Minimum 10 Maximum 15
Comfortable clothing
1
The walking route is about 700m long and mostly flat. Although it is a mixture of paved and unpaved paths.
1
No particular skills required
Japanese guide fee, English-speaking guide fee, facility usage fee, lunch ingredients
Transportation to/from the meeting point, insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country), anything else not specified in “what is included” above.
(The bank transfer fees are responsibility of the participants)
N/A
[Cancellation at customer’s convenience]
-2 – 5 days prior 30%
-Day before 50%
-Same day/No show 100%
[Cancellation at the discretion of the organizer]
-If stormy weather is forecasted or unavoidable circumstances occur, the activity may be canceled.
In this case, contact will be made by the evening of the day before and there will be no cancelation
fees.