Kamikatsu: Learn About Sustainability

Kamikatsu is a small town on the island of Shikoku, having a population of roughly 1,300. It is situated in the mountainous area of the southeast Shikoku Island with over 80% of its area covered by mountains and forests. In 2003, the town of Kamikatsu became the first municipality in Japan to declare for Zero Waste with the aim to reduce incineration and landfill waste to zero.

(Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu)

Half-day Tour: Zero Waste Center, Tea Tasting, Etc.

Experience and learn about the town of Kamikatsu through this educational tour. Talk with the local people, and learn first-hand what their day-to-day life is really like. Enjoy visiting the Rise & Win Brewery, the Zero Waste Center, and tasting a variety of Kamikatsu's Awa Bancha Tea. (Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu)

Mt. Yamainudake Trekking Tour

Mt. Yamainudake is a well-known deciduous primeval forest. The forest is a sanctuary of nature, including large areas of moss-covered rocks making it an important site for biodiversity and conversation. There are 88 statues making it also an important place for cultural heritage. During the hike, take a break and enjoy Awa Bancha tea, an artisan-produced fermented tea made Kamikatsu in Tokushima prefecture of Japan. (Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu)

Visit Rise & Win Craft Beer Brewery + BBQ Lunch

Standing at the entrance of Kamikatsu and welcoming visitors with its unique brown-tinged dark red color building is the Rise & Win Co. BBQ & General Store. You can not only enjoy Kamikatsu's craft beer and a BBQ prepared using local ingredients, but if you take careful notice, each material used to construct the building carries stories of Kamikatsu. Through interactions with the cheerful local staff, you will be able to learn about the reality of people's life in Kamikatsu. Once you've satisfied your stomach, the tour visits the zero waste craft beer brewery. At the eye-catching indigo blue colored brewery, you will be able to learn how Kamikatsu's craft beer is produced while producing zero-waste.

Experience Traditional Village Life at Yaeji Hananotei

Deep within Kamikatsu lies the Yaeji Village, a place where the original scenery of Japan still remains. Beautiful terraced rice fields can be found among the mountains, with the sounds of running water beside the fields being heard. As night descends upon the village, smoke from the resident’s wood-fire baths can be seen rising into the air, giving a true feeling of how little the people’s way of life has changed. Overlooking the terraced rice fields from high above is the thatched-roof Hananotei. An important old folk house (kominkan), it has been restored using local materials and techniques that have been passed down through the ages.

Traditional Tea Tasting Comparison with Ms. Shinobu

Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is a lactic acid fermented tea that is rare in the world. This golden tea, with its unique aroma and refreshing sourness, has been handed down from generation to generation in Kamikatsu for private use. The flavor and taste varies from year to year, and from one tea maker to another, resulting in a thousand different types of tea. Faced with a lack of successors, Ms. Shinobu and others involved in the production are working to preserve and popularize the Kamikatsu Awa Bancha tea in an effort to pass this tradition on to future generations.

Explore Mt. Irodori & Irodori Leaf Picking

Colorful leaves used for decorating food are one of the specialties of Kamikatsu.Kamikatsu leaves are sold under the "Irodori" brand, and their value is recognized by traditional restaurants throughout Japan. Seasonal leaves, flowers, and wild vegetables are harvested, shipped, and sold. This business model, which allows elderly people to work lively while using computers, is attracting attention from all over Japan. This is an opportunity to learn about the unique industry of Kamikatsu and to enjoy the five senses by coloring your meal with a sense of art. Note: This plan is limited to guests staying at the Tsukigatani Onsen.

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【Kamikatsu Half-day Tour】 Zero Waste Center, Tea Tasting, Etc.

Experience and learn about the town of Kamikatsu through this educational tour. Talk with the local people, and learn first-hand what their day-to-day life is really like. 【About Kamikatsu】 Kamikatsu is a small town on the island of Shikoku, having a population of roughly 1,300. It is situated in the mountainous area of the southeast Shikoku Island with over 80% of its area covered by mountains and forests. In 2003, the town of Kamikatsu became the first municipality in Japan to declare for Zero Waste with the aim to reduce incineration and landfill waste to zero. 【About the Tour】 【Rise & Win Brewery】 This brewery produces craft beer that generates zero waste. Through this tour, learn about the process of how beer is produced in Kamikatsu and the company's philosophy. Talk to the staff and learn about the real life of Kamikatsu's residents. *Includes 1 Drink (Juice for Children) 【Zero Waste Center】 Participate in a workshop about waste at the Zero Waste Center, which is a regular stop for the town's residents. Afterwards, the guide will show you around the center. 【Tea Tasting & Snacks】 Kamikatsu Awa Bancha Tea is a type of tea made with a rare lactic acid fermentation method. This yellow tea has a unique fragrance and refreshing sourness, and has been made and passed down by Kamikatsu households for generations. Meet with a local producer of Awa Bancha and try a myriad of different Awa Bancha teas, as well as some locally made sweets. 【Minimum Number of Participants】 3 People 【Maximum Number of Participants】 6 People 【Price per Person】 Adults: 15,000 Yen Children (12 & Under): 12,000 Yen 【Points of Caution】 * A volunteer taxi will be used for this tour. Pick-up/drop-off is possible for locations within Kamikatsu. *Lunch is not included in this tour. As an option, we can reserve a seat for you at a restaurant prior to the tour starting. *The contents/order of this tour may change depending on the season and other circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu

Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto

Culture

Eco-tours

JPY 15,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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Mt. Yamainudake Trekking Tour

Experience and learn about the town of Kamikatsu through this educational tour! 【About Kamikatsu】 Kamikatsu is a small town on the island of Shikoku, having a population of roughly 1,300. In 2003, they were the first municipality in Japan to make a Zero Waste Declaration, aiming to become a town that produced no waste. The town residents now separate their garbage into 13 different types and 45 different categories at the Zero Waste Center. 【About the Tour】 【Mt. Yamainudake】 Mt. Yamainudake is a well-known deciduous primeval forest. The forest is a sanctuary of nature, including large areas of moss-covered rocks making it an important site for biodiversity and conversation. There are 88 statues making it also an important place for cultural heritage. During the hike, we will take a break to enjoy Awa Bancha tea, an artisan-produced fermented tea made Kamikatsu in Tokushima prefecture of Japan. 【Minimum Number of Participants】 3 People 【Maximum Number of Participants】 6 People 【Price per Person】 12,650 Yen 【Points of Caution】 *The contents/order of this tour may change depending on the season and other circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. *The tour may be cancelled in the case of poor weather. Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu

Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga

Hiking/Walking

Eco-tours

JPY 12,650 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Kamikatsu】Visit Rise & Win Craft Beer Brewery + BBQ Lunch

~To Those Considering a Trip to Kamikatsu ~ Kamikatsu is a small town with a population of less than 1,500. In 2003, it became the first municipality in Japan to make a "Zero Waste Declaration", aiming to become a garbage-free town. For responsible travelers who want to experience Kamikatsu as it really is and learn and enjoy through travel, we offer a variety of programs. ~Story~ Standing at the entrance of Kamikatsu and welcoming visitors with its unique brown-tinged dark red color building is the Rise & Win Co. BBQ & General Store. You can not only enjoy Kamikatsu's craft beer and a BBQ prepared using local ingredients, but if you take careful notice, each material used to construct the building carries stories of Kamikatsu. Through interactions with the cheerful local staff, you will be able to learn about the reality of people's life in Kamikatsu. Once you've satisfied your stomach, the tour visits the zero waste craft beer brewery. At the eye-catching indigo blue colored brewery, you will be able to learn how Kamikatsu's craft beer is produced while producing zero-waste. Fitness Level  ★☆☆☆☆ Skill Level    ★☆☆☆☆ ~Customer Feedback~ ・In addition to being a great restaurant, the stories, thoughts, and passions of the people, as well as the history of challenges and failures in order to resolve environmental issues, was touching. ・ The methods of beer brewery in Kamikatsu and its corporate philosophy are very clear and the brewery tour was great. ~Price~ 12,000 Yen per Person Price includes a 500 yen investment in Kamikatsu. ~Number of Participants~ 4 to 10 People ~Age Requirements~ For Beer Tasting: 20 Years & Older ~About Kamikatsu~ 1. Meals ・The number of eateries is limited, so advance booking is necessary. ・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in the town. 2. Transportation ・If you apply only for the experience, you will have to arrange transportation to the site by yourself. ・From Tokushima Station: Approx.1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by bus ・As the number of buses operating is limited, other transportation options such as volunteer taxis are recommended. (Requires registration and booking in advance.) 3. Responsibilities as Travelers ・When visiting Kamikatsu, please double check your travel gear and, as a zero waste traveler, take the actions required to not leave garbage behind. ・Prepare to bring reusable water bottles, chopsticks, etc. ・When having meals, consider the amount you will eat as to minimize leftover food as much as possible.

Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga

Eco-tours

JPY 12,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Kamikatsu】Experience Traditional Village Life at Yaeji Hananotei

~To Those Considering a Trip to Kamikatsu ~ Kamikatsu is a small town with a population of less than 1,500. In 2003, it became the first municipality in Japan to make a "Zero Waste Declaration", aiming to become a garbage-free town. For responsible travelers who want to experience Kamikatsu as it really is and learn and enjoy through travel, we offer a variety of programs. ~STORY~ Deep within Kamikatsu lies the Yaeji Village, a place where the original scenery of Japan still remains. Beautiful terraced rice fields can be found among the mountains, with the sounds of running water beside the fields being heard. As night descends upon the village, smoke from the resident’s wood-fire baths can be seen rising into the air, giving a true feeling of how little the people’s way of life has changed. Overlooking the terraced rice fields from high above is the thatched-roof Hananotei. An important old folk house (kominkan), it has been restored using local materials and techniques that have been passed down through the ages. Gather around the sunken hearth together with those who are working to preserve the village and enjoy chatting, brewing coffee with a stone mortar, and grilling mochi... We also recommended you simply do nothing but sit and enjoy the view of the terraced rice fields. Come and visit Yaeji Village and enjoy a peaceful and heartwarming time. Fitness Level ★☆☆☆☆ Skill Level   ★☆☆☆☆ ~Customer Feedback~ ・Surrounded by a beautiful view, I was able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and slow lifestyle of the Japanese countryside from a thatched roof house. ・Although access was not so easy, magnificent scenery and special experiences were waiting for us! ~Prices~ Per Person: For Groups of 1: 24,000 Yen For Groups of 2: 13,000 Yen For Groups of 3 - 4: 9,500 Yen For Groups of 5 - 6: 6,500 Yen * Price includes a 500 yen investment in Kamikatsu. ~About Kamikatsu~ 1. Meals ・The number of eateries is limited, so advance booking is necessary. ・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in the town. 2. Transportation ・If you apply only for the experience, you will have to arrange transportation to the site by yourself. ・From Tokushima Station: Approx.1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by bus ・As the number of buses operating is limited, other transportation options such as volunteer taxis are recommended. (Requires registration and booking in advance.) 3. Responsibilities as Travelers ・When visiting Kamikatsu, please double check your travel gear and, as a zero waste traveler, take the actions required to not leave garbage behind. ・Prepare to bring reusable water bottles, chopsticks, etc. ・When having meals, consider the amount you will eat as to minimize leftover food as much as possible.

Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga

Culture

Eco-tours

KAMIKATSU

Sustainable

ZERO WASTE TOWN

SDGS

JPY 24,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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Time

【Kamikatsu】Traditional Tea Tasting Comparison with Ms. Shinobu

~To Those Considering a Trip to Kamikatsu ~ Kamikatsu is a small town with a population of less than 1,500. In 2003, it became the first municipality in Japan to make a "Zero Waste Declaration", aiming to become a garbage-free town. For responsible travelers who want to experience Kamikatsu as it really is and learn and enjoy through travel, we offer a variety of programs. ~Story~ Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is a lactic acid fermented tea that is rare in the world. This golden tea, with its unique aroma and refreshing sourness, has been handed down from generation to generation in Kamikatsu for private use. The production process is unique, and almost all of the steps, from picking the tea to bagging it, are done by hand. The flavor and taste varies from year to year, and from one tea maker to another, resulting in a thousand different types of tea. This valuable tea-making method has been designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. Faced with a lack of successors, Ms. Shinobu and others involved in the production are working to preserve and popularize the Kamikatsu Awa Bancha tea in an effort to pass this tradition on to future generations. Fitness Level ★☆☆☆☆ Skill Level ★☆☆☆☆ ~Customer Feedback~ ・It was a great experience as we learned of a tea type with which we were not particularly familiar with. ・The presenter was also great, and the stories of the locals who are producing the tea were also interesting. ~Prices~ Per Person: For Groups of 1: 20,000 Yen For Groups of 2: 12,500 Yen For Groups of 3 - 4: 10,000 Yen For Groups of 5 - 10: 7,500 Yen Price includes a 500 yen investment in Kamikatsu. ~Target Age~ This experience is designed for adults, but young children are welcome to accompany you. ~Access~ At a location of your choice in the Kamikatsu area (prior arrangement required) ※A separate fee for the use of the venue is required. ~About Kamikatsu~ 1. Meals ・The number of eateries is limited, so advance booking is necessary. ・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in the town. 2. Transportation ・If you apply only for the experience, you will have to arrange transportation to the site by yourself. ・From Tokushima Station: Approx.1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by bus ・As the number of buses operating is limited, other transportation options such as volunteer taxis are recommended. (Requires registration and booking in advance.) 3. Responsibilities as Travelers ・When visiting Kamikatsu, please double check your travel gear and, as a zero waste traveler, take the actions required to not leave garbage behind. ・Prepare to bring reusable water bottles, chopsticks, etc. ・When having meals, consider the amount you will eat as to minimize leftover food as much as possible.

Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga

Culture

Eco-tours

KAMIKATSU

Sustainable

ZERO WASTE TOWN

SDGS

JPY 16,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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【Kamikatsu】Explore Mt. Irodori & Irodori Leaf Picking + Dinner

~To Those Considering a Trip to Kamikatsu ~ Kamikatsu is a small town with a population of less than 1,500. In 2003, it became the first municipality in Japan to make a "Zero Waste Declaration", aiming to become a garbage-free town. For responsible travelers who want to experience Kamikatsu as it really is and learn and enjoy through travel, we offer a variety of programs. ~Story~ Colorful leaves used for decorating food are one of the specialties of Kamikatsu, and are a part of the culture born from the Japanese sense of beauty. Kamikatsu leaves are sold under the "Irodori" brand, and their value is recognized by traditional restaurants throughout Japan. Seasonal leaves, flowers, and wild vegetables are harvested, shipped, and sold. This business model, which allows elderly people to work lively while using computers, is attracting attention from all over Japan. This is an opportunity to learn about the unique industry of Kamikatsu and to enjoy the five senses by coloring your meal with a sense of art. Fitness Level ★☆☆☆☆ Skill Level ★☆☆☆☆ ~Customer Feedback~ ・A very delicious and beautiful dinner. There were many kinds of dishes, and the serving sizes were perfect! ~Price~ 7,000 Yen per Person Price includes a 500 yen investment in Kamikatsu. *This activity is only available to guests staying at the Tsukigatani Onsen (overnight stay with dinner included). *Applications accepted starting from 2 people. ~About Kamikatsu~ 1. Meals ・The number of eateries is limited, so advance booking is necessary. ・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in the town. 2. Transportation ・If you apply only for the experience, you will have to arrange transportation to the site by yourself. ・From Tokushima Station: Approx.1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by bus ・As the number of buses operating is limited, other transportation options such as volunteer taxis are recommended. (Requires registration and booking in advance.) 3. Responsibilities as Travelers ・When visiting Kamikatsu, please double check your travel gear and, as a zero waste traveler, take the actions required to not leave garbage behind. ・Prepare to bring reusable water bottles, chopsticks, etc. ・When having meals, consider the amount you will eat as to minimize leftover food as much as possible.

Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga

Eco-tours

JPY 7,000 ~ (Incl. tax)

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