Washinoya Japanese Experience Tour | かしわグリーン観光社 Kashiwa Green Tourism Agencyかしわグリーン観光社 Kashiwa Green Tourism Agency Washinoya Japanese Experience Tour | かしわグリーン観光社 Kashiwa Green Tourism Agency
Only on November 15th, 2025! One-Day Exclusive Monitor Tour – Book now and receive 3 professional photos at the Someya Family Residence! Book Now
Japanese cultural experience

Kimono ladies by the gatehouse of the Someya Family Residence
(Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)

Washinoya Japanese Experience Tour

Just under an hour away, Washinoya is a peaceful hideaway where rolling hills, rich history, and the tranquil waters of Lake Tega come together to create the perfect cultural retreat.

Step back in time with a “mini Arashiyama” experience at the Someya Family Residence, a beautifully preserved property designated as a registered tangible cultural heritage site.

Dress in an elegant kimono and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Savour freshly cooked kamado (wood-fired) rice for lunch. Step inside the Sumo Training Quarters. Stroll along the bamboo forest path in front of the residence, then hop on an authentic Meiji–Taisho era rickshaw. Visit the historic Ioji Temple, a sacred place where you can beat the mokugyo (wooden temple drum) and let go of the burdens of daily life, finding a moment of renewal.

This is more than a tour; it’s a meaningful journey into Japan’s cultural roots, away from the usual tourist trail.

Discover the Journey

Watch our immersive video to get a glimpse of the authentic Japanese cultural experience that awaits you.

Highlights of Washinoya

Sumo Training Quarters

At these training quarters, children and adults train not only in wrestling but in discipline and character. Though only about 40 of Japan’s 700 professional wrestlers reach the elite sekitori rank, this facility has produced exceptional sumo wrestlers who rose to that level, carrying forward the proud tradition of Japan’s national sport.

Sumo Gym

Sumo training quarters

Someya Family Residence

Main residence (Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)

Someya Family Residence

The Someya Family Residence is a unique collection of eight traditional houses, preserved from the late Edo to Taisho eras (late 1700s to early 1900s). During the years of the warring states in Japan (1467-1590) the area now known as Kashiwa was under the control of the Takagi Clan of Kogane Castle. However, the castle was destroyed during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege of Odawara because the Takagi Clan sided with his sworn enemies the Odawara Hojo clan. Once tied to the powerful Takagi Clan of Kogane Castle, the family’s story shifted dramatically after a fateful letter from Lord Takagi Tanenori changed their destiny. Want to know what it said? Discover the story on the tour!

Rickshaw Ride

Step aboard a traditional Meiji–Taisho era rickshaw and let the enchanting scenery create a truly memorable journey.

Rickshaw Ride

Rickshaw ride in front of Someya Family Residence

Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremony at the Someya Family Residence

Tea Ceremony

Experience a Japanese tea ceremony and take part in this timeless tradition. Savor a bowl of matcha and immerse yourself in a moment of harmony, respect, and tranquility.

Katori Shrine

The Katori Shrine, a centuries-old place of worship, is dedicated to Futsunushi no Kami, the deity of valor and victory, and protector against misfortune and calamities. The shrine greets visitors with two striking dragon sculptures, intricately carved in remarkable detail. Look closely at the lower front of the shrine and you’ll find dramatic scenes from various stories masterfully engraved in the wood.

Katori Shrine

The wood-sculpted rising dragon and descending dragon on the front of the shrine (Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)

Kamado Riceball

Participants preparing for making rice balls

Kamado Rice Ball Experience

At the Someya Family Residence, restoration efforts since 2020 have brought back to life a treasured feature in Japanese culture called the kamado, a traditional charcoal-fired stove. Try your hand at shaping onigiri and savor them with comforting miso soup and crisp seasonal pickles. It’s a delicious way to connect with Japan’s culinary heritage!

Ioji Temple

This 15th-century Jodo sect temple preserves centuries of faith and tradition. The Main Hall enshrines Amida Buddha, while the Yakushi Hall houses the healing Buddha, revealed only once every 12 years in the Year of the Tiger, a unique and rare sight in Kashiwa City. Legend credits the monk Genshin (942–1017) with sculpting both statues. Visitors can also try the mokugyo (wooden temple drum) by joining the ritual and chant, beating the drum in a steady rhythm that creates a calming, meditative effect.

Ioji Temple

Buddhist self-salvation prayer and wooden drum experience at Ioji Temple

Voices of Washinoya
Hear from the people who bring each tour to life, as they share what makes every stop so special.

Book the Tour

DATE
November 15, 2025
CAPACITY
16 participants
TOUR PRICE (PER PERSON)
¥50,000 (incl. tax)
Registration will close once the maximum number is reached.
Registration Opens: September 14, 2025
Chartered Bus Company: IMAI-TAXI Co., LTD
The tour price includes transportation, guide and interpreter services, kimono rental, and lunch as specified in the itinerary.
Book through our website and enjoy three bonus photos at the Someya Family Residence: one during your rickshaw ride and two during your free time.

Time Schedule

9:20 AM

Journey Begins

Depart from Kashiwa Station via chartered bus.

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9:30 AM
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2:45 PM

Departure

Depart from Ioji Temple via chartered bus.

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3:30 PM

Departure

Depart from the Shonan Roadside Station via chartered bus.

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3:45 PM

Kimono Return

Change clothes at Hakubi Kyoto Kimono Gakuin, Kashiwa School.

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4:15 PM

Tour Complete

Tour ends after your kimono experience is complete.

Thank you for joining our Washinoya experience!

FAQs

What should I bring?
Please bring your ID or passport.
Please bring your own drinks (no vending machines in the area).
What does the tour include?
The tour price covers transportation, guide and interpreter services, kimono rental, and lunch as specified in the itinerary. For more details, please refer to Article 8. Content included in the tour costs; and Article 9. Main items not included in the tour costs; in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
Are there any lunch options?
There is only one lunch option available for this tour. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Please note that it is not possible to make any refunds for parts of the tour costs if they were not made use of at the customer's own will. For more details, please refer to Article 4. Application conditions, and Article 8. Content included in the tour costs; in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
Can I reschedule the tour?
As the tour is offered on a specific day only, rescheduling is not available.
To learn more about the cancellation fees of this tour, please refer to Article 13. Cancellation of contracts by customers, and Article 15. Cancellation fees in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
What happens in case of bad weather or other emergencies?
In the event of unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters, war, riots, transportation disruptions, or government orders, the tour conditions might change for safety reasons. For more details, please refer to Article 10. Alterations to the content of contracts, Article 14. and 17. Cancellation of contracts by the Company in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
How many participants are allowed?
The tour requires a minimum of 8 participants to operate and can accommodate up to 16 participants. Please note that the same price applies to minors and students. For more details, please refer to Article 4. Application conditions in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
Adjustments to your booking agreement
Please note that the company may modify the tour contract in cases such as missed payment, not meeting participation conditions, unsafe weather, or other unavoidable circumstances. For more details, please refer to Article 14. and 17. Cancellation of contracts by the Company in the Subscription-type organized tour terms and conditions.
Regarding cancellations
1) Cancellations made on or after the day back calculated to 20 days (10 days in the case of day trips) from the day before the start of travel: 20% or less of the travel fare

2) Cancellations made on or after the day back calculated to 7 days from the day before the start of travel: 30% or less of the travel fare

3) Cancellations made on the day prior to the day of the start of travel: 40% or less of the travel fare

4) Cancellations made on the day of travel: 50% or less of the travel fare

5) Cancellations after the day of travel, failure to contact us or participate: 100% of the travel fare
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