Kimono ladies by the gatehouse of the Someya Family Residence
(Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)
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.
Watch our immersive video to get a glimpse of the authentic Japanese cultural experience that awaits you.
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 training quarters
Main residence (Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)
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!
Step aboard a traditional Meiji–Taisho era rickshaw and let the enchanting scenery create a truly memorable journey.
Rickshaw ride in front of Someya Family Residence
Tea ceremony at the Someya Family Residence
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.
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.
The wood-sculpted rising dragon and descending dragon on the front of the shrine (Photo credits: Ogawa brothers)
Participants preparing for making rice balls
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!
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.
Buddhist self-salvation prayer and wooden drum experience at Ioji Temple
Kimono rental and fitting at Hakubi Kyoto Kimono Gakuin, Kashiwa School.
Depart from Kashiwa Station via chartered bus.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Someya Family Residence, Katori Shrine, and Ioji Temple.
* The four activities above will be experienced in groups of four, so the order may vary. Travel between the Someya Family Residence and Katori Shrine includes a rickshaw ride and a short 1-minute walk.
** You will have about 30 minutes of free time before the Kamado rice ball experience.
*** Ioji Temple is about a 5-minute walk from the Someya Family Residence.
Depart from Ioji Temple via chartered bus.
Depart from the Shonan Roadside Station via chartered bus.
Change clothes at Hakubi Kyoto Kimono Gakuin, Kashiwa School.
Tour ends after your kimono experience is complete.