A special private tour to enjoy the culture and spirituality of Suwa Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and the Honjin Iwanami family protected by the 28th generation head of the family

【STORY】

Many people have visited Suwa Taisha Shrine since ancient times. The Honjin Iwanami family has been accepting such people since the Edo period, less than 400 years ago. The existing building, which was built over 200 years ago, has a history and formality, having hosted Emperor Meiji, the imperial family, and many feudal lords. The scenery and culture that have been cherished since those days have been passed down through generations of owners.

Please listen to the thoughts of the head of the family. You can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period while enjoying the koto performances that people back then would have listened to.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• You can visit Suwa Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and learn about the world of nature worship.
• You will be guided around Iwanami Honjin, which has been in existence since the Edo period, next to Suwa Taisha Shrine, by the 28th generation head of the family. Looking at the many treasures that still remain in the museum makes it feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period! 
• You can listen to a private koto performance while looking out at a beautiful Japanese garden in a prestigious room where feudal lords stayed. Participants can also try playing the koto. Enjoy the beauty of living nature and experience the traditional Japanese way of interacting with and playing with nature. 
• You can hear the thoughts of the head of the family who inherits the culture.
  

【SCHEDULE】

[15:00] Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Tourist Information Center meeting and tour explanation

[15:05] Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Information

[16:10] Honjin Iwanami family information

[16:40] Enjoy matcha

[16:50] Koto playing/touching experience

[17:30] dissolution

◆We can arrange meals, etc. at the back of the house.
The chef of the Japanese restaurant "Nijushiseki" will prepare Shokado bento lunch boxes with a variety of local and seasonal ingredients.
If you wish to have it, please consult us with comments, etc. at the time of reservation.

◆You can choose from two performance styles
・Koto performance by one person plan
　A single koto is enough to make a great sound.
You can enjoy the tone of the koto which is exquisitely matched with the sound of the surrounding nature.
・Japanese musical instrument performance group "Wakana" authentic plan
This group consists of three koto players and one shakuhachi player and performs mainly in the Suwa area.
The performance is overwhelming, with various sounds overlapping each other to create a more powerful performance.

◆Part of the fee for this plan will be used for the restoration of the Honjin Iwanami Family.
In order to pass on the buildings and scenery that have been preserved for generations to the next generation, we have included a donation to the Honjin Iwanami family in the price of the plan that you will experience.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours 30 minutes
• Group rate：1~7 persons
• Meeting point：In front of "Akimiya Tourist Information Center"    [MAP]
  3574 Taisha-dori, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano 393-0051
  *There are four Suwa Taisha shrines. Please note that this tour will meet at "Shimosha Akimiya"!
  
• Access：
  ・Car: 15 minutes from Okaya I.C.
  　　　 25 minutes from Suwa I.C.
  ・15 minutes walk from JR Shimosuwa Station

• Language support：English
  *If you do not need an English interpreter-guide, the price will be different.
   Please make a reservation here.
• Included：
  ・Japanese guide fee (Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto)
  ・Interpreter guide fee (English)
  ・Koto performance experience fee (1 performer)
  ・Provision fee for matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets
  ・Honjin Iwanami family private hospitality fee
  ・Donation for restoration of Honjin Iwanami House
• Excluded：
  ・Meals at Honjin Iwanami-ya (Please contact us if you are interested)
  ・Souvenirs such as amulets from Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya
• Clothes：
  ・Please wear comfortable shoes.
  ・To prevent injuries inside the building, please be sure to wear socks when going up to Honjin Iwanami House. (Please refrain from going barefoot)
  ・The Honjin Iwanami House is an old folk house that has been around for over 400 years, so it can get cold even indoors depending on the season.
• Special support：You can experience this by placing your infant on your lap.
• Other things to note：
  ・If you wish to experience playing the koto, please be over 5 years old, and if you are under elementary school age, please be accompanied by a parent.
  ・Please be careful if you have long nails as this may cause injury when you experience touching the koto.
  ・If it is deemed dangerous to operate the tour due to snow, typhoons, heavy rain, etc., the tour will be canceled. (Performed in light rain)
  　In that case, we will contact you by email by 16:00 the day before.
  ・Group rate for 1~7 people. Please indicate the number of participants on the reservation form.
  
• Free WI-FI：×
• Toilet：Yes ( Western-style) 

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100% 

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.