Highland Delights: Unveiling the Rich Life Rooted in a Seaside-Lacking Prefecture with an Agar Factory Tour

【STORY】

Did you know that despite being a landlocked prefecture, Nagano, Japan's largest producer of agar, a common ingredient in traditional Japanese sweets, which is made from seaweed?
This is due to the abundant water resources from the Yatsugatake mountains and the winter climate in Chino City.

Among the numerous agar factories, Irise Co., Ltd. stands out as they strive to incorporate agar into various aspects of daily life. Established in a village at the foot of the Tateshina Mountains nearly 80 years ago, the factory continues to operate using the same tools and machinery from its founding. Explore the production site of agar while experiencing the local culture and wisdom of life. Especially stunning in winter, the sight of agar drying in fields against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains is a unique scene found only in this region.

Agar, often touted as a health food, has garnered significant attention. Understanding its origins could be an opportunity to reconsider dietary habits and health choices.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Be amazed by the surprising background and history that makes Chino City the top producer of agar in Japan! Receive a guided tour through the workshop, with staff providing easy-to-understand explanations.
  
• Explore the rich water resources that contribute to delicious miso and sake in the Suwa-Chino area, embodying the wisdom of predecessors who shaped Japan's traditional cuisine.
  
• Conclude the experience with a tasting of agar, as Irise Co., Ltd. shares various ways to incorporate agar into different dishes, driven by the concept of promoting health and happiness for everyone.
  

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00]  First, receive a brief lecture about agar itself.

[10:10] Explore the actual site of the agar factory! You'll be fascinated by the unique tools and machinery.

[10:45] Experience tasting agar. Knowing the process adds a unique sensation, making it different from what you usually eat.

[11:00] End of tour. Be sure to enjoy shopping in the souvenir corner.

・If you wish, the starting time can be adjusted between 10:00 and 15:00 to accommodate preferences. Please specify your desired start time in the comments.

・You can also combine this tour with our "Guided e-bike tour around Tateshina's spring water and Satoyama scenery" plan.
　Click here for the E-bike tour (Please indicate "Agar Factory Tour Request" in the reservation form.)

【Other things to note】

• Duration：1 hour
• Meeting Point：Irisen Agar Factory & Direct Sales Store Yugawa Branch　[MAP]
  1253, Kitayama yugawa, Chino-shi, Nagano, 391-0301
  
• Access： Approximately 30 minutes from Chino Station by Demand ransportation 'Noraza' to the meeting point.
  
• Language Support：Japanese, English (optional)
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・Agar tasting fee
  
• Excluded：
  ・Interpreter (Optional)
  
• Clothes：Since this tour will be outdoors, wearing a jacket is essential, especially during winter.
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・Participants must be 3 years old or older
  ・For groups of 6 or more participants, please inquire for details
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• 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.