Fukushima Volcano journey (3nights, 4days)

Fukushima Volcano journey

The story of 100-year-old bonsai and 1000-year-old hot springs
※The intensity of the course will be adjusted according to the guest’s experience.

Story

The Bandai Azuma area is filled with a variety of landscapes created by the ever-growing nature, including large and small lakes and marshes created by volcanic activity.

As a BONSAI TRAIL

The Agatsuma five-needle pine, one of the three major Japanese five-needle pines, which represents the nature of Mt. Azuma, has many enthusiasts overseas, and through bonsai, we can learn how Japanese people perceive natural beauty.

As an ONSEN TRAIL

Dake Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history of over 1,200 years. Although it has overcome many major disasters and been relocated many times throughout its long history, we will explore why people have been bathing in and protecting this hot spring since the Heian period.

OUTLINE

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

DAY 1　Dive into Japanese Culture

Trip Preparation

Just two hours from Tokyo brings you to Bandai-Asahi National Park.
Visit a sake brewery that uses spring water filtered over 40 years from melted snow, and begin your journey with an introduction to the region’s story at the local nature center.

At a long-established traditional Japanese inn with an attached Nature Center, you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine prepared with plenty of ingredients blessed by the volcano.

Of course, you can also relax in hot springs that have continued for 1,200 years.

Day 2: The Bonsai Trail

Discover the art of bonsai from local masters and explore the wild landscapes that inspire them.
The bonsai culture here is unique, with each bonsai starting with a seed taken from within the national park and nurtured by artisans for up to 100 years. After learning about this art form, you will hike into the park and explore its natural calderas and volcanic landscape.

Bonsai Trail
A mountain journey to experience the “Azuma Goyomatsu Bonsai Culture” handed down in the Bandai-Azuma and Inawashiro region.

You will learn the unique perspective of bonsai creation, where Goyomatsu pines have been grown from seed for about 100 years over three generations, and visit the birthplace of this tradition.

The trunks and branches of Goyomatsu, shaped by harsh wind and snow, reflect the natural environment of this area and convey the Japanese sensibility of appreciating nature as beauty.

It also offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of passing on both nature and culture to future generations.

Day 3: The Onsen Trail

Experience 1,200 Years of Onsen Tradition

Dake Onsen has endured over a millennium, surviving disasters and relocations. Once a lively Edo-period resort known for its sake and hot springs, it remains connected to its source by Japan’s longest 8 km conduit.
This journey invites you to soak in its waters, visit the spring’s origin, and reflect on why generations have protected this sacred onsen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Departure

Before departing for Tokyo by bullet train, you have the option to visit a local sake brewery or take a short woodland hike.