By Request

Perfect ‘Hanami’ Picnic at Shiogama Shrine

Enjoy the Spring tradition of 'Hanami' at a national treasure!

Highlights

You’ve never experienced cherry blossoms like this!

 

Forget lugging about a blue-sheet and heavy bags of food and drink, or fighting the locals for the best picnic spot…

 

Enjoy your own private ‘Hanami’ (flower viewing) picnic in the serene grounds of 1200 year old Shiogama Shrine. Tables and chairs will be set-up for you underneath the hundreds of pink cherry blossoms, along with an ‘obento’ lunchbox of beautifully presented bite-size tastes of local cuisine, designed exclusively for this event. As you sit back with a glass of local sake or beer, switch-off and relax to the sound of a private Shamisen performance from a local musician. With no need to worry about cleaning-up, explore the shrine grounds and surrounding town before ambling back to the station, local souvenir in hand.

 

This is how to ‘Hanami’ like a pro!

 

More about Shiogama Shrine:
At 1200 years old, Shiogama Shrine is not only one of the oldest shrines in Japan it is also one of the most spiritually important. Of the 300 cherry blossom trees growing in the grounds of the Shrine are around 30 ‘Shiogamazakura’, a rare double-flowering variety designated as a national monument. As such, the grounds are a popular place for ‘Hanami’ in spring. The view of the soft-pink cherry blossom against the colourful shrine buildings is well worth the climb up the 200 steps to the main entrance of the shrine!

 

OUTLINE

What’s Included

All-inclusive picnic: set-up/clean-up service
Delicious local ‘Obento’ lunch box
Local beer and sake (and softdrinks)
Live Shamisen Performance
Local souvenir

Not included

Any additional meals and drinks
Anything not mentioned in the 'included' list above.

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

12:00

Arrive at Shiogama Shrine and be guided to your ‘Hanami’ party (we have already picked the best spot!).

Get ready to enjoy a Japanese style course-lunch served to you by a private chef. After some creative appetisers, open your cherry-wood lunchbox to find a selection of colourful spring-inspired mouthfuls of local seasonal cuisine. 

Enjoy a selection of drinks including locally brewed craft beer and local sake from Shiogama.

 

Be treated to a live Shamisen performance by acclaimed local musician Oushin Odashima, recognized as best in Japan at the national Tsugaru Shamisen championship among many achievements. Relax to the sound of local folk songs and maybe some pieces you’ve heard before…!

For the finishing touch, experience making your own matcha green tea and enjoy alongside a traditional Japanese sweet.

13:30

Return to Hon-Shiogama Station. Take home some local goodies as a souvenir of your perfect ‘Hanami’ experience in foodie town, Shiogama! 

 

 

TOUR DETAILS

Where
Hon-Shiogama Station (JR Senseki Line)
Time
12:00-13:30
Size
10 persons (minimum of two persons)
Price
55000 yen
Sign-up Deadline
TBA
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be notified at least FIVE DAYS in advance for a full refund (minus any banking fees incurred).
NO REFUND can be given for cancellations made less than four days in advance.
Note
If the minimum number of participants is not met the event will be cancelled.

TOUR PLAN

Basic Plan

Price 55000 yen

Are you looking for a ‘deeper’ kind of travel?

At Tohoku ‘Local Secret’ Tours we can also suggest custom-made itineraries to meet your travel needs!
You want to experience what’s unique to Tohoku. You want to visit the places where the locals go; the places not listed in guidebooks! You want to meet and interact with local people. You want to take your time exploring Tohoku so you need a guide, or perhaps an English-speaking driver...
...whatever you need for your Tohoku travel, we have it covered!
Feel free to contact us with any inquiries. We will respond within two business days after receiving your message.

Book now!

Recommend

By Request
[CLOSE] Perfect ‘Hanami’ Picnic at Shiogama Shrine
Everyday except Sundays and holidays
Hungry Samurai : Sendai Food & Culture day Tour (version with cab)
Year round (excluding New Year period, and irregular holidays).
Kuroishi Pub Crawl
Year round (excluding New Year period, and irregular holidays).
Tsugaru Lacquerware Class ーPrivate Chartered Taxi
Year round (excluding New Year period, and irregular holidays).
Kuroishi Food and History Tour

Year round (excluding New Year period, and irregular holidays).
Making Sea Salt & Basic Japanese Shio Onigiri (Salted Rice Balls) at a Banya
Everyday
Traditional Sword-dance Performance
Weekdays (June to October)
Scallop harvesting cruise
Weekdays
Stories of survival and recovery in Taro Town
Everyday
Fish market adventure with the ‘Squid Prince’ of Miyako
April-November (Except Tuesdays)
Attracxi: Mysteries of the Three Holy Mountains of Dewa
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Echos of Miyako: Taiko Drum Workshop
April, October, September (by request)
Morning ‘Awakening’ in Miyako
Everyday
Local cuisine cooking class & traditional hearth-fire lunch (+lodging)
Price:
55000 yen

Book now!