Duration:
2 Days 1 Night
Scheduled Dates:
Anytime between July 25th, 2025
to January 31st, 2026
Price: ￥45,000 yen
per person in the case of 2 adults
Concept
Sagiura townscape
Image of replacing thatched roof
Traditional Japanese houses are constructed entirely from natural materials that can be reused after being dismantling.This special tour will take place in thatched roof house on the shores of beautiful Lake Shinji in Shimane. A protected cultural property, here you will learn from local craftsmen about the architecture and techniques used by local people to renovate and pass on their homes, as well as their daily experiences living there.By recreating the way people live, we contribute to the preservation of local culture.Accommodations will be in an inn built and maintained with these sustainable methods in the town of Sagiura in Shimane Prefecture, where a particularly high percentage of these traditional houses remain, giving the landscape an air of ancient, unspoiled Japan.Emmersing yourself in the nature and culture of Sagiura, you can reflect on the daily lives of those that came before us and those yet to come.
Itinerary
Day 1
Image of Wajimaya
Image of Wajimaya
Image of Wajimaya
| Time | Activity | Content |
| 9:00 | Private vehicle will pick you up | A private car will pick you up at Matsue Station or from your hotel in Matsue City. |
| Staff from the Onan Wood School, the operator of the old house experience, will provide transportation from your hotel to the thatched house. The service operates within legal guidelines and does not require any special transportation permits. | ||
| 10:00 | Tour of an “Old thatched house” (approx. 30 minutes) | Tour a traditional house while listening to local craftsmen talk about techniques handed down through the generations, Japanese architecture, and life in these houses. |
| Hands-On Experience with Traditional Regional Techniques | Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese craftsmanship passed down through generations. Please note: The experience offered varies by season. If you have a preference, kindly let us know at the time of booking. You will participate in one of the following hands-on experiences: Roof Rethatching (September–January) Learn from a master thatching craftsman about the history and techniques of traditional thatched roofing. Enjoy a rare opportunity to climb onto a thatched roof and try your hand at basic thatching work. Earthen Wall Restoration (September–October) Gain insight into the art of Japanese plastering through a lecture by a skilled plasterer. Prepare rough wall clay and plaster, and experience hands-on application techniques for wall restoration. Wooden Floor Restoration (August & January) Discover the history of traditional Japanese wooden architecture with guidance from a woodworking craftsman. Take part in restoring floors by laying floorboards crafted from milled reclaimed timber. Earthen Floor Remaking – Tataki (July) Learn about Tataki—a traditional Japanese earthen floor technique—from an expert craftsman. You’ll prepare the base, mix red clay, slaked lime, and bittern, adjust moisture levels, and try your hand at compacting the materials. Tataki is a natural form of concrete, historically used in traditional Japanese buildings. | |
| 12:00 | Lunch | Enjoy a typical local lunch (rice balls, miso soup, pickled vegetables, etc.) around the hearth. |
| 13:30 | Transfer to Sagiura | Transfer by car to Sagiura |
| Staff from the Onan Wood School, an old house experience operator will provide vehicle from y an old thatched house to Wajimaya, operating within legal guidelines and not requireing special transportation permints. | ||
| 14:30 | Check in to Wajima-ya | Upon arriving, you will be welcomed with a video of a shagiri, a traditional local Shinto ritual. A woodworker will provide an explanation and tour of the circular lodging. After checking in, please relax and enjoy the salty breeze from the Sea of Japan that stretches out before you. |
| Private bath | Soothe your travel fatigue while enjoying the ocean view in a bath containing arame extract, a kelp unique to the Sea of Japan that protects the skin. | |
| 18:30 | Dinner | Enjoy Japanese cuisine made with plenty of fresh local ingredients. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity | Content |
| 7:30 | Breakfast | A simple and healthy Japanese breakfast befitting a small fishing town. |
| 10:00 | Check-out | After checking out, you can enjoy the ocean in Sagiura or go sightseeing at the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine, which is a 20-minute drive away. |
Notes
・Please inquire for rates for single participants.
・Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
・From December, accommodation may be at Kotobukisou in Izumo-shi, which is of a similar class.
・Tour prices vary depending on the number of participants, please contact us for more information.
・Please refer to attached page for descriptions for levels
Infomation
What’s included
・1 night accommodation including Japanese-style rooms (including all taxes)
・1 breakfast (Complimentary) , 1 lunch, 1 dinner
・All activities listed on the itinerary (Tour of an old thatched house, Renovation experience in an old thatched house (Including craftmen instructor)
Not Included
・Travel insurance
・Drinks during meals
・Personal expenses
Number of participants（Min./Max.）
2/7
（If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by 14 days before departure, the tour may be canceled. If it is canceled, customers will be notified by us or or the conducting company you applied with.）
Starting point
Matsue Station or your hotel in Matsue City
Finishing point
Accommodation place
Language
English/ Japanese （From Matsue Station to accommodation check-in）
Application Deadline
7 days prior
Cancellation Policy
(I) Cancellation fee for a Domestic Travel
| Classification | Cancellation fee |
| [1] Agent-Organized Tour Contract except that which is mentioned in the following Paragraph | |
| (a) If cancellation is made on or after the 20th day (10th day in case of a one day trip) prior to the day preceding the date of commencement of the travel (excluding the cases mentioned in (b) through (e)); | 20% or less of the travel fee |
| (b) If cancellation is made on or after the 7th day prior to the day preceding the date of commencement of the travel (excluding the cases mentioned in (c) through (e); | 30% or less of the travel fee |
| (c) If cancellation is made on the day preceding the date of commencement of the travel | 40% or less of the travel fee |
| (d) If cancellation is made on the date of commencement of the travel (excluding the case mentioned in (e)); | 50% or less of the travel fee |
| (e) In case of cancellation after the commencement of the travel or of nonparticipation without communication | 100% or less of the travel fee |
| [2] Agent-Organized Tour Contract using a chartered ship | According to the provisions concerning the cancellation fee for the ship concerned |
・Full refund in case of cancellation due to weather.
Interested in our tour?
No second thoughts, contact us.
For more information about this experience program, We will coordinate with local suppliers on dates, prices, and details of the program. We will coordinate with local suppliers on dates, prices, and details of the program and provide the program to you.
Please contact us for more information. We look forward to providing you with a unique and immersive experience in the region!