Exploring the charming countryside of Japan offers a unique glimpse into traditional rural life. Visitors can now experience this captivating blend of culture and community through a 3-hour tour that features an innovative elderly care facility. Led by an English-speaking guide, this intimate experience invites participants to step into the daily rhythms of Japanese country living, from hands-on cooking to intergenerational interactions that foster vitality. What secrets might this enchanting enclave hold?
Key Points

- Explore the combination of rural Japanese life and an innovative elderly care facility during a 3-hour guided tour.
- Engage in a hands-on cooking experience preparing rice over a traditional wood-fired kamado oven.
- Enjoy a homemade Japanese meal made with fresh, local ingredients in an intimate group setting.
- Observe the facility’s unique approach to eldercare that promotes active engagement and intergenerational interaction.
- Learn about the facility’s design and its over 200,000 social media followers for its innovative model of elderly care.
Overview of the Experience

Visitors can embark on a captivating 3-hour tour that combines a glimpse into rural Japanese life with an immersive experience at a renowned elderly care facility.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the small group journey takes participants to discover the unique approach of this nursing home, which blends traditional country living with modern care.
Participants will have the chance to learn hands-on how to cook rice over a wood-fired kamado oven, savoring a delicious home-cooked meal made with fresh, local ingredients.
Accessible to wheelchair users, this experience offers an authentic window into Japanese eldercare.
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Pricing and Booking Information

The tour is priced from $65.79 per person.
Booking is flexible with no upfront payment required. Simply reserve your spot and pay later. If plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour is limited to small groups of 8 participants, so availability may be limited. Guests can check the schedule for starting times that work best for their plans.
With a convenient pickup location at JR Sonobe Station, this immersive experience offers an accessible way to explore rural Japanese life and elderly care.
Highlights of the Experience

This immersive tour provides a unique opportunity to experience rural life in Japan and visit an elderly care facility with a distinctive approach.
Participants will learn to cook rice over a firewood fire in a traditional Japanese oven called a kamado. After the cooking demonstration, guests will enjoy a delicious homemade Japanese meal using fresh, local ingredients.
The tour also includes transportation from the train station to the care facility, which boasts over 200,000 social media followers for its innovative approach combining nursing care with country living to energize the elderly residents.
Unique Features of the Care Facility
While the nursing care facility boasts over 200,000 social media followers, its unique approach sets it apart.
This innovative facility combines nursing care with country life, energizing the elderly residents. The elders share their traditional knowledge while the staff learn, creating a vibrant community.
The facility’s design supports this unique approach, with features that encourage active engagement and connection.
Visitors can experience this blend of modern care and traditional wisdom, as the facility offers a rare glimpse into a reinvented model of elderly care that promotes vitality and community.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information and Guidelines
To visit the nursing care facility, guests should meet at the JR Sonobe Station, where staff will hold signs to guide them.
The tour starts promptly at 11:00 AM and returns at 2:30 PM. Guests should wear comfortable clothing, as the experience includes hands-on activities.
Smoking isn’t allowed on the premises. It’s important to note that the facility can’t accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies.
With a small group size and an English-speaking live guide, this immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into rural Japanese life and elderly care.
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Cooking Rice With Firewood

One of the highlights of the experience is the opportunity to learn how to cook rice using traditional firewood-fueled ovens, known as kamados. Participants will have the chance to witness this time-honored method, discovering the nuances and care required to achieve the perfect, fluffy texture.
By engaging in this hands-on activity, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the patience, skill, and connection to the land inherent in traditional Japanese cuisine. The cooking session also offers a chance to:
- Understand the role of fire and wood in shaping the flavors of Japanese home cooking.
- Appreciate the knowledge and expertise passed down through generations.
- Reflect on the importance of preserving traditional culinary practices.
Exploring Rural Japanese Life
Stepping into the tranquil countryside of Japan, visitors are immersed in a world that moves at a gentler pace, where the rhythms of rural life and the wisdom of the elderly blend seamlessly.
Wandering the grounds of the nursing home, they experience the deep connection between the land and its people. Elders share their knowledge of traditional crafts and techniques, engaging with the younger generation and fostering a vibrant, intergenerational community.
This unique approach, combining elderly care with immersion in country life, rejuvenates both the residents and the visitors, offering a glimpse into the richness of rural Japanese culture.
Connecting With the Elderly Community
As visitors step through the doors of the nursing home, they’re immediately struck by the vibrant energy that pervades the space.
Elders share their traditional knowledge with staff, who eagerly learn in return, creating a thriving community. This unique approach combines nursing care with country life, energizing the elderly residents.
The facility’s innovative design supports this dynamic interaction, fostering connections and a sense of purpose.
Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for:
- The invaluable wisdom of the elderly
- The power of intergenerational exchange
- The restorative nature of rural living
Things To Know

Is Transportation Provided From the Station to the Care Facility?
Yes, transportation from JR Sonobe Station to the care facility is included in the tour. The staff will meet participants at the station and provide transportation to the site for the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no age restrictions for participants. The tour welcomes visitors of all ages to experience the unique rural life and elderly care facility together. Participants should be able to comfortably participate in the activities.
Can I Bring Additional Guests to the Experience?
Unfortunately, the tour has a strict limit of 8 participants. Additional guests cannot be accommodated. The small group size ensures an intimate experience and personalized attention from the tour guide.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?
In case of inclement weather, the tour will continue as scheduled. The staff will ensure participants are comfortable and provide appropriate gear to keep them dry and warm during the experience. The cooking activity may be adjusted if needed to accommodate the weather conditions.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including limiting group sizes, requiring masks, and conducting temperature checks. Guests must follow these guidelines to participate in the experience.
Sum Up
This immersive tour offers a glimpse into the heart of rural Japan, where traditional ways of life and modern elder care coexist in a vibrant community. Through hands-on cooking and intergenerational interactions, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage and the vital role of the elderly in maintaining its vitality. It’s an experience that truly captures the charm and warmth of the Japanese countryside.
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