Okayama Korakuen, Sushi Making and Kurashiki Walking From Osaka

Escape the hustle of Osaka and discover the tranquil beauty of Okayama’s Korakuen Garden. Here, you’ll learn the art of kakushi sushi-making from a professional chef, crafting your own delectable creations. Afterwards, explore the historic charm of Kurashiki, strolling its picturesque streets with a sightseeing coupon in hand. This captivating day trip blends culinary delight and cultural exploration, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s time-honored traditions.

Key Points

• This tour offers an immersive experience exploring Okayama Korakuen garden, a hands-on sushi-making class, and a walking tour of the historic town of Kurashiki.
• The tour includes transportation via high-speed Shinkansen train, a traditional sushi lunch, and a Kurashiki sightseeing coupon.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience, and a licensed English guide is provided throughout.
• Parental permission is required for participants under 18, and those under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions or pregnant women, and suitable walking shoes are recommended.

Tour Overview

The tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the picturesque Okayama Korakuen garden, partake in a traditional sushi-making class, and stroll through the historic town of Kurashiki.

Travelers will depart from Osaka and embark on an 11-hour journey, including a high-speed Shinkansen train ride. The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a licensed English guide.

Visitors will enjoy a sushi-making lesson and lunch, as well as a Kurashiki sightseeing coupon. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or pregnant women.

Included Experiences

Visitors on this tour can expect an immersive sushi-making experience at a renowned school in Osaka.

They’ll craft "kakushi" sushi, or hidden sushi, under the guidance of a professional sushi chef. Afterward, they’ll savor their homemade creations for lunch, accompanied by a side dish, red miso soup, and dessert.

The tour also includes a sightseeing coupon for Kurashiki, a historic canal-side town. Travelers can freely explore its charming streets and picturesque buildings.

Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by a licensed English-speaking guide, and transportation via the shinkansen (bullet train) is provided.

Meeting and Departure Details

Participants will meet at the designated meeting point, Hotel Granvia Osaka, at 7:40 am.

The tour will depart promptly at 7:50 am. An English-speaking guide will assist the group in navigating to the Shin Osaka Station Shinkansen platform, though they won’t board the train.

For those under 18, parental permission is required, and those under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions or pregnant women. Strollers are allowed, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Participants should wear suitable walking shoes for the 3 miles of total walking.

Participant Guidelines

Who are the eligible participants for this tour?

Infants must sit on laps, while children up to 5 years old can join for free, though without Shinkansen seats, lunch, or coupons.

Parental permission is required for participants under 18, and those under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions or pregnant women.

The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible, and suitable walking shoes are recommended as the total walking distance is 3 miles.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Allergy-friendly, halal, and gluten-free requests aren’t available, but vegetarian options can be arranged at the time of booking.

If the Inoue House can’t be entered, guests will visit the Former Ohara House or Hashimoto House instead.

The activity order may vary based on road conditions and traffic.

Participants can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Highlights of Okayama Korakuen

Okayama Korakuen is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, renowned for its expansive landscapes and stunning designs.

Visitors can stroll along the tranquil paths and admire the traditional Japanese architecture, including the iconic Moon-Viewing Pavilion.

The garden features meticulously manicured bonsai trees, vibrant floral displays, and serene ponds with graceful bridges.

Highlights include the Yuishinkan Teahouse, which offers a peaceful tea ceremony experience, and the Kao-mon Gate, an impressive stone entrance.

Guests can take in the garden’s beauty from multiple viewpoints, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Okayama region.

The Kakushi Sushi Making Experience

What better way to experience the culinary traditions of Japan than by learning the art of sushi making yourself?

On this tour, you’ll participate in a kakushi sushi making class led by a professional sushi chef. Kakushi sushi is a type of hidden sushi that’s wrapped and shaped into compact, bite-sized portions.

You’ll learn the proper techniques for slicing fish, forming the sushi, and presenting the finished product. After the hands-on workshop, you’ll enjoy your homemade kakushi sushi creations along with a traditional Japanese lunch, including miso soup and dessert.

Exploring the Historic Kurashiki

After the hands-on sushi making experience, the group boards the Shinkansen to the historic city of Kurashiki. Arriving at the Kurashiki station, they are immediately struck by the picturesque canals lined with traditional white-walled buildings. Using the provided Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupon, the group explores top attractions:

Attraction	Description	Coupon Value
Ohara Museum of Art	Houses an impressive collection of Western art	¥500
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter	Stroll along the charming canals and streets	¥300
Former Ito Family House	Explore a beautifully preserved merchant’s home	¥300

The guided walking tour provides a glimpse into Kurashiki’s rich history and well-preserved architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

You can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. There’s also a "reserve now, pay later" option available if you need to reschedule.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Additional Items During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs or additional items during the tour. The tour includes a Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupon, which can be used at various facilities and shops in the Kurashiki area.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Items or Documents?

You’ll need your passport, comfortable walking shoes, and any medically necessary items. The tour provides Shinkansen tickets and admission coupons, so you don’t need to bring extra cash for souvenirs or activities.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Those With Mobility Limitations?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it’s suitable for travelers with limited mobility who can walk up to 3 miles. Strollers are allowed, and the guide can accommodate participants’ needs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

While the tour itinerary is fixed, you can request the guide to focus on specific areas of interest during the Kurashiki walking portion. Discuss your preferences with the tour operator to personalize the experience.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from Osaka allows you to learn about the beauty of Okayama Korakuen, craft delicious "kakushi" sushi under the guidance of a professional chef, and explore the historic charm of Kurashiki. It’s an unforgettable blend of culinary delight and cultural exploration, perfectly capturing the essence of Japan’s rich heritage.