Kominka Sui: with samurai roots

The Secrets of Kominka

Traditional Japanese folk houses, or kominka, are treasure troves of ancestral wisdom that still resonate with modern architectural techniques. Join us as we interview master craftsmen to uncover the "secrets" of traditional construction—from the inherent strength of timber to the strategic placement of fire and water.
Ukiyo-e Woodblock Painting
Experience

Experience the art of coloring Ukiyo-e, the iconic pop culture of the Edo period. This is a truly unique opportunity—found nowhere else in the world—to color an original Ukiyo-e design featuring the "Kominka Sui and the Nikko Higashi-Okan" road.
Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo)
Experience

Learn the fundamental brushstrokes, proper posture, and the correct use of traditional tools like the fude (brush) and sumi (ink). This immersive cultural experience offers a deep dive into Japanese aesthetics and spirituality, guided by an instructor’s insights into the rich history and cultural significance of calligraphy.
Tenkoku (Seal Carving) Experience

Tenkoku (Seal Carving) workshop held in collaboration with the Koga City Tenkoku Museum, the only museum in Japan dedicated specifically to this art.
Tenkoku is a traditional art form where ancient Tensho (seal script) characters are carved into stone. The beauty of the piece is then appreciated by pressing the seal onto paper. Your hand-carved seal will be placed in a special box for you to take home, making it the perfect original souvenir to commemorate your journey.
Soba Making Experience

Soba (buckwheat noodles) has been a beloved part of Japanese culinary culture since the Edo period. The process—mizumawashi (mixing), neri (kneading), noshi (rolling), and kiri (cutting)—is a masterful sequence of techniques that is surprisingly deep in its simplicity. There is nothing quite like the exceptional aroma and smooth texture of noodles you’ve crafted with your own hands.
Kimono Dressing Experience

A kimono experience is a special way to feel the traditional beauty of Japan firsthand. Experience the pleasant tension that naturally straightens your posture and the elegant silhouette unique to Japanese attire. Whether posing against a backdrop of a traditional folk house or a serene bamboo grove, this experience will add vibrant colors to your travel memories.
Kamado-Cooked Rice & Onigiri
Experience

Cook local Koga City "Milky Queen" rice—a premium brand known for its texture—over a traditional kamado (wood-fired stove). Cooking in a hagama (iron pot) brings out the rice's natural sweetness to its fullest, creating the ultimate treat: okoge, the fragrant, crispy golden crust at the bottom. You can also enjoy Tamago-kake-gohan (raw egg over rice) using freshly gathered eggs from a local poultry farm, drizzled with soy sauce from "Ohashi Shoyu," a historic brewery on the Nikko Higashi-Okan Road.
The Makuraga Gozen: A Taste of
Koga

Indulge in a special seasonal meal curated by the historic kaiseki restaurant "Fukumitsu." Each dish is a work of art, reflecting the beauty of the season. To elevate your dining experience, we offer a pairing with "Gokeiji," the signature sake from Aoki Shuzo, Koga’s sole remaining brewery. It is a true celebration of local craftsmanship and flavor.
The Samurai Experience

Step into the world of the warrior by donning a traditional hakama and dogi. In this session, you will learn the fundamental movements of Kenjutsu and Iaido using a Japanese training sword (mogito). Beyond the training, capturing location photos amidst our vast forests and atmospheric bamboo groves is a highlight that truly brings the samurai spirit to life.
Kagura: The Sacred Dance
Experience

Iwato Kagura is a traditional performing art from Koga City, Ibaraki, with a history spanning nearly 300 years. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this sacred dance features performers in ornate costumes and masks dancing for hours to the rhythmic sounds of flutes and drums. It is a ritual prayer for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of one's family. Preserved with great care by the local community, this "living treasure" of regional history can now be witnessed and experienced firsthand at the traditional h
Bamboo Lantern (Take-Akari)
Workshop

To make the most of the bamboo grove surrounding Kominka Sui, we host creative bamboo workshops. Our "Bamboo Lantern Making" is a particularly popular activity. Participants can craft their own lanterns, turning natural bamboo into beautiful works of art that cast a warm, magical glow.