Okayama Korakuen Sushi Making and Kurashiki Walking From Okayama

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Okayama with this immersive tour. You’ll start by crafting traditional kakushi sushi under the guidance of a skilled chef, followed by a delightful lunch featuring your handmade creations. Then, you’ll explore the historic charm of Kurashiki, strolling along picturesque canals and visiting key attractions like the Ohara Museum of Art. This unique experience combines culinary art and sightseeing, promising an unforgettable day in Okayama. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the details.

Good To Know

• A full-day experiential tour in Okayama combining sushi-making and a walking exploration of the historic town of Kurashiki.
• Hands-on sushi-making lesson under an expert chef’s guidance, followed by a local lunch featuring the handcrafted kakushi sushi.
• Guided walking tour of Kurashiki’s well-preserved Bikan Historical Area, including discounts at local shops and facilities.
• Meeting and end points at Okayama Station, providing easy access to transportation options.
• Tour not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations; parental permission required for minors.

Overview of the Activity

This experiential tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural wonders of Okayama.

Participants will embark on a journey that begins with a sushi-making experience at a local restaurant, followed by a walking tour of the charming town of Kurashiki.

During the sushi workshop, guests will learn the art of crafting traditional "kakushi" sushi under the guidance of an experienced chef.

The walking tour then takes them through the picturesque streets of Kurashiki, where they can discover the area’s well-preserved historic buildings and take advantage of exclusive discounts at local shops and facilities.

Sushi Making Experience

After being greeted upon arrival at the Momotaro Tourist Information Center, participants kick off the day’s activities by venturing to a local restaurant for an immersive sushi-making experience.

Under the guidance of an expert chef, they:

1. Learn the art of crafting kakushi sushi, a type of hidden roll that combines various ingredients within a single slice.
2. Meticulously prepare their own sushi creations, from carefully shaping the rice to delicately arranging the fillings.
3. Savor the fruits of their labor, enjoying a delectable lunch featuring their handmade kakushi sushi, side dishes, miso soup, and dessert.

Lunch Menu and Dietary Accommodations

The lunch menu served during the sushi-making experience features a selection of kakushi sushi, a side dish, red miso soup, and dessert.

Vegetarian options are available upon advance request. However, allergy-friendly, halal, or gluten-free meal requests can’t be accommodated. Participants should notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking.

The sushi-making class give you a well-rounded culinary experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the art of traditional Japanese cuisine.

With a focus on freshness and authenticity, the lunch offerings complement the hands-on sushi-making activity.

Kurashiki Sightseeing

After the sushi-making experience, the tour takes participants on a walking exploration of the historic town of Kurashiki.

The group will stroll along the charming canals lined with traditional black-and-white storehouses, known as the Bikan Historical Quarter.

Key sights include:

1. The Ohara Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of Western art.
2. The Kurashiki Ivy Square, a restored warehouse district with boutiques and cafes.
3. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, a well-preserved merchant town with quaint bridges and willow trees.

Along the way, participants can use their included coupon to explore the town’s facilities and shops at their own pace.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for this tour is the Momotaro Tourist Information Center, located on the 2nd floor of the JR Okayama Station.

Participants should arrive by 9:20 AM, as the tour departs promptly at 9:30 AM.

At the end of the day, the tour concludes at Okayama Station, located at 1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita Ward, Okayama. This convenient location allows travelers to easily continue their journey or explore the area further.

The tour covers a total distance of approximately 3 miles, with the majority of the walking taking place during the Kurashiki sightseeing portion.

Accessibility and Participation Requirements

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible.

Participants under 18 years old will require parental permission, and those under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian. The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

Key participation requirements include:

1. Infants must sit on laps, while children up to 5 years old can join for free without a meal or coupon.
2. Parental consent is necessary for participants under 18.
3. Individuals under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers typically receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. In the event of cancellation, free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Take a look at the cancellation policy details below:

Cancellation Window	Refund Amount
Up to 24 hours before start	Full refund
Less than 24 hours before start	No refund
No-show	No refund

Please keep in mind that all seating on public transportation is unreserved, so availability of seats is not guaranteed. The tour order and arrival times may also vary due to road conditions.

Additional Tour Considerations

While the tour offers a unique sushi-making experience and scenic exploration of Kurashiki, there are a few additional considerations travelers should keep in mind.

First, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

Second, infants must sit on laps, while children up to 5 years old can join for free without a meal or coupon.

Third, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Plus, requests for allergy-friendly, halal, or gluten-free meals aren’t available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour on Short Notice?

Yes, you can book this tour on short notice. The tour confirms within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. However, free cancellation is only up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Do I Need to Know Japanese to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know Japanese to participate. The tour provides English-speaking guides to assist you throughout the experience, so you can fully enjoy the sushi-making and sightseeing activities without any language barriers.

Can I Take Photos During the Sushi Making?

Yes, you can take photos during the sushi making experience. The tour welcomes participants to capture the process and their creations. Just be mindful not to disrupt the sushi chef’s work.

Will I Have Free Time to Explore Kurashiki on My Own?

Yes, you’ll have free time to explore Kurashiki on your own. The itinerary includes a Kurashiki sightseeing portion with a coupon for applicable facilities and shops, allowing you to explore the historic town at your leisure.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

There is no group discount mentioned. The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers and the price is listed as $173.00 per person. For more details, check the tour overview and itinerary information provided.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Okayama’s rich cultural heritage with this exceptional tour. Learn the art of kakushi sushi-making, savor your handcrafted creations, and explore the historic charm of Kurashiki. This experience blends culinary and sightseeing delights, offering an unforgettable day in the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Okayama’s treasures through this captivating tour.