TOUR
“Skills” inherited in Morioka and “Arts” passed down to the future.
The traditions woven together create the history of Morioka.
Morioka History Shot
Traditional Craft Loved for 400 Years
Workshop Tour of Nanbu Ironware and Afternoon Tea
INTRODUCTION
Enjoy a more profound afternoon tea experience with the tradition born from the Japanese tea culture.
Born from the Japanese tea ceremony culture, Nanbu Ironware is a traditional craft of Morioka that has been passed down for 400 years. It not only transforms hot water into a gentle and mild flavor, but also health benefits are expected due to the dissolution of iron into the water. With its many appealing qualities, Nanbu Ironware is a beloved local craft that has been cherished for generations.
The ironware in Morioka has its origins in the early 17th century when the lords of the Nanbu Clan invited kettle artisans from other regions to create tea ceremony kettles. It continued to develop due to the presence of high-quality raw materials like sand iron and rock iron within the clan’s territory, as well as the clan’s efforts to protect and nurture this craft. Over time, various products, including tea kettles, Buddhist implements, temple bells, and everyday items, were produced.The famous Nanbu iron kettle, in particular, began in the 18th century when tea kettles were made smaller and improved. Since then, it has been widely used by many people.
In this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a Nanbu ironware workshop in Morioka. You will also experience “living with Nanbu ironware” by tasting water boiled in an iron kettle and enjoying tea or coffee made with that water.
LOCATION
Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and rich in nature. The towns you will visit this time, Shizukuishi Town and Nishiwaga Town, are located in the westernmost part of Iwate Prefecture and are known for their abundant nature and snowfall, making them particularly suitable for agriculture and livestock.
ACCESS
FROM TOKYO
BULLET TRAIN
FROM OSAKA
AIRPLANE / BUS
FROM TAIWAN
AIRPLANE / BUS
ABOUT MORIOKA
Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
“A Castle Town came along with Rich Nature”
Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Blessed with abundant natural resources, it offers a wealth of ingredients and hot springs to enjoy, along with historical and cultural landmarks scattered throughout. Whether it’s food or activities, you can savor the unique pleasures of each season in this region.
Morioka City, the central hub of Iwate Prefecture, has its roots in the Edo period when the construction of Morioka Castle attracted merchants and artisans. Samurai residences and temples were established in the vicinity. Although the castle no longer exists, and the site became a park, the city retains the ambiance and charm of that era’s castle town. Surrounded by mountains and with three rivers flowing through, Morioka City’s enchanting atmosphere and the blessings of nature continue to shape the lives of its inhabitants.
TOUR ITINERARY
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13:00
Gathering
@Morioka station or designated accommodation, etc. within Morioka city
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13:30
Nanbu Ironware Workshop Tour “SUNABA”
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15:20
Afternoon tea with Nanbu Ironware “Ocha to Tetsubin engawa”
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16:40
Dispersal
@Morioka station or designated accommodation, etc. within Morioka city
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SPOT
“Nanbu Ironware Brand, Kanakeno,” produced by Tayama Studio Co., Ltd.
In this tour, you will visit the workshops and cafes of “kanakeno,” the Nanbu Ironware brand produced by Tayama Studio Co., Ltd. This brand focuses on enhancing ironware manufacturing techniques and are committed to promoting and marketing these products to introduce their charm to a wider audience in order to preserve the traditions passed down through generations.
Nanbu Ironware Workshop Tour
“SUNABA”
Let’s take a look at the craftsmanship at the workshop of “SUNABA,” a shop and gallery. To pass on the charm of Nanbu Ironware, which has been cherished for a long time, young artisans gather here to hone their skills under the guidance of technical advisors. “SUNABA” not only focuses on iron kettles but also exhibits and sells a wide variety of craftworks from different regions across Japan. You can explore various pieces of art created by different artisans here.
Production Process
Finished Product
Experience the charm of iron kettles
“Ocha to Tetsubin engawa”
After the workshop tour, we head to the gallery and cafe “Ocha to Tetsubin engawa.” While you taste hot water boiled in an iron kettle, the tea and coffee brewed with the water, you can learn about the history and techniques of iron kettles. You’ll also receive insights into “the charm of living with an iron kettle”, including how to use and care for it.
Brewing with an iron kettle
Coffee
OVER VIEW
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Tour Name
Traditional Craft Loved for 400 Years
Workshop Tour of Nanbu Ironware and Afternoon Tea
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Date
We will arrange it according to your preferences. (Request-based)
* Regarding the date, it may not be possible on the date you applied for depending on the reservation status and various conditions. We will confirm the reservation status and contact you separately.
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Price
54,000 yen per person (including tax)
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Basic Course
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13:00
Gathering “Morioka Station South Exit Taxi Stand” or “Any preferred accommodation, etc”
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↓
Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)
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13:30-15:00
Tour Nanbu Ironware Workshop “SUNABA”
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↓
Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)
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15:20-16:20
Afternoon tea with Nanbu Ironware “Ocha to Tetsubin engawa”
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↓
Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)
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16:40
Dispersal “Morioka Station South Exit Taxi Stand” or “Any preferred accommodation, etc”
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Duration (approximately)
3 hours and 30 minutes
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Minimum Number of Participants for Operation
2 people
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Minimum Number of Participants for booking
2 people
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Maximum Number of Participants for Operation
5 people
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Cancellation Fee
(Counted from the Day Before the Start of the Trip)-
From the 10th day to the 8th day
20%
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From the 7th day to the 2nd day
30%
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The day before
40%
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On the day (Before the trip starts)
50%
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On the day (After the trip starts, no-show without prior notice)
100%
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Travel price includes
Vehicle fee (including driver) from assembly to dispersal, rapid antigen test fee, guide fee, various sightseeing and experiential activities fee (including food and beverages).
* Additional charges apply for foreign language guides. Please inquire at the time of booking.
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Other Important Note
[Regarding the Date]
- We will inquire about your desired date through the application form and confirm the feasibility with relevant parties.
- Based on the results of this confirmation, we will inform you whether the tour can proceed.
Please understand that depending on your preferred date, it may not be possible to proceed with the tour or there may be changes in the planned stops.
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Travel Agancy
TOUR LINEUP
SHIZUKUISHI
NISHIWAGA
Work of People Living among Sheep and Nature
MORIOKA
“Skills” inherited in Morioka and “Arts” passed down to the future.
The traditions woven together create the history of Morioka.
Morioka History Shot
SHIWA
In Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of Japan’s largest group of sake brewers, the “Nanbu Toji”
