A Journey of Wellness and Culinary Traditions Through the Modern Kitamae-bune Route

Embark on a three-day, two-night immersive gastro-tour through Tsuruoka and Murakami, two historic cities once connected by the Kitamae-bune trade route, to explore their distinctive “tea” cultures. This tour invites you to rediscover wellness and culinary traditions rooted in these cities, brought to life through the timeless essence of tea.

Day 1: Tsuruoka – Reviving Traditions and Savoring Tea

Begin your journey in Tsuruoka at the historic Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, where the legacy of tea cultivation, attempted over a century ago, is now being restored. Here, you’ll step into the past by hand-picking tea leaves and flowers as descendants of the original settlers share captivating stories of Tsuruoka’s tea heritage.

Next, visit the tranquil Gyokusenji Temple to enjoy a tasting of three distinct teas crafted from wild herbs, fruits, and plants, accompanied by inventive sweets inspired by the local flora. This tea experience captures the spirit of nature and regional flavors. Then, unwind at Seiryu-an, where serene views of the temple garden encourage peaceful reflection. Engage in a brief Zen meditation led by the Master monk, setting the tone for a beautiful twilight moment in the garden.

The day culminates in an innovative tea-themed dinner prepared by star chef Koji, one of the Shonai region’s most celebrated culinary artists. His specially curated menu pairs premium teas with a selection of creative, plant-based dishes made by the monk’s wife, K?, including enzyme drinks and handmade sesame tofu. Your evening concludes with a stay at the Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrace, an elegantly minimalist hotel designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban.

Day 2: Zen Cuisine and Murakami Craftsmanship

Begin the day at Zenpoji Temple, devoted to the Dragon God. Following the Soto Zen tradition, you’ll taste rare temple cuisine like tea rice and vegetable kenchin-jiru soup, usuall served only on the anniversaries of past abbots’ passing. In the afternoon, journey to Murakami to experience a hands-on workshop of Murakami Kibori Tsuishu traditional lacquered wood carving. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll carve your own chopsticks—your finished masterpiece will be sent to you later.

Dinner is a tea-themed kaiseki feast at Shintaku, a Michelin-starred restaurant, where mountain herbs and wild game—gathered by the chef-owners themselves—are paired with exquisite teas. Rest in comfort at a seaside onsen hotel in Senami, where expansive open-air baths face the Sea of Japan.

Day 3: Murakami Tea and Townhouse Elegance

Visit local tea fields where Murakami tea—cultivated with techniques refined by the region’s harsh winters—is grown. Then, head to Kujuen for a refined modern tea ceremony hosted by the rising stars of HIYORIKA, who present seasonal wagashi sweets in a fresh, contemporary style.

Conclude your journey with a historical stroll along Kurobei-dori, the traditional townhouse-lined street, guided by a local Umemon Ambassador.

Throughout this journey, expert guides?the Tsuruoka Fudo Guide in Tsuruoka and the Murakami Umemon Ambassador in Murakami?will provide in-depth insights, adding depth and richness to each experience. Private taxi transfers will carry you from site to site, with each ride reimagined as a “modern-day Kitamae-bune.” Mini-seminars and tasting sessions onboard will immerse you in the history and culture of each destination, connecting you to the spirit of the Kitamae-bune journey.

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