GROUP PROGRAM

In Japan, for many people, the quality and origin of food are of great importance. For example, rice from Niigata, sweet potatoes from Okinawa, Yubari melons from Hokkaido, or Kobe beef are well-known and loved. Popular products are sold at high prices, elaborately presented in supermarkets and specialty stores, or sold online directly from the producer. Television programs about the cultivation and processing of food are shown daily.

This group program features activities in Tokyo and on Sado Island, renowned for its rich culinary traditions. It is designed for individuals with a background in food production or agriculture, as well as anyone with a keen interest in Japanese cuisine.

To create a customized group program, please provide us with your specific interests, trip duration, proposed travel dates, approximate group size, and the age of participants.

Culinary Arts, Food Science, Agriculture

Location:

Tokyo and Sado Island, Japan

Duration (in days):

1-7

• Introduction to Japanese food philosophy and a hands-on lesson in making Japanese sweets: Nerikiri or Mizu Yokan

• On Sado Island: Visiting a factory that dries persimmons, plums and other fruits and makes dried fruit snacks; a Japanese confectionary factory, an oyster farm, and a sake brewery

• On Sado Island: Lunches and Dinners at speciality restaurants (Soba/Udon restaurant with local seaweed; seafood restaurant (Sushi, Sashimi)

• Visit of the fish market in Toyosu in Tokyo

• Visit to the Sustainable Food Museum in Nishi-Shinbashi. It showcases innovative concepts in sustainable food production.

• Visit to a company involved in sustainable food production

• Onigiri making workshop and learn about Japanese obento design principles

• Cooking lessons

Chef

High School Students, College Students, University Students, Professionals

10-40 PAX

Throughout the year

In Tokyo: Hotel or Sharehouse, depending on your group size and availability

In Sado (April to October): On the ground of the historic Chokokuji Temple (built in the year 807) in Hase/Sado Island. Fully furnished tents (4-share) in the temple’s garden. Twin share and single tents are available. Hot showers, toilets (shared); Shared indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas. Wifi is available; washing machine available (200 JPY per use incl. biodegradable detergent). High quality sleeping bags and all linen are provided. 

In Sado (other months): ryokan, youth hostel

Breakfast at the accommodation; meals at restaurants

By chartered bus

Tokyo or Sado Island Ferry Port

We can also provide assistance (airport pickup, accommodation, activities) in Tokyo and Kyoto (at extra cost). This program can be combined with our other programs in Japan for a custom travel itinerary.

3 nights/4 days program (based on 30-40 students): 49,000 JPY + 10% VAT per person

Included: all program activities; local transport on Sado; Japanese-English interpretation; accommodation as described; meals as described; planting of 10 indigenous trees per program participant at Kilimanjaro for the CO2 compensation of long-haul flights

Not included: travel costs to Sado and back, insurance, personal expenses

International flight to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda), then shinkansen bullet train to Niigata City. From there, ferry to Sado Island

Total domestic travel costs (Tokyo airport to Sado Island and back) approx. 23,000 JPY per person. Travel time (one way) around 5-6 hours.

A comprehensive risk assessment and emergency management plan is available

That sounds great, but what about my carbon footprint?

Your long-haul flight in economy class emits CO2 into the atmosphere, roughly in the following quantities (according to myclimate.org):