2-Day Tour of Tango Peninsula and Kinosaki Onsen

Through art that takes inspiration from the past to envision the future, and food made with the freshest seafood and seasonal vegetables, you'll learn about Japan's cultural and historic origins, on the Sea of Japan.

Day 1 of the tour starts at Kyoto Station, you'll board the bus and come directly to Kyotango.

First stop is the Onaru Burial Mounds on a small cape in the Sea of Japan. In the 6th and 7th centuries funeral rites were performed here and 13 burial sites were established. It was at this sight of history, culture, and natural beauty that made the members of TOMORROW FIELD fall in love with the area, and start their art project here.
Next to the Onaru Burial Mounds is Tateiwa rock, the straight lines of the weather beaten rock face serve as inspiration for many artists. It is also the source of a local legend about a demon being banished.

Lunch will be at the Roadside Station where you will be served an exquisite meal with recipes designed by highly acclaimed restaurants: cenci, based in Kyoto, and Nawaya, based in Kyotango. The dishes will be made using local ingredients and are only available for a short time.
Also at Tenki Tenki Tango will be a Tango textile installation created by textile designer Yoko Ando and the Next Generation Architecture Team.

After lunch you'll visit a number of historic and cultural locations containing special art projects. The sites include: Takano Shrine, which was founded when Japan's 9th emperor, Emperor Kaika's, consort returned to her home in her later years; the Tango Ancient Village Museum where AAWAA (COSMIC WONDER), a work inspired by local history, is on display; and Shinmeiyama Burial Mounds, which is on a man-made hill next to Takano Shrine and is a symbol of the power that the ancient residents had over the Tango area.

After these three sites you'll visit Taiza Studio, the center of TOMORROW FIELD where, inspired by ancient buildings like Ise Shrine, the artists experiment with different construction styles to make connections between the past and the future. It's here that you'll be able to see their installation themed "Future Living".
After Taiza Studio you'll have some free time to wander around Taiza and take in its classic buildings made with burnt cedar, or relax for a spell by the seaside.

Dinner will be at Kai, a popular Japanese style pub in Taiza, where you'll enjoy fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables.

After dinner the bus will take you to KISSUIEN hotel for the night. There is a Finish style sauna next door which you can use (sauna is not included in the tour, please pay separately). In the morning you'll be able enjoy KISSUIEN's luxury buffet breakfast, to set you up for day 2.

On day two you'll visit the historic Moto Ise Naiku Kotai Shrine south of Kyotango. This shrine to Amaterasu (one of the main gods of the Shinto religion) was established around 59 BCE, 4 years before the famous Ise Shrine. Here in the mountains and clean air you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a relaxing walk around the shrine grounds.

Returning to Kyotango you will have lunch at Torimatsu. They specialize in Kyotango's famous dish 'barazushi' a layer rice dish with a variety of toppings on it.

After lunch you will go to the neighbouring picturesque historic town of Kinosaki Onsen, to visit the Japanese ryokan Mikiya, which has been in operation for about 300 years. The famous Japanese novelist Naoya Shiga stayed and did some writing there in the early 20th century. Modern artist Yoshihiro Suda and ceramic artist Akio Niisato have taken inspiration from the works of Naoya Shiga, and you will be able to appreciate their works in the room where Naoya Shiga stayed. This room is usually only accessible to hotel residents.

Leaving Mikiya you will go to Kinosaki Onsen Station where the tour will finish. While you wait for your train feel free to enjoy the 7 famous hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen at your leisure.

This tour will be held twice:
Friday, 20th of October - Saturday, 21st
Saturday, 18th of November - Sunday, 19th
Please specify which date you would like to attend in the registration form below.