Lodging Plans with Gibier Cuisine / Tokushima, Shikoku

This tour in Tokushima Prefecture offers a rare chance to step away from bustling cities and into Japan’s serene, centuries-old landscapes. For around 18 hours, you’ll stay at a guesthouse run by a local hunter, Mr. Kinoshita, where the focus is on authentic, seasonal rural life—complete with activities like harvesting, hunting, and traditional food preparation. The highlight? A full-course feast featuring wild boar and deer, freshly caught and skillfully prepared.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of rustic charm, the opportunity to engage directly with nature, and the chance to learn about age-old Japanese farming and hunting practices. It’s a deeply immersive experience, perfect for those craving a taste of genuine rural culture.

One thing to keep in mind is that the schedule may shift depending on the season and weather conditions—so flexibility is key. This tour best suits travelers who love hands-on experiences, value authenticity, and aren’t afraid of a bit of rustic living.

Key Points

• Authentic Rural Life: Stay in a guesthouse run by a local hunter and learn about traditional Japanese farming and hunting.
• Seasonal Activities: Engage in harvesting seasonal crops, hunting wild boar and deer, or making noodles.
• Culinary Delights: Enjoy a full-course meal featuring fresh gibier—wild game—prepared by Mr. Kinoshita himself.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience steep-slope agriculture recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage practice.
• Flexible & Small Group: With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience feels intimate and personalized.
• Value for Money: For $192.07, you gain food, experiences, and a deeper understanding of Japan’s rural traditions—an excellent deal for those seeking authentic cultural exchanges.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Arrival and Meeting Point: Starting Your Journey

The tour begins at Uchino-29 Higashiyama, in Miyoshi District, a quiet, picturesque part of Tokushima. Starting at 4:00 pm, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers, setting the stage for an evening filled with new sights and tastes. Since transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get there—think about arranged transfers or local transit.

The Guesthouse: Uribo and Mr. Kinoshita’s Hospitality

The accommodation is at Uribo, a traditional guesthouse operated by Mr. Kinoshita, who’s not just a hunter but also well-versed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. We loved the way the guesthouse embodies a true rural charm—simple, warm, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Staying here gives you a real sense of the quiet, unhurried life of Nishi-Awa, a region that has preserved its timeless landscapes for over 400 years.

Experiencing Rural Life: Harvesting and Farming

Part of what makes this tour particularly engaging is the chance to try your hand at farm work. Depending on the season, you might harvest radishes, tomatoes, or chestnuts—each activity offers insights into traditional Japanese farming methods that have earned UNESCO recognition. One reviewer appreciated that “the experience of harvesting vegetables like radishes, grown using ancient steep-slope methods, really connected us to local culture.”

Hunting Wild Game: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity?

Mr. Kinoshita is an experienced hunter, and for those interested, you can try hunting wild boar and deer. While the logistics and safety measures are handled carefully, this activity is for those willing to get a bit closer to nature—literally. Some travelers noted that “hunting with Mr. Kinoshita was surprisingly accessible,” and that the experience became one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Culinary Experience: A Feast of Gibier

The highlight for many is undoubtedly the full-course feast featuring wild game. The wild boar and deer meat are described as tender, flavorful, and a true taste of the local environment. The meal also includes vegetables harvested from the village, cooked using traditional methods. One review mentioned that “the game meat was so rich and tender—it was a real treat,” emphasizing the freshness and skill involved in the preparation.

Workshops and Additional Activities

Other hands-on options include making udon and soba noodles, which are traditional staples in Japan. These workshops are a fun way to learn about local culinary techniques and add a personal touch to your experience. The schedule can vary depending on conditions, but these activities provide a meaningful connection to Japanese food culture.

The Landscape and Atmosphere

Throughout the stay, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery—mountain vistas, forests, and the tranquility of rural life. Reviewers often highlight how the landscape’s serenity offers a refreshing break from urban chaos. The fact that these landscapes have remained relatively unchanged for centuries adds an undeniable sense of authenticity.

Practical Details: Costs, Group Size, and Logistics

The experience costs $192.07 per person, which covers two meals, the experience fee, and the cozy stay at Uribo. It’s important to note that transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, so plan accordingly. The tour is suited for groups of at least two, with a maximum of ten travelers—making it intimate enough for genuine interaction but still manageable for small-group dynamics.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers who want a deeper connection with Japan’s rural traditions. If you’re interested in authentic gastronomic experiences, like learning about traditional hunting and farming practices, you’ll find this very rewarding. It’s also perfect for nature lovers and those who don’t mind a bit of rustic living.

However, it’s good to remember that the schedule may change depending on the weather and seasonality, and that this experience involves physical activities like harvesting and hunting. Travelers should be comfortable with outdoor work and open to new ways of experiencing Japan.

Final Thoughts

This lodging plan in Tokushima offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s agricultural and hunting lifestyle, blending outdoor activities with hearty, traditional cuisine. It’s a chance to step into a world far removed from city life, where you can harvest your own vegetables, learn traditional methods, and enjoy a meal prepared from wild game that you’ve helped source.

The value here is clear: for just over $190, you’re gaining not just a meal but a deep cultural experience rooted in centuries-old practices. It’s perfect for those who prioritize genuine, hands-on encounters over polished tourist traps.

If you’re curious about rural Japan, eager to learn about sustainable and traditional food sources, or simply want a unique adventure, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting location at Uchino-29 Higashiyama is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer.

What is the maximum group size?
The experience is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and personalized.

What experiences are included in the price?
The fee covers two meals (dinner and breakfast), the experience activities such as harvesting, hunting, and noodle making, and your stay at the guesthouse.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and the payment is non-refundable.

What kind of food will I eat?
You’ll enjoy a full-course meal featuring wild boar and deer meat, along with village-grown vegetables, all prepared using traditional methods.

Who is this experience suitable for?
Those interested in authentic rural life, traditional Japanese cuisine, and outdoor activities like harvesting and hunting will find this particularly appealing.

What should I be prepared for?
Be ready for outdoor activities, possibly fluctuating schedules depending on weather, and the rustic charm of staying in a traditional guesthouse.