Kitaakita Trip Overview
Learning the ancient ways of the indigenous Matagi people and experiencing their profound spiritual relationship with nature. Basing yourself in a wonderful, remote lodge for two-nights, Oriyama-san will take you out trekking in the mountains and valleys for the day, where its natural bounty is revealed. Dining will be a cornerstone of your experience, be it surrounding a bonfire out in the wilderness or feasting on Matagi staples such as ‘Kiritampo-nabe’, or more adventurous local game, back at the lodge. This is an experience for those interested in exploring Japan’s natural world and culture on a deeper level than most, learning from 13,000 years of Matagi life in this region, and in sharing their environment in both gratitude and respect. The Northern Wilderness Immersion includes two-nights’ accommodation in a remote, luxury lodge, entry to a private outdoor onsen, all meals for the duration of your stay and a full day in the wilderness with Oriyama-san and an interpreter.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Kitaakita, Japan
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Nature & Wildlife
Explore Kitaakita Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kitaakita, Akita, Japan
Learning the ancient ways of the indigenous Matagi people and experiencing their profound spiritual relationship with nature. Basing yourself in a wonderful, remote lodge for two-nights, Oriyama-san will take you out trekking in the mountains and valleys for the day, where its natural bounty is revealed. Dining will be a cornerstone of your experience, be it surrounding a bonfire out in the wilderness or feasting on Matagi staples such as ‘Kiritampo-nabe’, or more adventurous local game, back at the lodge. This is an experience for those interested in exploring Japan’s natural world and culture on a deeper level than most, learning from 13,000 years of Matagi life in this region, and in sharing their environment in both gratitude and respect. The Northern Wilderness Immersion includes two-nights’ accommodation in a remote, luxury lodge, entry to a private outdoor onsen, all meals for the duration of your stay and a full day in the wilderness with Oriyama-san and an interpreter.
Itinerary
Day 1: Deepen bonds with each other and learn about Matagi culture
Stop At: Nakanomata-131 Nemorita, Kitaakita, Akita 018-4512, Japan
Arrive at the local station, where you are met off the train and welcomed to the region and driven to the remote lodge. A welcome dinner of ‘Oyakodon’ with Hinai local chicken, for the more adventurous. After dinner you will get to know your hosts and learn about Matagi culture, before heading out on a star-gazing walk in to the local wilds.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Dinner: It’s served rice in a bowl with chicken and an beaten egg boiled with soup stock. It also comes with side dishes & sake.
Accommodation included: Guest house
Day 2: Walk in the mountains with Matagi and experience nature with your whole body
Stop At: Nakanomata-131 Nemorita, Kitaakita, Akita 018-4512, Japan
Let’s go out to the mountains and valleys with Oriyama-san and a interpreter. This is your opportunity to stretch your legs, immerse yourself in a remote beautiful corner of Japan and ask any questions you have about the flora, fauna and Matagi culture. Before you head out, Oriyama-san will perform a ritual to purify oneself, traditional before the ‘hunt’ for wild animals. And for the Matagi, as well as foraging for vegetables and mushrooms, this was the purpose of such forays in to the wilderness. Learn how to track animals, discover the trees and vegetation they often used for medicinal purposes, and see how that made tools and ornaments from natures’ bounty.
This wonderful trek comes leads you back to the lodge in the mid-afternoon. After a short rest, you may join or observe the sacred Matagi ritual for preparing poultry for the evening meal. While dinner is stewing on the pot and you head to a local onsen, for a relaxing bath in the private outdoor hot springs before dinner.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A choice of Japanese or Western breakfast, before you head out in to the mountains.
• Lunch: Lunch is on the mountain, sitting around a bonfire, using utensils fashioned (yourself) from the tree branch.
• Dinner: Dinner is served in the evening, as the local and traditional Kiritanpo chicken feast is served over an Irori fireplace.
Accommodation included: Guest house
Day 3: Check out after breakfast
Stop At: Nakanomata-131 Nemorita, Kitaakita, Akita 018-4512, Japan
A choice of Japanese or Western breakfast, and, when you are ready, you are driven to the local railways station for your onward journey.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A choice of Japanese or Western breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.