Trace the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most famous shoguns, through the history, craftsmanship, and food culture of Gamagori.
Begin at Takeshima, a small, forested island connected to the mainland by a bridge across the sea.
Here, visit Yaotomi Shrine, where Ieyasu and other samurai warriors are said to have prayed for victory before battle. With your Professional, English-speaking guide, discover the stories connecting Ieyasu, Takeshima, and the surrounding Mikawa region.
Then step into the world of Mikawa cotton, a traditional local textile said to have been promoted by Ieyasu in Edo. Watch how cotton becomes thread before sitting at a loom to weave a colorful coaster of your own.
The journey continues through food with onigiri, the simple rice balls that sustained samurai warriors on the battlefield. Prepare your own using regional ingredients such as Hatcho miso, nori seaweed, and umeboshi pickled plums. Taste freshly cooked rice prepared in a traditional pot and try your hand at making futomaki, Japan’s classic thick sushi roll.
Together, these experiences reveal the story of Ieyasu and Mikawa through three distinctly Japanese traditions: samurai history, craftsmanship, and food.
This experience is available with two departure times. Please select your preferred start time when booking.
Meet your Professional, English-speaking guide in the lobby of Hotel Takeshima. From here, set out to explore Tokugawa Ieyasu’s connections with Gamagori through its sacred landscape, traditional craftsmanship, and local food culture.
Walk from Shunseien Garden toward Takeshima, a small island rising from Mikawa Bay and connected to the shore by a bridge across the sea. The entire island is designated as a National Natural Monument for its distinctive vegetation.
Visit Yaotomi Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu and numerous other samurai warriors are said to have prayed for victory in battle. As you explore the island, your guide will bring to life the connections between the shrine, Gamagori, and one of Japan’s most influential shoguns.
Discover a more everyday side of samurai life through food. Make onigiri, the portable rice balls said to have been eaten by warriors on the battlefield, using local ingredients such as Hatcho miso, nori seaweed, and umeboshi pickled plums.
Watch rice cook in a traditional pot and enjoy it freshly prepared before trying another Japanese favorite: futomaki, a thick rolled sushi traditionally made for celebrations and special occasions.
Explore Mikawa cotton, a traditional textile associated with the region and said to have been promoted in Edo by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Learn how raw cotton is transformed into thread through a demonstration of the spinning process.
Then take your place at a loom and experience weaving for yourself. Choose threads in your favorite colors and create an original Mikawa cotton coaster to take home as a handcrafted reminder of your journey.
The tour concludes after your weaving experience at Takeshima Craft Center.
For tours beginning at 11:30 AM: The experiences will take place in a different order: onigiri and futomaki sushi making, followed by Takeshima and Yaotomi Shrine, and finally Mikawa cotton weaving.
The following options can also be added to your tour. Please inquire when booking.
Hotel Takeshima Lobby
This is a walking tour that includes crossing the 387-meter Takeshima Bridge and walking along paths around the island.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking. If no dietary information is provided, we will assume you have no restrictions.
This experience is booked on request. We will respond to the request within 5 days
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| No-show or cancellation after tour departure | 100% of the tour price |
| On the tour date | 50% of the tour price |
| 1 day prior to the tour date | 40% of the tour price |
| 2 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 or more days prior to the tour date | Free |
Takeshima, Gamagori