HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE JOURNEY

In Chizu, you can do more than observe Japan’s living heritage—you can help shape its future. Work side by side with local craftspeople to restore century-old homes, breathing new life into these historic buildings. Once a flourishing post town in the Edo period (1603–1867), Chizu-juku still retains its rich cultural heritage, including its architecture. This tour takes you to places like Chizu-juku and Mitaki-en to learn about the beauty of Japan’s traditional architecture. In 2025, there is a special program to restore the former Hirano Residence, which is more than 100 years old. Learn how to char cedar boards (yaki-sugi) and repair mud walls, gaining hands-on knowledge of techniques that preserve local heritage and carry it into the future.

Dates

Mid-March to mid-November 2025
(2nd & 4th Sat. and Sun.)

Main Venues

Chizu-juku, Mitaki-en, Hirano Residence

Meals

Mitaki-en, Outdoor dining at Sugi Shrine

Group Size

10–15 guests (minimum 5) days

Duration

2 days

Price

100,000 JPY per person (including lodging, meals, guide, and tax)

Day 1 (10:00-12:00)

Historic Architecture Walk

Take a guided stroll through Chizu-juku, a former post town that still exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1867). Admire traditional wooden houses, learn how local forestry has shaped the area’s building techniques, and discover stories that connect the town’s past and present.

- Insights from experts into Chizu’s history and architecture
- Get a close-up look at building interiors and participate hands-on to learn about their original construction methods.
- Photography opportunities abound as you soak in the town’s historic ambiance.

Day 1 (13:00-16:00)

Restoration Workshop

Join local craftsmen to restore parts of Chizu’s cultural heritage. By learning traditional techniques, you will become a caretaker of these age-old structures. The process of rebuilding and repairing fosters an appreciation for how people have lived in harmony with the forest and passed on these skills through generations.

- Mud Wall Repair: Work side by side with skilled plasterers using local soil and straw.
- Recycled Pottery Materials: Reuse tiles and earth from dismantled old houses, giving them new life in handcrafted pottery.
- Keep your restored or crafted pieces as a souvenir, or leave them in Chizu to become part of its future landscape.

Day 1 (16:00-18:00)

Twilight Stroll Through Chizu-juku’s Historic Streets

Wander past traditional wooden houses and timeworn buildings as the hush of evening settles over the centuries-old post town of Chizu-juku, and discover local culture and everyday life at each turn. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, the streets transform into a dreamlike scene, inviting you to slow down and savor the gentle pace of dusk.

- Explore Chizu-juku with a knowledgeable guide who will explain the town’s historical and cultural significance.
- Admire the nostalgic architecture and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this former Edo-period lodging town.

Day 1 (18:00-9:00)

Stay at Hirano Residence

Spend a memorable night at Hirano Residence, an iconic part of Chizu’s nationally recognized cultural landscape. Admire traditional architecture as you savor an evening meal prepared with local ingredients, and delve deeper into the stories and heritage of the old post town, where weary travelers would seek rest and nourishment during the Edo period.

Day 2 (10:00-12:00)

Woodworking Workshop

Work with local artisans to explore sustainable woodworking techniques using Chizu cedar. Learn how leftover materials and thinned wood from forest maintenance can be transformed into items that promote a cycle of renewal, connecting the forest and community in a single, living tradition.

- Experiment with upcycled cedar offcuts.
- Embrace eco-friendly design practices that honor both local heritage and sustainability.
- Option to keep your creation or donate it to enrich the local cultural landscape.

Day 2 (13:00-14:00)

Lunch at Mitaki-en

Savor rustic mountain fare amid Chizu’s lush greenery at Mitaki-en. Experience the healing power of local ingredients—from pristine water and seasonal wild vegetables to freshwater fish nurtured by Chizu’s natural ecosystems. Through this meal, you will feel a tangible connection to the forest.