~Scent, Nuchigusa, and Blue Zone~.
Private tour by MAKI UEDA, a world-renowned olfactory artist. We will take you on an aromatic journey of Ishigaki Island. The menu will be prepared a la carte according to your request and the weather of the day. Combination of sightseeing spots is also available upon request.
Okinawa, along with Sicily and Costa Rica, is known as one of the three most longevity areas (Blue Zone) in the world. In the Yaeyama region, the culture of using familiar plants as medicinal herbs for cooking has taken root since ancient times, known as “Nuchigusa culture,” and is considered one of the reasons for the longevity of the people. We have experience in attending to overseas reporting groups, so if you wish, we can put together a tour that reinforces this point.
We will introduce the rich aroma culture of Ishigaki Island.
Tour image: Please let us know what you would like to see.
- Pinpoint hunting for the scent of seasonal flowers (Sagaribana, Marnie, etc.)
- Walking in forests rich in negative ions while scent hunting
- Strolling in the herb garden and botanical garden
- Lunch at “Nuchigusa” filled with herbs
- Practice using the sense of smell in nature (simple breathing exercises, meditation)
- Explanation and harvesting of Nuchigusa (herbs and medicinal plants), which have taken root in the daily life of the Yaeyama region
- Guided tour of traditional salt and brown sugar workshop
- Introduction to the lifestyle of long-lived locals, and talk with them if the timing is right
- Shopping for fragrant products at a local farmer’s market (full of fragrant fruits and herbs as souvenirs)
- Workshop on perfume making and shell ginger distillation available upon request (extra charge).
- Sunset stroll along the seaside while fragrance hunting
- Dinner with Yaeyama’s local cuisine
- Please let us know your other requests.
Reference Price:
- Including transportation, group rate for up to 3 (max. 4) persons.
- Does not include food and beverage.
- We will issue invoices and receipts.
- Various payment methods available incl. credit cards.
- Pickup at Ishigaki Hourbor is available.
- Please contact us for a custom tour estimate, or for custom hours of trip.
Day course (10:00-15:00): 120,000 yen (+10% gov. tax)
A half round trip around the island. You can experience the deep nature of the island. Lunch will be served at a place of your choice that emphasizes the fragrance of the island.
Half-day course (around 10:00-12:00 or 13:00-15:00): 80,000 yen (+10% gov. tax)
We will take you to Banna Park or other places where you can collectively observe fragrances.
Twilight course (around 18:00-21:00): 100,000 yen (+10% gov. tax)
Ishigaki Island has many flowers that bloom at night such as sagaribana and night fragrant trees. We will guide you to the flowers that are in bloom at that time.
