Deeper Japan Launches a Limited-Time, Immersive Noh Workshop Tour Program in Hokkaido

In this 3-day tour, guests are introduced to the profound elegance of Noh Theater while enjoying Hokkaido’s natural beauty, upscale accommodations, and gourmet dining crafted using locally-sourced ingredients.

Authentically Luxurious Japanese Cultural Experiences in Tokachi and Obihiro

Indulge in an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night immersion into the rich natural beauty of Hokkaido, which acts as the stage for a rare outdoor Takigi Noh performance. Embrace the ethereal wonder of the great outdoors with an exclusive Kita-ryu Takigi Noh theatrical performance held at Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro City. Illuminated by the flickering glow of bonfires, the subtly profound elegance of Noh, one of Japan’s oldest forms of theater, can be truly experienced.

Noh: A Performing Art with Ancient Origins

The flickering light of bonfires cast shadows across the stage, where Noh performers shatter the still silence of the night with rhythmic chanting. A traditional performing art established in the Muromachi period, Takigi Noh was originally performed as a Shinto ritual praying for blessings and bountiful harvests. As time passed, the theater formalized, infusing literary allusions, Buddhist philosophy, and classical tales from both China and Japan into its plays. Witness the classical tales of "Hagoromo Kasumi," "Shimizu," and "Kurama Tengu Shirato” brought to life in Obihiro.

"Hagoromo Kasumi" depicts the story of a heavenly maiden who retrieves her feather robe from a fisherman using her beautiful dance, captivating all who watch with her elegant movement. "Shimizu," a kyogen play that offers up a comedic respite, tells the tale of a foolish human attempting to monopolize the magical properties of a healing water all for himself. Lastly, in "Kurama Tengu Hakuto" the realm of humans and spirits collide with the appearance of a tengu, a mystical creature that casts a formidable sight. This curated selection of classics allows audiences to encounter a wide array of Japanese culture, as expressed through the skillful techniques of the Noh performers.

An Immersive Noh Workshop

Beyond merely witnessing the professional performers take to the stage, immerse deeper into the profound mystery of Noh Theater with exclusive workshops. Encounter the rich heritage of Noh costumes, masks, and music up close, instructed directly by the Noh performers themselves. Unravel the complex richness that makes this performing style so beloved and enrich your understanding of the art before heading to the stage.

The Pristine Beauty of Tokachi and Obihiro

Stunning natural views, a vibrant food culture, and idyllic charm characterize the Tokachi and Obihiro area, offering a view of Hokkaido unlike any other. Vast grasslands and flowing rivers provide a stunning backdrop while fueling the rich agricultural industry in the region, which supplies the fresh ingredients utilized in the culinary scene.

Over the course of the tour, enjoy dinner in the hotel dining room which infuses these local ingredients to create gourmet dishes. Taste the flavor of Tokachi with locally-produced vegetables, dairy products, and high-quality meat dishes.

Refresh your body and soul with activities featuring the tranquil backdrop of Tokachi’s scenery. Enjoy walking through the natural splendor, or soak in a hot spring at Tokachigawa Onsen to rejuvenate your senses. The perfect package for culturally curious travelers who are looking for both luxury and immersion into Japan’s deep traditions.

An exclusive experience that combines culture with the beautiful setting of Hokkaido’s nature in a region brimming with charm and untapped potential.

A Gourmet Culinary Immersion at Portom International Hokkaido

Experience a fine-dining fusion of French and Japanese cuisine while surrounded by the awe-inspiring Hokkaido scenery at a prestigious hotel whose interior adorned with traditional art rivals the beauty of the outdoors.

Upscale Ambiance at Tateru Yoshino

A decadent gourmet experience that artfully utilizes the freshest ingredients from the Tokachi region to craft seasonal menus infusing both Japanese and French culinary styles. Head chef Yoshino Ken, winner of multiple Michelin stars in both France and Japan and a culinary master who has captivated gourmands from all across the globe, creates delightful new dishes inspired by Hokkaido’s natural splendor.

A combination of traditional dishes and innovative modern flavors, Parisian influence is combined with the abundant ingredients sourced from Hokkaido, achieving maximum flavor imbued with subtle elegance. Enjoy a special selection of sophisticated dishes and experience the richness of the region through this remarkable dinner course.

Takigi Noh: A Spiritual Drama

A performing art where mortals walk amongst the realm of gods, demons, and supernatural legends, Noh is one of Japan’s oldest traditional theatrical styles. Established formally in the Muromachi period, it was originally performed outdoors, in open fields and on the grounds of shrines, as a Shinto ritual calling for divine blessings and abundant harvest. While contemporary stagings most often occur indoors, exclusive Takigi Noh performances occur outside, in a seamless blend of nature and traditional craft. Shrouded by the silence of the night and illuminated by the flickering light of bonfires, Noh actors gracefully perform classical stories that capture the imagination and transport you ages back into Japan’s rich cultural past.

One Mask, Endless Expressions

Imbued with their own spirit, Noh masks are carved by masters and religiously handed down from generation to generation. Though fixed with a single expression, the interplay of light and shadows transforms the emotions displayed by the mask, especially when viewing Takigi Noh outdoors. Countless different masks are commonly used by actors, each representing a variety of roles, including humans, demons, and gods. These priceless masterpieces are imbued with both centuries of history and the spirit of the performer.

Bold Elegance, Brought to the Stage

Woven from silk and embroidered with a vivid array of patterns and motifs, a sheer glimpse of Noh costumes is enough to captivate audiences. With bold embellishments, refined elegance, and hues that indicate a character’s role or circumstances, these textiles demand attention as performers glide deftly across the stage. The visual opulence of Noh costumes shines even brighter in contrast to the austere spirituality of the stage and performance style.

Facing the Future:

Following the disruption caused to the inbound tourism industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan’s travel industry has steadily recovered. Deeper Japan has expanded its team, updated internal systems, and strengthened recruitment efforts in response to increased travel demand. Further planned expansions include the development of domestic areas, such as Hokkaido, as well as the advancement of operations into overseas markets, with a primary focus on European and East Asian countries for the first round of growth.

Deeper Japan’s current business model implemented in Japan’s domestic market, which focuses on transcending differences in language and cultural values to provide enriching travel experiences, will be utilized as a standard to foster travel infrastructure in other locations. This development aims to provide enhanced experiential products to a wider range of intellectually curious travelers worldwide.

About Deeper Japan

Deeper Japan is a brand operated by Deeper Travel Co., Ltd that allows visitors to Japan to seamlessly book traditional cultural experiences that are otherwise difficult to access. By carefully selecting high-quality cultural and immersive natural experiences, and directly collaborating with skilled craftsmen and artists at the forefront, Deeper Japan promotes mutual understanding between different cultures through travel and actively preserves tradition and diversity.

Focus is primarily given to small groups of guests, providing an opportunity for deeper interaction between craftsmen and guests rather than large-scale, superficial experiences. Additionally, certified interpreter guides are employed to ensure interpretation in the guests' native languages whenever possible. Approximately 80 percent of Deeper Japan's clientele comprises independent travelers from Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, collaborations with NGOs, and alliances with local governments and tourist associations, Deeper Japan assists in supporting regional economic development and the conservation of cultural heritage.