【Now Accepting Reservations】 Trace the “Salt Road” — Bull Sumo Tournament & Iwate Shorthorn Beef Tour

Join us on a two-day journey filled with the charms of the “Salt Road” , where you’ll witness the thrilling Hiraniwa Highland Bull Sumo Tournament, experience traditional Noda salt-making, and visit pastures where free-range Iwate Shorthorn cattle are raised. The highlight of the tour is a refined dinner featuring premium Iwate Shorthorn beef, carefully prepared to showcase its natural flavor and quality.

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Course A- June

◎Chef Tomohiro Morita

Trained in French and Italian cuisine, after serving as the chef at a members-only French restaurant, Chef Morita opened his bistro “RIZO” in Sangenjaya, Tokyo, in 2013, specializing in homemade charcuterie and rice dishes. Now based in Nagaoka, Shiwa (Iwate), he is involved in Noll project, developing a new auberge set to open in summer 2025. A passionate lover of Iwate’s ingredients and producers, he brings exquisite dishes to this tour!

Course B – October

◎Chef Yasuhiro Higa

Chef, food producer, and ingredient hunter.

Active as a chef since 2002 , he promotes the concept of “the restaurant is where the journey takes you.” Founder of “Peace Kitchen TOKYO” and developer of numerous food products and catering services, his work spans a variety of areas, from restaurant consulting to menu creation, always providing practical, on-the-ground solutions that meet the unique needs of each location.”

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◎Toshiyuki Kakinoki – Kakinoki Livestock

A passionate producer and advocate of the rare Yamagata Village Iwate Shorthorn cattle. Hear firsthand stories about cattle farming and the local bull sumo culture!

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◎Salt Road Expert Guide Shinji Fugane– FUGANE

Craftsman of Iwate Shorthorn Cecina (dry-cured beef ham), inspired by Spain and awarded in international competitions. On the tour bus, enjoy his tales of reviving the Salt Road through food!

◎Tour Overview

Depature Day： Course B　 October 18th(Sat)-19th(Sun) ,2025
（~~Course A　 June 7th(Sat)-8th(Sun) ,2025~~　Tour application acceptance has ended.）

Capacity: 20 participants (minimum 15)

Price: ¥55,000 per adult (1 night, 2 days; round trip from Morioka Station)

Includes: Accommodation, experiences, guided visits, chartered bus, and meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
Note: Drinks not included—please pay on site

Accommodation: Green Tage Lodge (Kuzumaki Town) – Japanese or Western-style rooms for 1–2 people
Pre/post-tour accommodation in Morioka or other areas available on request

Tour Guide: Accompanied from Morioka Station

◎Itinerary

Day 1

9:00 – Meet at Morioka Station

10:00 – Arrive at Iwate-Numakunai Station

10:15 ―Travel via chartered bus along the historic Salt Road

Lunch – Mori no Sobaya (Forest Soba Restaurant) in Kuzumaki

Enjoy handmade soba made from Iwate-grown buckwheat　

＝＝Head toward Kuji area＝＝

Visit to Kakinoki Livestock in Kuji

Observe the free-range Shorthorn cattle and learn about their care
　

＝＝Head toward Noda area＝＝

Noda Salt Workshop

Watch the traditional salt-making process, known for its purity

＝＝Shopping and break at Road station Noda＝＝Head toward Kuji area＝＝

17:00　Dinner Exchange at “※Mamebu house” in Kuji　※a traditional soup from Kuji with dumplings filled with walnuts and brown sugar
Enjoy a community meal with local residents and surprise guests

20:00　Overnight stay at Green Tage Lodge, Kuzumaki
Relax in the open-air bath and stargaze under the clear mountain skies

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Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel

9:30 Depart for Hiraniwa Highland via chartered bus

10:00　Hiraniwa Bull Sumo Tournament

Witness powerful matches where the strongest bulls battle in this exciting traditional event

Bullfighting fans gather from all over Japan, filling the venue with incredible energy and excitement!

Lunch – Iwate Shorthorn Beef Bento

Soft, tender simmered beef highlights the rich flavor of the region　＝＝Head toward Nikarube area＝＝

Visit to “Elite Pasture,” Kuji Public Grazing Land

See the Shorthorn cattle living freely in the great outdoors

＝＝＝Kuzumaki＝＝＝

Stop at Kuzumaki Wine

Taste award-winning wines, especially those made from wild grapes, and shop for local cheese and more
　

＝＝＝Iwate town＝＝＝

“FUGANE” Factory operated store

17:00 Premium Dinner at Sakurayama guest house

Savor an exclusive “Salt Road Dinner” featuring full-bodied Iwate Shorthorn beef—only available on this tour!

（images for illustration only ）

7:00 PM – Depart via shuttle

7:15 PM – Arrive at Iwate-Numakunai Station and return to Morioka Station via shuttle (by 20:15)

Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on weather and road conditions

How to Apply

Call us at 019-658-8644 or apply via the online form below.
After receiving your request, we’ll send you a short questionnaire.
Once your participation is confirmed, please pay the deposit or full tour fee within 3 days.
After the remaining balance has been paid, we will send you the final travel information no later than five days before departure.
On the day of the tour, meet at the designated location and depart!

Please review the full itinerary, tour terms and conditions, and travel contract before applying.

《Travel Terms and Conditions for Organized Tours》

《Click here for the General Terms and Conditions of Travel》

【Application Form】

Planning Support: Kakinoki Livestock / FUGANE

Organized by: Travel Link Co., Ltd.

Registered Travel Agent No. 2-227, Iwate Prefecture

Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

Travel Service Supervisor: Kimiko Kitada

6th Odori Bldg. 4F, 3-2-2 Odori, Morioka, Iwate

TEL: 019-658-8644 (Weekdays 10:00–17:30)