The Experience
Uncover the hidden charms of Matsubara through this guided cycling tour
Matsubara City, known as the "Osaka's navel," has flourished since ancient times as a transportation hub and a place for cultural and economic exchanges. This tour offers you an opportunity to enjoy the charms of historic Matsubara City while touring the city by bicycle. From making Japanese sweets, or traditional ranma, to visiting a shrine famous for its love fortune, and even enjoying a special lunch made with rare Kawachi duck, this tour offers it all.
Start the tour from the local station
This guided cycling tour takes you on a journey to explore the culture and nature of Matsubara. As you make your way through the city, uncover its rich history and how it intersects with modern times.
The tour starts from the century-old Nunose Station, loved by the locals.
Let the journey begin!
▼Effortless cycling on electrically assisted bikes
Receive a blessing at the venerable shrine famous for “love divinations”
The first spot we will visit is the Nunose shrine, which has a long history dating back to ancient mythological times. This tour also includes a special worship experience not usually available to the general public.
A special guided tour by the shrine priest will let you learn more about the history and origin of the shrine, as well as its hidden charms. You will also have a rare opportunity to go up to the main shrine, which is normally off-limits to visitors. A special moment in such a sacred space will cleanse your mind and imbue you with energy.
▼Gentle explanation by the shrine priest
▼Before leaving the shrine do not forget to try the “love divination”. The fortune telling slips are popular nation-wide not just because they tell your fortune in all things love and romance, but also because they include encouraging messages to give you a bit of courage in your romantic pursuits.
▼The precinct of the shrine is also a perfect photo spot.
Taste the exquisite lunch including top quality duck at Nagomi
Kawachi duck is Japan's finest brand of duck meat, known as a rare, safe and secure foodstuff that can be eaten raw due to its freshness and high quality.
In this tour, you will have the opportunity to taste this special Kawachi duck in a luxurious setting at Nagomi, a Japanese restaurant that puts great emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.
▼Enjoy the unique culinary culture of Matsubara City through a variety of dishes made with the freshest Kawachi duck.
▼This tour includes a special menu otherwise not available to customers
▼Nagomi prides itself on employing Japanese cuisine techniques that maximize the flavor of Kawachi duck. As a result, each dish is carefully prepared to provide a unique and luxurious dining experience.
Osaka Ranma experience with a 400 years long history
Ranma is a beautiful technique that symbolizes the Japanese architectural style, and its elaborate wood carvings can be seen especially at temples and shrines. This tour offers a rare workshop experience during which you will be taught all about ranma by one of the few remaining traditional craftsmen.
The difficulty may surprise you at first, but so will the beauty of the finished product.
▼Choose from many various designs
▼See the techniques of master craftsmen up close and then try your own hands at making the traditional Japanese ranma transoms.
▼Spend a fun and enriching day learning the secrets of the traditional crafts, gently passed down by the master craftsman Takahashi Koumei.
Japanese sweets making experience at a traditional house
The sweets making experience will be held at privately rented out "ten cafe," a traditional Japanese house cafe loved by the people of Matsubara City. This traditional café features a relaxed Japanese-style atmosphere, and time spent here is truly a luxurious experience.
Learn how to make traditional Japanese sweets directly from established professionals. The store is committed to using only the finest ingredients and expressing the beauty of each season in their wagashi creations.
▼The combination of the relaxed atmosphere of the ten cafe and the gentle personality of the sweets professional make for a very fun and pleasant experience.
▼Mr. Nakanishi from Okashi-tsukasa Yoshinoya Matsubara is a prominent representative of Japanese sweets makers.
▼Kick back and enjoy the unique culture of Matsubara, included experience and the relaxed atmosphere of the store.