A well-being journey in Hida through distillation and dyeing

HIDAIIYO Co. Ltd. have announced the new “Experience Living in Hida Through Distillation and Dyeing” experience, a well-being lifestyle activity that allows participants to connect with the people and nature of Hida from the perspective of those who live in rural areas, such as people who live in multiple locations, nomadic workers, and those who want to move to rural areas. This activity provides an opportunity to reconsider the current way of life.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in moving to rural areas and adopting a multi-site living lifestyle. As a result, the number of people seeking to live in rural areas is increasing, and not only are local tourist spots becoming popular, but trips that allow contact with local people are also attracting attention.

Here are some of the experiences participants can look forward to!

Harvest vegetables with SOYA UNEHATA

The activity begins with a vegetable harvesting experience at SOYA UNEHATA, where vegetables are grown without using pesticides or fertilizers. SOYA UNEHATA grows local beans and seasonal vegetables in the Hida region using farming methods that align with nature and do not involve the use of pesticides or fertilizers. 90% of their vegetables are grown from saved seeds, including heirloom and traditional varieties that carry over to the following year. Visitors can hear from the owner, Mr. Morimoto, about “symbiosis of forests, farms, and living,” experience harvesting, and take home vegetables, wild plants, and mountain vegetables that are full of vitality. Participants can learn about the original way of life of human beings and gain insights into a well-being-based lifestyle suitable for the coming era.

After the harvesting experience, participants can collect kuromoji, a natural plant that grows around the farm. The distillation experience involves extracting ingredients and sealing the scent in a bottle, while the dyeing experience allows for the transfer of color to cloth, awakening the five senses with the blessings of nature.

Discovering the scent and color of Hida forest

A medicinal herb concierge will gather wild kuromoji that grows around the farm, and participants will learn how to identify the herb, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into their daily lives. After returning to the lodging facility, the components of the kuromoji are extracted by steam distillation, and the resulting scent is captured in a bottle. Additionally, a cloth coaster is soaked in a dyeing solution made by boiling the kuromoji to transfer the color.

IORI STAY Accommodation

IORI STAY is a luxury townhouse hotel in the Hida area, offering 6 buildings in Takayama City and 6 buildings in Hida City in Gifu Prefecture that can be rented out. These vacant townhouses have been renovated with various concepts by local craftsmen, creating a comfortable space that preserves the essence of traditional architecture. This brand aims to contribute to the revitalization of the Hida region through tourism, which faces challenges such as population decline, a decreasing birthrate, and an aging population.

The accommodation fee starts at 20,000 yen per person per night for 2 people, including breakfast, tax, and service charges. Each building is located about 10 minutes on foot from the station, but a free pick-up service is available.

Reservation details

Advance application will be required for “Experience living in Hida through distillation and dyeing.”

• Fee: 6,000 yen per adult person, 3,000 yen per child
• Period: 1 May to 31 October
• Time: 10 am ~ 13 pm
• Gathering location: JR Hida Furukawa Station
• Application link: Link

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