About the Tour
On November 22nd, 2026 (Sunday), a special tour, "National Treasure Shokoji Temple Special Visit x Ahora Aqui! A Special Day of History and Fine Dining," will be held at the National Treasure Shokoji Temple in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. The tour brings together the history, culture, and food of the area in a single day.
The theme of the tour is "Savoring a National Treasure."
The program includes a special visit to Shokoji Temple with a professional guide and an experience exploring the "Seven Wonders" (七不思議) legends handed down within the temple grounds. It also features a special course meal, available only on this day, prepared by Ahora Aqui, an innovative restaurant in Takaoka.
The meal is prepared by two chefs. Owner-chef 大角公彦 worked as an official residence chef in Bolivia, South America, and received an "Outstanding Official Residence Head Chef" commendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Head chef 横田啓介 trained at renowned restaurants in France. Drawing on their different experiences and sensibilities, the two chefs have created a one-of-a-kind special course inspired by Takaoka's ingredients and the history and spirituality of Shokoji.
Participants can see the beauty of a historic building, learn the stories passed down in the community, and taste the character and culture of the land through food, in a day that is difficult to experience on an ordinary sightseeing trip.
Learning About Takaoka's History and Culture at Shokoji Temple
Takaoka, in Toyama Prefecture, is blessed with abundant nature and is a city where history and traditional craftsmanship remain alive.
The National Treasure Shokoji Temple stands in the Fushiki district in the northern part of the city. It has long been deeply rooted in the lives of local people and carefully handed down over the years.
On this tour, a professional guide leads participants around the grounds while explaining the history and architectural features of Shokoji. Learning about the history behind the buildings and their connection to the community offers a deeper way to enjoy the temple than looking at the architecture alone.
Special Visit to the National Treasure Shokoji Temple
One of the highlights of the tour is the special visit to the National Treasure Shokoji Temple.
With explanations from a professional guide, participants learn about the architecture of this historic temple and the culture that has been carried on over a long span of time. The visit offers a view of the temple's history and architectural beauty from a different perspective than an ordinary visit.
Exploring the "Seven Wonders" of Shokoji
Shokoji has long been home to various legends known as the "Seven Wonders" (七不思議).
During the tour, participants walk around the grounds with a professional guide and look into these mysterious traditions, including why such stories came to be told. The Seven Wonders serve as an entry point for enjoying the history of Shokoji and the surrounding area from a slightly different angle.
A One-Day-Only Meal by Ahora Aqui
A special lunch held at the National Treasure Shokoji Temple is one of the main attractions of the tour.
The meal is prepared by Ahora Aqui, an innovative restaurant located in the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Sano Family Residence Main Building (佐野家住宅主屋) in Takaoka's Yamachosuji district.
Owner-chef 大角公彦 worked as an official residence chef in Bolivia and received an "Outstanding Official Residence Head Chef" commendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Head chef 横田啓介 trained at renowned restaurants in France and now works in his home region of Toyama.
The two chefs developed a special course for this tour, with each dish carrying a story inspired by Takaoka's ingredients and the history and spirituality of Shokoji. The concept is "Turning the Land and History of Takaoka into a Story on a Single Plate."
Highlights of the Day
1. Special Visit to the National Treasure Shokoji Temple
A professional guide explains the history and architectural beauty of Shokoji.
2. Shokoji "Seven Wonders" Experience
Participants walk through the grounds to learn about the mysterious legends handed down there, and look into their history and background.
3. Special Course Meal by Ahora Aqui
A one-day-only meal inspired by Takaoka's ingredients and the history and spirituality of Shokoji.
The program fits Takaoka's history, culture, and food into about three and a half hours.
Recommended For
- Those who want to visit Takaoka or learn more about it
- Those who like historic buildings, temples, and shrines
- Those who want to enjoy the National Treasure Shokoji Temple from a different angle
- Those interested in local ingredients, food culture, and special meal experiences
- Those who enjoy trips that combine history, culture, and fine dining
- Those interested in relocating to Takaoka, living in two places, or connecting with the community
- Those who prefer trips that go beyond sightseeing to learn about local culture in depth
The tour also welcomes anyone who is not yet thinking about relocating but is a little curious about the Takaoka area, as a chance to connect with Takaoka through travel.
Tour Details
- Event Name: National Treasure "Shokoji Temple" Special Visit x Ahora Aqui! A Special Day of History and Fine Dining
- Date: November 22nd, 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: 10:30 AM – around 2:00 PM
- Duration: About 3 hours 30 minutes
- Meeting Place: National Treasure Shokoji Temple, 17-1 Fushiki Furukokufu, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
- Tour Fee: ¥35,000 per person (tax included)
- Capacity: 20 participants
- Minimum Number of Participants: 8
- Lunch: Included (special course meal by Ahora Aqui)
- Tour Conductor: Accompanies the tour
- Application Deadline: November 13th, 2026 (Friday)
Schedule
- 10:30 AM: Meet and check in at the National Treasure Shokoji Temple
- 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Special visit to Shokoji Temple and Seven Wonders experience (guided by a professional guide)
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Special course meal by Ahora Aqui
- Around 2:00 PM: Tour ends and participants disperse
Tour Fee Notes
- The fee includes the special visit fee, the special course meal, tour conductor fee, and other costs.
- Transportation and accommodation to the meeting place and other personal expenses are not included.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through JTB's dedicated application site.
https://n-tabeat.jtb.co.jp/tabeat/List.aspx?tourno=0ce701c5df6b483392bed35c
※ The schedule and content are subject to change.
