Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Osaka (Kansai International Airport) to Kagoshima (Yakushima Airport).

Day 2: Yakusugi chopstick-making workshop on Yakushima. Related to the Expo's theme, "saving lives."

Having overcoming harsh living conditions, Yakusugi trees are imbued with vitality and possess a unique fragrance. Connect further with these trees through a "Yakusugi Chopstick-Making" workshop, led by patient artisans. This interactive experience walks you through the process of selecting your favorite piece of wood, carving, and polishing, which releases the yakusugi's heavenly fragrance. The activity will truly capture all your senses! The quality of the wood and shape varies from piece to piece, with some having a more curved grain, resulting in a curved shape, and some sporting straight grains, resulting in a straight chopstick. Why not experience the revitalization of Yakusugi and breathe new life into these ancient trees?

Day 2: Eisa Dance in Ryukyu Village, Okinawa (optional). Related to the Expo's theme, "saving lives."

There is a theory that the Okinawan Eisa evolved from mainland Japan's "Nenbutsu-Odori" (a Buddhist folk dance performed to pacify the spirits of the deceased) about 400 years ago. At Ryukyu Village, which hosts shows daily, you can watch performances filled with dynamic drums and heroic dance moves that are guaranteed to inspire you. The mix of massive drums, dancing, singing (praising the Buddha), and Sanshin (an Okinawan and Amami Islands musical instrument and precursor of the mainland Japanese shamisen) playing is a must-see! Eisa drumming resonates with spectators' hearts and evokes a sense of unity through its lively performances, allowing them to feel the vitality of life.

Day 3: Lodge at Treeful Treehouse in Yanbaru, Okinawa. Related to the Expo's theme, "empowering lives."

"Coexist with nature" with an overnight stay in a real tree house at a sustainable resort in Yanbaru, Okinawa. The resort offers many unique activities that are not available elsewhere, including river trekking, a treehouse river sauna, a bonfire dinner, a body/facial treatment inside the treehouse itself, an eight-wheeler adventure, and a play date with a grass-cutting goat. The treehouse produces more solar power than the resort can use and is a sustainable space that solely uses eco-friendly electricity. The facility has a number of rules in place to protect the environment, such as building structures 1.2 meters above the ground and prohibiting the cutting of trees. By experiencing the abundant nature of Yanbaru, Okinawa, and sustainable living, you can immerse yourself in a stay that embodies the power of life.

Day 3: Okinawan karate adventure. Related to the Expo's theme, "connecting lives."

Karate is Japan's representative martial art and is said to have over 130 million enthusiasts around the world today. The Okinawa Karate Kaikan offers a number of different experiences, including tours of the dojo and reference room, exhibitions, programs for beginners and tile-breaking experiences. The kaikan is a place where locals preserve, pass on and develop the unique culture of Okinawan karate in the place where karate was born. Both the Okinawa Karate Kaikan tour and experience offer valuable opportunities to train the mind and body. Learn about the essence of 'spirit,' which is the life that has been passed down through karate, and reflect on oneself.

Day 4: Fly from Okinawa to Tokyo or your home country.

Destinations

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