Discover Usuki: A Japanese Culture Experience for Foreign Residents
更新日：2025年12月6日
Welcoming Foreign Residents Through Cultural Experience in Usuki
Each year, the Usuki city hosts the Usuki Cultural Experience Tour, a special event designed for foreign residents working in the city. The goal is simple yet profound: to better enjoy and understand Usuki’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant traditions—and to help participants feel truly at home in the community.
A Two-Day Journey with Diverse Participants
This year’s tour, held on November 15 (Saturday) and 16 (Sunday), welcomed 39 participants from 11 local companies, representing five countries—Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The two-day program offered a variety of activities that allowed participants to fully experience Usuki’s unique culture.
Foreign Residents with Mayor Nishioka Foreign Residents with a Woman in Traditional Kimono A Local Shop Owner Shares Mandarins with Foreign Residents Group Photo at Sala De Usuki After the Event Group Photo at Sala De Usuki After the Event
Hands-On Experiences with History and Gastronomy
Each morning began with an engaging seminar featuring quizzes and insights into Usuki’s profile, heritage, and cultural highlights, with a special focus on its renowned gastronomy. Participants then walked through the scenic Nioza Historical Path to Kenshoji Temple, where they experienced Zen meditation under the guidance of the resident priest.
Presentation on Usuki’s Nature, Culture, History, and Traditions Zen Meditation Session at Kensho-ji Temple Zen Meditation Session at Kensho-ji Temple A Stroll Along the Historic Nioza Path A Stroll Along the Historic Nioza Path
Lunch featured a live demonstration of Ohan (Yellow rice) and Kayaku (Stewed vegetables), two beloved traditional local dishes that represent Usuki’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Participants also tried their hand at making rice balls and enjoyed traditional local dishes along with tori-ten, a regional specialty of tempura-style chicken.
Learn the Stories Behind Usuki’s Local Cuisine Learn the Stories Behind Usuki’s Local Cuisine Watch How Usuki’s Local Cuisine Is Prepared Watch How Usuki’s Local Cuisine Is Prepared Watch How Usuki’s Local Cuisine Is Prepared Making Onigiri and Enjoying Usuki’s Local Cuisine Making Onigiri and Enjoying Usuki’s Local Cuisine Making Onigiri and Enjoying Usuki’s Local Cuisine
Exploring Heritage Sites and Local Flavors
Afternoon activities varied by day:
On the 15th, participants joined a guided tour of the National Treasure Usuki Stone Buddhas, gaining deeper insight into their historical and cultural significance. They also took part in a hands-on ginger syrup painting on Usuki crackers at Goto Seika, visited the historic Kotegawa Brewery for a guided tour of the facilities and a sake tasting, and enjoyed the rich, savory flavor of miso soft-serve at Kani Shoyu.
Appreciate the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure Appreciate the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure Group photo in front of the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure Group photo in front of the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure Try Ginger Syrup Painting on Traditional Usuki Crackers Try Ginger Syrup Painting on Traditional Usuki Crackers Enjoy a Local Sake Tasting at a Usuki Brewery
On the 16th, after same brewery and miso stops, participants explored the lively Nobori Market on Hacchō Ōji Street and joined the 10th anniversary celebration of Usuki’s local sake toast ordinance, sharing a mass toast with local residents and contributing to the festive atmosphere. The day concluded with visits to Usuki Castle Ruins, the Inaba family villa, and Yasaka Shrine.
Brewery Tour and Sake Tasting Experience A Mass Toast Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Local Sake Toast Ordinance Group Photo at the Gate of Usuki Castle Ruins Visiting the Villa of the Inaba Clan, a Traditional Samurai Residence Visiting the Villa of the Inaba Clan, a Traditional Samurai Residence A Visit to Yasaka Shrine in Usuki
Building a More Inclusive Future Together
The event was featured on NHK’s morning news. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound love for Usuki and a desire to attend more events like this and live in the city long-term. At the same time, participants offered thoughtful suggestions, such as: “We want to try more Usuki cuisine.” “I’d love to meet and communicate with more locals and other foreign residents.” “I wish we had more information about upcoming events and festivals.”
The city plans to incorporate this feedback into next year’s program, making it even more meaningful and inclusive. With everyone’s support, Usuki continues to grow as a welcoming and culturally vibrant community.
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