{"ops":[{"insert":"During the Edo period, Esashi flourished through the herring trade carried by Kitamaebune merchant ships. This guided tour offers participants the chance to step into the shoes of townspeople of that era and experience their work and daily lives firsthand. The tour begins at a facility that introduces the story of Esashi as a Japan Heritage site, where participants learn about the town’s history and culture through Esashi folding screens and exhibition panels. Participants then actually carry a traditional wooden backpack container called a mokko, once used to transport herring, load it with wooden herring replicas, and walk along the historic Inishie Kaidō road to the Former Nakamura Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. At the unloading storehouse known as the Hanedashi, participants unload the herring and receive a banbō, a wooden token that served as proof of work in those days. Presenting this token allows participants to enjoy services at facilities around the town. The tour also includes painting a shop name (yagō) to mark ownership of the mokko and experiencing a weight close to that of the real loads used in the past. This approximately 100-minute journey allows visitors to relive the history and prosperity of Esashi through its historic streetscape.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"This is a special, once-a-month experience tour where you can enjoy Esashi’s local cuisine and live performances of Esashi Oiwake at The Former Nakamura Family Merchant House designated Important Cultural Property that is usually not open for private use. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, you will first learn about the history and culture of Esashi Town. Then, on the second floor of The Former Nakamura Family Merchant House, you can slowly savor local dishes prepared specially for the day, including herring cuisine. To complete the experience, enjoy live performances of Esashi Oiwake, one of Japan’s three major folk songs, performed by three musicians utilizing vocals, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and shamisen. In the special tatami room where important business negotiations once took place, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Esashi while savoring this unique and memorable moment.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"This special guided tour lets you experience Esashi’s local cuisine, live performances, and live dances of Esashi Oiwake, recreating the “Banquets of Esashi Merchants” documented in Edo-period guidebooks and the Esashi folding screens. First, a guide introduces you to the history and culture of Esashi Town. You can immerse yourself as a townsman of the past, experiencing herring trade tasks such as carrying a mokko (traditional basket). The tour then moves to Kamome Island, a site associated with Esashi merchants where Kitamae ships once docked, to relive the festive banquets of that era. While savoring local dishes, enjoy performances of Esashi Oiwake, one of Japan’s three major folk songs, along with Esashi Oiwake dances, performed live by vocalists, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), shamisen, and dancers. This luxurious experience allows you to enjoy the history and culture of Esashi with all five senses.\n"}]}