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[Musubibito] ~ Onkatsu retreat to learn from Yumi Kuraoka in the hometown connected by Yuzu ~
Orchid with original spice curry made with yuzu and local dishes made by local mothers
We have prepared a retreat time that warms both mind and body, such as a hand bath experience with yuzu fragrance.
What is Musubibito?
Considering urban areas and tourist centers around Japan as "Omoya" and beautiful areas that are not yet known as "Hanare", "Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa" is a hotel located in an area that can be said to be "Hanare". "#Hanare Journey" is a sil of a trip where you can enjoy the scenery rich in nature, the traditions and culture rooted in the area, and contact with local people. One way to enjoy this #Hanare Journey is the original experience program "Musubibito". In this program, people who are familiar with the region and continue to preserve tradition and culture are referred to as "Musubibito" and play a role in connecting customers with their communities. In Grand Mercure in Japan, programs have been developed at hotels such as the source hunter in Beppu Bay, the salt craftsman in Awajishima, the Kumano Kodo Guide in Minabe Wakayama, and the charcoal craftsman in Tosa Kochi in Mercure.
-Retreat trip that warms the mind and body in the Hirai district of Kozagawa-cho with a population of 73 ~
Kozagawa-cho is a place rich in nature, with 96% of the land being forested. At the end of the mountainous area, there is the Hirai district, called Yuzu no Sato, with a population of only 73 (*).
In the past, Hirai Village was a region that flourished in forestry. With the decline of forestry after the war, people will start cultivating yuzu, which is indispensable to Kii's specialty "saury sushi", as a new job.
Various natural conditions, such as the location surrounded by mountains, the clear streams that spring up, and the temperature difference in morning and evening, grow fresh and fragrant yuzu.
Reference: Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato https://yuzusato.jp/
* As of October 1, 2025
In this program, Yumi Kuraoka, Representative Director of Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato, who actively engages in cultivation and processing of yuzu with the aim of revitalizing the region, will be invited to Musubibito. In addition to Kuraoka, we will also provide food and wellness experiences using yuzu to interact with local mothers.
Through the making of original spices curry using Hirai's yuzu and the time to warm from the core of the body at a hand spa, not only learn the food culture of yuzu that is inherited in the area, but also the wisdom of hot activities that can be used in everyday life after travel It is content that can be brought back.
We propose a "retreat trip that warms both mind and body" that is recommended for those who tend to forget the time to care for their body in busy days.
Mr. Yumi Kuraoka Profile
Representative director of the agricultural union corporation "Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato".
Based on the desire to `` make use of what can only be done here and the local resources unique here to energize the depopulated area, '' we will develop industrial promotion and processing business centered on `` Yuzu '', a local treasure We are developing and continuing activities to connect our hometown to the future.
Yuzu products born in Hirai no Sato value the aroma and gentle taste of the ingredients without using additives as much as possible so that important families such as children and grandchildren can eat with peace of mind. In recent years, he says that he is delighted to see the spread of the charm of the region gradually through sales in France and exchanges with repeat customers from all over the country.
In the future, we aim to create a system that allows both energy and food to become independent in the community, and we are working hard every day to further revitalize the region.
Plan Overview
Contents included in the experience Yuzu and Yomogi hand bath or foot bath, original spice curry making experience, lunch, 2 kinds of spices using Yuzu
| Reservation start date | From November 7, 2025 (Fri) |
|---|---|
| Period of implementation | Every month, Wednesday and Friday from December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 |
| Exclusion period | December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) to January 2, 2026 (Friday) |
| Implementation time | From 10:00 (approximately 2 hours) |
| Experience venue | Koza River Yuzu Hirai Village "Yuzu School" |
| Cost | 6,000 yen per person (including consumption tax) |
| Number of people | 2 to 10 people ※If you apply for multiple groups, it will be held at the same time. In addition, the reception will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached. |
| Target age | Over 6 years old |
| Reservation | Reservation required at least 11 days prior to the event date ※All-inclusive accommodation reservations and charges are required separately. |
| Application form | Click here to apply |
| Remarks | ※Images and productions are images. ※The contents of the experience and lunch may differ depending on the season and purchase situation. ※The wormwood used for hand bath and foot bath is the family Asteraceae. Please refrain from taking a bath if you are allergic to the Asteraceae family. ※In this plan, staff only responds in Japanese, and we do not accept information in foreign languages such as English. If you are a foreigner and would like to ask for information in a foreign language, please be accompanied by a person who can interpret in Japanese. ※There is no shuttle service from the hotel. Thank you for your understanding. |
Point of the program
1. Warm your body with a hand bath of Yuzu and Yomogi
This program starts with an experience of warming the body with a hand bath using yuzu and yomogi while drinking yuzu tea and resting.
(You can choose either a hand bath or a foot bath.) Dry fresh wormwood grown in this area and soak it in warm hot water boiled in a wood stove to the wrist to promote blood circulation throughout the body, improve cold and relax. In addition, we will add essential oil made from local yuzu and Shioya no Teshio, which is cooked only with firewood, making use of the blessings of Kuroshio.
Yuzu is rich in aromatic ingredients such as limonene and α-pinene, and is said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and blood circulation promotion. With the power of wormwood, yuzu and salt, it warms the cold body from the core (*). While relaxing in a refreshing citrus and wormwood scented space, you can enjoy conversations with Mr. Kuraoka and local people, and spend a relaxing time.
Mr. Kuraoka will explain the history of the Hirai district, a rare yuzu production area in Honshu, the characteristics of yuzu grown in areas blessed with the clear stream of the mountains and the Koza River, and cultivation and processing methods in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition to tasting, you can also learn more about the good work of Yuzu on the body.
＊Reference: Tokyo Gas Urban Life Research Institute Urban Life Report “Susume of Comfortable Bus Life”
2. Spice curry making with original spices using yuzu
This is an original spice blended with yuzu from Hirai, Kozagawa-cho, where you can experience handmade spice curry that warms from inside your body. Curry is a body-friendly recipe with a light finish mainly made of fresh vegetables and chicken without using flour or butter.
During cooking, Mr. Kuraoka and local mothers will teach you not only the features of the original spices, but also the recipes using yuzu, from the unexpected use of yuzu to the standard dishes, so it can be used in everyday dishes You can also learn how to do it.
This spice was specially prepared by Chikako Tatehata, a spice coordinator master who runs "Spices Cafeteria javajava" in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, making use of the scent of yuzu. It is characterized by the freshness of yuzu that feels slightly. It contains 13 kinds of spices in addition to yuzu, such as chili pepper (chili pepper), which is said to have a function to enhance metabolism and improve blood flow, and cinnamon that is perfect for warm activity that improves blood circulation and has a sweating effect.
3. Lunch time that warms both body and mind with local cuisine prepared by local mothers
After cooking, it is lunch time with spices curry made by ourselves, dressing salad using yuzu, and local dish "Narae" made by local mothers.
The local dish "Nara Ae" is a dish that has been popular in this area for a long time, combining burdock, radish, carrot, etc. with fried oil. Root vegetables used in cooking are rich in vitamins that promote blood circulation, so they are said to have the effect of preventing and improving cold, making them perfect for warm activity. Adding a little effort to the standard deliciousness, we will add the fresh and fragrant yuzu squeezed juice harvested this year.
With the spices curry with the scent of yuzu and the gentle taste of "Naraae", you can feel the body warm and warm after meals, and spend a relaxing time interacting with local mothers.
4. 2 kinds of spices made with yuzu as a souvenir, warm life at home
After the experience, from the original spices using yuzu "Curry Powder", "Yuzu Goko Powder (Yuzu Wo Shen Fen)" "Jumi Chili", "Mediterranean Sea Herb Salt", "Exotic Mixed Spice" and "Mexican Chili Powder" You can bring your favorite two kinds as souvenirs.
"Yuzu Goko Powder", a combination of Chinese mixed spices Goko Powder, is used for yakisoba, which makes the usual yakisoba even more delicious.
"Jumi chili pepper", a traditional preserved food of Kozagawa-cho, luxuriously added sweetfish, is ideal for udon and soup.
Along with memories of your trip, you can easily enjoy the scent of yuzu and the spice habit that warms your body at home.
Access to experience place "Yuzuno School" and surrounding information
In the rich nature of Hirai, where the clear stream of the mountains and the Koza River flows, there is a "Yuzu School" that makes use of the old school building. It is about 50 minutes by car from the hotel to Yuzu school. When you pass through the seaside road of Kushimoto, you will see a quiet time running along the clear stream Koza River where you can hear the babbling of the river and the voice of birds.
On the way, there are breathtaking superb views, such as the national natural monument "Singichiiwa" and the large ginkgo, which is about 30 meters high and is estimated to be 400 years old, enshrined in "Kosenji". Especially from late November to early December, you can see the autumn leaves, and the scenery of the large ginkgo dyed golden and the Koza River wrapped in clear air will further deepen the appeal of your trip.
Reference: Kozagawa Town Tourism Association https://kozagawakanko.jp/
[For cycling too] There are 2 routes from the hotel
The area around Koza River is a popular spot for cycling as well as driving by car. If you turn the pedal, the blood will circulate and the body will wake up. Cycling is also the best hot activity. If you ride a bicycle in the clear air, you will be wrapped in the scent of yuzu and the breath of trees, and you will be able to spend a luxurious time forgetting your daily life and refreshing your heart.
It is also recommended to travel by car until the way back and forth of the experience, stroll by bicycle at each spot you care about, and enjoy a combination of driving and cycling by car.
[New Year holidays only] Yuzuyu held
From December 22, 2025 (Winter Solstice) to January 3, 2026,
We will prepare "Yuzuyu" with the yuzu of "Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato" at the large public bath on the 1st floor of the hotel.
Please welcome a warm and calm New Year while being wrapped in the scent of yuzu raised in the rich Koza River.
▼One night, two days, all-inclusive stay image of participating in the Musubibito program▼
■1st night
■2nd night
