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[Musubibito] ~ "Onkatsu Retreat" to learn from Yumi Kuraoka in the hometown connected by Yuzu ~
Orchid with original spice curry making using yuzu and local dishes made by local mothers
We have prepared a retreat time that warms both mind and body, such as a yuzu-scented hand bath experience.
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 a superb view of nature, traditions and culture rooted in the area, and contact with local people. One of the ways 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 called "Musubibito" and play a role in connecting customers with their communities. In Grand Mercure in Japan, programs have been developed at hotels such as "source hunters" in Beppu Bay, "salt craftsman" in Awajishima, "guide of Kumano Kodo" in Minabe Wakayama, and "coal craftsman" in Tosa Kochi in Mercure.
~Retreat trip to warm both mind and body in the Hirai district of Kozagawa-cho with a population of 73 ~
Kozagawa-cho is a land rich in nature, with 96% of the land being forested. At the end of the mountainous area, there is the Hirai district, which is called Yuzu no Sato, with a population of only 73 (*).
In the past, the 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 famous "saury sushi" as a new job.
Various natural conditions, such as the location surrounded by mountains, the clear stream that springs out, and the temperature difference between 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, with the aim of revitalizing the region, Arimi Kuraoka, president of Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato, who actively engages in yuzu cultivation and processing business, 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 spice curry using Hirai's yuzu and the time to warm from the core of the body at the hand spa, not only learn the food culture of yuzu that is inherited in the area, but also the wisdom of hot activity 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 bodies in busy days.
Profile of Yumi Kuraoka
Representative director of the agricultural union corporation "Koza River Yuzu Hirai no Sato".
Based on the desire to `` what can only be done here and to make use of the local resources unique here to rejuvenate the depopulated area, '' industrial promotion and processing business centered on `` Yuzu '', a local treasure We are developing and continuing activities to connect 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 that the appeal of the region gradually expands 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, water, gold and Saturday from December 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 |
| Exclusion period | December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) - 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 more than one group, it will be held at the same time. In addition, the reception will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached. |
| Target age | 6 years or older |
| Reservations | Reservation required at least 11 days prior to the event date ※All-inclusive accommodation reservation and fee 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 bacterium. Please refrain from taking a bath if you are allergic to the Asteraceae family. ※In this plan, staff will only respond in Japanese, and we do not accept information in foreign languages such as English. If you are a foreigner and would like to be guided in a foreign language, please be accompanied by a person who can interpret in Japanese. ※There is no pick-up from the hotel. Thank you for your understanding. |
Point of the program
1. Warm your body gently 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 wormwood while drinking yuzu tea and taking a rest.
(You can choose either a hand bath or a foot bath.) Dry fresh wormwood grown in this area and soak it in warm water boiled in a wood stove to the wrist to promote blood circulation throughout the body and improve the cooling and relax. In addition, we will add essential oil made from local yuzu and Shioya no Teshio, which uses the blessings of the Kuroshio Current to cook seawater with only firewood.
Yuzu is rich in aromatic ingredients such as limonene and alpha-pinene, and is said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and blood circulation promotion. With the power of wormwood, yuzu and salt, it warms the cold body from the core (*). While relaxing in the refreshing scent of citrus and wormwood, you can enjoy conversations with Mr. Kuraoka and local people and spend a relaxing time.
Mr. Kuraoka will explain the history of the Hirai area, 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
With original spices blended using yuzu from Hirai, Kozagawa-cho, 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 original spices, but also the unexpected use of yuzu to classic dishes, recipes using yuzu happily, so it can be used in everyday dishes You can also learn how to do it.
This spice is specially formulated by the spice coordinator master Chikako Tachibana, who runs the spice cafeteria javajava in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, utilizing the scent of yuzu, and is slightly behind the full-fledged aroma It is characterized by the freshness of Yuzu. Contains 13 kinds of spices in addition to Yuzu, such as chili pepper (chili pepper), which is said to improve 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 "Narae" is a dish that has been popular in this area since ancient times, combining burdock, radish, carrot, etc. with fried fried chicken. 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. In addition to the standard deliciousness, we will add a juice squeezed with fresh and fragrant yuzu harvested this year.
With a spice curry with the scent of yuzu and a gentle taste "Narae", you can feel the body warms after meals, and you can spend a warm time interacting with local mothers.
4. 2 kinds of spices using yuzu as a souvenir, warm activity at home
After the experience, the original spices using yuzu "Curry powder", "Yuzu Goko powder (Yuzu U Shen Fen)" "Tomi Chili pepper", "Meterranean Sea Herb Salt", "Exotic Mix Spice", and "Mexican Chile Powder" You can bring your favorite two kinds as souvenirs from 6 types.
"Yuzu Goko Powder", which is a combination of Chinese mixed spices Goko Powder, is used for yakisoba, which makes the usual yakisoba even more delicious.
"Tomi chili pepper", which is a traditional preserved food of Kozagawa-cho, plus aburi ayu, 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 the place of experience "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. If you pass through the seaside road of Kushimoto, you will find a quiet time running along the clear stream Koza River where you can hear the babbling of the river and the voice of birds.
Kozagawa Town, which is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms
In Kozagawa-cho, from late February to late April, you can enjoy various cherry blossoms for a long period of time, such as Kawazu Sakura, Kumanozakura, and Somei Yoshino, which were confirmed for the first time in about 100 years in Japan.
Approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees spread on the shores of the Nanakawa Dam, which is about 20 minutes by car from the Hirai area, have been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and color the Koza River in spring gorgeously.
During the day, along with magnificent nature, the fantastic cherry blossom scenery illuminated at night attracts visitors.
【Spring Recommended Spot】 Introduction of cherry blossoms in Kozagawa-cho
[For cycling too] There are two routes from the hotel
In addition to driving by car, the area around Koza River is a popular spot for cycling. If you turn the pedal, blood will swell and your body will wake up. Cycling is also the best hot activity. If you ride a bicycle in the clear air, you can spend a luxurious time wrapped in the scent of yuzu and the breath of trees, forgetting everyday 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 by combining driving and cycling by car.
▼All-inclusive stay image for one night and two days participating in the Musubibito program▼
■1st night
■2nd night
