THE SACRED CROP
October 19-23, 2026
Rice speaks to the Japanese soul as both sacred ritual and daily comfort.
In autumn, nothing is more revered than a steaming bowl of pristine shinmai, the season’s freshly harvested new rice. We'll celebrate this most humble yet divine of grains while savoring fall flavors like Spanish mackerel and green citrus. We’ll also venture to Itoshima to explore the craft and alchemy behind Japan’s most essential seasoning: soy.
RICE HARVEST
Session Lookbook
It’s the season of shinmai and ginnan—new rice and gingko nuts. Autumn mackerel are rich and full-flavored, perfectly offset by refreshing green citrus
Join Us
We’ll begin with a hands-on masterclass in musubi, also known as onigiri—Japan’s beloved hand-formed rice balls. A local chef will guide us in cooking rice to perfection and forming the iconic triangular shape, offering insight into these soulful staples of the Japanese table.
We'll gather to learn the art of shimekazari, sacred talismans braided from rice straw.. Under the guidance of Mashima-san, we’ll learn to twist and weave straw into auspicious shapes that honor the harvest gods. You’ll craft your own amulet to bring home—a blessing for the year to come.
come to mirukashi
Make your way to Karatsu, nestled in the northwest corner of Kyushu—just over an hour by train from Fukuoka’s airport or shinkansen station. We’ll gather at the Mirukashi Salon, perched on a quiet hilltop, and begin with a lively welcome dinner full of fresh, seasonal flavor.
We’ll visit Hanako in her studio, where she’ll share her philosophy of form, function, and the quiet poetry of everyday objects. Watch as she brings vessels to life with her signature throwing techniques. Together, we’ll create a piece for you to bring home — a tactile memory of Mirukashi.
We’ll visit an innovative sake brewery where tradition meets experimentation. Taste sparkling sake made in the méthode champenoise and cask-aged shōchū with notes reminiscent of whisky. We’ll be welcomed into a hidden tasting room to savor a curated flight.
Back in the Mirukashi kitchen, we’ll learn to make kashiwameshi, an heriloom family recipe. With our newly honed rice skills, we’ll shape musubi to pack alongside seasonal sides and simple sweets. A seasonal, celebratory lunch —ready to enjoy in the crisp autumn air.
We’ll picnic in the golden glow of an October landscape, closing our meal with matcha and confections. Later, back in Mirukashi, we’ll sear mackerel over open flame—tataki style—infusing it with the earthy aroma of smoldering wara, rice straw. A final feast, and a farewell to remember.
Wake up to one last seaside sunrise. Today you leave not just with memories, but with new eyes — a new rhythm, a new way of meeting life. Because the real souvenir isn’t something you pack — it’s the quiet shift within you that lingers, long after you’ve left.
Let the waves lull you to sleep each night in this 4-star oceanside sanctuary. Watch the sunrise from your room, stroll the shoreline beside a forest of ancient pines, or unwind in the onsen, sauna, or rooftop thermal pool. This is your place to rest, reflect, and feel restored.
Salon sessions are $3,550 USD per person. To reserve your place, a non-refundable deposit of $1,800 is required. The balance is due 60 days before your session begins.
Four nights of quiet comfort in a private room, all meals and drinks lovingly prepared, and transportation during the salon experience. (Travel to and from Karatsu is not included.)
Plans shift. If you need to reschedule, I understand. While deposits are non-refundable, with at least 60 days’ notice, I’ll gladly apply your deposit to a future salon session.
Small gatherings. Lasting impressions.
With just 7 seats per session, space is limited by design — for a deeply personal experience.
If this speaks to you, I invite you to reserve your place.
Request to join