COVA’s Revitalization Program for Winter of 2024
The Katada experience ~a distinctive experience of the local area~
- a visit to the local shellfish farm, mingling with local fishermen and tasting the local shellfish
- a visit to the local Ise lobster market, experience removing Ise lobsters from nets ※
- a visit to the local fish market together with COVA’s kitchen staff ※
- a cooking workshop with COVA’s chef's special recipe
(a choice of cooking Ise lobster bisque or making seasonal dried fish) ※★
- exploring the flora and fauna of COVA’s “Satoyama” (Japanese word that describes a rural area, usually a hill or mountain, where nature and people have traditionally coexisted through sustainable management of the natural environment, an intermediate zone of nature and human activities)
- experience firewood chopping and building fire in the traditional style (the fire will be used to roast sweet potatoes to enjoy afterwards as a treat)
- botanical dyeing workshop with plants and flowers gathered from the premises of COVA
- extracting aroma from herbs harvested at COVA’s garden
- an outdoor tea ceremony in tranquility at COVA’s gazebo on the Satoyama overlooking the private cove
- a visit to a local artist’s workshop (Kenji Yoshida, copperplate engraver, known for his copperplate prints which depict the local Ama divers and expresses the beauty of the traditional local culture*)
- harvesting eggs from the silkies (also known are the Chinese silk chicken) at COVA, to enjoy the fresh eggs with steaming clay pot rice in the TKG style
Physical activities to deepen the relaxation of the mind
- Yoga session at the gazebo area to deeply immerse yourself in the Satoyama surroundings
- Sauna & Open Water Swimming in the private cove
- Kayaking along the ria coast (deeply indented coastline)/ SUP (stand up paddling) in the rias to enjoy the exotic landscape from sea level
- Surfing at Kounohama beach, a go-to beach for surfers in Japan ※★
- Fishing at the sea with multiple options of bay casting, raft fishing, open-sea charter fishing, etc. ※★
- Picnic at the Azurihama beach with a prepared lunch basket ※★
A walk around the Okushima landscape (courses are registered in the RunGo app, download app and search COVA KAKUDA)
- the coastal town route from Nakiri Daio to Daio Takadai: approx. 2.1 km, 35min.
(explores the town of Nakiri, a coastal town on a hill with a charming lighthouse and stone pavements, historically a popular town for landscape painters for its picturesque seascape)
- starting from COVA, through Katada Village and Cape Mugisaki Lighthouse, back to COVA: approx. 5.0 km, 60 min.
(starting out from the quiet cove at COVA, this course will take you to the rougher waters of the pacific with intriguing geological sites such as tide pools and stratum foldings)
Trekking & Trail Running (courses are registered in the RunGo app, download app and search COVA KAKUDA, also possible to arrange human guides)
- start from Santozan, going through Yonago Beach and the Nakiri Daio Lighthouse: approx. 3.2 km, 60 min
(designed to watch the sunrise from a cliff on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, also passes by the the beautiful seascape of Nakiri, former katsuobushi (bonito flake) processing plant, and finally arrive at the fish market)
- crossing the winter beach starting from Ichigohama Beach: approx. 5.5 km, 105 min
(a slightly demanding physical workout course alongside the pacific which will take you past the Ama (women divers) village, passing by the seaweeds hanged on the rack to dry, fish market, etc.)
- start from the Nakiri Fish Market, going through Daio-cho Nature Walk arrive at Ichigo Beach: approx. 5 km, 90 min
(a route to simply enjoy the serene winter beachside going through small beaches, a seashore forest and seaside village)
※Other courses are also available. Possible to customize on request.
COVA-style Sake (Japanese rice wine) tasting ※★
A local sake expert will be invited to hold a private session to guide the experience of enjoying the local sake from Mie prefecture and other areas. Guests can learn the difference in ingredients such as rice, different brewing processes, etc.
COVA style visit to the Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine)
Starting the morning with禊/Misogi (a cold sea water purification ceremony) on the raft at COVA, guests will cleanse the mind and body in the Ishiburo (Stone bath), and then head off to physically visit the Ise Jingu Shrine to offer prayers*
★ additional charge will be applied
※ requires scheduling in advance
