Kakimori Story Quest
Connecting Mountains and Sea through Oysters
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Oyster rafts floating in the rich sea of Setouchi.
Inside each and every one of them, the blessings of the headwater forests reside.
"A rich sea begins with a healthy forest."
This is a story that lets you feel the invisible baton of nature with your own five senses.
A journey tracing the connection between Satoyama and Satoumi woven by Setouchi oysters.
The "Satoyama" of Hokubo, Maniwa, and the "Satoumi" of Hinase, Bizen in Okayama.
At first glance, these two distant places are linked by a single story of life through the flow of the Asahi River.
Oyster rafts floating in the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.Within each and every oyster, blessings from the distant headwater forests actually reside.
Hinase, Okayama is known as one of Japan's leading oyster farming areas, but the rich sea is supported by mineral-rich water flowing from the mountains. A healthy forest is the key to protecting the abundance of the sea.
However, in recent years, changes in seawater temperature due to climate change and a serious shortage of personnel to maintain the headwater forests have caused the natural cycle to gradually break down. If the forest deteriorates, the water quality changes, affecting the marine ecosystem.
Faced with these challenges, two rangers who will guide this quest have a strong desire to "increase the number of companions who protect nature."
In this program, you will experience the natural connection through a journey from the forests of Hokubo to the sea of Hinase, linking Satoyama and Satoumi.
On the first day, in the headwater Satoyama, you will learn the role of the forest through a woodcutter experience while walking through limestone caves and forests.
In the evening, gather around a bonfire and enjoy a meal featuring the blessings of the mountains and sea, experiencing the natural cycle by "eating" it.
The next day, head to the Setouchi sea.
Tour the fishing grounds by boat and see the oyster rafts up close by canoe to learn about the marine ecosystem and the reality of farming.
This quest is not mere sightseeing. It is a journey to understand the connection between forest and sea, converse with local people, and think about a sustainable future. Why not take a step toward protecting nature with the rangers?
Ranger Introduction
In OSSU programs, "local heroes" who sweat in the field, using, nurturing, and regenerating natural resources, will appear as rangers to guide you.
Kenta Kobayashi
Koba-ken（Satoyama Area)
I am Koba-ken, a woodcutter who grows trees in the Satoyama of Hokubo and thinks of the sea. I am an OSSU ranger challenging everything from planting to thinning to create the forest that produces the logs used for oyster rafts. In this journey, I will guide you through the story that connects the forest and the sea through 'sustainable forest management with oysters in mind.' Hokubo and Hinase are connected by 'water' flowing from the Asahi River to the Seto Inland Sea. Delicious oysters start with healthy headwater forest management. The woodcutter's forest management, which is rarely seen in daily life, is an extraordinary and exciting experience. Please come and help me with my forest management while having fun together.
Misa Hirose
Micchan（Satoumi Area)
As a researcher for the NPO 'Satoumi Creation Research Conference,' I am in charge of the secretariat for the 'Marine Environment Change Response Project.' I listen to fishermen nationwide about real abnormalities occurring in the sea, summarize those precious voices, and work to connect them to the future. I myself have been participating in the eelgrass bed restoration activities in Hinase-cho since 2024. Every day, we are sustained by the 'blessings of nature' called seafood. People, marine life, and this town—I am working every day toward a future where everyone can coexist comfortably.
Knowledge and Experience Value for Participants
01
Learning "Biodiversity" with Five Senses
By witnessing the diverse creatures (seafood) encountered at sea and the changes in forest brightness, soil, and plants, you can understand the importance of environmental conservation as a "realization" rather than an abstract concept.
02
Living Dialogue" with Rangers and Local Businesses
By connecting with the thoughts and challenges of rangers and local businesses living with nature through two-way communication, you gain a deep connection with the region rather than transient tourism.
03
Tasting" the Sustainable Cycle
Seafood grown with mountain nutrients and Satoumi rice grown with oyster shell fertilizer. The experience of eating the "fruits of the Satoyama-Satoumi cycle" on the spot teaches you the story behind the food.
04
Participation in Nature Restoration Action
Gain a sense of accomplishment by sweating in "authentic fields" that are impossible for individuals alone, such as thinning trees in the forest and experiencing the sea by fishing boat or kayak.
Model Plan
DAY
１
SATOYAMA
DAY 1: SATOYAMA (Maniwa City, Hokubo)
Meeting Time: 13:00
Meeting Place: Hokubo Machi-no-Eki Parking Lot
(639 Shimoazae, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, 716-1433)
Activity:After meeting, input the quest story at Machi-no-Eki and visit limestone caves at the headwaters.
Woodcutter experience for about 3 hours in the ranger-managed forest (with a coffee break).
Evening dinner featuring Satoumi rice, oysters, and blessings of the mountains and sea.
Arrangements such as bonfire BBQ or hearth cooking in an old folk house are possible upon request. Stay in Hokubo
(recommended accommodation provided upon request).
Accommodation in Kitabo (recommended accommodations will be provided upon request)
DAY
２
SATOUMI
DAY 2: SATOUMI (Bizen City, Hinase)
Dismissal Time: Around 16:00
Activity:After breakfast in Hokubo, travel to Hinase individually.
Meet the ranger at Gomi-no-Ichi parking lot and attend a lecture on the marine environment at Hinase Umi Lab.
Then, tour the fishing grounds by fishing boat and have a fisherman's lunch.
In the afternoon, inspect the offshore oyster rafts by canoe with a guide, and finally visit the oyster workshop.
Dismissal at Hinase Fishing Port.
The above plan is a model itinerary recommended by Quest.
Other arrangements can be made upon request.
Please fill in the request form for details.
What You Can Gain from This Quest
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Understand the relationship between Satoyama and Satoumi locally and learn the mechanism of the cycle.
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Learn about real environmental conservation challenges through dialogue with rangers and local businesses.
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Get much closer to nature through physical activities.
Safety and Support
Each program includes a professional guide. We arrange safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets and make judgments based on weather and sea conditions. Small group system (max 8 people), so even beginners can participate with peace of mind.
Access and Transportation
Meeting and dismissal at the site (traveling by your own car) is the basic rule. If you wish for a plan with a shuttle vehicle from Okayama Station or Okayama Airport, please consult us at the time of application.
Clothing and Belongings
Easy-to-move clothes, warm clothes (winter), work gloves, non-slip shoes. Waterproof/warm outer layer for the sea. Drinks, hydration bottles, sun protection, etc. Details will be provided at the time of application as belongings vary by content.
Contribution to Sustainability
Part of the participation fee is used for field maintenance and safety management. The spread of interest itself becomes a power for conservation, creating a virtuous cycle where the health of forests and seas leads to the quality of oysters.
FAQ
Q. Can children participate?
A. There may be age limits or accompaniment conditions for safety reasons. Please inquire in advance for details.
Q. What happens in case of rain?
A. Activities may be changed or canceled depending on weather and sea conditions. Handling of rescheduling and refunds will be guided at the time of application.
Recommended For
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Individuals and families who want to experience the connection between nature and food.
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Companies and educational institutions considering sustainability training or team building.
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Inbound tourists looking for a new journey in Setouchi (English support available).
For More Details
This tour is planned and implemented by Club Tourism International Inc. Please read the linked article for details and inquire via the contact form.
Estimated Experience Fees
The above fees are estimates for the quest's recommended model course. Experience fees will be determined based on request details. Please describe what you want to experience in this area in the request form.
