On the final day of the APacCHRIE 2026 Osaka Conference, Sunday, May 31, a variety of excursions will be offered by Kansai-based organizations and RBS students.
Please review the overview below, and if any excursion matches your interests, kindly make your reservation directly through the respective websites.
Please note that these excursions require separate registration and are not included in the conference registration. We sincerely hope that all APacCHRIE 2026 participants will enjoy their stay in the Kansai region.
Taste of Tradition: Home-Style Japanese Bento Cooking at an Ancient Temple in Kobe SATOYAMA
Discover the lesser-known rural side of Kobe, a city famed for its bustling port, and experience the unique terroir. Join us for an immersive journey at Mudōji Temple, a historic sanctuary home to nationally designated Important Cultural Property Buddhist statues. Here, you’ll cook authentic Japanese home-style Bento-box using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy the rare opportunity to harvest produce in the fields, connecting directly with the land that nurtures Kobe’s bounty. Let your senses guide you as you taste, touch, and experience the true essence of Kobe’s countryside.
＊We also offer an optional private accommodation plan in the tranquil Satoyama region.
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka
Factory Visit: A Journey into Sakai’s 600-Year Blade-Making Heritage
Experience the enduring spirit of Japanese craftsmanship in Sakai, a city shaped by more than 600 yearsof traditional blades crafted by master artisans. This program allows participants to observe Sakai’s cutleryproduction—praised by chefs across the globe—and to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritagethat defines the region.Your visit is guided by Eric Chevallier, a French-born specialist formally trained in authentic Sakaiblacksmithing. Inside the forge, you will feel the intensity of the charcoal fire, hear the clear ring ofhammered steel, and witness how the metal is skillfully shaped using time honored forging techniques.Eric’s expert explanations offer valuable insight into a craft distinguished by precision, discipline, andartistry, making the experience intellectually engaging as well as visually striking.This program is well suited as an activity before or after meetings and serves as a valuable site visit forcompanies and individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of Japan’s craftsmanship andmanufacturing culture. It provides a meaningful opportunity for anyone wishing to gain deeper insightinto Japan’s manufacturing traditions rooted in Sakai’s historic forging culture.
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka
JR Kyoto Station
Ritsumeikan University Osaka-Ibaraki Campus
Many more excursions will be announced—stay tuned!