My experience at Kirimeki was truly one of the best and most unique experiences I had in my life. My Kirimeki program was scheduled during my final days of my study abroad semester in Japan in July of 2025, and I couldn’t have pictured a better way to wrap up my time in Japan. The Kirimeki program provided me a unique opportunity to experience Japan on the off the beaten path To start, I really appreciated Kira’s enthusiasm and energy when I was first picked up from the bus station. Kira was more than happy to explain our plans for my program and explained how the town means so much to her. I got an exclusive tour of the Kirameki Center which is the headquarters of her cultural revitalization, and she was able to explain not only her history on how business came to be, but also her hopes and intentions of she wants to promote cross-cultural collaboration with foreigners and the people of Kitahiroshima. After dinner we went to an abandoned school where I got to see amazing a Kagura (Shinto Traditional Dance) practice. Kira did an excellent job giving a detailed explanation on the history of Kagura in Kitahiroshima and how she formed connections with her fellow performers and how the promoting Kagura team and taking part of the team helps preserve the culture and the performance. The next day I got the opportunity to ride electric bikes through the pretty mountains of Hiroshima Prefecture through a local vendor. It was truly amazing to ride in the countryside and past through numerous amounts of farmland and pretty countryside houses. We had the opportunity to stop a pretty waterfall and a starting point for a hiking trail. Afterwards, we got a bite to eat at local farmhouse that included an herb garden restaurant on a hill. Kira got to show me around the herb garden, and it was wonderful seeing the fresh food that was being grown in the garden in the beautiful countryside. I was served a very healthy and natural dish of chicken and fresh vegetables that I thought was really tasty. On my final morning of my program, I went to visit Astro Park which is a locally run community center and I got the chance to volunteer and help Nakao-san with cleaning the outdoor fountain. This was really special as I got the opportunity give back to local community and felt immersed for something that is bigger than my myself. I even got the opportunity to take part in Nagashi Somen and catch noodles along a stream of water. My favorite part about my whole time at Kirameki was the people that I met throughout my couple days in the Japanese countryside. As someone who has 3 years of Japanese under their belt it was so nice for me chat about different topics in regard to culture, music, and history with the locals. Every single person in Kitahirsohima had a smile on their face and curiosity to talk to me and learn more about myself. It truly brings peace and happiness to look back to my conversations with the people and their passion for promote the history and culture of the Japanese countryside. To Kira, thank you for all your efforts for putting all your hard work and efforts to share a valuable community to all of us. It was a true blessing to see all your hard work and efforts of revitalizing the Japanese countryside in person, and not just through a screen. It was true honor to visit your community and meet the people you have connected in one of the most beautiful places I have been in the world. I really enjoyed staying in a quiet peaceful community in Japan and feeling connected to the people, and it felt honored that this was my last stop of my four months of studying abroad in Japan. I’m excited to see what Kirameki becomes in the near future and I hope that this program brings in more curious open-minded foreigners and Japanese people for many many years to come to help showcase the beauty, peace, and history of the Japanese countryside, in a time where the appreciation for the simple things is needed the most.

Kirameki is a truly unique and wholesome experience in Hiroshima. If you are a traveler that is looking to make a deeper connection with real immersion into Japanese culture, this countryside retreat is for you. The host and founder, Kira, pours every ounce of passion into every program that is custom tailored for every guest — whether it’s adventures in nature, workshops in various Japanese cuisine, tea ceremony, traditional arts & crafts, kimonos, archery, Kagura performances, or even training as a samurai, there is something for everyone! Kira takes care of every detail, from accommodation to transportation, meals, booking with partners, translation and so much more, that you can be certain every aspect of your trip will be taken care of. Furthermore, this is more than just a tour experience, as Kirameki’s core mission is centered around rural revitalization and sustainable tourism. Your visit will be directly supporting the local community development and cultural preservation of the countryside of Japan, worthwhile in and of itself. Most of all, with Kirameki you are sure to make a new friend, be it with one of her many kind & generous local partners, Kirameki volunteers and staff, or with Kira herself. I for one will be returning to Kirameki for many years to come and am proud to support their mission. ありがとうございます !

We had a wonderful experience with Kirameki. It was the highlight of my trip to Japan. Kira is very meticulous and curated everything for us perfectly, while trying to accommodate our needs. I got to meet and connect with many locals and English speakers. Kira and the other guides were always showing me new things to learn. The stay was excellent and experience was well worth it. Felt really special to me.

Kira is everything you will want in a tour guide. Smart, ambitious and pleasant to be around. Leave the planning to her and enjoy your trip!

My experience with Kirameki was fantastic and one I recommend for those seeking an authentic countryside experience in Japan. The people of Kitahiroshima were incredibly kind and hospitable. Kira did a great job facilitating a variety of activities ranging from home cooked Hot Pot (nabe), Soba noodle workshop, sake brewery tour, local tea house, a Kagura show, to visiting local nature spots, and more! There’s something for everyone including multiple lodging options to suit your taste. I look forward to visiting again and if you want to get away from the big cities for a bit this is a wonderful option to do so and you’ll be in good hands with Kira!