Holiday Giveaway: It’s All Up For Grabs!

Christmas is already upon us and, just as we did last year, we want to celebrate the holiday season by doing our HUGE annual giveaway! This is our way to show you our appreciation and to thank you, our readers, for supporting us.

There are tons of fantastic prizes to be won. Our partners have been so generous and are allowing us to give away a large selection of sensational items, experiences and delicious treats.

In this year’s contest we are featuring: Nikko Style Nagoya, Nagoya is not boring, 5 AM Ramen, Kokoro Care packages, Bokksu, Japanese Green Tea Co, Kagoshima Tea, Japanese Coffee Co, Japanese Knife Co, Tezumi Tea, Lucy Seligman, Eighty Degrees, Yunomi Tea, Hiyoshi Ryokan, Kimono Mom, Fauchon L’hotel Kyoto, Nio Teas, Furumaya house, Zen Kokyu, and Hayashi Honten.

We are so grateful to these companies and would like to thank them all! They have beautiful products and experiences, so make sure to check out their websites.

As in previous years, we also have our own prize: an Arigato Travel food tour of your choice. So be sure to enter the giveaway. It’s easy, details are at the end of this list of fabulous prizes.

Now on to showcasing the 20+ prizes on offer!

Nikko Style Hotel Nagoya

Our beloved partner Nikko Style Nagoya has been so kind to give away a two-night stay for two people at their hotel, breakfast included (and we can certainly tell you that the food is top knoch there!) The hotel is a lovely place with beautiful rooms, exceptional service, and English-speaking staff. It is conveniently located in the center of Nagoya which makes it great for a short trip. This prize is ideal for everyone who wants to experience the city in luxury. You can choose the dates (pending availability) from January 10th to July 31st, 2024, excluding Saturday check-ins and Golden Week.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people)

Link to their website: https://nagoya.nikkostyle.jp/en/

Nagoya is not boring

Nagoya Is Not Boring has been so kind to give away a walking tour of the oldest parts of Nagoya and a tea brewing workshop. On this tour, you will visit Shinto shrines, walk the historic Shikemichi Street, and discover the secrets of Endoji, the oldest shopping arcade in the city. A unique thing about this experience is that you get to learn about the art of brewing Japanese tea. Whilst the tour usually only runs on Thursdays, our friends at Nagoya is Not Boring are offering the chance to hold the tour on other weekdays for our giveaway, pending availability. If you want to learn more about Nagoya and tea, this prize is for you.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people)

Link to their website: https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/

5AM Ramen

Our dear friend Frank from 5AM Ramen is THE ramen expert in Japan. And this year he is joining us to give away a Private Ramen Kitchen Experience for 2 people, date pending availability. In this workshop, you will learn to prepare authentic ramen. Afterwards, of course, you can enjoy the delicious bowl you made yourself. You will learn about the best ingredients, preparation, and, of course, all the equipment and techniques. This prize is exactly what you want if you love ramen and want to learn more about it.

We personally tried it and it was a dynamic and tasty experience. You can read all about it here.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people)

Link to their website: https://www.tokyoramentours.com/ramen-kitchen-experience

Kokoro Care Packages

The lovely ladies at Kokoro Care Packages sell all kinds of Japanese food-related products. They are known for their subscription boxes, which are filled with various Japanese artisanal ingredients and an English brochure with the stories of the producers and great recipes on how to best best prepare dishes that feature each ingredient. This year we are giving away the Vegan Shōjin Ryōri: “Zen” Care Package.

“Shōjin Ryōri is the Buddhist vegan cuisine that draws upon the Zen philosophy of using fresh, local ingredients to nourish the body and soul through food. We encourage you to slow down and experience the zen spirit of mindful eating while you enjoy these vegan specialties. An English brochure, product descriptions, producer stories, suggested uses and full-color recipes are included.”

In addition, Kokoro has also been kind enough to provide a discount code! You can get 10% off on the entire assortment with the code: ‘ArigatoJapanHoliday2023’, available until December 31st 2023.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://kokorocares.com/

Snack Boxes from Bokksu

One of our oldest partners, Bokksu provides subscriptions for Japanese snack boxes. A unique aspect of their monthly assortment is that each package has its own theme. Their products come from family-run businesses so you know they are of the highest quality. We will be giving away 3 of these snack boxes to 3 lucky winners. They are: The Bokksu Snack Box, The Hello Kitty Snack Box, and A Japan Crate Box. The Bokksu Snack Box is a box filled with authentic traditional Japanese snacks, candies and tea. The Hello Kitty Snack Box is all about Hello Kitty. This includes exclusive snacks and collectibles. Finally, the Japan Crate Box is also filled with popular and famous Japanese snacks.

Number of winner(s): 3

Link to their website: https://bokksu.com

Japanese Green Tea Company

The Japanese Green Tea Company sells everything tea related. They even have their own farm, to make sure they only sell the best of the best. This ensures impeccable taste that has led to being 3-time winners of the global tea championship. Thanks to them, we have the honor of offering the prize of a green tea of choice. They have many different types, so there is something for everyone.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://dreamofjapan.com/tea

Kagoshima Tea Company

Our partner Kagoshima Tea has made the kind offer to give away one of their teas of your choice. Kagoshima Tea is not just your ordinary tea–it’s grown in the second biggest prefecture for tea production in Japan. If you win this prize you will experience the quality and taste of delicious tea. Our partner makes sure that they only use the best leaves which ensures an amazing quality. This kind of tea is known for its many health benefits so you will want to win this prize. You can choose from a wide range of products, Just take a look at their website and you will see just how many awesome options they have to offer. If you love tea, this is definitely the prize you’ll want.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://kagoshimatea.com

Japanese Coffee Company

The Japanese Coffee Company is an supportive partner and we are glad that we have the chance to offer one of their finest products as a prize. The company makes sure that its quality is top-tier, so drinking it will unveil a one-of-a-kind coffee experience. The prize we have on offer is a coffee of your choice. They have many different coffees to choose from, fortunately, they also have a coffee finder. With that finder, you can easily know which coffee suits you the best. This is the ultimate prize for everyone who loves high-quality coffee.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://dreamofjapan.com/coffee

Japanese Knife Company

The Japanese Knife Company is known for its specialty knives. We all know the reputation of Japanese knives. The quality of their products is incredibly high and your special knife will last you a lifetime. It is difficult to get these high-end blades because there aren’t many traditional blacksmiths anymore, but the Japanese Knife Company managed to partner with a selection of craftsmen who still practice their 1000-year-old forging traditions. Only this way do you get the best knives that are loved by chefs and home cooks alike. We are so proud to have the honor to give away a $100 gift card you can use on their website, so if you want a new favorite knife, try your best to win.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://dreamofjapan.com/knife

Tezumi Tea

We know a lot of you love matcha. Well, lucky for you, our partner Tezumi Tea has provided us with a matcha box gift set this year. Tezumi Tea is a company that sells various products focused on Japanese tea, and all their products come from small artisanal producers. Featuring a wooden box for a classy presentation, this set from Tezumi features their three most popular flavors. They are all grown in the greater Uji area of Kyoto, famed for its high-quality matcha production for centuries. The three powders all have their own taste profile; Kanoyama is rich and balanced, Umezuki is bright and fresh, and Uji Hikari is creamy and sophisticated. This allows you to experience the many flavors of matcha.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://www.tezumi.com/

Lucy Seligman

Lucy Seligman is a renowned author who knows a ton about Japanese food. She started a culinary newsletter on Japanese cuisine, which later became a blog. As a follow-up to this blog, she became an author. We have the honor to give away two of her works: Wonderful World of Osechi, and Easy Japanese Recipes, both of which are signed.

“A Japanese New Year recipe book – New Year’s is one of the best times in Japan, at least for eating and relaxing. Shogatsu, the New Year’s holiday, is celebrated from midnight on December 31st until January 3rd or 4th, or even longer by diehards. People in Japan believe that a proper beginning to the year will ensure the entire year is happy and prosperous, which is why this tradition is so important. It is supposed to be bad form to cook food on the first few days of the year, so people prepare all the food that they need for the holiday season a day or two in advance. All of these New Year’s recipes in my ebook are fast to make, easy, and quite delicious. Start your New Year’s off, well-rested and healthy.”

“Easy Japanese Recipes for the Home Cook is a compilation of Japanese recipes specifically cultivated to keep things simple and easy in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or new to cooking in general, these easy recipes are what you need to get started. Not only does the author walk you through easy Japanese hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, and desserts, but she covers donburi and ramen as well. Easy Japanese Recipes for the Home Cook is especially ideal for those who have a Japanese foreign exchange student visiting, as the meals are perfect for families and to give your visitor a taste of home.”

This prize is apt for everyone, whether you are a novice cook or already have a lot of experience. The winner gets both books.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://www.thanksforthemeal.net/

Eighty Degrees

From our partner Eighty Degrees, we are giving away a bundle package of 4 of their latest issues. Eighty Degrees is a specialty magazine released 3 times a year. This is not just any magazine–when you read this you will immerse yourself in the culture of tea from around the globe. It has 156 pages and is made from gorgeous uncoated paper. You can start your journey of tea discovery with these four issues. You will find interesting stories about tea and beautiful photography. Tea lovers will be delighted for certain.

Number of winner(s): 1 (worldwide except Russia and Ukraine due to shipping issues)

Link to their website: https://www.readeighty.com/

Yunomi Tea

Yunomi Tea has offered us the prize of three of their tea bag Christmas sets. In this set are the 3 main types of Japanese tea; matcha-infused fukamushicha and genmaicha, and hojicha (roasted green tea). These flavors are handpicked by their staff from all the thousands of teas they have. Because of this, you get the most delicious flavors. The quality of their products is incredibly important to Yunomi Tea, they want to maintain this quality, and that’s why they package the tea in metal cans. This tea will definitely make your day better and kick off your interest in green tea.

Number of winner(s): 3

Link to their website: https://yunomi.life/

Hiyoshi Ryokan

Hiyoshi Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, located near Seibu-Chichibu Station in Saitama Prefecture, making it the ideal location to sightsee the city and the nature around it. The rooms of this Ryokan are designed to make the guest as comfortable as possible. It is not just an inn stay, you get an authentic experience. They have both Western and traditional Japanese rooms, and in the Japanese rooms, you can sleep on tatami and futon. Thanks to them, we are giving away a 9000 Yen discount coupon (valid for one year). Reservations need to be made through the hotel’s website. With this prize, you can enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway or get off the beaten track during your future trip to Japan.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people or more including the winner)

Link to their website: https://hiyoshi-ryokan.com/

Kimono Mom

Kimono Mom is known for spreading Japanese home cooking worldwide, and on YouTube she has over 2.6 million subscribers! She is offering 2 lucky winners her UMAMI sauce. With just this bottle you can create various Japanese dishes. You can use it as a base by either diluting it with water or just using it straight. The sauce is created with the desire for people around the world to enjoy Japanese cuisine together, regardless of dietary restrictions. That’s why it’s vegan, gluten-free, alcohol-free, and additive-free. Currently, the sauce is only available in Tokyo stores, so the winner of this prize gets first dibs before global exports begin.

Number of winner(s): 2

Link to their website: https://kimonomom.com/

FAUCHON L’Hotel Kyoto

FAUCHON L’Hotel has been so kind to give away their signature Kyoto Afternoon Tea Experience as a prize. Enjoy the culinary prowess of Parisian-born gourmet brand, FAUCHON, with an Afternoon Tea Service in contemporary Kyoto style. Taste the exceptional quality of FAUCHON’s signature tea blends, crafted in-house by their Grand Tea Master, and immerse yourself in the intimate tranquility of the Salon De Thé. The hotel’s pastry chef will select a sweet and savory menu depending on the season.  This sought-after tea experience is a gift you can enjoy during your trip to Kyoto.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people)

Link to their website: https://hotelfauchonkyoto.com/en/

Nio Teas

Nio Teas is our dear friend and partner, they specialize in all kinds of different Japanese tea. And they also sell teaware. The winner of this prize gets 30 different teas from Nio and a traditional clay “kyusu” teapot that is specifically designed to prepare perfect cups of Japanese green tea. With this prize, you can try whichever you like the most! The tea is from many different places in Japan, with the varieties included in this package being: Sencha, Matcha, Hojicha, Gyukuro and steamed teas. If you love tea and want to experience many different kinds, this prize is for you.

Number of winner(s): 1

Link to their website: https://nioteas.com/

Furumaya House

Furumaya House is a gorgeous farm stay nestled in the beautiful countryside of northern Kyoto prefecture, about 75 km north of Kyoto city. They provide a traditional, eco-friendly, heartwarming experience for everyone who stays the night there.

“At Furumaya House we are happy to offer you a gift of 3,000 yen discount for your stay with us and our favorite bottle of French sparkling wine ‘Vouvray’ over dinner, which is fabricated by the same process as Champagne. We provide our guests the most homey, cozy and  memorable stays during your trip in Japan!” This prize is for everyone who wants to experience a traditional and peaceful stay in the middle of nature.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people) – depending on availability (accommodation is closed from mid-December until mid-March, during Golden Week (April 28th-May 6th), Obon Period (August 7th-17th), Silver Week (September 15th-23rd), and every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday)

Link to their website: https://www.furumayahouse.jp/english

Zen Kokyu

Zen Kokyu is an inspiring company specializing in relaxing your body and mind. They are adding a  Zen breathing class voucher for two people in our giveaway treasure box.

“Zen Kokyū, or Zen Breathing: techniques created by Yuki Shiina aimed to help people relax, take control of their health, and improve their physical and mental well-being. Zen Kokyū includes techniques that are accessible for everyone.”

The session is only available for people who will be in Tokyo in January because it’s only held on Tuesdays and Fridays until January 28th, 2024. To attend this session you will have to pay for admission to the Tokyo National Museum, which is 1000 yen. This limited-time prize is for everyone who wants to relax their body and mind.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people) – only available for people who will be in Japan in January 2024, pending availability.

Link to their website: https://zenkokyu.com/en/

Hayashi Honten

Hayashi Honten is a sake brewery in Gifu prefecture. The name “Hyakujuro” comes from the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Hyakujuro, who was born in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture. The brewery has 1200 cherry trees, which were donated by the actor 90 years ago. They have developed the brand name “Hyakujuro” in honor of “Hyakujuro Ichikawa” in the hope that people will enjoy drinking delicious sake under these cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Being located in the Japanese Alps they have access to one of the best water supplies in Japan, which makes the sake extra tasty. The rice is grown in the World Agricultural Heritage Area of the Nagara River basin, one of the three clearest rivers in Japan. The brewing technique uses a unique additive-free lactobacillus fermentation process that uses only the best ingredients and the power of microorganisms, resulting in a naturally oriented sake with a refreshing umami flavor. They have won prizes for their sake, such as the Hakkin sake which won the Best Design Award at the Milan Sake Challenge.

Today we are delighted to give away 1 bottle of their Hyakujuro Hakkin Junmai Daiginjo to 2 winners each in Japan. “Tasting it gives you a fragrant and gorgeous luxury feeling. The elegant sweetness and gentle taste are comfortable, and the sharp and fresh acidity produces a sense of transparency.” This prize is perfect for those who love sake.

Number of winner(s): 2 (shipping to Japan only)

Link to their website: http://www.eiichi.co.jp/en/

A Culinary Tour from Arigato Travel

In addition to all our generous partners, we will of course also offer a free food tour to one winner. You will be able to choose your preferred tour for two people in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or Hiroshima (except the Tokyo Underground and Ultimate Ramen tours). You can explore your favorite area of Japan through delicious food with a knowledgeable , friendly, local guide. We have over 45 tours to choose from, so we’re certain there will be one that appeals to you. All our local experiences will unlock Japanese culture and customs through delicious and seasonal dishes. You will visit places you would never find on your own. Make sure to check our website for all the tours we provide. Deadline to redeem this prize is December 31st, 2024.

Number of winner(s): 1 (for 2 people)

Link to their website: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/all-arigato-travel-tours/

Advent Calendar

In addition to this all the treasures and our tour in this annual giveaway, this year we also have an Arigato Travel advent calendar that everyone can enjoy, as you can see above!

If you book the activity indicated in the picture on one of the days you will be able to enjoy a 10% discount. This coupon is only valid that day, so make sure you pick the right days.

Make sure to enter the before it’s too late. Fill out the form below before January 8th, 2024. The winners will be notified a few days later. Happy holidays to all and good luck!

Featured Image from canva, edited by Arigato Travel 

 

UPDATE: THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. Thank you for your participation.

We want to thank our partners for their amazing work and for joining our annual giveaway. Make sure to join it and spread the word around you. We pulled out all the stops to make the best of it. From hotel stays and local experiences to delicious Japanese-themed foods, there is a lot to win. We look forward to congratulating our readers on winning those prizes and want to thank you for reading our blog. So make sure to join the giveaway, you won’t regret it.

Please note that when you enter the giveaway, we will share your contact information with our partners listed above. 

Join us for an authentic foodie experience in Japan during your next trip!

 

 

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