Hoshinoya Fuji, operated by Hoshino Resorts, will be hosting a “Hunting Experience Tour” over six sessions from October 3 to December 12, 2024. The tour is designed to provide adults with a deeper understanding of the cycle of life through hunting observation and participation. Now in its eighth year, the tour introduces a new program called “Forest Walks in Touch with Nature,” allowing participants to feel even closer to the natural environment.
In the northern foothills of Mount Fuji, the overpopulation of deer and wild boar has caused significant damage to agriculture and forestry, a problem known as “wildlife damage.” To combat this issue, hunting is conducted annually based on the prefectural management plan, but much of the captured deer and wild boar meat goes to waste. In response, Hoshinoya Fuji has been offering meals featuring game meat, as part of their commitment to addressing this problem. This initiative led to the planning of the hunting experience tour, aimed at helping participants appreciate the importance of coexisting with nature and the value of life.
A key feature of the tour is the opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of life and death through the hunting experience. This takes place in the forests around the Fuji Five Lakes, guided by local hunters with deep expertise in hunting. These hunters are knowledgeable about the behavior of deer and wild boar and are skilled in carrying out the hunting process efficiently and precisely. Participants will observe and experience the entire hunting process while learning from the hunters’ insights, gaining a deeper appreciation for how life is transformed into game meat.
The newly introduced “Forest Walks in Touch with Nature” takes place the day before the hunting experience. Participants will explore the grounds of Hoshinoya Fuji with a glamping master, discovering traces of animals and reflecting on the coexistence of humans and nature. In the evening, there will be time to gather around a campfire and share reflections on the day’s experiences.
After the hunting experience, participants will enjoy a “game meat dinner” featuring venison and wild boar. This course meal uses game meat from the foothills of Mount Fuji, with an added hands-on experience of finishing the dishes using outdoor cooking equipment. Autumn is a particularly delicious season, as the deer and wild boar have accumulated fat, making the combination of game meat and mushrooms especially flavorful.
The tour also includes a hands-on experience with Yamanashi’s traditional craft, “Koshu Inden,” where participants will learn to apply lacquer to deerskin. Koshu Inden has a history of about 400 years and involves decorating deerskin with lacquer patterns. Participants will learn this technique from Japan’s only traditional Koshu Inden craftsman, and the completed product will be delivered to their homes later. This part of the tour helps participants understand how not only to use life as food but also to respect it as a resource.
The “Hunting Experience Tour” will be held on October 3, October 17, October 31, November 28, December 5, and December 12, 2024. It is a 2-night, 3-day program, priced at 111,000 yen per person, with accommodation charges separate. Reservations can be made on the official website up to two weeks in advance.
Hoshinoya Fuji’s efforts aim to contribute to SDG Goal 12: “Responsible Consumption and Production,” continuing their activities toward solving regional issues and realizing a sustainable society.
