TourGuides Ireland

26/02/2026

I cannot thank Karin Fujie from Munakata City Tourism enough for arranging a special immersion day for myself and my two Irish guiding colleagues Minota and Corina during our recent attendance at the WFTGA conference in Japan. 　Local Munakata Volunteer
Guide Member, Koga Kazuhiro (Cougar) email: [email protected] kept us on track throughout the day and enlightened us on visiting the Chinkoku-ji Temple and the Munakata Taisha Shrine after being ceremonially attired and coiffured in a beautiful traditional Komino provided to us by email:[email protected]

Then we were treated to a superb lunch including a seasonal speciality: (yellowtail “Kanburi” ochazuke).
What visit to Japan would be complete with experiencing a traditional tea ceremony: this time by .nakayama_sado
All participants in the ceremony gloriously dressed in Komino of course while following the rites of a long cultural tradition.

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Next a hands on experience of playing or attempting to play the national instrument of Japan called a Koto: a plucked half-tube zither instrument. Our instructors were mother and daughter duo .

We left them at the end of the day overwhelmed by the gracious welcome, hospitality and kindness shown to us by the hosts and locals alike. We even managed to made the headlines in the local newspaper:

https://munakata.keizai.biz/headline/1039/

25/02/2026

Just returned from the most unforgettable trip to Japan 🇯🇵✨

One of the absolute highlights of my visit was spending time at Sake Studio in Tokyo with the wonderful Sommelier Aaron. What an experience!

From the moment I stepped into the studio, it felt intimate, welcoming, and incredibly authentic. Aaron’s knowledge and passion truly brought the entire experience to life with knowledgable pairing of food and different Sake. I learned so much — not just about how sake is made, but how deeply it’s woven into Japanese culture and tradition. Every tasting felt thoughtfully curated, and every story added another layer of appreciation.

It wasn’t just a tasting — it was a cultural deep dive, a conversation, and a memory I’ll carry with me for a long time.

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, I cannot recommend a visit to Aaron’s studio enough. It’s a must for anyone who wants a unique, personal, and enriching experience beyond the typical tourist spots.

www.sake-studio.com

08/02/2026

08/02/2026

In Japan for WFTGA conference in Fukuota this week. Has a few days exploring Tokyo!

17/10/2024

‘Hunter’ Supermoon in Adare October 17th

13/12/2023

24/11/2023

The long and winding road through Barnesmore Gap, Co Donegal

08/04/2023

IRELANDS TALLEST WATERFALL, THE DEVILS CHIMNEY, COUNTY SLIGO 🇮🇪

At 492 feet (150m) Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird (also known as the Devils Chimney) is listed on the World Waterfall database as Ireland’s tallest waterfall.

The Waterfall – Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, The Irish name for the waterfall ‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird’ means stream against the height and denotes the fact that during certain weather conditions when the wind blows from the South, the waterfall is blown upward and back over the cliff from which it falls.The waterfall does not flow during periods of dry weather; however, it is particularly spectacular during or immediately after periods of heavy rainfall.

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19/03/2023

From seaweed baths to seafood feasts and folklore to festivals, these are the top experiences in Ireland.