In 2003, Kamikatsu set forth the ambitious goal of becoming Japan’s first ‘zero waste village’. Turning away from open-burning, incineration, and landfill, Kamikatsu has been covered around the world as a hopeful and inspiring story that change is possible.
Today, Kamikatsu receives many visitors every year who are looking to learn more deeply about the waste separation system here. While the story of Kamikatsu is quite special, it’s often difficult for visitors to gain more than a surface-level understanding. For international guests, the language barrier becomes an obstacle to connecting with the stories, daily life, and wisdom of residents, the sustainable business approaches, and community practices that are part of the zero-waste story.
Acting as a bridge between our visitors and Kamikatsu, INOW creates a space where you can feel at home and integrate directly into the community. We offer immersive experiences so you can feel what life is like in Kamikatsu and connect more deeply to the story of zero waste.
Seasonal Group Program
Next Program: March 2026
Throughout the year, INOW hosts seasonal small-group programs that bring together individual travelers who share a common curiosity about sustainability, rural life, and regenerative futures.
This program is intended for anyone with a curiosity to learn about zero waste and sustainability from a practical, local and cultural perspective. This program is intended for anyone with a curiosity to learn about zero waste and sustainability from a practical, local and cultural perspective.
Who is this for?
- Independent travelers seeking meaningful engagement
- Graduate students between semesters
- Professionals exploring career transitions
- Creatives and designers researching regenerative futures
- Individuals looking for time to reflect and reset
Many participants come without knowing anyone and we intentionally design the program to foster dialogue, trust, and shared reflection from day one. The price to join this program is less than a private, customized tour.
Price & Duration
3 full days of program activities and 3-4 nights in Kamikatsu. See below for more details.
Zero Waste Workshop
Recommended if you’re short on time
In the workshop, you will learn about the history, evolution, and present (zero) waste management system in Kamikatsu. We will have a conversation on what zero waste means and the various initiatives that are happening in Kamikatsu.
The workshop includes as well a hands-on recycling experience, a guided tour of the waste management facility, a reuse shop, and an up-cycling shop.
Price & Duration
The cost of the workshop is 15,000 JPY (+10% VAT), for up to 4 participants. The length of the workshop is about 2 hours.
Afternoon tour: 15:00~17:00
What You’ll Learn
- History of the Zero Waste system in Kamikatsu
- An understanding of the different categories of recycling
- Recycling workshop
- Facility tour of the Zero Waste Center
(+) Additional Tea Tasting
It is also possible to include a tea-tasting session in the workshop, in which you will learn about and taste the local tea grown in the mountains of Kamikatsu (awa bancha tea). The price of the tea tasting is 3,000 JPY (per person) and will go directly to the farmer who you will connect with.
Reservations can be made up to 1 day in advance.
Zero Waste Workshop
1 Day Program
Please inquire about the price.
Catered to English-speaking guests, we offer a full one-day experience in Kamikatsu. With INOW we center our experiences around sharing about zero waste and organizing experiences that center around meeting local people of Kamikatsu and experiencing seasonality (in the Japanese countryside). It’s an opportunity to connect with local people, Japanese culture, and country-side life.
Sample Program
09:30: Pick-up Hotel WHY or other accommodation
10:00 – 12:00*:
- Dyeing workshop with KINOF, or
- IRODORI farming experience, or
- Nature walk in the Mt. Yamainudake (Moss Forest) and guided by the Kashihara Rice Terraces
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch at Cafe Polestar
13:15 – 14:15: Visit RISE&WIN brewery
14:30 – 16:00: Zero waste workshop & facility tour WHY Zero Waste center
*Activities are subject to opening hours and availability.
Please let us know if you have a preference, but we also adjust the schedule based on the weather and season.
Please inquire about reservations and the price.
What’s Included
- Program planning, coordination, guiding & translation
- All activities (including payment to local people for their time)
- Lunch, drink
- Transportation within the village to all activities (pickup and drop off at accommodation)
Special Customized Program
Please inquire about the price.
Imagine cooking your own rice in a kayabuki thatched roof, harvesting vegetables, cooking with a local chef, stopping by an artisan’s workshop for a chat, or maybe try making something yourself. We craft unique experiences that are catered to each guest. We think about what would be a meaningful exchange for the guest and local people we meet. Participants will learn from various teachers during the duration of the program, as well as share experiences with locals.
Purpose of the INOW program: The purpose of the program is to encourage participants to explore, reflect, and, through experience, learn about zero waste and sustainability in Kamikatsu, Tokushima. The program is designed to help participants deepen their self-awareness not only in terms of sustainability, but to reflect on their connection with time, effort, money, and waste.
We hope participants will have a greater awareness of environmental issues and share in the development of a zero-waste lifestyle and mindset.
Who is this for?
- Those who are interested in spending more time in Kamikatsu to slow down and connect with local people
- Those with an interest in experiencing the rural Japanese lifestyle and participating in seasonal activities like rice harvesting or matsuri Japanese festivals
- Individual, solo travelers
- Small groups
- Families with young children
Duration
We customize the program for your schedule but we recommend a minimum of 2 nights, 1-2 days.
Please inquire about reservations and the price.
