tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40458599978048882782024-03-19T09:25:51.030+09:00Japan AustraliaJapan Australia is a blog dedicated to Japan travel and culture. Follow me on my adventures in Japan. Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.comBlogger697125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-9102430263068935282023-09-11T10:40:00.000+09:002023-09-18T11:59:32.395+09:00Why You Should Visit Central Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCQ6cjDV3I8ZXrrUlwdshea8TXNZ3eXK0ofrp_x8ZkkAW_ELc0VyOdYRa4NAytlGmccYzIEtmWTQXRWC_xRG621SImrs3dX1XgIJRT-r5BzLigPsUbj9d4PvKKQFzFpcw8NjiT4Hqu8-Qv1pv4MCGNXrq0DRsBoc98CnwQf_OsZJ5GuEuz83728hFFWc/s1080/Miyuki%20Seguchi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Licensed Guide Miyuki Seguchi" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCQ6cjDV3I8ZXrrUlwdshea8TXNZ3eXK0ofrp_x8ZkkAW_ELc0VyOdYRa4NAytlGmccYzIEtmWTQXRWC_xRG621SImrs3dX1XgIJRT-r5BzLigPsUbj9d4PvKKQFzFpcw8NjiT4Hqu8-Qv1pv4MCGNXrq0DRsBoc98CnwQf_OsZJ5GuEuz83728hFFWc/w200-h200/Miyuki%20Seguchi.png" title="Licensed Guide Miyuki Seguchi" width="200" /></a></div>If you are looking for some unique destinations that are less touristy and easy to access from major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, the central region of Japan is the perfect choice for you, says Miyuki Seguchi, a bilingual licensed guide, certified by the Japanese government. <div><br /></div><div><i><b>Could you tell me a little bit about yourself? </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m an independent travel adviser and certified tour guide. My mission is to help international travellers who are keen to try out authentic Japanese traditions to design and create deeper travel experiences in Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>With 30+ years of living experience in Japan, I have travelled around different parts of the country. I currently offer a 1:1 Japan Travel Program that is designed to identify and create a personalised travel plan based on the interests and needs of individual travellers. Based in the southwestern part of Gifu Prefecture, I also provide fully customisable private tours through which I’m introducing the best of central Japan that showcases Japanese ways of life and unique local culture. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, I’ve been offering the Japan Experts Podcast and other free resources such as travel guides and masterclasses that help international visitors to know more about Japan and plan their trip to Japan.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozdmNs3ZWtkcOuTfdrUAW_BISulE32aNJrKUz2R4TSBUnme5NiHgEQ36MrZSeSbCqXM0cJLfR3pKw6gng9WEsTvwqbYgCPT6JIwrhc_VlrkgZppsARhuvzCdtrN5AJaRh4REECQhpu-fhzWCzQAoj3xJo0B5evS5Vmwo5P0mRs5hajnc_x-VJRYRm1ic/s1080/Japan%20Experts%20Podcast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Japan Experts Podcast shares practical tips on how to design your unique trip to Japan" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozdmNs3ZWtkcOuTfdrUAW_BISulE32aNJrKUz2R4TSBUnme5NiHgEQ36MrZSeSbCqXM0cJLfR3pKw6gng9WEsTvwqbYgCPT6JIwrhc_VlrkgZppsARhuvzCdtrN5AJaRh4REECQhpu-fhzWCzQAoj3xJo0B5evS5Vmwo5P0mRs5hajnc_x-VJRYRm1ic/w320-h320/Japan%20Experts%20Podcast.png" title="The Japan Experts Podcast shares practical tips on how to design your unique trip to Japan" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japan Experts Podcast shares practical tips on how to design your unique trip to Japan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i>You have travelled around Japan, and you do offer tours in central Japan. What do you think makes the central region a good place to visit for international visitors? </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The first and biggest reason is convenience. The central region is situated in the center of the main island of Honshu, so you can easily stop off in the central region when you travel between the east and the west of the country. In fact, it takes less than 2 hours from Tokyo to Nagoya, the regional hub of central Japan by the high-speed bullet train, while there are many places within the region that you can access via a short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you visit places beyond major cities and explore rural areas in Japan, you may sometimes find it difficult to get around without a car. The central region has an extensive network of public transport within the region, so it’s easier to access tourist destinations by public transport. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the convenience, the number of international travellers visiting the central region isn’t as high as that of people visiting touristy cities such as Kyoto, so you don’t have to worry about huge crowds of international tourists everywhere you go, which means you have a better chance to experience authentic local life and traditions. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>What are some of the attractions you recommend in the central region? </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are a couple of unique characteristics about the central region that are worth knowing. One is the samurai history and the sites highlighting feudal Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>The central region is known as the birthplace of Japan’s most renowned samurai warlords who made the effort to unify the country. These samurai warriors and their subordinates built great castles, which functioned as fortified structures during times of war and later became the residence of feudal lords as well as the political center of each feudal domain. </div><div><br /></div><div>One example of this is Hikone Castle, which is registered as one of Japan’s 5 National Treasure Castles that still remain intact from more than 400 years ago. The castle consists of a main tower, a number of defensive structures, a feudal lord’s garden with tea houses, and the palace museum that exhibits great collections of arts and crafts, armour and swords, and items related to Noh theatre. All these sites demonstrate what the lives of samurai were like during both the times of war and the Edo Period (1603-1868), a 250-year period of peace. These sites are located within walking distance from Hikone Station, which is about half an hour away by train from Kyoto, so it’s a perfect day trip destination. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoNHXJxcoNHpwemStzooOAC2rvEim5dtZWy5nIO5UQPJjfYNiwhK5zEVuc7r7_WIiUhx9P3d7Uq1dYy7FPZPOqYXvMVWhO0XNIww9-hIN3LzcOKs2FtOM4wPEkAZ-GBkw81Hgh_STNtLs4HohKh5OTqZP1X33UmyhXHWTUjXV4p9FFHNBNs18eBZXkSI/s3021/Hikone%20tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Hikone Castle tour with Miyuki and her guests" border="0" data-original-height="2983" data-original-width="3021" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoNHXJxcoNHpwemStzooOAC2rvEim5dtZWy5nIO5UQPJjfYNiwhK5zEVuc7r7_WIiUhx9P3d7Uq1dYy7FPZPOqYXvMVWhO0XNIww9-hIN3LzcOKs2FtOM4wPEkAZ-GBkw81Hgh_STNtLs4HohKh5OTqZP1X33UmyhXHWTUjXV4p9FFHNBNs18eBZXkSI/w320-h316/Hikone%20tour.jpg" title="A Hikone Castle tour with Miyuki and her guests" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hikone Castle tour with Miyuki and her guests</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Another site that’s interesting to visit is Sekigahara. It's mostly known for the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 that completely changed the history of Japan. It was considered the most decisive battle in feudal Japan that brought the Warring States Period (1467-1568) to a close, followed by more than 250 years of peace. What’s important to note is that almost all the major warlords across Japan that lived around the year 1600 either came to Sekigahara to fight or were involved with the battles and disputes that led to the Battle of Sekigahara, and their role in these changed their destiny afterwards. I feel knowing the Battle of Sekigahara should help deepen an understanding of feudal Japan and will be a good foundation to visit whatever Japanese castles or related historical sites you visit. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Sekigahara, there is the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, which opened in 2020. It is a state-of-the-art museum with digital content that will take you to the battlefield virtually and walk you through every major movement in the battle. The replicas of armour that these samurai warriors are said to have worn in the battle are so distinct from each other and very real so it’s worth checking them out. There is also a place where you can try on a samurai warrior costume with props like a sword or a gun. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jT4t8l7IFFisKP2bBWN-1H1Md2RdRCo-fW8cKQgFWEurcfpNKSQL1RZ6cgKE_xf_PPo0Y4_glSAYr0sSmCR3Q4P8kmCYK6LaK8iITzBL8pyGSKW42rytbuN9K-pTnI5ziDwlwqrtkykj8Vkzv4v2_R4ybHIdUX6cJ59d0Q2ber5DHjIGh4adubkIWQQ/s2949/Sekigahara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Replicas of samurai armour" border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="2949" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jT4t8l7IFFisKP2bBWN-1H1Md2RdRCo-fW8cKQgFWEurcfpNKSQL1RZ6cgKE_xf_PPo0Y4_glSAYr0sSmCR3Q4P8kmCYK6LaK8iITzBL8pyGSKW42rytbuN9K-pTnI5ziDwlwqrtkykj8Vkzv4v2_R4ybHIdUX6cJ59d0Q2ber5DHjIGh4adubkIWQQ/w320-h308/Sekigahara.jpg" title="Replicas of samurai armour" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replicas of samurai armour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i>What is the other unique characteristic of the central region you’d like to share? </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing that is worth mentioning is that the central region is known as the center of unique local traditions such as sword making, <i>ukai</i> cormorant fishing and kimono fabric tie-dyeing. These skills have been handed down for multiple generations and evolved over time, as passed down from one generation to the next. I feel these skills of the locals and their sustainable lifestyle are a great showcase of Japanese ways of life. </div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, Gifu City is famous for ukai cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. Ukai is a type of fishing method in which fishermen and trained cormorant birds work together to catch river fish called Ayu. This tradition has lasted for more than 1,300 years and it is a result of deep bonds that are built between the master fisherman and cormorant birds. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2ThNfZ5nPwnNJsUW_glUPj7avXHGz6e8l-uFC1JWhaClXTZL9OfdhXhFSG_8W6woeOxP02g6-W0cO4kXeF6hGJmZjh2cgbRFXSYFvOX9Tte0PcnVAFxlvTrGlNyVpktJmwQJoa-zmoG9-hg_H0UibboJUYU4Ah5n3O-4Fvqh7XW0kZsaE27SHBr0yZw/s4032/Gifu%20tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An ukai master fisherman and his trained cormorant birds" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2ThNfZ5nPwnNJsUW_glUPj7avXHGz6e8l-uFC1JWhaClXTZL9OfdhXhFSG_8W6woeOxP02g6-W0cO4kXeF6hGJmZjh2cgbRFXSYFvOX9Tte0PcnVAFxlvTrGlNyVpktJmwQJoa-zmoG9-hg_H0UibboJUYU4Ah5n3O-4Fvqh7XW0kZsaE27SHBr0yZw/w240-h320/Gifu%20tour.jpg" title="An ukai master fisherman and his trained cormorant birds" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ukai fishing master with his cormorant birds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>What’s great about the ukai fishing method is that it helps keep fish fresh, as cormorant birds can catch these fish very quickly. The ukai performance is usually held every day from May through October and it’s available to watch from a boat in the evening time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ukai was appreciated by renowned historical figures such as Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) who established the Edo government following his decisive win at the Battle of Sekigahara, and the Emperors of Japan. In fact, the ukai fishermen of the Nagara River are given an honorary position by the Imperial Household Agency. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>You guide around these places. Could you talk about your tours and what do you think would be the major benefits of visiting places with a local tour guide? </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for asking this question. I do offer fully customisable private tours in the central region. I feel there are a lot of roles local bilingual guides can play. For example, when designing a tour, I start by listening to the needs of my guests and select places that would make the most of their visit. During the tour, I focus on sharing stories and fun facts that are understandable regardless of prior knowledge in addition to the historical and cultural context that are necessary to know for deeper cultural appreciation. I also make sure to keep communication interactive in the best possible way to arouse the curiosity of my guests. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqe6S4xMvaL9klkuf8LOGRWCpb_HNhJ5b-mBmmFJcQs-cz1z3sE965phXZ08rVuJVPdy3NW7kjL5fY9j9nIz5L0_uxhUGiAcxBmMAENsW67G61OUV222TQlZKfTnxOZY4-Ri2LHEeA-Ly3aIKto6OWAWpYwopITUkoYFHftNzKN0mA6BAysOfja3TzcQ/s1625/Japan%20Private%20Tours.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miyuki’s private tours are focused on the Japanese way of life and unique local culture" border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1625" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqe6S4xMvaL9klkuf8LOGRWCpb_HNhJ5b-mBmmFJcQs-cz1z3sE965phXZ08rVuJVPdy3NW7kjL5fY9j9nIz5L0_uxhUGiAcxBmMAENsW67G61OUV222TQlZKfTnxOZY4-Ri2LHEeA-Ly3aIKto6OWAWpYwopITUkoYFHftNzKN0mA6BAysOfja3TzcQ/w400-h201/Japan%20Private%20Tours.png" title="Miyuki’s private tours are focused on the Japanese way of life and unique local culture" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miyuki's private tours are focused on the Japanese way of life and unique local culture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>These are some of the things that I’ve learned from the excellent guides that I have met. When travelling, I always hire a local guide because I believe that’s the best way to experience what each place has to offer efficiently, to appreciate local culture and traditions deeply, and to interact with locals easily. I would love more people to realise these values and spend a day or two with bilingual licensed guides in Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Connect with Miyuki on her <a href="https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/japanexpertsmiyuki" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/japan.experts/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Download her <a href="https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/travelguide" target="_blank">Complete Japan Travel Guide: the 7 steps to creating your unique immersive travel experience </a></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out her <a href="https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/podcast" target="_blank">Japan Experts Podcast</a> and <a href="https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/tours" target="_blank">Uniquely Japan Tours</a></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-51831963013729582922023-06-11T15:30:00.000+09:002023-06-11T15:58:36.727+09:00The Osaka Amazing Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeILoEbbzPqqAWRcLQGSh5CQUrZNQtlSqTv43R3k5a20CXbDlCHWxh-w5HjJ1eEpnsKSxu9kACqAnjbx84WYCJlW4QViO5jPgQHTKYrVGxTykfJN2e_OpGgIpMnljkhvmpPGG8nyz-UKnbc1Skj_ROaveIL78qYWdAo16zIwd-1411P-e2ssej7tK/s834/Osaka%20Amazing%20Pass.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sightseeing in Osaka" border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="834" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeILoEbbzPqqAWRcLQGSh5CQUrZNQtlSqTv43R3k5a20CXbDlCHWxh-w5HjJ1eEpnsKSxu9kACqAnjbx84WYCJlW4QViO5jPgQHTKYrVGxTykfJN2e_OpGgIpMnljkhvmpPGG8nyz-UKnbc1Skj_ROaveIL78qYWdAo16zIwd-1411P-e2ssej7tK/w200-h102/Osaka%20Amazing%20Pass.jpg" title="Sightseeing in Osaka" width="200" /></a></div>The Osaka Amazing Pass is a combined sightseeing and transit card that is perfect for a day of <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/destinations/osaka/" target="_blank">sightseeing in Osaka</a>. The pass comes in two varieties, a 1-day pass for ¥2,800 or a 2-day pass for ¥3,600, which is valid for 2 consecutive days. <div><br /></div><div>Visitors to Osaka can use the pass for free entry to more than 40 iconic sightseeing spots in Osaka as well as unlimited travel on buses and trains in Osaka. Some of the attractions you can enter for free include, The Umeda Sky Building, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, The National Museum of Art, Tsutenkaku Tower and Osaka Castle. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtVfTA2PKSE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtVfTA2PKSE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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</div><div><br /></div><div>The pass is a must-have for any visit to western Japan’s largest city and definitely lives up to its name offering great value for money. </div><div><br /></div><div>We purchased the pass online via the <a href="https://www.deep-exp.com/en/osaka/ticket/171" target="_blank">Deep Experience</a> website. You can use the pass on any day you like from April 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a cinch to receive the pass on our day of travel at the Tourist Information Center at JR Osaka Station. The pass comes in a ticket-like form, which you can insert into the ticket wicket at the train station or use the barcode on the ticket for free admission to an amazing number of popular sights. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRq7nRXR5brXBmasy-imgSapTNf9srqrGzN_XYGEzoUO9JNlwhpdWv5nWHKtnLBKqT-SCXR8wFI5YdoJedMb1QQZFO1XYqdDjRMb5KRelMuhd2PZpkFkyGX2ucWYJ4-VsacnfAisxVQ_RAMHdOHc3HEZNadf4YVZB3seYXxRZvKbQAKfIchBNF7We/s1440/osaka%20amazing%20pass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Osaka Amazing Pass" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRq7nRXR5brXBmasy-imgSapTNf9srqrGzN_XYGEzoUO9JNlwhpdWv5nWHKtnLBKqT-SCXR8wFI5YdoJedMb1QQZFO1XYqdDjRMb5KRelMuhd2PZpkFkyGX2ucWYJ4-VsacnfAisxVQ_RAMHdOHc3HEZNadf4YVZB3seYXxRZvKbQAKfIchBNF7We/w400-h300/osaka%20amazing%20pass.jpg" title="Osaka Amazing Pass" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We used the Osaka Amazing Pass for one day in Osaka and were able to get into the Umeda Sky Building (¥1,500) and Osaka Castle (¥600) for free using the pass. In fact, we could jump straight to the head of the queue entering Osaka Castle while everyone else was waiting in line to buy a ticket. This saved us an estimated 30-minute wait! </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, you can’t use the pass on the JR Osaka Loop Line but there is no need with the Osaka Metro Line. We were able to use the red Midosuji Line to visit most of the must-see places in Osaka with ease. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Handy Tip:</b> Make sure you keep the pass away from your smartphone or magnetic cases as this could cause trouble with the pass. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would highly recommend the <a href="https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/" target="_blank">Osaka Amazing Pass</a> for anyone planning to spend a day sightseeing in Osaka. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cL1kp1FQtmEclgLpjz5i6JpqliQDoZIHfnTIHtMuKNg2HWKwfwmsDCM-5UmwLBx30MDmi4YAMm7h9u5tnaCYjMUzpssI56p9t_iIag8z_SDzTSkZeCzZhPEXFV2s1VyYrxuA7meZIp0ZcjtiiiX7Tm1n42ygdpuOjYMPX_2kmGSJN_u0SZ_4qgtB/s834/Osaka%20Amazing%20Pass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Osaka" border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="834" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cL1kp1FQtmEclgLpjz5i6JpqliQDoZIHfnTIHtMuKNg2HWKwfwmsDCM-5UmwLBx30MDmi4YAMm7h9u5tnaCYjMUzpssI56p9t_iIag8z_SDzTSkZeCzZhPEXFV2s1VyYrxuA7meZIp0ZcjtiiiX7Tm1n42ygdpuOjYMPX_2kmGSJN_u0SZ_4qgtB/w400-h204/Osaka%20Amazing%20Pass.jpg" title="Osaka" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-68609697462413856542023-05-14T14:49:00.004+09:002023-05-14T15:04:17.063+09:00Handmade Knives in a Technological Age<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaqHuujTGg1y-2XK96fiZ95ca7MzheguOYkKBnL_uZc18Org8Jklwlh0RE5a_AksTrZx0vqn3Mwhpx6lUq2OxdhnSUHxUMIHxtJ_KALCY_Olwa3eh7-DKEKEg3rI9g_3sVjY7ZkMMGQVuIwPkW0bG9iGQwWRnq79MNDcTyna6f-nMRPvwnxUepMf6/s640/Japanese%20Knives.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese knives" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaqHuujTGg1y-2XK96fiZ95ca7MzheguOYkKBnL_uZc18Org8Jklwlh0RE5a_AksTrZx0vqn3Mwhpx6lUq2OxdhnSUHxUMIHxtJ_KALCY_Olwa3eh7-DKEKEg3rI9g_3sVjY7ZkMMGQVuIwPkW0bG9iGQwWRnq79MNDcTyna6f-nMRPvwnxUepMf6/w200-h133/Japanese%20Knives.webp" title="Japanese knives" width="200" /></a></div>There's a perception that Japan is a futuristic neon-lit place full of cutting-edge technology - a land full of automation, robotics, and industrial manufacturing. Images of Tokyo's famous high-fashion Harajuku area or the Akihabara electronics district only compound this idea. Of course, it's true in many ways; Japan has been one of the forerunners of technology development for decades and is incredibly advanced in its factory machinery. <div><br /></div><div>However, beyond the flashy streets of the fast-paced capital is a culture that still values traditions and human connection. And traditional ways of hand-making goods are far from obsolete; they still produce the best that Japan has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Quality Over Quantity </h3><div><br /></div><div>While the Japanese makers of handmade goods can't pump out creations as fast as a modern factory, their talents, and ancestral techniques remain unmatched. A perfect example is Japanese kitchen knives, which have exploded in popularity over the last ten to fifteen years. In most professional kitchens worldwide, you'll find at least one or two chefs using Japanese knives. And home cooks are starting to catch on too. These knives are sharper, harder, lighter, and more stylish than anything coming off a factory conveyor belt. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7_3JKNxFRwmU5pjv3jRbcc3nVE2_K_jNu-ehlFJo0gwdj4QpTR806Rxw34_z0FSSdSnidQsh7mq1YM8bPFb76_5H-pmw6QMVyVfkJsABDEf6OMgwo5QjYiMq6mP9zGzlHg5FSuuFTw01Aw1NuEjbw247n51FKNf0xfGjuVkUIg1IWnYasfc_9wH-/s640/Japanese%20Knives.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Japanese Kitchen Knives" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7_3JKNxFRwmU5pjv3jRbcc3nVE2_K_jNu-ehlFJo0gwdj4QpTR806Rxw34_z0FSSdSnidQsh7mq1YM8bPFb76_5H-pmw6QMVyVfkJsABDEf6OMgwo5QjYiMq6mP9zGzlHg5FSuuFTw01Aw1NuEjbw247n51FKNf0xfGjuVkUIg1IWnYasfc_9wH-/w400-h266/Japanese%20Knives.webp" title="Japanese Kitchen Knives" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Kitchen Knives</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>And while many knife manufacturers are creating decent knives with nearly complete robotic automation - Japanese knives, laboriously and lovingly handmade, are considered amongst the highest-quality available. So, what's the big secret? How does a small chain of islands have such a strong knife culture in the first place, and how did it get a reputation for creating the best of the best? </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tamahagane and the Samurai </h3><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese have been creating iron and steel using a unique method for over a thousand years. Traditional <i>tamahagane</i> (literally meaning precious steel) was made using native iron-sand, which is of exceptionally high purity. This iron-sand was combined with charcoal and processed in a <i>tatara</i> clay forge, which can achieve extremely high temperatures. These two factors are, in part, the reason that the smiths were able to achieve high levels of hardness and sharpness in blades without cracking the metal during forging. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQFwiMs2FvVaTekHL2LG3RQCz10d2mw9Y5_cG6yTjvZyqm4hJHOTOPfkGYws8jOwhYWjuPOPVeZS-DM9HNo-YUZ_Le9TZgqon-C0vIFFJN93Hp9gVznVtNLgBwLHON-WwPrVn5QReWawlGQOhJD7epEAAYCPYjbxpAZy_3-oxz93r3w-hT4zB01Ai/s800/Tamahagane%20Steel.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tamahagane Steel" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQFwiMs2FvVaTekHL2LG3RQCz10d2mw9Y5_cG6yTjvZyqm4hJHOTOPfkGYws8jOwhYWjuPOPVeZS-DM9HNo-YUZ_Le9TZgqon-C0vIFFJN93Hp9gVznVtNLgBwLHON-WwPrVn5QReWawlGQOhJD7epEAAYCPYjbxpAZy_3-oxz93r3w-hT4zB01Ai/w400-h266/Tamahagane%20Steel.webp" title="Tamahagane Steel" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamahagane Steel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>And what were they using this steel for? Swords! It goes back to a deep history of samurai and their revered katanas. Feudal Japan was a fragmented society of battling warlords spanning about 400 years. As you might imagine, this fueled an industry of sword and weapon making. During this period, swordsmiths, such as the famous Masamune, became as legendary as the warriors wielding their creations. All sword-making began with creating the purist <i>tamahagane</i> possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ironically, however, it was coming into the peaceful Edo Period that mastery of the <i>tatara</i> and smithing began to improve markedly. This time of prosperity and national unity decreased the demand for swords, so many swordsmiths refocused their skills on making tools and kitchen knives instead. Over the next three-hundred years or so, these families of once-swordsmiths became experts at kitchen cutlery, applying all the lessons they had learned making swords for the samurai. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5Iew6r2jGjeXE8cHdX2Kx-sLB-2hT73Pofd53nsogGRlurV4gWUMxgsV6vz7PaY3VQNReRxTlvMjV7jm99fRkWVUQrxa4MciZvpEn2kCRnmbbqvsa4YxRaHmIeVj-YTy_O7nkymz0xy_QJmjtJjfAtnS1AKC8PsAB43_LNp_IWPy82bCNThNkIV3/s960/Ueta-knife-making.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ueta Knife Making" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5Iew6r2jGjeXE8cHdX2Kx-sLB-2hT73Pofd53nsogGRlurV4gWUMxgsV6vz7PaY3VQNReRxTlvMjV7jm99fRkWVUQrxa4MciZvpEn2kCRnmbbqvsa4YxRaHmIeVj-YTy_O7nkymz0xy_QJmjtJjfAtnS1AKC8PsAB43_LNp_IWPy82bCNThNkIV3/w400-h400/Ueta-knife-making.webp" title="Ueta Knife Making" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Knife Making </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Modern Japanese Knives and Knockoffs </h3><div><br /></div><div>Fast-forward to today, steel and knife production is still a massive part of Japanese culture and Japan's economy. Some of the hardest, most expensive, and highest-quality knife and tool steels in the world are made in Japan. Japanese steel manufacturers are brewing up space-aged sounding steel alloys like <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/blogs/japanese-knife-stories/everything-you-need-to-know-about-japanese-knife-materials#ZDP" target="_blank">ZDP-189</a>, <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/blogs/japanese-knife-stories/everything-you-need-to-know-about-japanese-knife-materials#VG10" target="_blank">VG10</a>, and <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/blogs/japanese-knife-stories/everything-you-need-to-know-about-japanese-knife-materials#R2" target="_blank">R2</a> for kitchen knives. As a result, edge retention and sharpness levels have never been higher. In addition, the machinery available has made creating knives faster and easier than ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, these innovations aren't what keep Japanese knives on top. On the contrary, because these advances make it easier to create knives, they arguably lower the required skills. And because of the rising popularity of Japanese knives, lazy companies from both inside and outside of Japan are taking advantage and flooding the market with poorly made products at marked-up prices. All they have to do is slap ‘Made in Japan’ and 'VG10' on the blade. This situation makes it more and more difficult for genuine sweat-and-blood handmade knives to find a place on the market, and sooner or later, this could hurt the reputation of Japan's quality knife industry. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, Japanese artisans are starting to fight back. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9WMKu9zXu9daHjAedOCBIPL2-MHFHsKr9AUBAlMF3EEjX0Uu8s6_u8R046B_PMVRHlP895p1MKw38BEDT1OKb4rx7wNp4OZW5AwjvJEk0a3JW0sKsyX5Su26hRJ9ahJQ4XwH_cP6zS8Yj4tIFRu8ETnMEeSlvW6OexSYoDUsyHChoQyvdRBZ-Opp/s800/About_Mr._Ueta_s_Injury_and_about_His_Work_2.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Japanese Artisan" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9WMKu9zXu9daHjAedOCBIPL2-MHFHsKr9AUBAlMF3EEjX0Uu8s6_u8R046B_PMVRHlP895p1MKw38BEDT1OKb4rx7wNp4OZW5AwjvJEk0a3JW0sKsyX5Su26hRJ9ahJQ4XwH_cP6zS8Yj4tIFRu8ETnMEeSlvW6OexSYoDUsyHChoQyvdRBZ-Opp/w400-h266/About_Mr._Ueta_s_Injury_and_about_His_Work_2.webp" title="Japanese Artisan" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese artisan at work</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Authentic Japanese Knives </h3><div><br /></div><div>The people over at <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>Japanese Knife Co</b></a>. recognized this disturbing trend and have begun working with local bladesmiths to source real, artisanal, handmade knives directly from Japan. And incredibly, they've even managed to get nationally celebrated swordsmith Ueta Osafune on board to create a unique <i>tamahagane</i> <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/products/bunka-knife-japanese-sword-kitchen-artisanal-knife-honyaki-carbon-steel-by-mr-ueta-osafune?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>bunka knife</b></a>. It's made from scratch the traditional way, hand hammered, sharpened, and polished. Of course, that isn't to say Japanese Knife Co.'s bladesmiths use zero technology, but you won't find an intern pushing a button on a computer and letting a robot spit out a flimsy knife. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL3DOvEHGUufNN7a84_yYvMzkoHyageNaZ3ROuMAHcr2EclPro5-xjDueOweSD6w_LWYuwCEX5ZmDuj1fiIuayPKXuBZoaRxbTFGTuO3cnnzv5qYR9iQjHClu85S6XBXDHbKLRyYF5SckVk2_49O_SxaShslDp3ygecKiHRps_GVbhgL29Pwdusz7/s960/Ueta-bunka-close-up.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ueta Bunka Knife" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL3DOvEHGUufNN7a84_yYvMzkoHyageNaZ3ROuMAHcr2EclPro5-xjDueOweSD6w_LWYuwCEX5ZmDuj1fiIuayPKXuBZoaRxbTFGTuO3cnnzv5qYR9iQjHClu85S6XBXDHbKLRyYF5SckVk2_49O_SxaShslDp3ygecKiHRps_GVbhgL29Pwdusz7/w400-h400/Ueta-bunka-close-up.webp" title="Ueta Bunka Knife" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ueta Bunka Knife</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Their knife selection has a mixture of both modern stainless steel and super-hard old-school carbon steel. In addition, they offer traditional wooden handles with natural buffalo horn collars. They'll even engrave your name on the blade in Japanese. And while they do offer the popular standard designs like the <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/collections/gyuto-chefs-knife?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>gyuto</b></a> and <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/products/santoku-knife-premium-japanese-artisanal-knife?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>santoku</b></a>, they also have a range of knives that are absolute classics, such as the <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/products/deba-knife-fish-filleting-premium-japanese-handmade-knife?pr_prod_strat=pinned&pr_rec_id=da7e41c51&pr_rec_pid=8085994963217&pr_ref_pid=8149045412113&pr_seq=uniform&sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>deba</b></a> and <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/products/yanagiba-sashimi-knife-premium-japanese-handmade-knife?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>yanagiba</b></a>. If you’re looking for the real deal, its <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>Japanese Knife Co</b></a>. These are the types of authentic knives that Japanese chefs buy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEflWExlfEpte6KXxaRcohr5t6GL7Albl8V0_6g03saFVV9ehqRftxYTnkYLIfvPRYcpx9nV2r3IuucH-gqaZvfnrqlZvkQAFws6WTq_h7HBCI0M0vNPgTdPgj-Wxlj_e6XLCwRJ0L7vBxAsT1xpRT4aTsH4B_OxHZAztOuBJvEOasmaQceLB5dW7/s960/santoku-without-name-full.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Santoku Knife" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEflWExlfEpte6KXxaRcohr5t6GL7Albl8V0_6g03saFVV9ehqRftxYTnkYLIfvPRYcpx9nV2r3IuucH-gqaZvfnrqlZvkQAFws6WTq_h7HBCI0M0vNPgTdPgj-Wxlj_e6XLCwRJ0L7vBxAsT1xpRT4aTsH4B_OxHZAztOuBJvEOasmaQceLB5dW7/w400-h400/santoku-without-name-full.webp" title="Santoku Knife" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santoku Knife</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrap Up </h3><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, this revival will continue in other traditional Japanese industries. Whenever you can, you should support authentic handmade goods. It's a great way of supporting local economies, growing human connections, and stopping cheap throwaway products from hurting the environment. Besides, you'll be thanking yourself later when you aren't re-buying the same half-baked product for the hundredth time when it breaks. If you want to bring yourself closer to Japan and Japanese culture, help the people who keep it alive. </div><div><br /></div><div>Want to learn more about Japanese knife history and what’s going on in the world of handmade knives? There are loads of articles, tips, and tricks on <a href="https://dreamofjapan.com/blogs/japanese-knife-stories?sca_ref=3742954.fXfYTF3Oq9" target="_blank"><b>Japanese Knife Co.’s blog</b></a>.</div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-86390768563414121032023-04-09T16:16:00.001+09:002023-04-09T16:27:59.442+09:00Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6LJhZ92fZjwmgAdGjn8WmQR4TR8aZ5JrVHKmmxMCN-PEDddk8Zf2_1rVDyUtTVpNwXMRQslnwsnDnU1FOs8q9G6eW98JqIKhB8rCy70OitKEIFGIGKqrPSA8rbwzwZLQzsoWuOdFEZrvFwhmTp4nUbgN0JyL7tgFlUESbDyz0EYipq5Jm_a1fWWr/s2880/KHCTY_Exterior_014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu" border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="2880" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6LJhZ92fZjwmgAdGjn8WmQR4TR8aZ5JrVHKmmxMCN-PEDddk8Zf2_1rVDyUtTVpNwXMRQslnwsnDnU1FOs8q9G6eW98JqIKhB8rCy70OitKEIFGIGKqrPSA8rbwzwZLQzsoWuOdFEZrvFwhmTp4nUbgN0JyL7tgFlUESbDyz0EYipq5Jm_a1fWWr/w200-h134/KHCTY_Exterior_014.jpg" title="Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu" width="200" /></a></div>Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu is a stylish and modern hotel located right in the heart of Tokyo. It's convenient location, only 6 minutes on foot from the Yaesu Central Exit of Tokyo Station, makes it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring Japan’s capital and the surrounding Kanto region. <div><br /></div><div>The hotel recently opened on March 31, 2023, in the Yaesu area, a central Tokyo district that is constantly evolving with large-scale redevelopment projects including Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, a huge shopping and restaurant complex. The 16-story hotel building is both functional and stylish and is home to 95 rooms. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM0Qod5cZUWwEc_CMJrd-6FAtWEygvGojw-k6auFROJE5jHDdsScpvLSwfgKAwphOCCrXKr2ei3-WxndrQU8BQ0IVvoS_vChlNrFEOKVfWBZVLBdJ16Y22GLyY0zm9gtZXmmqPdRSRmYs6op3iVUFA_THnLhgO2fc5kunpTtXikOhEOM2-83S4Kip/s2880/KHCTY_Exterior_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The stylish exterior of the hotel" border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM0Qod5cZUWwEc_CMJrd-6FAtWEygvGojw-k6auFROJE5jHDdsScpvLSwfgKAwphOCCrXKr2ei3-WxndrQU8BQ0IVvoS_vChlNrFEOKVfWBZVLBdJ16Y22GLyY0zm9gtZXmmqPdRSRmYs6op3iVUFA_THnLhgO2fc5kunpTtXikOhEOM2-83S4Kip/w225-h400/KHCTY_Exterior_001.jpg" title="The stylish exterior of the hotel" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stylish exterior of the hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The Karaksa chain of hotels is a new style of minimalist hotel designed specifically for international tourists visiting Japan. The hotel is extremely popular with families traveling with children and groups of over 3 people, who typically stay more than one night and spend more time in their room and hence need a functional and relaxing space. Karaksa has 3 hotels in Tokyo and 7 nationwide in major sightseeing locations such as Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzq2cBOFfw-hLh704sRVfjjLbn_yK9vfWT4geGw4sBnXCba2c6ZxwtBtJyHWkriwUeBZPt_sOWI-dWAgU-9vLQc8c_4xReSMiEKzoxqJZYp3i6UtJbldviEpLi2Ts5AMZJzKUY7Mx0TSBvYZ8CyKTQhsdatXYKZZPvV1wFK8nE3KIM2jOYuiLUuC/s3120/KHCTY_Entrance_Day_MG_0143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Entrance to Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzq2cBOFfw-hLh704sRVfjjLbn_yK9vfWT4geGw4sBnXCba2c6ZxwtBtJyHWkriwUeBZPt_sOWI-dWAgU-9vLQc8c_4xReSMiEKzoxqJZYp3i6UtJbldviEpLi2Ts5AMZJzKUY7Mx0TSBvYZ8CyKTQhsdatXYKZZPvV1wFK8nE3KIM2jOYuiLUuC/w400-h266/KHCTY_Entrance_Day_MG_0143.jpg" title="Entrance to Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Here are some reasons why you should choose <a href="https://karaksahotels.com/en/tokyoyaesu/" target="_blank">Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu</a> for your next stay in Tokyo. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Functional and Stylish Rooms </h3><div><br /></div><div>There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a room, so guests can get the room that is just right for their needs. There are 8 types of rooms at the hotel which include double, twin, and triple rooms with 21㎡ of space that are functional yet comfortable, as well as wide twin and quadruple rooms that offer over 30 ㎡ of space and can accommodate up to 4 guests. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnHagAjReeVeGfF2ZN2P5KJdXObslT4U8Qb4CDVX3PA-YfbzPliqoMyEUIPOKtjEOaZBesNwF-225OA1hhINrB3ayF9w9CNFNsmcwLkH1H-9UnVEjN0RVw0TYBx-OQ9cDdYTMhDM4beqOCfKqIWC9ihAf1kV4-YAvhKBl9wpRmpQY-sVKVkgFMFgy/s3120/KHCTY_ComfortQuadruple_MG_0050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Comfort Quadruple Room" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnHagAjReeVeGfF2ZN2P5KJdXObslT4U8Qb4CDVX3PA-YfbzPliqoMyEUIPOKtjEOaZBesNwF-225OA1hhINrB3ayF9w9CNFNsmcwLkH1H-9UnVEjN0RVw0TYBx-OQ9cDdYTMhDM4beqOCfKqIWC9ihAf1kV4-YAvhKBl9wpRmpQY-sVKVkgFMFgy/w400-h266/KHCTY_ComfortQuadruple_MG_0050.jpg" title="Comfort Quadruple Room" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfort Quadruple Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There are also 52 connecting rooms that are linked together by inner doors, which can accommodate up to 6 guests across the two rooms. </div><div><br /></div><div>The wide twin rooms have two king / queen beds on a raised floor with 31.5 ㎡ of space. The quadruple rooms have 4 single beds which can accommodate up to 4 people. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdcZ4Tc4ree4M3NM-lrv8z4u_wT1XDa-26JtYtYRpfHCoX8h_qx51RWyaYbBOE9eDb9xe9szZ_P28ydO7jWp1hj46DbcJW_9wn6TJBZBU_1JOfJcRaYIZPUXwfe39FIV-_9KHQLxXgR3n_-nhiZ00dKDT52QEJbiC4pvK-0cft179Yr-ECfklgtJq/s3120/KHCTY_KingDouble_MG_0092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="King Double Room" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdcZ4Tc4ree4M3NM-lrv8z4u_wT1XDa-26JtYtYRpfHCoX8h_qx51RWyaYbBOE9eDb9xe9szZ_P28ydO7jWp1hj46DbcJW_9wn6TJBZBU_1JOfJcRaYIZPUXwfe39FIV-_9KHQLxXgR3n_-nhiZ00dKDT52QEJbiC4pvK-0cft179Yr-ECfklgtJq/w400-h266/KHCTY_KingDouble_MG_0092.jpg" title="King Double Room" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Double Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br />These rooms provide a comfortable space for up to 4 people and include a shower space with a bench as well as rain and waterfall shower heads. The washroom and toilet are conveniently separated. </div><div><br /></div><div>The large wide twin and quadruple comfort rooms also include a washing machine and dryer, projector, and large windows with city views, making them perfect for families or groups of travelers. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-ZgaAB79IYzcvVF-DGy21VH559e2AFTM2tS7YHZOrRDReFojAXObFnwtviKn-L0nP9B5tNo_ME0P0gusO-MNiqSHP5o0as-ctdxXh-E_Mrj1AxUEz_na6iTnc9XuBrCOMnAykMfhm-0iFbipvoF9pxi4BxCStylxNoB47PoFWf9cscHCoh4EVHlB/s3120/KHCTY_ExecutiveWideTwin_MG_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Executive Wide Twin Room" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-ZgaAB79IYzcvVF-DGy21VH559e2AFTM2tS7YHZOrRDReFojAXObFnwtviKn-L0nP9B5tNo_ME0P0gusO-MNiqSHP5o0as-ctdxXh-E_Mrj1AxUEz_na6iTnc9XuBrCOMnAykMfhm-0iFbipvoF9pxi4BxCStylxNoB47PoFWf9cscHCoh4EVHlB/w400-h266/KHCTY_ExecutiveWideTwin_MG_0002.jpg" title="Executive Wide Twin Room" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Executive Wide Twin Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-mLZg3A6_8FF_swz6PGdrwHbPQZ98iD4ApN7PeTkQ8LSf1m_mrAuDPYgY6iBkTIrjm1L6BNgFwmSTC6p0LwPxRbrBNRbvvtMleuEtoG8t7bluU_UNadKR1IfglG_AXFBGGQtpyv_H2Wj6lgkUGCVKKtroElcwhiIprZTY5smnNe9EOUMm9TqxEbO/s3120/KHCTY_DeluxeWideTwin_MG_0034.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deluxe Wide Twin Room" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-mLZg3A6_8FF_swz6PGdrwHbPQZ98iD4ApN7PeTkQ8LSf1m_mrAuDPYgY6iBkTIrjm1L6BNgFwmSTC6p0LwPxRbrBNRbvvtMleuEtoG8t7bluU_UNadKR1IfglG_AXFBGGQtpyv_H2Wj6lgkUGCVKKtroElcwhiIprZTY5smnNe9EOUMm9TqxEbO/w400-h266/KHCTY_DeluxeWideTwin_MG_0034.jpg" title="Deluxe Wide Twin Room" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deluxe Wide Twin Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The connecting rooms are a great option for families or groups of travelers with 21.4 ㎡ of space in each room. The adjoining rooms are connected by an inner door, which can be closed when necessary, allowing up to 6 people to stay in the same room and enjoy the space together as a family or group. These rooms allow guests to move freely back and forth between the spaces with the added convenience of two bathrooms and being able to close the inner doors when going to bed at night. These types of rooms are ideal for extended stays in Tokyo. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaya3xmvfcRuP2XZWUhRoYEg511gxTeiyLG2HNdAPeEFwKf-0WDHXiQKibrs7mAmrLdQJZa2gcu6RrmEJyGrxTrUgI3LfTD9iMr9WSsLW2v2q1uLmW3dmY5JK5f7dMiFl2zi0ZI8s_MBgyqi2SxdCGjl34aCMqGBPbyRebPIE3HJ374Z3OmrBTrkr/s3120/KHCTY_ConnectingRooms_TWN_TPL_MG_0087.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Connecting Rooms" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaya3xmvfcRuP2XZWUhRoYEg511gxTeiyLG2HNdAPeEFwKf-0WDHXiQKibrs7mAmrLdQJZa2gcu6RrmEJyGrxTrUgI3LfTD9iMr9WSsLW2v2q1uLmW3dmY5JK5f7dMiFl2zi0ZI8s_MBgyqi2SxdCGjl34aCMqGBPbyRebPIE3HJ374Z3OmrBTrkr/w400-h266/KHCTY_ConnectingRooms_TWN_TPL_MG_0087.jpg" title="Connecting Rooms" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connecting Rooms</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Comfort and Convenience </h3><div><br /></div><div>The hotel is within walking distance of Nihonbashi (business and commercial district), Tokyo Station with its Shinkansen bullet train network and is close to one of Japan’s largest bus terminals at the Yaesu Central Gate of Tokyo Station. All this means that it is a great base for travel not only within Tokyo but the surrounding Kanto area. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg6-KDRwF4xfDn05rlDkJG9DwUiDQgHu9Mh3CqOE5lPUSbcOwYLRdQ1D023H2KXmpD5oGNhcivoLliTOOW8E_LsaywJwvN_T935BprsDIVrjA2OPb9qZVH4GAFh0JNL4s9SvAhOo1IJ0TPGOIcXFJzCU_Ei3Xb1_8Id4uTf1M4-NaXrn3G58sy-kS/s3120/KHCTY_Front_Lobby_MG_0128.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Front Lobby of Hotel Karaksa Colors Tokyo Yaesu" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg6-KDRwF4xfDn05rlDkJG9DwUiDQgHu9Mh3CqOE5lPUSbcOwYLRdQ1D023H2KXmpD5oGNhcivoLliTOOW8E_LsaywJwvN_T935BprsDIVrjA2OPb9qZVH4GAFh0JNL4s9SvAhOo1IJ0TPGOIcXFJzCU_Ei3Xb1_8Id4uTf1M4-NaXrn3G58sy-kS/w400-h266/KHCTY_Front_Lobby_MG_0128.jpg" title="Front Lobby of Hotel Karaksa Colors Tokyo Yaesu" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front lobby of Hotel Karaksa Colors Tokyo Yaesu</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Second Floor Lounge </h3><div><br /></div><div>The lounge on the second floor offers a variety of different spaces, including a children’s area, workstation, and food area. The lounge is not only a breakfast venue, but also offers snacks, light meals, and beverages during lounge hours, and wine, alcohol, and snacks during bar hours in the evening. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNhHAWYswlBbtceuBvypCrBkJy1t49tyPSvxG77idAxWcGFPD4lFYqC2JbBi5gLT1umFf7uf3bTcsprEULbe4pGtFZw2RgNzMIeMyrm21IgilgZX6K9XzJ85iyBbap3cGa1XqN-84tRHtC9WYK95ezXzjL-4M7DG_WR5-B_wyfk50v-Xgp4dTHfsF/s3120/KHCTY_Lounge_MG_0164.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Second Floor Lounge" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNhHAWYswlBbtceuBvypCrBkJy1t49tyPSvxG77idAxWcGFPD4lFYqC2JbBi5gLT1umFf7uf3bTcsprEULbe4pGtFZw2RgNzMIeMyrm21IgilgZX6K9XzJ85iyBbap3cGa1XqN-84tRHtC9WYK95ezXzjL-4M7DG_WR5-B_wyfk50v-Xgp4dTHfsF/w400-h266/KHCTY_Lounge_MG_0164.jpg" title="The Second Floor Lounge" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second floor lounge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Designed under a “Food Market” concept, the buffet style dining serves dishes from a variety of cuisines ensuring that there is something for everyone. The drink machines are, as you expect of Tokyo, high-tech. The soft drink machine allows you to choose your level of carbonation from high, medium or low, and even allows you to mix different soft drinks together. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-bhUEs-SAfdqj18YmBrQ_Zy9fqUeo3OI-RUek86Yn-MGbcn38Uw6GshnsBqb8xU1S6dHj6U_JFtvlET1p7A68bnPs2ct28hcxgwZUHbXlyVF4-DgaLNygmhuZM8DtFchvVxrPDaSEs35ooW9fT47aZ-U3fdA5BxpVZV75NdB6ecZbDrcdCNl1p8-/s3120/KHCTY_Lounge_Buffet_MG_0168.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Kitchen Cart Lounge Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-bhUEs-SAfdqj18YmBrQ_Zy9fqUeo3OI-RUek86Yn-MGbcn38Uw6GshnsBqb8xU1S6dHj6U_JFtvlET1p7A68bnPs2ct28hcxgwZUHbXlyVF4-DgaLNygmhuZM8DtFchvVxrPDaSEs35ooW9fT47aZ-U3fdA5BxpVZV75NdB6ecZbDrcdCNl1p8-/w400-h266/KHCTY_Lounge_Buffet_MG_0168.jpg" title="The Kitchen Cart Lounge Buffet" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen cart lounge buffet</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. In addition to a laundry corner and other convenient services for long stays. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEN7r1nrvFw_vBMupXh4tzwZIddEvXPUVC_jRdk6evFmWoxQtGAyDoDZCFQeLq-_edmk5erT0WpJ4uJ-A4JWaPdndHnnJbYogfZ1ITTmcvsar6zJAYho5sw_JqmnfmWfJYGG_03AYPmWLKHOP87UZAHCSsQvDVm1XZfSTFMdnnFVBqsy917GxySyn/s3120/KHCTY_LaundryCorner_MG_0100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Laundry Corner" border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3120" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEN7r1nrvFw_vBMupXh4tzwZIddEvXPUVC_jRdk6evFmWoxQtGAyDoDZCFQeLq-_edmk5erT0WpJ4uJ-A4JWaPdndHnnJbYogfZ1ITTmcvsar6zJAYho5sw_JqmnfmWfJYGG_03AYPmWLKHOP87UZAHCSsQvDVm1XZfSTFMdnnFVBqsy917GxySyn/w400-h266/KHCTY_LaundryCorner_MG_0100.jpg" title="Laundry Corner" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Corner</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Foreign Language Support for International Visitors </h3><div><br /></div><div>There are a full range of services available for overseas visitors to ensure that their stay is both comfortable and stress-free. This includes multilingual staff who can speak a variety of different languages and contactless check-in/out and payment machines available in 5 different languages for international guests. All this means that international visitors can have a relaxing and enjoyable stay without having to worry about speaking Japanese. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Easy to Navigate Booking System </h3><div><br /></div><div>The official website and booking system is available in over 4 languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can actually save money on your trip by booking your hotel room directly via the official website. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrap Up </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://karaksahotels.com/en/tokyoyaesu/" target="_blank">Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu</a> is a great choice for international visitors looking for a functional, stylish and convenient place to stay while in Tokyo. </div><div><br /></div><div>All images courtesy of Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hotel Information </h3><div><br /></div><div><b>Address:</b> 3-5-13 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027 </div><div><b>Phone:</b> +81 (0)3 6880 6602 </div><div><b>Website:</b> <a href="https://karaksahotels.com/en/tokyoyaesu/" target="_blank">https://karaksahotels.com/en/tokyoyaesu/ </a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Access </h3><div><br /></div><div>Approximately 60 minutes from Narita Airport on the JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station.
</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbgT6A-_icE_Yy2vfNIwUbcIwYt0tfIA8taah6jzMZEgs9Jqtt_3bskHV-SinlTAo8FIJKW0TaAgPzkMI4YamD6Lo-WU8JI_xE7zoNJ1VyMT9mv1UL3dPvRDOrcXZIHUtMB3-VYwj01SNdh77zbPZlpFIIaat3zz4nwRXAgRSUwWxFSZBYgr-Ex05/s2880/KHCTY_Exterior_014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The stylish exterior of the hotel" border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="2880" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbgT6A-_icE_Yy2vfNIwUbcIwYt0tfIA8taah6jzMZEgs9Jqtt_3bskHV-SinlTAo8FIJKW0TaAgPzkMI4YamD6Lo-WU8JI_xE7zoNJ1VyMT9mv1UL3dPvRDOrcXZIHUtMB3-VYwj01SNdh77zbPZlpFIIaat3zz4nwRXAgRSUwWxFSZBYgr-Ex05/w400-h268/KHCTY_Exterior_014.jpg" title="The stylish exterior of the hotel" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-56346302330896769522023-01-27T10:51:00.001+09:002023-01-29T16:45:21.027+09:00Shop Online with ZenPlus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDG4z_EQXozBftGDfCORYUn7gC_TYkhpifGohFb3ZFtC-QStXNiJZW8K8kIAiOL_gRhSo-iSGkGbWocwOe9bj23CmGSiwBho_hQfKw4sn86S5HrFbNX3Qt-toPDitTNwEw-BN92xORcxChVjRY7OXZMCq8ID6bvdAYfbENzwuDG5oYYQPeYgL3cjE/s500/326040930_692257999228910_907274678921494223_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ZenPlus Logo" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDG4z_EQXozBftGDfCORYUn7gC_TYkhpifGohFb3ZFtC-QStXNiJZW8K8kIAiOL_gRhSo-iSGkGbWocwOe9bj23CmGSiwBho_hQfKw4sn86S5HrFbNX3Qt-toPDitTNwEw-BN92xORcxChVjRY7OXZMCq8ID6bvdAYfbENzwuDG5oYYQPeYgL3cjE/w200-h200/326040930_692257999228910_907274678921494223_n.png" title="ZenPlus Logo" width="200" /></a></div>If you are a fan of Japanese culture and products, I have just the place for you to purchase that authentic Japanese item from Japan and ship it directly to your door without the hassle of not speaking Japanese. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://zenplus.jp/en?utm_medium=pr&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=en-japanaustralia_blog_2301" target="_blank">ZenPlus</a> is an online marketplace in Osaka, Japan that connects Japanese stores (and their products) with people around the world. The online shopping platform allows you to discover goodies from thousands of Japanese stores and delivers the products directly from those stores in Japan to the user’s door anywhere in the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>They stock a huge range of Japanese products including anime goods, plushies, food & drinks, drugstore beauty products, kitchenware, traditional Japanese goods, handmade products, souvenirs, Japanese-language manga, DVDs, games, and many more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the featured stores are Nicker, Nakamura Tokichi, and Kaiyodo. You can find a list of the <a href="https://lp.zenplus.jp/en-japan-shop-list?utm_medium=pr&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=en-japanaustralia_blog_2301" target="_blank">Japan shops</a> on their website. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFUvjXEz-tVxwx5UHszZ6ywAfP8B8IZYZNypwGtAH4upS2axSpuuwfV3s6mdB6NYPO6AgBFhYehvtwVVc3TsZk4yKldNRk4OFP3JwMKFE0wFGv8PNNVvyOI5UU81-5Ng2RdN7GhsKioZRB4svV7M_D2dn14SDh95QYefUz06GzMFEXh2jch_3VTaA/s600/cb2b781a-2536-4c9a-8e3d-f97163416680.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese Tableware" border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFUvjXEz-tVxwx5UHszZ6ywAfP8B8IZYZNypwGtAH4upS2axSpuuwfV3s6mdB6NYPO6AgBFhYehvtwVVc3TsZk4yKldNRk4OFP3JwMKFE0wFGv8PNNVvyOI5UU81-5Ng2RdN7GhsKioZRB4svV7M_D2dn14SDh95QYefUz06GzMFEXh2jch_3VTaA/w400-h215/cb2b781a-2536-4c9a-8e3d-f97163416680.png" title="Japanese Tableware" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The product prices are based on the Japanese yen and are calculated by the exchange rate on the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out their <a href="https://lp.zenplus.jp/en-shopping-guide?utm_medium=pr&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=en-japanaustralia_blog_2301" target="_blank">Shopping Guide</a> for more information on how to shop with ZenPlus. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEMe8xz6BrNFsgq6jqTdM8IK_PL3_mWB4J1CSD71hMgrdgPDWo5cwgAi5q-QldE817FO5LilbyWGf6pfhGy4Zhw-VoheTC04YWZveW8HubLKmkxF8uxVZ9VKLYjuKReJWlQy7B5H62qxFjGkYHHq2-w39ph3fuARRM3l5gR6tUc1jRLKeJfrAvIGP/s300/fvirast_pc2-300.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shopping Guide" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEMe8xz6BrNFsgq6jqTdM8IK_PL3_mWB4J1CSD71hMgrdgPDWo5cwgAi5q-QldE817FO5LilbyWGf6pfhGy4Zhw-VoheTC04YWZveW8HubLKmkxF8uxVZ9VKLYjuKReJWlQy7B5H62qxFjGkYHHq2-w39ph3fuARRM3l5gR6tUc1jRLKeJfrAvIGP/s16000/fvirast_pc2-300.webp" title="Shopping Guide" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Benefits of Buying through ZenPlus </h3><div><br /></div><div>There are numerous benefits to shopping with ZenPlus which include: </div><div><br /></div><div>• They are not a shopping proxy service, but work directly with the Japanese stores, which guarantees the products are 100% authentic. </div><div><br /></div><div>• You can purchase different products from different stores and include them in the same order. The products are gathered in the same parcel for free. </div><div><br /></div><div>• Users can pay a one-off price with the shipping fee included during checkout. This makes the whole process a lot easier as you DO NOT need to arrange any more steps after the 1-time payment. </div><div><br /></div><div>• There is a native English Customer Support team to help out with the whole communication process, which means zero worries about the issue of the language barrier with Japanese stores. </div><div><br /></div><div>• Users can pay in any currency and send to any country around the world. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://zenplus.jp/en?utm_medium=pr&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=en-japanaustralia_blog_2301" target="_blank">ZenPlus</a> makes it easy to buy products directly from Japan with only a few clicks. Make sure to follow them on their social media channels, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zenplus.jp" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/zenplus_en" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenplus.jp/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest news, sales, and discounts.
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This fascinating city in central Japan with its strong samurai history has cultural richness and unique attractions that few places can beat. Do yourself a favour and step off the bullet train to explore all that this fantastic travel destination has to offer. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/" target="_blank">Nagoya</a>, the capital of Aichi Prefecture is Japan’s 4th most populated city and is ideally located in the center of Japan making it a transportation hub. It is a fantastic place to base yourself during your travels in Japan as it is easy to hit up on some of the country’s best sightseeing spots with just a day trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, I had the chance to head back to Nagoya on Day 3 of the Samurai & Timber Tour organized by the good folks at <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> and Nagoya City. Make sure you read about Day 1 in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/09/step-back-in-time-at-gujo-hachiman.html" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> and Day 2 in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-stroll-around-inuyama.html" target="_blank">Inuyama</a>. The schedule was packed but there were a lot of fun things to do and see in Nagoya. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nagoya Castle </h3><div><br /></div><div>Nagoya Castle is Nagoya’s most popular tourist destination and a symbol of its status as a samurai city. Back in its heyday, it was the biggest, the best designed, the most gorgeous and the best preserved of all the samurai castles in Japan. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y_q-_c7j2-W4TX9ajRjZCvfHNKgiTVbf__y9GVtuGJx5QdRm4nh-zQ4ncumFVZgb4siqCDdVaB_t2IGXgWxUF6E62EM1vC-nr_SnDHKHYLbYT-dj9lvDbwzP-ALsA9H0v47HrhS_c8Ezp-esqTNwo0QZvkFLEFPAN3JIRHF9T6-LJsRhVvd5nPjX/s1440/corner_tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southwest corner watchtower" border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1440" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y_q-_c7j2-W4TX9ajRjZCvfHNKgiTVbf__y9GVtuGJx5QdRm4nh-zQ4ncumFVZgb4siqCDdVaB_t2IGXgWxUF6E62EM1vC-nr_SnDHKHYLbYT-dj9lvDbwzP-ALsA9H0v47HrhS_c8Ezp-esqTNwo0QZvkFLEFPAN3JIRHF9T6-LJsRhVvd5nPjX/w640-h432/corner_tower.jpg" title="Southwest corner watchtower" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The southwest corner watchtower</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/" target="_blank">Nagoya Castle</a> was Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure in 1930. It was completed in 1612 by the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) to showcase his power and to act as the first line of defense for Edo (Tokyo) against a potential attack from rival Osaka. The Shogun relocated the castle town from nearby Kiyosu, making Nagoya the capital of Owari Domain and one of the most important castle towns in Japan, ultimately growing to become Japan’s fourth largest city. The castle was the seat of the Owari Tokugawa Clan, one of the three branches of the Tokugawa family from which the Shogun could be chosen. </div><div><br /></div><div>The crafty Ieyasu had the mighty fortress built at next to no personal expense by placing the burden on 20 former enemy warlords, who had to complete the massive construction by sourcing and moving many tons of huge stones and construction materials. Today, you can still see the inscriptions of various daimyo’s family crests in some of the larger stones which clearly indicated where the stones came from. The labour and financial strain, prevented the daimyo from spending on arms, armour and armies, thus weakening them and lessening any potential for rising against him. No wonder the Tokugawa Shogunate lasted for more than 260 years! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6TbI1yNc9IZlZDwtNr2Pd6R62rqI_J1M6ULI08LZUs9RRGOMwsZr5oJkeSQK-QibysPu5UbR4wR63yXdMe4MnucWcL_5GuDtI-QwyWQmYWZIh85_X28dyPDhh-7o8KE0Cv2Gg1kUJRwEDfbLVFrhaPTIluJwC0QHritQcuzpWQWrvbKfLL4O5ccc/s1440/nagoya_castle_wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nagoya Castle and stone wall" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6TbI1yNc9IZlZDwtNr2Pd6R62rqI_J1M6ULI08LZUs9RRGOMwsZr5oJkeSQK-QibysPu5UbR4wR63yXdMe4MnucWcL_5GuDtI-QwyWQmYWZIh85_X28dyPDhh-7o8KE0Cv2Gg1kUJRwEDfbLVFrhaPTIluJwC0QHritQcuzpWQWrvbKfLL4O5ccc/w640-h426/nagoya_castle_wall.jpg" title="Nagoya Castle and stone wall" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nagoya Castle and stone wall </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The massive main tower was topped with two golden <i>shachihoko</i> and was Japan’s biggest keep during the Edo period (1603-1868). If you are keen to see the main keep in its current form, hurry as it is scheduled to be demolished and reconstructed in wood in the near future. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhUpBU521gLx6ToG0gGUOOr3xG2cZTvQp4MZRl2UqtRMjjT4TAeR_l4Z321swCaVRfq8z5-KzuIuJK92KSGtVThLuAtxrMuaEDLXR6fUkg9ZFB1ijhl_Hme5riNDZkb0UXpAOFve23sf4ki4E1H-QhWv9g_wXqkcA1OZCnDXEUqkWZB7-mbAaglfj/s1440/main_tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The main tower of Nagoya Castle" border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1440" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhUpBU521gLx6ToG0gGUOOr3xG2cZTvQp4MZRl2UqtRMjjT4TAeR_l4Z321swCaVRfq8z5-KzuIuJK92KSGtVThLuAtxrMuaEDLXR6fUkg9ZFB1ijhl_Hme5riNDZkb0UXpAOFve23sf4ki4E1H-QhWv9g_wXqkcA1OZCnDXEUqkWZB7-mbAaglfj/w640-h418/main_tower.jpg" title="The main tower of Nagoya Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main tower of Nagoya Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Honmaru Goten Palace </h3><div><br /></div><div>The magnificent Honmaru Goten Palace at Nagoya Castle was considered a masterpiece of Samurai <i>Shoin-zukuri </i>architecture. It was the most elegant, most gorgeous castle palace in all of Japan. The interior of the palace was richly decorated with gold covered walls and screens adorned in stunning works by the leading artists of the day. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK43FysPgrfPZGA4boB4FuUpBtqGZG_AZ2zKyjC7T5tY2LBbXd0rZCu3O1j9MzozJZ5NWl1VzrJUJqbwpH2w0DF75kyXa_dhDgCKmAAz5-0V-1leAEMPSi2aqF2kFm1h2ZoVOi0C_hGRqe89wQlUELCze6otv_HGZcy9fN0o8PrUvTY09Hu_tysNRg/s1440/honmaru_palace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Taimenjo Reception Hall" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK43FysPgrfPZGA4boB4FuUpBtqGZG_AZ2zKyjC7T5tY2LBbXd0rZCu3O1j9MzozJZ5NWl1VzrJUJqbwpH2w0DF75kyXa_dhDgCKmAAz5-0V-1leAEMPSi2aqF2kFm1h2ZoVOi0C_hGRqe89wQlUELCze6otv_HGZcy9fN0o8PrUvTY09Hu_tysNRg/w640-h426/honmaru_palace1.jpg" title="The Taimenjo Reception Hall" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Taimenjo Reception Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was built in 1615 to serve as the residence and audience chamber for Tokugawa Ieyasu's 9th son, the first feudal lord of Owari Domain, and later became the accommodation of choice for the Shogun on his rare visits from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto. Tokugawa Ieyasu was so impressed with the palace that he ordered a similar palace to be constructed in Kyoto at Nijo Castle. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Honmaru Palace has been fully restored to look as it did over 400 years ago. The recent rebuild was done using traditional construction materials and techniques and was fully opened to the public in 2018. One of its most spectacular rooms is the Jorakuden Hall, which was a palace for visiting shoguns. It was constructed for the visit of the third Shogun, Iemitsu in 1634. It is the most prestigious building in the Honmaru Palace with richly decorated walls and ceilings, and intricately carved and vividly coloured transoms between the rooms. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gRY2IXOUee4iV2iUb4xtN9lrxMT6aAEcU2ANYZyQ27ezmZWC6cCY3ea5iggB38wHAR8gBLmLbyITDe6DmXOL5xyP3Xol-xY_84ft6_i7m3OnC3QYn_nGgTZFlKmuNih2Ei3bEpIA1jP9k_NZ2NK9e3ysn94PBluEj--0USuhEsf0nGU4ZAtS_Oox/s1440/honmaru_palace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Jorakuden Hall was used by the Shogun when visiting Nagoya" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gRY2IXOUee4iV2iUb4xtN9lrxMT6aAEcU2ANYZyQ27ezmZWC6cCY3ea5iggB38wHAR8gBLmLbyITDe6DmXOL5xyP3Xol-xY_84ft6_i7m3OnC3QYn_nGgTZFlKmuNih2Ei3bEpIA1jP9k_NZ2NK9e3ysn94PBluEj--0USuhEsf0nGU4ZAtS_Oox/w640-h426/honmaru_palace2.jpg" title="The Jorakuden Hall was used by the Shogun when visiting Nagoya" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jorakuden Hall was used by the Shogun when visiting Nagoya</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tokugawaen Garden </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.tokugawaen.aichi.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank">Tokugawaen Garden</a> was built in 1695 as a retirement villa for Tokugawa Mitsutomo (1625-1700), head of the Owari Tokugawa family, and second lord of Owari Domain. The garden is an oasis in the middle of Nagoya and draws visitors during all seasons to escape the city. It is particularly beautiful during autumn when the Japanese maples are a fiery red. The garden is designed in a style typical of daimyo gardens from the Edo period (1603-1868). Some of the main points of interest in the garden include:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE1IDToVT9w3HmRjYN_keFeqgFqRKulWBOD_POohiBZPogZ1Vh6nX28KoK2a3ERtACrEOKEFhjBf9xG-Mj_KVvOARw804LkZuINvkGwU3NzQM84db4Ve2CzGsRV8gOQtX86R1GCKISMmldyuJ9cDJI4_fyQirmuSBumTm70M1tAQPw4JFrtUhgUId/s1440/tokugawaen_garden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tokugawaen Garden" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE1IDToVT9w3HmRjYN_keFeqgFqRKulWBOD_POohiBZPogZ1Vh6nX28KoK2a3ERtACrEOKEFhjBf9xG-Mj_KVvOARw804LkZuINvkGwU3NzQM84db4Ve2CzGsRV8gOQtX86R1GCKISMmldyuJ9cDJI4_fyQirmuSBumTm70M1tAQPw4JFrtUhgUId/w640-h426/tokugawaen_garden2.jpg" title="Tokugawaen Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokugawaen Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Ryusen Lake </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The center piece for the garden is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, promenades, bridges, and teahouses. The best way to enjoy the garden is to walk around the lake and take in all the points of interest which are arranged near the water’s edge. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2qQ0Uof2MxLhIX1wkHx8xbU3E6qmKhVcFX9h9kDbK8WnCWH_MdAvj54DNQbrhm2XKTt9yAe7OtKaLYrXl61_qpnF0JvQ0GPdORAyZtYfMFFAUN0wwJQPNHNHnxTCazQjPFqt46Gm3D3jaM9guEu4SE1p18abqKQxgaYpZdVm8bD90tYJ8hKga0de/s1440/tokugawaen_garden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ryusen Lake at Tokugawaen Garden" border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1440" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2qQ0Uof2MxLhIX1wkHx8xbU3E6qmKhVcFX9h9kDbK8WnCWH_MdAvj54DNQbrhm2XKTt9yAe7OtKaLYrXl61_qpnF0JvQ0GPdORAyZtYfMFFAUN0wwJQPNHNHnxTCazQjPFqt46Gm3D3jaM9guEu4SE1p18abqKQxgaYpZdVm8bD90tYJ8hKga0de/w640-h412/tokugawaen_garden1.jpg" title="Ryusen Lake at Tokugawaen Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryusen Lake at Tokugawaen Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ryumon no Taki </b></div><div><br /></div><div>A beautiful waterfall based on the legend of a carp that leaped up a waterfall and turned into a dragon. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Zuiryutei (Teahouse) </b></div><div><br /></div><div>This small teahouse on a hill overlooking the lake is connected to Oda Urakusai, from my previous article on <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-stroll-around-inuyama.html" target="_blank">Inuyama</a>, who was the tea ceremony master for the Owari Tokugawa family. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYBTba0YoGjqPH-PzPjGYLKbE4Z_SqO1BI5hRGh2aVyugjD1ZZ3mLsnVOR6KLS8DbVBRWOW5HhtgAABbqAmlGwZpoQrKgOGRglVmb53ebbvkWhLmvGEe6RbTvjFTcr4DYT1WMzjnxlpSQ9dadBG_X5anXDkZS00rwyccz6gqRmaFQetmbRCE8Jq2z/s1440/teahouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Zuiryutei Teahouse" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYBTba0YoGjqPH-PzPjGYLKbE4Z_SqO1BI5hRGh2aVyugjD1ZZ3mLsnVOR6KLS8DbVBRWOW5HhtgAABbqAmlGwZpoQrKgOGRglVmb53ebbvkWhLmvGEe6RbTvjFTcr4DYT1WMzjnxlpSQ9dadBG_X5anXDkZS00rwyccz6gqRmaFQetmbRCE8Jq2z/w640-h426/teahouse.jpg" title="Zuiryutei Teahouse" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zuiryutei Teahouse</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Kuromon (Black Gate) </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The main gate and entry point into the complex which includes the Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawaen Garden. Completed in 1900, the gate is an original that remains from the Owari Tokugawa family residence. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2DWJ8j1hnh5ZutFMji4Wu6kTcjUPM-Dz9Ge8afxuZjeRJYI0Jb2Q_Lz1tmNxpu8hXcDEXuprIRSZgblFZCcs6eg6jjdce9RIT-V0VuTIClMmtPIQueMBDPRx71EgoTA8N9oV9ZH-zQEfLIAilbZt44HChMtbz1_Nn5tOdkGWA7RC4muqPeLiL6To/s1440/black_gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Kuromon Gate" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2DWJ8j1hnh5ZutFMji4Wu6kTcjUPM-Dz9Ge8afxuZjeRJYI0Jb2Q_Lz1tmNxpu8hXcDEXuprIRSZgblFZCcs6eg6jjdce9RIT-V0VuTIClMmtPIQueMBDPRx71EgoTA8N9oV9ZH-zQEfLIAilbZt44HChMtbz1_Nn5tOdkGWA7RC4muqPeLiL6To/w640-h426/black_gate.jpg" title="The Kuromon Gate" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kuromon Black Gate</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tokugawa Art Museum </h3><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/en/" target="_blank">Tokugawa Art Museum</a> houses the magnificent treasures of the Owari Tokugawa Clan, rulers of Nagoya and Owari Domain during the Edo period (1603-1868). The museum located next to Tokugawaen Garden was opened in 1935 and contains more than 10,000 artworks from the Owari Tokugawa family. The collection includes swords and armour from the Tokugawa family as well as cultural items such as tea ceremony utensils, Noh theatre masks, and scrolls including an original of the Tales of Genji. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03AVHb_mc9aFrn3IWnReLIat1VtUXmI4LZFlRN51BNmVtSLeRx4Co0lHyQd56JP6IwAq9DbyShE1BIlHVuwbt5JQUU5_Qq-LmqbMtD0ODJkYJaKqfuga3ZRqUZUrrN3KGbzsBghpel_hE7OU_eIF_tIdf-g38Vx7MzIli8dM6almRn3d2Sw77T8Us/s1440/tokugawa_museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One of the treasures at the Tokugawa Art Museum" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03AVHb_mc9aFrn3IWnReLIat1VtUXmI4LZFlRN51BNmVtSLeRx4Co0lHyQd56JP6IwAq9DbyShE1BIlHVuwbt5JQUU5_Qq-LmqbMtD0ODJkYJaKqfuga3ZRqUZUrrN3KGbzsBghpel_hE7OU_eIF_tIdf-g38Vx7MzIli8dM6almRn3d2Sw77T8Us/w640-h426/tokugawa_museum.jpg" title="One of the treasures at the Tokugawa Art Museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the treasures at the Tokugawa Art Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The first room houses swords and suits of armour that are displayed as they would have been in a daimyo residence. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1KUBR9MfzzRiFjob4QdSGk9Z0x3bY8bgq2PMjBLpVqK3cZsViMxtxFEklU2YBRTunS6NRBjT9matm3KksBOpZMYi1AZvXvwWeJwJdE3OJcbWkPz_JIP1dsbpw4gSJqM53MvXslysEIPJ2YqYAOfTiSVViPcb8T9xVFK5j8Uf-LxlDG_s986dAbCV/s1440/tokugawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tokugawa armour in the first room" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1KUBR9MfzzRiFjob4QdSGk9Z0x3bY8bgq2PMjBLpVqK3cZsViMxtxFEklU2YBRTunS6NRBjT9matm3KksBOpZMYi1AZvXvwWeJwJdE3OJcbWkPz_JIP1dsbpw4gSJqM53MvXslysEIPJ2YqYAOfTiSVViPcb8T9xVFK5j8Uf-LxlDG_s986dAbCV/w640-h426/tokugawa.jpg" title="Tokugawa armour in the first room" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokugawa armour in the first room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwsf4mqKblEmgG633bOd3uQx_nnjij2cXc6fmWWKf29fGDHBUxEBB6yOSA_dKQoTki9j7bIgQwR2uW3azl-NsnAHIQoCMJ0rJcz49Q7J1K1SmqtyOs-WoThrbAW9aKDDlm4zz8_fhWGPip_MhqQxKc0FNwgOmO1eQB2njwdOgD49iHbkTisxV_CJe/s1440/samurai_sword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Samurai sword in the first room of the museum" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwsf4mqKblEmgG633bOd3uQx_nnjij2cXc6fmWWKf29fGDHBUxEBB6yOSA_dKQoTki9j7bIgQwR2uW3azl-NsnAHIQoCMJ0rJcz49Q7J1K1SmqtyOs-WoThrbAW9aKDDlm4zz8_fhWGPip_MhqQxKc0FNwgOmO1eQB2njwdOgD49iHbkTisxV_CJe/w640-h426/samurai_sword.jpg" title="Samurai sword in the first room of the museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samurai sword in the first room of the museum</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The impressive Noh theatre is a reproduction of the Noh stage from Nagoya Castle. Noh performances formed an integral part of household ceremonies and entertainment for guests at the castle. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRL3xB-cQxAi7fCZNeSkt2BnP55V_h4CsJPiZ_cUbonHAGP8wHO9B8B6QB0lrTWfxL5AuhmmnrijAaKYkeXf5uROfBy0NL75HbgtBoc-xjoMw4tr_Vg6J5Tjnutpc0iFesUovDvset9mxFlysKhLL4UbHs4-ANWy45XneMuCdaGOoU8E4DoFpplhj/s1440/noh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Noh theatre reproduction from Nagoya Castle" border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1440" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRL3xB-cQxAi7fCZNeSkt2BnP55V_h4CsJPiZ_cUbonHAGP8wHO9B8B6QB0lrTWfxL5AuhmmnrijAaKYkeXf5uROfBy0NL75HbgtBoc-xjoMw4tr_Vg6J5Tjnutpc0iFesUovDvset9mxFlysKhLL4UbHs4-ANWy45XneMuCdaGOoU8E4DoFpplhj/w640-h414/noh.jpg" title="Noh theatre reproduction from Nagoya Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noh theatre reproduction from Nagoya Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The most famous of all Japanese handscrolls is the 12th century Tale of Genji. This classic work of Japanese literature was created around the peak of the Heian period in the early 11th century. The museum is home to a rare original copy of this legendary piece of work. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Flat Noodles at Hōsa </h3><div><br /></div><div>Nagoya is also home to some of the best food in Japan and can rival any city in Japan as a foodie destination. One of its most famous local dishes is <i>kishimen</i> (flat noodles). One of the best places to try them is at <a href="https://www.hosa.nagoya/" target="_blank">Hōsa</a> near Nagoya Castle. This new restaurant serves a variety of kishimen noodle dishes as well as a selection of seasonal Japanese sweets in a Wa-modern setting. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2tgVOMRQvxX8n7dUVN-fSbC01bKqn5ckW0wIfv8Wt-jzkA_nIdSDl-HOnOHKpEs9JhjgRrhJZxpRiKGezWJa2W4vLuwPiwBoQv8fyEZbsjE05pxQWBwGzBww3CZMe0qxptgHeBYohMo05IHmwuoOcu7vkbOgq83XSvCEnFNCJV9OgTEHoNfb19Kk/s1440/kishimen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kishimen noodles at Hōsa" border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1440" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2tgVOMRQvxX8n7dUVN-fSbC01bKqn5ckW0wIfv8Wt-jzkA_nIdSDl-HOnOHKpEs9JhjgRrhJZxpRiKGezWJa2W4vLuwPiwBoQv8fyEZbsjE05pxQWBwGzBww3CZMe0qxptgHeBYohMo05IHmwuoOcu7vkbOgq83XSvCEnFNCJV9OgTEHoNfb19Kk/w640-h392/kishimen.jpg" title="Kishimen noodles at Hōsa" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kishimen noodles at Hōsa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Suehirodo Nagoya Folding Fan </h3><div><br /></div><div>Nagoya Sensu (Nagoya folding fans) are one of the city’s traditional crafts with a history of more than 300 years. At <a href="https://suehirodo-sensu.co.jp/nagoyasensu_e" target="_blank">Suehirodo</a>, visitors can try a folding fan making experience next to none under the guidance of a master craftsman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nagoya Sensu was created by Inoue Kanzo and his son, who moved from Kyoto to Nagoya during the mid-18th century to set up shop in what is present day Habashita in Nishi-ku, Nagoya (near Nagoya Castle). Since that time, the industry has been flourishing in Nagoya. Simply made with washi paper on a bamboo frame, the fans bear fine calligraphy and elegant designs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Participants can draw their own original designs on the washi paper and then assemble and finish off their own personal fan to take home as a souvenir. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyknxgJCvoCPnwPY9KvDO1wBoddbCAsqUdQj0pUYmIWEHrZ53wrpyHMjBM1eOUrPo1zNDNPGxnIoqs2JIXHbxbQwfMhtgpee4dlhslKX6JraJlvH659rxJ5mCs2cJIsXxhAMfgQJksTe3dDSoKzINREHKu67s5XTnHmsU9ZlbcWz-UIg928e42TRNi/s1008/folding_fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Making a folding fan" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyknxgJCvoCPnwPY9KvDO1wBoddbCAsqUdQj0pUYmIWEHrZ53wrpyHMjBM1eOUrPo1zNDNPGxnIoqs2JIXHbxbQwfMhtgpee4dlhslKX6JraJlvH659rxJ5mCs2cJIsXxhAMfgQJksTe3dDSoKzINREHKu67s5XTnHmsU9ZlbcWz-UIg928e42TRNi/w300-h400/folding_fan.jpg" title="Making a folding fan" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a folding fan via <a href="https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to Get to Nagoya </h3><div><br /></div><div>Nagoya is conveniently located along the JR Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Kyoto. From Tokyo, it is about 100 minutes on the Nozomi bullet train (¥10,780). </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrap Up </h3><div><br /></div><div>The next time you are in central Japan, make sure you get off that shinkansen and explore all that <a href="https://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/" target="_blank">Nagoya</a> has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to read about day 1 of the tour in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/09/step-back-in-time-at-gujo-hachiman.html" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> in Gifu Prefecture and day 2 in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-stroll-around-inuyama.html" target="_blank">Inuyama</a> in Aichi Prefecture. If you want to book your own epic Samurai & Timber tour of Gujo Hachiman, Inuyama and Nagoya, visit the <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> website.
</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVQ_IWwmmLYv70CXiqRp3gUgw-z5pz__WHuUKGq189sAnBOk6Dz3onC-8K3adBByPIfdU2hkjlzqrJwvEwmI3F-I3SPwmcMF_tM8h8NQKgGVsJ33jBFwhf0UpK4cc--rPDDxw0gxutIHPKRQ_GflnuZ-jbsrNa7WKB1YBtjAizSNKKUj_NZ17Q1Vr/s1440/main_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nagoya Castle" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVQ_IWwmmLYv70CXiqRp3gUgw-z5pz__WHuUKGq189sAnBOk6Dz3onC-8K3adBByPIfdU2hkjlzqrJwvEwmI3F-I3SPwmcMF_tM8h8NQKgGVsJ33jBFwhf0UpK4cc--rPDDxw0gxutIHPKRQ_GflnuZ-jbsrNa7WKB1YBtjAizSNKKUj_NZ17Q1Vr/w640-h426/main_image.jpg" title="Nagoya Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nagoya Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-70783986477872150232022-10-02T16:23:00.000+09:002022-10-02T16:23:31.036+09:00A Stroll Around Inuyama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39q1a8NFbMId6hf-Wlf7LJWXr4odrKO99uGco_bYsNAQATX1_DL8riSdPmIYCf0x1Qi9Focj0tO5rnqKKhbgc5fD7llvOS8Nzx5ZbN9yWPLtFn7GhJzElcThS53AqZL8Z71W9r--ARHGp5QEfngbvvXzCyx8LdXZusDm6AXoPNWyPRCxyj8LMVKQX/s1440/urakuen_garden.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Urakuen Garden in Inuyama" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39q1a8NFbMId6hf-Wlf7LJWXr4odrKO99uGco_bYsNAQATX1_DL8riSdPmIYCf0x1Qi9Focj0tO5rnqKKhbgc5fD7llvOS8Nzx5ZbN9yWPLtFn7GhJzElcThS53AqZL8Z71W9r--ARHGp5QEfngbvvXzCyx8LdXZusDm6AXoPNWyPRCxyj8LMVKQX/w200-h133/urakuen_garden.jpg" title="Urakuen Garden in Inuyama" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://inuyama.gr.jp/" target="_blank">Inuyama</a> is a historic castle town on the Kiso River only a short 30 minutes from Nagoya in central Japan. Home to two national treasures of Japan, Inuyama Castle and the teahouse Jo-an inside Urakuen Garden, it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. <div><br /></div><div>On the second day of the Samurai & Timber Tour organized by the good folks at <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> and Nagoya City we had the chance to explore this historic town in Aichi Prefecture. You can read about Day 1 in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/09/step-back-in-time-at-gujo-hachiman.html" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a>. Here are some of the highlights from my visit. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Treasure Inuyama Castle </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://inuyamajo.jp/" target="_blank">Inuyama Castle</a> is the symbol of Inuyama, and one of only five castles in Japan designated as a national treasure. The castle was originally built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582), one of the leading figures of the Sengoku (Warring States) period and the first “Great Unifier” of Japan. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhy8hsgHq0KAKUm05YE9ac0xFZ9bQnk3Svek1PDZi9JWUY1E5PdDpwpUPMpmXXaIhtxjQJt2as8TDwfvfpL3TghS8j3UtXSchRfopFpP6SVCkDjTNCWZtmi7DYRD9qtIKA_lwkGhxBxj6Ad-MQLmCeyWJ9-rBN8SFUilZbd1bLcqgFLcZCJpkcVZz/s1440/inuyama_castle1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View over the grounds of Inuyama Castle" border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1440" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhy8hsgHq0KAKUm05YE9ac0xFZ9bQnk3Svek1PDZi9JWUY1E5PdDpwpUPMpmXXaIhtxjQJt2as8TDwfvfpL3TghS8j3UtXSchRfopFpP6SVCkDjTNCWZtmi7DYRD9qtIKA_lwkGhxBxj6Ad-MQLmCeyWJ9-rBN8SFUilZbd1bLcqgFLcZCJpkcVZz/w640-h424/inuyama_castle1.jpg" title="View over the grounds of Inuyama Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over the grounds of Inuyama Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The castle might be small, but it is packed full of history with the donjon as authentic as they come. The wooden tower is the oldest original still standing in Japan. The climb up the tight and narrow stairway to the top of the tower is worth it for sweeping views over the Kiso River and the castle town below. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyStqE9NzupF0QZ2sGBtWk9pr7X_D3NLOtk70w9B8ohUFelhMZr0Rjpr9oPXxGbuyEe0zMQQoTLxvnJ4VaWpKsNi2Ky4qbOIvbxLvOY0TccBnM4xDyllQyYyZWx76n2mYTfuxnRTmfg1AYRCywDQyBPVfJlK3s2NT2zbiChpVyK8d4yydOn4pjweXA/s1440/inuyama_castle3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inuyama Castle" border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1440" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyStqE9NzupF0QZ2sGBtWk9pr7X_D3NLOtk70w9B8ohUFelhMZr0Rjpr9oPXxGbuyEe0zMQQoTLxvnJ4VaWpKsNi2Ky4qbOIvbxLvOY0TccBnM4xDyllQyYyZWx76n2mYTfuxnRTmfg1AYRCywDQyBPVfJlK3s2NT2zbiChpVyK8d4yydOn4pjweXA/w640-h408/inuyama_castle3.jpg" title="Inuyama Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Treasure Inuyama Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jokamachi Castle Town </h3><div><br /></div><div>The townscape of Inuyama still retains vestiges of an Edo period (1603-1868) castle town, making you feel like you have slipped back in time to the age of the samurai. The castle town, also known as “Showa Alley”, stretches in a straight line from the foot of Inuyama Castle to Inuyama Station. It is home to numerous historic wooden houses which now function as souvenir shops, restaurants and stalls selling all kinds of delicious street food. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoOj34qLMQjRu5BCbZgXiyFAQYnqtVh6sjOGBJefC2M8AGKJz77KhgfFHlz8gufkPMXxeKGxKKpX-mVQrqVo4JGJcnMYO4fLjGxWGBKIIx1mV8fUqOFMuBqaZ5eXSnJv9anob2QvsTYyu8LwFKbvs436R6HkpaaiDEFiYO_-U-C0zHTVN_luUPFHv/s1440/inuyama_old_town1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A stroll around the old castle town" border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1440" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoOj34qLMQjRu5BCbZgXiyFAQYnqtVh6sjOGBJefC2M8AGKJz77KhgfFHlz8gufkPMXxeKGxKKpX-mVQrqVo4JGJcnMYO4fLjGxWGBKIIx1mV8fUqOFMuBqaZ5eXSnJv9anob2QvsTYyu8LwFKbvs436R6HkpaaiDEFiYO_-U-C0zHTVN_luUPFHv/w640-h418/inuyama_old_town1.jpg" title="A stroll around the old castle town" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stroll around the old castle town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3HKMBF2BCczJRwsL1ScUhByU8b8MBev0eQDHayuwQcqEDK39VD74MjiumfFdHFlB1Z-vwfZ-fBMAWG5NE5RZwG7XYeSjmNgznaGQwaxH3aKEcCVMVwpHEu4_1ULr2IJl0sOT5tzHilgqQAT5AjERHYQk_pzd8mrKXNbJB-8ZeBIy0sgF-Ipj1Tvu/s1440/inuyama_old_town2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Traditional wooden buildings in the old town" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3HKMBF2BCczJRwsL1ScUhByU8b8MBev0eQDHayuwQcqEDK39VD74MjiumfFdHFlB1Z-vwfZ-fBMAWG5NE5RZwG7XYeSjmNgznaGQwaxH3aKEcCVMVwpHEu4_1ULr2IJl0sOT5tzHilgqQAT5AjERHYQk_pzd8mrKXNbJB-8ZeBIy0sgF-Ipj1Tvu/w640-h426/inuyama_old_town2.jpg" title="Traditional wooden buildings in the old town" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional wooden buildings in the old town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Miso Dengaku </h3><div><br /></div><div>When in Rome, or Inuyama in this case, you must try Miso Dengaku. This local specialty is skewered tofu blocks coated in red miso paste and grilled over charcoal flames. At <a href="https://hitosara.com/0006139639/?cid=gm_hp" target="_blank">Honmachi Saryo</a>, you can try 7 different flavours with a variety of different tofu, <i>konyaku</i> (yam cake) and toppings. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMAygHxihcnW8IRksY253_-ST_NAy2xfdqxQ41s_moDC5o82ggSPNhQy5O5U6jw-yqENhTQysxM6_bBC7PR9VKk8VxS-7uEJ1_Y01GiI-eS4XOodMhCsvL-LhECEoB2erAGU1P34GVjaydWtf-HqQI9elfaUT2EjkIRgb4UTSwYwf_ZVCv7yQKDTG/s1440/miso_dengaku.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miso Dengaku at Honmachi Saryo" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMAygHxihcnW8IRksY253_-ST_NAy2xfdqxQ41s_moDC5o82ggSPNhQy5O5U6jw-yqENhTQysxM6_bBC7PR9VKk8VxS-7uEJ1_Y01GiI-eS4XOodMhCsvL-LhECEoB2erAGU1P34GVjaydWtf-HqQI9elfaUT2EjkIRgb4UTSwYwf_ZVCv7yQKDTG/w640-h426/miso_dengaku.jpg" title="Miso Dengaku at Honmachi Saryo" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso Dengaku at Honmachi Saryo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There is a beautiful little garden at the back of the shop where you can experience a bit of Japanese culture. I enjoyed eating my miso dengaku while looking at the garden from my window seat. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPdTOYqp2F67wVQUNWRm6cL2Cc_lwhKqKCnoYSSUBiSgn7ki1nvdB18TyjoIA1I8k3iHrf59xsv_LqCbiIqBOPp76743rLICYP0CvKST-umqDH3IrBTFCk-qXrH15LvqAG6cxqaZScKMY65YXokJ2pxO8feoy9Ge1kmGVc71dWazQmA7CgXhtuB7E/s1440/garden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Japanese garden at Honmachi Saryo" border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1440" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPdTOYqp2F67wVQUNWRm6cL2Cc_lwhKqKCnoYSSUBiSgn7ki1nvdB18TyjoIA1I8k3iHrf59xsv_LqCbiIqBOPp76743rLICYP0CvKST-umqDH3IrBTFCk-qXrH15LvqAG6cxqaZScKMY65YXokJ2pxO8feoy9Ge1kmGVc71dWazQmA7CgXhtuB7E/w640-h406/garden.jpg" title="The Japanese garden at Honmachi Saryo" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese garden at Honmachi Saryo</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Feast on Tasty Street Food </h3><div><br /></div><div>The Inuyama Castle town is a treasure trove of tasty and visually stunning dishes, so make sure that you check it out when you visit. The area has some serious cool vibes about it with new trendy food and restaurants popping up all the time. Each time that I visit, it seems to be different with new tasty treats to try. It is also extremely popular with young people, who like to dress in yukata and stroll the streets to enjoy its delights. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtGBhoC5ILvJYOvoMptBnqjkTm_5gc5IG20Hzuhxb0hGqvxOekhJB2SeICPqdCRG45-TVcoOCddMhZmSJ1G2xcX1pEY6cG6lMZbzI1k3FqtFu1gVilmKUao2s1PtIT4uvLOo3QbwoI-15-aXl7KNS2iuh9fmksD86li-pjO_dtPUTDyM7AW2JK5Tb/s1440/inuyama_old_town3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Enjoy tasty street food in the castle town" border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1440" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtGBhoC5ILvJYOvoMptBnqjkTm_5gc5IG20Hzuhxb0hGqvxOekhJB2SeICPqdCRG45-TVcoOCddMhZmSJ1G2xcX1pEY6cG6lMZbzI1k3FqtFu1gVilmKUao2s1PtIT4uvLOo3QbwoI-15-aXl7KNS2iuh9fmksD86li-pjO_dtPUTDyM7AW2JK5Tb/w640-h438/inuyama_old_town3.jpg" title="Enjoy tasty street food in the castle town" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy tasty street food in the castle town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Goheimochi </b></div><div><br /></div><div>My all-time favourite street food is <i>goheimochi</i>. This regional specialty from the mountains of central Japan is a skewered rice cake coated with sweet sesame, walnut miso grilled over charcoal flames. The best place to try this local delicacy in Inuyama is at the <a href="http://jfsoft.web.fc2.com/yamada-gohei/" target="_blank">Yamada Goheimochiten shop</a> on the main street. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHIGyp6cPQUXwchbyEQTWb_2ujP37R4ogr_W3hUwXPv20hfGY_Re93gkCUMz2HbrcU3VhCBuepCni5ff090eMNhXFBAOSiF3XvrRZXsqkyuhNEdx9VQUxeGVoLkL-us0qaiqn10v68rBwK3vzGftuGcSa9C7_YLxXhYM3olakDBt_Wk8wj2pBfXTU/s1514/goheimochi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Goheimochi" border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHIGyp6cPQUXwchbyEQTWb_2ujP37R4ogr_W3hUwXPv20hfGY_Re93gkCUMz2HbrcU3VhCBuepCni5ff090eMNhXFBAOSiF3XvrRZXsqkyuhNEdx9VQUxeGVoLkL-us0qaiqn10v68rBwK3vzGftuGcSa9C7_YLxXhYM3olakDBt_Wk8wj2pBfXTU/w380-h400/goheimochi.jpg" title="Goheimochi" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goheimochi via <a href="https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Inuyama Castle Monaka Sweets </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Matsuei Honten Shop is more than 100 years old and is known for its cute Inuyama Castle Monaka sweets. The delicious goodies are a wafer filled with sweet red bean paste and come in the shape of Inuyama Castle. They are a tasty treat to enjoy with some green tea, or a fantastic souvenir to take home from your travels. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yzO9oskdI_yZDz-8oRRrNiRd4b5nNej2FRcwpydU9blVuaPwAlHJ-gfQhSi5bMqyYWseyXqHPv1Tex_GDBhtdnAGWtKGa6q8T5GW_v9oecwstPLyUxY7KEYyNb6gNszRezMyipuLngSR3kOrobukak8CxyVVoe_KYz-sSSMK1wGKSyGxwhnX-NI7/s1440/inuyama_castle_monaka.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inuyama Castle Monaka sweets" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yzO9oskdI_yZDz-8oRRrNiRd4b5nNej2FRcwpydU9blVuaPwAlHJ-gfQhSi5bMqyYWseyXqHPv1Tex_GDBhtdnAGWtKGa6q8T5GW_v9oecwstPLyUxY7KEYyNb6gNszRezMyipuLngSR3kOrobukak8CxyVVoe_KYz-sSSMK1wGKSyGxwhnX-NI7/w640-h480/inuyama_castle_monaka.jpg" title="Inuyama Castle Monaka sweets" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inuyama Castle Monaka Sweets via <a href="https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kakigori (Shaved Ice) </b></div><div><br /></div><div>My go to summer treat to beat the heat is <i>kakigori </i>(shaved ice). This cold, refreshing dessert is shaved ice topped with a flavoured syrup, making it the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. The stylish Kami no Manimani in Inuyama has the fluffiest kakigori I have ever eaten. Here they serve a cute bird-shaped version of this Japanese classic in either strawberry or lemon Calpis. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0aZzzx4tZcVS9JSecreRmBYcEI0qp0aOBGaqsunsCtdLAcR6By2meUIuT0pz74po_h3Wg8pl59l3qJShr4XSOiGCemgHYqImlIdhQ_r2ILgRPGplN2zw1hFYGcySEZGor_a7rePkLsLETXQlN_IdRBDYkfHcvkFKg8sezN5ogY8UsJRh4HJeK75C/s1440/kakigori.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kakigori at Kami no Manimani" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0aZzzx4tZcVS9JSecreRmBYcEI0qp0aOBGaqsunsCtdLAcR6By2meUIuT0pz74po_h3Wg8pl59l3qJShr4XSOiGCemgHYqImlIdhQ_r2ILgRPGplN2zw1hFYGcySEZGor_a7rePkLsLETXQlN_IdRBDYkfHcvkFKg8sezN5ogY8UsJRh4HJeK75C/w640-h426/kakigori.jpg" title="Kakigori at Kami no Manimani" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kakigori at Kami no Manimani</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Urakuen Garden </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/urakuen/" target="_blank">Urakuen Garden</a> just to the east of Inuyama Castle is famous for its quaint Japanese garden and historic teahouse. It was once the home of samurai warlord Oda Nobunaga’s younger brother, Oda Urakusai (1547-1621), who dedicated his life to the study of the tea ceremony. Urakusai was a student of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591). </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsDFmnXjrOjJXTaoaAQvLyct267IRkUrlx29vSbGiklKEDOV9IELDgyDIe1EU2uZIn3c11Qj8QNJV4wpaB4Yu_Vp6y3iNQj7uAX6-IwSMuBG8KPHHxOkmEQCSOv_5-3HMdq4VLtto2hOUNNMdI7IkoubJqRWFa8xsFDUxSVrCLbAc6FsxJ_v4We4w/s1440/urakuen_garden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Urakuen Garden in Inuyama" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsDFmnXjrOjJXTaoaAQvLyct267IRkUrlx29vSbGiklKEDOV9IELDgyDIe1EU2uZIn3c11Qj8QNJV4wpaB4Yu_Vp6y3iNQj7uAX6-IwSMuBG8KPHHxOkmEQCSOv_5-3HMdq4VLtto2hOUNNMdI7IkoubJqRWFa8xsFDUxSVrCLbAc6FsxJ_v4We4w/w640-h426/urakuen_garden.jpg" title="Urakuen Garden in Inuyama" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urakuen Garden </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The garden contains the early 17th century teahouse, Jo-an, which is listed as a National Treasure of Japan because of its unique design and history. It was originally built by Urakusai in 1618 as part of a temple complex in Kyoto, before being relocated to Tokyo, and later Kanagawa, before finally coming to Inuyama. It is considered to be a masterpiece of architecture and one of Japan’s three finest teahouses. The perfect bit of Zen is to enjoy some Matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet at Ko-an teahouse in Urakuen Garden. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOQLtLNEfqXOedSxQCcEF2SKHOekXDLEmopVUUZhKybrPgnF1ugPML07bZMmh1UfQtyPwPu9xTQ5_hN1YrASPMr7JNS5O9nXBVliUwt1wJyfTXB7dyqjNRG38IEAhVnTbklvhfgIP3fqz7LDVTEkEJPmkr6SyU7vdAU9f0YRKuKxsYf3QDh6hJmpL/s1440/jo-an_teahouse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jo-an Teahouse at Urakuen Garden" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOQLtLNEfqXOedSxQCcEF2SKHOekXDLEmopVUUZhKybrPgnF1ugPML07bZMmh1UfQtyPwPu9xTQ5_hN1YrASPMr7JNS5O9nXBVliUwt1wJyfTXB7dyqjNRG38IEAhVnTbklvhfgIP3fqz7LDVTEkEJPmkr6SyU7vdAU9f0YRKuKxsYf3QDh6hJmpL/w640-h426/jo-an_teahouse.jpg" title="Jo-an Teahouse at Urakuen Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo-an Teahouse at Urakuen Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://inuyama.hotelindigo.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden</a> is a high-end lifestyle hotel completely integrated with its surrounding neighbourhood. The beautifully designed boutique hotel is inspired by the many cultural treasures of Inuyama which include Inuyama Castle, Jo-an teahouse at Urakuen Garden and <i>ukai</i> (cormorant fishing). The hotel features a natural hot spring (the only one in Inuyama), European cuisine restaurant and stunning views of nearby Inuyama Castle. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9bJhfDRrB2zJ7XTyA0Mvq00VUHAxSzXu1uookzBTllziRKAk9fcnUViI68SBZUogyPhhgktk1hQTQNNF8YeVG1Vo5eefbPTrPT4HNqE5uXJq9njjH-4yclqaFTjcvvuZSE8S5dG6-w7t8ki-Kle5q69xf_IfuNc2iubjoJvCh7ARVToCUJxXlFs/s1440/view_from_hotel_indigo_inuyama.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View of Inuyama Castle from the hotel" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9bJhfDRrB2zJ7XTyA0Mvq00VUHAxSzXu1uookzBTllziRKAk9fcnUViI68SBZUogyPhhgktk1hQTQNNF8YeVG1Vo5eefbPTrPT4HNqE5uXJq9njjH-4yclqaFTjcvvuZSE8S5dG6-w7t8ki-Kle5q69xf_IfuNc2iubjoJvCh7ARVToCUJxXlFs/w640-h426/view_from_hotel_indigo_inuyama.jpg" title="View of Inuyama Castle from the hotel" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Inuyama Castle from the hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The reception area has an impressive art wall featuring ukai cormorant fishing boats and their bonfires with the beautiful lobby offering fantastic views of nearby Inuyama Castle and the lush green hotel garden. My room had a wonderful view of Inuyama Castle and the Kiso River. The spectacular breakfast comes in a choice between Japanese or American and as with everything in this hotel, it was beautifully presented. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zEtmrMBqApt1-gTSIr5PDKfMivhvVVGEEyoGG2vn1kiWOb-fRuIH3OwWuSB1J27YEWRAtzaAZCb0FAePj0A1Tt20s1mdxA4Na89IhrkUUIurzJbA2IaNdmroxT1AnLqaZqDkc1wb4JK8sQXzqzwkGs9dYl0KyJxC0Z7YKEdPSoh11zWmb0h_UJ2-/s1440/hotel_indigo_inuyama_lobby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The lobby at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zEtmrMBqApt1-gTSIr5PDKfMivhvVVGEEyoGG2vn1kiWOb-fRuIH3OwWuSB1J27YEWRAtzaAZCb0FAePj0A1Tt20s1mdxA4Na89IhrkUUIurzJbA2IaNdmroxT1AnLqaZqDkc1wb4JK8sQXzqzwkGs9dYl0KyJxC0Z7YKEdPSoh11zWmb0h_UJ2-/w640-h426/hotel_indigo_inuyama_lobby.jpg" title="The lobby at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lobby at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyxAb2SYVbs4e4T1DhqurXbtc5ESq2UVjXi3a8dwK-fv_cjmS4FK1NUDSyO8AasjhY9qaeW5FPxiIzsw-VvXfu_FM_pDdloRUIv2jJ6NOeMzOTNsQwjzoMNuPDf9LhZ_bmLDwIQwt_icGidSr3XMh6d0vNcn5MkfjJwXowfnYGqcVVFae0Oi7sp07/s1440/hotel_indigo_inuyama_reception.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The reception area at the hotel" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyxAb2SYVbs4e4T1DhqurXbtc5ESq2UVjXi3a8dwK-fv_cjmS4FK1NUDSyO8AasjhY9qaeW5FPxiIzsw-VvXfu_FM_pDdloRUIv2jJ6NOeMzOTNsQwjzoMNuPDf9LhZ_bmLDwIQwt_icGidSr3XMh6d0vNcn5MkfjJwXowfnYGqcVVFae0Oi7sp07/w640-h426/hotel_indigo_inuyama_reception.jpg" title="The reception area at the hotel" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reception area at the hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtkk_Zl9Y7UtR7M0coc3Wi4mBBmb94wSKNzzNkPDbhAdeulBZrmP4du8nMy9EpLIrKmlPtHDj44Y8mI26oOKkr6IEzJxmWB3z4HrVbocfgVNTyqCVGE1DeoNSaRO2JrCqzH4USsqiThYwVvhT82txD-YV2tTFeVuuFKH_f6G-bQvlAvBshsHP64m9/s3000/inyuama22.06A%2066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The American style breakfast" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtkk_Zl9Y7UtR7M0coc3Wi4mBBmb94wSKNzzNkPDbhAdeulBZrmP4du8nMy9EpLIrKmlPtHDj44Y8mI26oOKkr6IEzJxmWB3z4HrVbocfgVNTyqCVGE1DeoNSaRO2JrCqzH4USsqiThYwVvhT82txD-YV2tTFeVuuFKH_f6G-bQvlAvBshsHP64m9/w640-h640/inyuama22.06A%2066.jpg" title="The American style breakfast" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The American style breakfast via <a href="https://inuyama.hotelindigo.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Iaido Experience </h3><div><br /></div><div>Get into the samurai spirit by trying <i>Iaido</i>, a Japanese martial art that focuses on awareness and being able to draw your sword quickly in order to respond to sudden attacks. Here in Inuyama, you can dress in traditional clothing and experience this ancient martial art with real swords, allowing you to better understand the culture and art of a bygone era. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejUZH4skO_lfJfsaplQsm_CIICabXpaAdxF-pCUkDR0LEGTcgC09Oza3MmuXO4E9wO-5T2TjfNb_e8bECHVuafThbxaDSsxKuvnhIIiIOyLYGMRw9mYqQXe1XsvBJYf49BZmpdk6O9kvGx36fDrEOoOYUxpPv5knXRbnd73TC9Z4Q7eut-Dyiwax9/s1440/iaido.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iaido experience in Inuyama" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejUZH4skO_lfJfsaplQsm_CIICabXpaAdxF-pCUkDR0LEGTcgC09Oza3MmuXO4E9wO-5T2TjfNb_e8bECHVuafThbxaDSsxKuvnhIIiIOyLYGMRw9mYqQXe1XsvBJYf49BZmpdk6O9kvGx36fDrEOoOYUxpPv5knXRbnd73TC9Z4Q7eut-Dyiwax9/w640-h480/iaido.jpg" title="Iaido experience in Inuyama" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iaido experience in Inuyama via <a href="https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicz7ZlNY7kWSuVaqCiA7YCDPD6j91gZHveHNbZCvLGGgM3L46DpPKdOsnVAL8wYPm_emfG77Ur29WEvK3n0CKKGJnuRwxkdhakNpGxJL1qoFGD4uU76YJk3Fs0MUzhQM0reX3nZvjE0wJmiuMBE-I6Ug3r7oVXTOQVaVS60kagkXO9k5cGE97jLeUP/s1440/samurai_swords.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Samurai swords at the Iaido experience" border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1440" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicz7ZlNY7kWSuVaqCiA7YCDPD6j91gZHveHNbZCvLGGgM3L46DpPKdOsnVAL8wYPm_emfG77Ur29WEvK3n0CKKGJnuRwxkdhakNpGxJL1qoFGD4uU76YJk3Fs0MUzhQM0reX3nZvjE0wJmiuMBE-I6Ug3r7oVXTOQVaVS60kagkXO9k5cGE97jLeUP/w640-h420/samurai_swords.jpg" title="Samurai swords at the Iaido experience" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real samurai swords at the Iaido experience</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to Get to Inuyama </h3><div><br /></div><div>From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take a Meitetsu train on the Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station. The one-way ride takes about 25-30 minutes and costs ¥570. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrap Up </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://inuyama.gr.jp/" target="_blank">Inuyama</a> really is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll to soak up the atmosphere of its historic sites as well as its chic food and traditional culture. Make sure you add it to your itinerary for any visit to central Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to read about day 1 of the tour in <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2022/09/step-back-in-time-at-gujo-hachiman.html" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> and stay tuned for our next article where we head to Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture for day 3 of the tour. If you want to book your own epic Samurai & Timber tour of Gujo Hachiman, Inuyama and Nagoya, visit the <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> website.
</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JX6tgNtLtrA5tg-lt06xwMOH7E0CpA34FXYEqzFl8hSa4yJAuj1jpxQXzxq6A4xG-kTIgwkKIb4nxnXPspJt8xZ7JPua6LJsYi16KmazjPFZd0Re-l1lzYniLhrpgInROFxr4WcvePsD3L25ZDRo2epQPyc8JQ1CTcNgbZw6rmCDblBSXrDqzK8B/s1440/inuyama_castle2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inuyama Castle" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JX6tgNtLtrA5tg-lt06xwMOH7E0CpA34FXYEqzFl8hSa4yJAuj1jpxQXzxq6A4xG-kTIgwkKIb4nxnXPspJt8xZ7JPua6LJsYi16KmazjPFZd0Re-l1lzYniLhrpgInROFxr4WcvePsD3L25ZDRo2epQPyc8JQ1CTcNgbZw6rmCDblBSXrDqzK8B/w640-h426/inuyama_castle2.jpg" title="Inuyama Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Treasure Inuyama Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-72849136483036479352022-09-14T10:49:00.002+09:002022-09-28T12:11:49.593+09:00Step Back in Time at Gujo Hachiman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKvTVPpqfGZt7X7E1X6LNdp9f0xX4fQyZQHte9CcMsgYpoz0rNy9N6_j2iQyJY2mujaGJX0PmAHZIyIQ-38HW_Ze0kDeCpWaZg4kXhdiqVM4y0eD-xno-Hys8OE5NwAitIAy3o9rgHzAExNhHh9Bq1wj4AyvM1knMuwGevDvK6-p68ScoXVBRz9uS/s1440/main_image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gujo Hachiman" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKvTVPpqfGZt7X7E1X6LNdp9f0xX4fQyZQHte9CcMsgYpoz0rNy9N6_j2iQyJY2mujaGJX0PmAHZIyIQ-38HW_Ze0kDeCpWaZg4kXhdiqVM4y0eD-xno-Hys8OE5NwAitIAy3o9rgHzAExNhHh9Bq1wj4AyvM1knMuwGevDvK6-p68ScoXVBRz9uS/w200-h150/main_image.jpg" title="Gujo Hachiman" width="200" /></a></div>Gujo Hachiman is a picturesque Edo period castle town situated along the Yoshida River deep in the lush green mountains of Gifu Prefecture. The riverside town has many claims to fame including its traditional summer Bon dance festival, mountaintop castle, pristine waterways, replica food samples and local crafts. <div><br /></div><div>Recently, I had the chance to explore this charming town once again on a Samurai & Timber Tour organized by the good folks at <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> and Nagoya City. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of the highlights from my visit. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Old Edo Period Townscape </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.php" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> flourished as a prosperous castle town during the Edo period (1603-1868) with many merchants and artisans making the town their home in the historic district. The wooden houses and traditional architecture of this part of town have remained relatively untouched since that point in history, creating a feeling that you have taken a step back in time to the age of the samurai. This area is best enjoyed by taking a gentle stroll to soak up the amazing atmosphere and history. In 2013, the Japanese Government designated the area as an “Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings”. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn1WRuuxSMRo_8HFx9VyVbk_Pg7RpK8ee6PCqoKuJp58rAkhlmT7GPxu_uvLsLac1BeT-GsxRGA50tYrDw6h5XaJ4gKr7j5zQhMkp8P_wfCOQC1icRph1gvj7V8BQJ5ntHLW42rnyyyEj74qN4jq4j_PNoAZ2ZfYU7pBllD_fxEETQhlbZyrfG6Wr/s1440/gujo_hachiman_old_town1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gujo Hachiman Historic District" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn1WRuuxSMRo_8HFx9VyVbk_Pg7RpK8ee6PCqoKuJp58rAkhlmT7GPxu_uvLsLac1BeT-GsxRGA50tYrDw6h5XaJ4gKr7j5zQhMkp8P_wfCOQC1icRph1gvj7V8BQJ5ntHLW42rnyyyEj74qN4jq4j_PNoAZ2ZfYU7pBllD_fxEETQhlbZyrfG6Wr/w640-h426/gujo_hachiman_old_town1.jpg" title="Gujo Hachiman Historic District" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the historic district</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Gujo Hachiman Castle </h3><div><br /></div><div>Gujo Hachiman Castle is Gifu’s very own “Castle in the Sky”. The mountain fortress is perched high atop Mt. Hachiman, overlooking the castle town below, and when the morning mist rolls in, the castle appears to be floating on a sea of clouds. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvuScGtmqAkjAvY01anB518bMLEW00tDcmZs1mS7iNg02oDnnxlvAZMlNbE2ocd4Pnd8SD7ZyrdaOV8v3DW8kUDd9b7qUVWO7wIpdZFSTn4O2zMxe0odj4R8hQZ5HEuPO8GeYAOJ68aLmKZBJV5mAzY6o-NJT1n3YUS1hgsJwlA0kGWKaP9_HdMB0/s1440/gujo_hachiman_castle1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gujo Hachiman Castle" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvuScGtmqAkjAvY01anB518bMLEW00tDcmZs1mS7iNg02oDnnxlvAZMlNbE2ocd4Pnd8SD7ZyrdaOV8v3DW8kUDd9b7qUVWO7wIpdZFSTn4O2zMxe0odj4R8hQZ5HEuPO8GeYAOJ68aLmKZBJV5mAzY6o-NJT1n3YUS1hgsJwlA0kGWKaP9_HdMB0/w640-h426/gujo_hachiman_castle1.jpg" title="Gujo Hachiman Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gujo Hachiman Castle atop Mt. Hachiman</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://hachiman-castle.com/#home" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman Castle</a> was originally built in the 16th century with the current structure a 1933 reconstruction. It is Japan’s oldest rebuilt castle made of wood rather than concrete and is one of the most beautiful mountain castles in Japan. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WZl3mP_7XZmRpkAF71WXKsH5cIAEHbcoPiLqc1zhssBeASu-fOFhma2jnvu0M406H-1qt3E7IMSwtFSc2FyBJ9pv3apo9aeTQQ4E2O14IbB-HFdc7WnHLb4D2DDFeQsuXHN6cNXbs7WR7ADT3-qLkmWj8qgw3hY1_Y-ZDw_tl3EREJ0jJQW95xXg/s1440/gujo_hachiman_castle2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The approach to Gujo Hachiman Castle" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WZl3mP_7XZmRpkAF71WXKsH5cIAEHbcoPiLqc1zhssBeASu-fOFhma2jnvu0M406H-1qt3E7IMSwtFSc2FyBJ9pv3apo9aeTQQ4E2O14IbB-HFdc7WnHLb4D2DDFeQsuXHN6cNXbs7WR7ADT3-qLkmWj8qgw3hY1_Y-ZDw_tl3EREJ0jJQW95xXg/w640-h426/gujo_hachiman_castle2.jpg" title="The approach to Gujo Hachiman Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approach to Gujo Hachiman Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmUA36Mch280sH9HviXNgFfJVxqydq75KovPn8GEdXFJjcjMiMqEk5mt7v86Q-MWjpkqkFHsLBFNDYRQnfzOYVneP53nhWtI_x-FNnk_W6pWTupaP_-fsEUomEkT1ric3UGY3g2nTr7pUXc82ECotYOktfWK1AIYohkyP_gMGVvEwbIViJbbxeI8/s1440/gujo_hachiman_castle3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The main castle tower" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmUA36Mch280sH9HviXNgFfJVxqydq75KovPn8GEdXFJjcjMiMqEk5mt7v86Q-MWjpkqkFHsLBFNDYRQnfzOYVneP53nhWtI_x-FNnk_W6pWTupaP_-fsEUomEkT1ric3UGY3g2nTr7pUXc82ECotYOktfWK1AIYohkyP_gMGVvEwbIViJbbxeI8/w640-h426/gujo_hachiman_castle3.jpg" title="The main castle tower" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main castle tower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLzrEPuz97nfyCrx3SZS3CbeynLgXRTPT5kIkuq_CW8jA4M1Rr1K1clxJf_uMlUV4hG8k0-099F2X9b9HvnygJmzH4mtPSzf7j7uoPeURtDdXXDSX8DeL6o2MxbdWqc55Wf0ZT-B0MK154wDcsN77VUeHjfep1lIcLdl4mHPCNqUVHgk0gyrt7Q7F/s1440/gujo_hachiman_castle_view1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stunning view from the top of Gujo Hachiman Castle" border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1440" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLzrEPuz97nfyCrx3SZS3CbeynLgXRTPT5kIkuq_CW8jA4M1Rr1K1clxJf_uMlUV4hG8k0-099F2X9b9HvnygJmzH4mtPSzf7j7uoPeURtDdXXDSX8DeL6o2MxbdWqc55Wf0ZT-B0MK154wDcsN77VUeHjfep1lIcLdl4mHPCNqUVHgk0gyrt7Q7F/w640-h420/gujo_hachiman_castle_view1.jpg" title="Stunning view from the top of Gujo Hachiman Castle" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning view from the top of Gujo Hachiman Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Gujo Odori </h3><div><br /></div><div>The Gujo Odori dance festival is one of the three most important traditional Bon dance festivals in Japan. Held over 30 festival nights in the summer from mid-July until September, it is also one of the most accessible. The locals and visitors alike can enjoy dancing until late at night or even until the wee hours of the early morning during Obon in mid-August. Gujo Odori consists of 10 dances and corresponding songs that are easy to learn, making it an event that everyone can join in and enjoy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmogT8hUCZlbahmpr3FwDJubMwxnbMulaeOXhvfMhjKhgLLwIQyLR2qEf98I94TK9MqNpnFEZffbypfO4XqpU7VZa965FFcSDLl71LTmju_krVoJWzXc71IYxvOPoLhPkxt931qYh7aBcrVrfXDeJaEDHqT2-w8crhLvg-ELw25jnbxXOgEBop4kJ/s1440/gujo_odori_lanterns.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lanterns for Gujo Odori" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmogT8hUCZlbahmpr3FwDJubMwxnbMulaeOXhvfMhjKhgLLwIQyLR2qEf98I94TK9MqNpnFEZffbypfO4XqpU7VZa965FFcSDLl71LTmju_krVoJWzXc71IYxvOPoLhPkxt931qYh7aBcrVrfXDeJaEDHqT2-w8crhLvg-ELw25jnbxXOgEBop4kJ/w640-h426/gujo_odori_lanterns.jpg" title="Lanterns for Gujo Odori" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanterns for Gujo Odori</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The traditional dance started over 400 years ago when the local daimyo, Endo Yoshitaka (1550-1632) organized a massive street party to bring all the people of his domain together regardless of rank or social position to harmonize and bond. What a great idea! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ldsKGho273o3Ver1o2DEO5EZY4f9hz8RePProE2Y4PoC6eBgVEO_wLhzTfTi-1m-n8fs2bjHGlumKOINDFQAMFSB_clTyauO0xQcNjvYJ9zm3EgEWpA4l1v1v2VCTL0SjxoffEU4tDormagwhWWZni_v3k7GV7oM6QurwqtJZcjld-xXalnmIiF/s1440/gujo_odori1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One of the traditional dances at Gujo Odori" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ldsKGho273o3Ver1o2DEO5EZY4f9hz8RePProE2Y4PoC6eBgVEO_wLhzTfTi-1m-n8fs2bjHGlumKOINDFQAMFSB_clTyauO0xQcNjvYJ9zm3EgEWpA4l1v1v2VCTL0SjxoffEU4tDormagwhWWZni_v3k7GV7oM6QurwqtJZcjld-xXalnmIiF/w640-h426/gujo_odori1.jpg" title="One of the traditional dances at Gujo Odori" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the traditional dances at Gujo Odori</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzEFkq9HsTDTDhRAFZypbqFCZtlVMOl2GShamvCkTztmeC_uJ2Q-19UNQbG0bleJa8o4JicLvYEtiaXnAsKM8sfynDanG46gLpQZTGPckpHUkuy51kLzkgha-mHXP9138BQNbWUsS3Nie0qs_kKvnLrmQCefGZpfq03Shhbn5U2F2kX_KtBOjlzby/s1440/gujo_odori2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gujo Odori performed live by a group of singers and musicians" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzEFkq9HsTDTDhRAFZypbqFCZtlVMOl2GShamvCkTztmeC_uJ2Q-19UNQbG0bleJa8o4JicLvYEtiaXnAsKM8sfynDanG46gLpQZTGPckpHUkuy51kLzkgha-mHXP9138BQNbWUsS3Nie0qs_kKvnLrmQCefGZpfq03Shhbn5U2F2kX_KtBOjlzby/w640-h426/gujo_odori2.jpg" title="Gujo Odori performed live by a group of singers and musicians" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The music and songs for Gujo Odori are performed live </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The best way to fully experience Gujo Odori is to wear a <i>yukata</i> (light summer kimono) and a pair of <i>geta</i> (traditional wooden sandals). Take some time to explore the enchanting streets of the historic district before dancing the night away with the locals. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Water City of Gifu </h3><div><br /></div><div>Gujo Hachiman is known as the “City of Water” due to its numerous canals, fountains, and waterways, which have been used since the 17th century by the locals for washing rice, vegetables and doing the laundry. The waterways are kept clean by the townspeople with the fresh water a source of pride for the town and its people. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_0VIWMTVqkQnuXmmZQ8Pw1XqwbknMzDpn_Am6ZRl8WDCww1NrnA9DeneLKoEhBcLgwATo2AdhpZEKIu8PWT8_WofbXAwBTDxBnw0TJr1Yj5iuMB_GIHyOV8HxTjf_7DYJ-HLyrnMWX_RSRVoDJ5HseiZPFcxumQl-TkGJ2QNGQjKVioZRfY2tzdA/s1440/yoshida_river2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Yoshida River running through the town" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_0VIWMTVqkQnuXmmZQ8Pw1XqwbknMzDpn_Am6ZRl8WDCww1NrnA9DeneLKoEhBcLgwATo2AdhpZEKIu8PWT8_WofbXAwBTDxBnw0TJr1Yj5iuMB_GIHyOV8HxTjf_7DYJ-HLyrnMWX_RSRVoDJ5HseiZPFcxumQl-TkGJ2QNGQjKVioZRfY2tzdA/w640-h426/yoshida_river2.jpg" title="The Yoshida River running through the town" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Yoshida River running through the town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Sogi Sui Spring </b></div><div><br /></div><div>A local symbol and treasure is Sogi Sui Spring, which has been designated as one of the “100 Best Waters in Japan”. The water for the spring is fed by the surrounding mountains and it is used by the locals for a variety of different purposes. The spring is divided into four sections, each with its own exclusive use. The first pool is for drinking, the second for washing rice, the third for washing vegetables, and the fourth for cleaning tools. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX20Lio7XwJkHI6vD_b29vPRxxQFhyw8joAzg35YWyY7biZSSAapRxzxd_ZV4-8AfekuEU1fOn78JHtR9asxEHir7BeKTTDvmWIfjMlbDlqZZ7sozPxR3zn-tkLYU9kJXkkW85j2uTvpnf4_I8CYNwKjQi4F24m_pNdueiAJWp1zcphpTOyI0A443/s1440/sogi_sui_spring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sogi Sui Springs" border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1440" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX20Lio7XwJkHI6vD_b29vPRxxQFhyw8joAzg35YWyY7biZSSAapRxzxd_ZV4-8AfekuEU1fOn78JHtR9asxEHir7BeKTTDvmWIfjMlbDlqZZ7sozPxR3zn-tkLYU9kJXkkW85j2uTvpnf4_I8CYNwKjQi4F24m_pNdueiAJWp1zcphpTOyI0A443/w640-h436/sogi_sui_spring.jpg" title="Sogi Sui Springs" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sogi Sui Springs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Igawa Lane </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Another water spot is Igawa Lane, a 200-meter-long path with a waterway running alongside it. The crystal-clear stream used to be used by the locals for washing and cooling vegetables, but today, it is populated by a variety of <i>koi</i> (carp), which visitors can feed. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKdM0Hax0c9ouSR02XtpVGW8aW199IRusiF0JvDu5pcXZWiViniUm0RKx7fyppCvFIT27k6bojrcaj3sfhh0XzFCqMS-oNvnEHwmppJ3fxKAr4hZL3Chq4OVsj_GwUTXpjPid1TYLQY1HWnUwi9KRLZQUmYLnuDKXrFXICpDcZI9fOF7usZqHzBCE/s1440/igawa_lane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Igawa Lane" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKdM0Hax0c9ouSR02XtpVGW8aW199IRusiF0JvDu5pcXZWiViniUm0RKx7fyppCvFIT27k6bojrcaj3sfhh0XzFCqMS-oNvnEHwmppJ3fxKAr4hZL3Chq4OVsj_GwUTXpjPid1TYLQY1HWnUwi9KRLZQUmYLnuDKXrFXICpDcZI9fOF7usZqHzBCE/w640-h426/igawa_lane.jpg" title="Igawa Lane" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igawa Lane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Yanaka Mizu no Komichi </b></div><div><br /></div><div>This water lane is a symbolic spot of Gujo Hachiman and one of its most picturesque locales. It is the perfect place to cool off in summer and take a leisurely stroll along its stone cobbled path. The name “Hachiman” literally means 80,000 in Japanese, and along this stone path, you will find 80,000 stones that represent the name of the town. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqZ1g4AIlumiJk3-Ffpz2Q6z3lTLEaZrA3X-vchGHXB2UXkrg0DZfVBrFMkZuvOB0Me32B0OLNJaZZwzBAN_rwfPmAqSwqwgRnPuMMfl473HJCMdAvrlqTBiFi_1KANywjEYqWS9STRY2DH6AN6QhLTURdg93FdmK9QcB9pKqR7uq0-PNlYo5PtQu/s1440/yanaka_mizu_no_komichi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yanaka Mizu no Komichi" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqZ1g4AIlumiJk3-Ffpz2Q6z3lTLEaZrA3X-vchGHXB2UXkrg0DZfVBrFMkZuvOB0Me32B0OLNJaZZwzBAN_rwfPmAqSwqwgRnPuMMfl473HJCMdAvrlqTBiFi_1KANywjEYqWS9STRY2DH6AN6QhLTURdg93FdmK9QcB9pKqR7uq0-PNlYo5PtQu/w640-h426/yanaka_mizu_no_komichi.jpg" title="Yanaka Mizu no Komichi" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 80,000 stone path at Yanaka Mizu no Komichi</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Gujo Hachiman Museum </h3><div><br /></div><div>The best place in town to learn all about Gujo Hachiman is the <a href="https://hakurankan.com/group_en/" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman Museum</a>. Located in a former tax office which dates from 1920, it has informative displays on the town’s spring water, history, traditional local crafts, and Gujo Odori Bon dance. You can even see demonstrations and practice the dances and songs featured in Gujo Odori. The dance is demonstrated several times a day by the staff allowing you the chance to pick up and practice your dance moves before the big event kicks off. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz5ui6V7MU4HdHFXv-3VrlsY-pDUZIf4V5nl8LOv4glvm9KqX3MHU_ZQwcB6MWATkvl7z8o6xmajoUN_BYHo12n-UeWZFzjM-3Ft7pJ6JSqpLGVzBrr6THSh7f2an0WvdGpnDudp8a-laUJPgqXEo9VarmrtBtK6vI6Awm6H2bOD3dSSv3vVlQd8p/s1440/gujo_hachiman_museum1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Gujo Hachiman Museum" border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1440" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz5ui6V7MU4HdHFXv-3VrlsY-pDUZIf4V5nl8LOv4glvm9KqX3MHU_ZQwcB6MWATkvl7z8o6xmajoUN_BYHo12n-UeWZFzjM-3Ft7pJ6JSqpLGVzBrr6THSh7f2an0WvdGpnDudp8a-laUJPgqXEo9VarmrtBtK6vI6Awm6H2bOD3dSSv3vVlQd8p/w640-h444/gujo_hachiman_museum1.jpg" title="The Gujo Hachiman Museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gujo Hachiman Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xMAGYhmWh0MIBjQauD3WePy4SaeDC_biyOj9F7zuNd_gaVqKbkqM3abIwRlzkVQjsCpyyRtQbLLZAeS-LalFEG-MrvAwQRGjBsNAr3QOvvfKwnakfv1aW2243vdKVnOAvHzFFuY3LEhr1KCp23_RmYQ4T8K_BT1vE3sJHwJeI7YBQCeVTSOkPTQi/s1440/gujo_odori_posters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old Gujo Odori posters at the museum" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xMAGYhmWh0MIBjQauD3WePy4SaeDC_biyOj9F7zuNd_gaVqKbkqM3abIwRlzkVQjsCpyyRtQbLLZAeS-LalFEG-MrvAwQRGjBsNAr3QOvvfKwnakfv1aW2243vdKVnOAvHzFFuY3LEhr1KCp23_RmYQ4T8K_BT1vE3sJHwJeI7YBQCeVTSOkPTQi/w640-h426/gujo_odori_posters.jpg" title="Old Gujo Odori posters at the museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Gujo Odori posters at the museum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUOh-fePD_PyaG3mr0wXZcX5PjAfFdzKZiWXhNL8cfgav58eGiYHU5R4u9qD5GfDEJbOP2X6YegAEy3CLM1DKW4SM1bb7EB5yBwhmPAqdpL0IWjHKkFYU0oDdjEDunnv6d3WiUijDvFBT0tZy-MwRqDg8BfenQYFpgwEu-3f0CE23USQXzdHu_lvh/s1440/gujo_hachiman_museum3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Interesting exhibits at the museum" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUOh-fePD_PyaG3mr0wXZcX5PjAfFdzKZiWXhNL8cfgav58eGiYHU5R4u9qD5GfDEJbOP2X6YegAEy3CLM1DKW4SM1bb7EB5yBwhmPAqdpL0IWjHKkFYU0oDdjEDunnv6d3WiUijDvFBT0tZy-MwRqDg8BfenQYFpgwEu-3f0CE23USQXzdHu_lvh/w640-h426/gujo_hachiman_museum3.jpg" title="Interesting exhibits at the museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting exhibits at the museum</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Traditional Crafts </h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Silk Screen Printing</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Silk screen printing got its start in Japan in Gujo City. At <a href="https://www.takara-garo.com/" target="_blank">Takara Gallery</a>, a retail shop and screen-printing studio, visitors can try printing their own colorful <i>tenugui</i> towel, which they can then take home as a souvenir. Workshops are available in English with the kind and friendly staff making the experience one to remember. </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiUAHMVrA02/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiUAHMVrA02/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; 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</div><div><b>Geta </b></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the most important items along with a tenugui for doing Gujo Odori are geta. These traditional wooden sandals make the unique sound of Gujo Odori as they scrape the ground during the dance and are an important cultural heritage of Gujo Hachiman. You can pick up a pair at the <a href="https://gujomokuri.com/" target="_blank">Gujo Mokuri Geta Shop</a> on the main street to take home or use for the dance. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ASWtb9sfnELq1VWWR4V9ih6tNDMRHYlfieezpXwWCqSsjgS1zSa0YhKSoatJMx-KdGwcn2EVhn5F461Xp8jrxpxofSnDwU-1tXqCt5LEhbsHCv79sIofhSek6ltNvbjShBHfDTG3sborgY_jPCJYQ2PKCDy-dxSCc2m_Lydx-j9Gpq_LGI0xVWOV/s1080/geta.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Geta at Gujo Mokuri" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ASWtb9sfnELq1VWWR4V9ih6tNDMRHYlfieezpXwWCqSsjgS1zSa0YhKSoatJMx-KdGwcn2EVhn5F461Xp8jrxpxofSnDwU-1tXqCt5LEhbsHCv79sIofhSek6ltNvbjShBHfDTG3sborgY_jPCJYQ2PKCDy-dxSCc2m_Lydx-j9Gpq_LGI0xVWOV/w640-h426/geta.jpg" title="Geta at Gujo Mokuri" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geta at Gujo Mokuri</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Local Food </h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Soba Noodles </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Like most places in Japan, anywhere with good water is bound to have great tasting soba and Gujo Hachiman is no different. At <a href="https://r.goope.jp/matsui" target="_blank">Soba Sho Matsui</a>, the soba noodles are freshly made using the local spring water. We had a choice of two cold soba noodle dishes (wasabi or grated daikon) to enjoy for lunch on the hot summer’s day of our visit. The noodles were cool, refreshing and hit the spot! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXrsbxK_QT5U-YdgwLgDKSx9ZJEvgZG6_yM7akDi2z-NecAk7PosVaIuGZ3G5nb2UUetZadQ5CHuh945vJ6Bzu66C0YiscjQDju3e87Q8rVi3rmp1taiZnpvMHpct5XYQQL9fNX9ZO12F5qJiQ52cpPp0PASB8Q-oKepr3PBPgOnbdTfsds0HJSiq/s1440/soba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Soba at Soba Sho Matsui" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXrsbxK_QT5U-YdgwLgDKSx9ZJEvgZG6_yM7akDi2z-NecAk7PosVaIuGZ3G5nb2UUetZadQ5CHuh945vJ6Bzu66C0YiscjQDju3e87Q8rVi3rmp1taiZnpvMHpct5XYQQL9fNX9ZO12F5qJiQ52cpPp0PASB8Q-oKepr3PBPgOnbdTfsds0HJSiq/w640-h426/soba.jpg" title="Soba at Soba Sho Matsui" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soba Noodles at Soba Sho Matsui</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Hoba Miso </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Another delicacy of this part of Japan is Hoba Miso (beef and vegetables grilled with miso soybean paste on a magnolia leaf). This tasty dish originates from the Hida Takayama area of Gifu. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2fu3fyuxxM2AsysKifYXvILWVTgH0sOxxc4aNmjgnuTuD3hpZhxmxe4wr5LBSMsv-pjaYToret5VPuU5i595ZWihbl6kr_uf0rlEeAX5R3Y5BODzfgwY9h9BYfuwVEWxn8yTVSB3hOg1fbLwY_gMP-WTwLn68BTvo-vPlsXaiePjBCxGoQ5DX1dZ/s1440/hoba_miso.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hoba Miso at Shinbashitei" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2fu3fyuxxM2AsysKifYXvILWVTgH0sOxxc4aNmjgnuTuD3hpZhxmxe4wr5LBSMsv-pjaYToret5VPuU5i595ZWihbl6kr_uf0rlEeAX5R3Y5BODzfgwY9h9BYfuwVEWxn8yTVSB3hOg1fbLwY_gMP-WTwLn68BTvo-vPlsXaiePjBCxGoQ5DX1dZ/w640-h426/hoba_miso.jpg" title="Hoba Miso at Shinbashitei" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoba Miso at Shinbashitei</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Keichan </b></div><div><br /></div><div>This local chicken dish features chicken marinated in either soy sauce or miso which is grilled with vegetables on a hot plate. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY73IajSnVHlFlgCpK1_8I6L9NDmqZWrENL8Bn8SeXxGOBsTI29UrGPBcvdBsoqpQVNU_ZaLznxNXBfOOmNzo2Gn757DH100dzyenJ8aGc1_AwpQAiz4hkWqm-n32xlU2ALjUq_yDTxlhLgILbrPr9Ic12iOl3wiw_JbeLgu9dV-TcF78Hfu5IyWnL/s1440/keichan_chicken.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Keichan Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY73IajSnVHlFlgCpK1_8I6L9NDmqZWrENL8Bn8SeXxGOBsTI29UrGPBcvdBsoqpQVNU_ZaLznxNXBfOOmNzo2Gn757DH100dzyenJ8aGc1_AwpQAiz4hkWqm-n32xlU2ALjUq_yDTxlhLgILbrPr9Ic12iOl3wiw_JbeLgu9dV-TcF78Hfu5IyWnL/w640-h480/keichan_chicken.jpg" title="Keichan Chicken" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keichan Chicken via <a href="https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>You can try both Hoba Miso and Keichan at the traditional Japanese restaurant, <a href="https://sinbasitei.com/" target="_blank">Shinbashitei</a>, which is conveniently located next to the Shinbashi Bridge near the Gujo Hachiman Old Government Building Memorial Hall, which serves as the tourist information center as well as a souvenir shop. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbjslVjJU4dDUeygihV_Gl_lBAHQgxPHu0OO-bQjIla0ygeisAnyj4ay0KVKrhwIsPBAtByxMpLHrVV0fDR7zm4i50Eq7t9v4nmFBxQIAmdruN6ifvRRFyQ5DOsjirNSDi9m2IgVJkY2eGsExfb--cv31aCSRcBxc-H9NqE22dlCDiZKUdMmMVj7l/s1440/shinbashitei.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shinbashitei restaurant near the Shinbashi Bridge" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbjslVjJU4dDUeygihV_Gl_lBAHQgxPHu0OO-bQjIla0ygeisAnyj4ay0KVKrhwIsPBAtByxMpLHrVV0fDR7zm4i50Eq7t9v4nmFBxQIAmdruN6ifvRRFyQ5DOsjirNSDi9m2IgVJkY2eGsExfb--cv31aCSRcBxc-H9NqE22dlCDiZKUdMmMVj7l/w640-h426/shinbashitei.jpg" title="Shinbashitei restaurant near the Shinbashi Bridge" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinbashitei restaurant </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Food Samples </h3><div><br /></div><div>Did you know that Gujo Hachiman is the birthplace of those cool plastic food samples that you see in restaurant windows across Japan? The small town produces over 60% of all food replicas found in Japan, and you can try your hand at making one at <a href="http://samplekobo.com/" target="_blank">Sample Kobo</a>. Here, visitors can buy a food replica souvenir or join a workshop for a hands-on experience of creating a piece of tempura or a cup of ice cream. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to Get to Gujo Hachiman </h3><div><br /></div><div>From Nagoya Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to JR Gifu Station. The easiest way to get to Gujo Hachiman from JR Gifu Station is via a highway bus which costs ¥1,550 (one-way) from Gifu. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrap Up </h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.php" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> is an authentic small town in Japan that offers visitors a rare opportunity to see, experience, and be part of, a traditional way of life that has changed little in centuries.
Watch out for our next article where we head to Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture for day 2 of the tour followed by day 3 in Nagoya. If you want to book your own epic Samurai & Timber tour of Gujo Hachiman, Inuyama and Nagoya, visit the <a href="https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/8cbf06e2-bf6e-40ca-9603-fcec069aa38a/experience/705422?partialView=1" target="_blank">Nagoya is not boring</a> website.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOqdOqKFCQRscH91gvAoZyQXEvPQvTkAXhyiQweexxhcC6CVk1-l_yoMXX0JjfMK7MYAdeBs2VAkp_O_xHxalbp8rZrY5Ma41G_qOf-Gqs-tm0ppY6fD3DvzsrXxDuXlZQIypjrXp1FroGGxV89TPMH3Nl1rKo5lZPHhe2m282qnL4YUd4mHRJgon/s1440/main_image.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gujo Hachiman" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOqdOqKFCQRscH91gvAoZyQXEvPQvTkAXhyiQweexxhcC6CVk1-l_yoMXX0JjfMK7MYAdeBs2VAkp_O_xHxalbp8rZrY5Ma41G_qOf-Gqs-tm0ppY6fD3DvzsrXxDuXlZQIypjrXp1FroGGxV89TPMH3Nl1rKo5lZPHhe2m282qnL4YUd4mHRJgon/w640-h480/main_image.jpg" title="Gujo Hachiman" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The riverside town of Gujo Hachiman </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-64341842466111888262022-08-12T09:42:00.002+09:002022-08-12T16:43:06.357+09:00Summer Festivals in Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Q2cLO0zR05MGGsjBeFJqBfrQvCya9EOzMWIyBjF5fB7BzVV3BwZ4DOVuo9Nu4Hbfk4_4QbRf2RQFSBM3yA5nYmzpBdXyt1Gx1EvgFcQvfP5TJnm7F9EUqPBBmT3NyqgQ5AZF88U5B8PDcLhV6FgHoBO8T8zkuqB5E2OljUVzTfdKfnSDCswX9H-/s1024/main%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yosakoi Festival" border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Q2cLO0zR05MGGsjBeFJqBfrQvCya9EOzMWIyBjF5fB7BzVV3BwZ4DOVuo9Nu4Hbfk4_4QbRf2RQFSBM3yA5nYmzpBdXyt1Gx1EvgFcQvfP5TJnm7F9EUqPBBmT3NyqgQ5AZF88U5B8PDcLhV6FgHoBO8T8zkuqB5E2OljUVzTfdKfnSDCswX9H-/w200-h133/main%20image.jpg" title="Yosakoi Festival" width="200" /></a></div>The summer months of July and August are the best time to get outdoors and enjoy one of the numerous summer festivals on offer across Japan. From traditional celebrations such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto to spectacular summer fireworks, there is something for everyone to enjoy during summer. <div><br /></div><div>Known as <i>matsuri</i> (祭) in Japanese, these celebrations have their roots in Chinese festivals from centuries ago. Most matsuri are Shinto in origin with a connection to a local shrine where the gods or spirits known as <i>kami</i> reside. A festival is a time for breaking out the sake, enjoying wild dancing and singing, and getting closer to the gods. It is the only time of the year when the deities can leave the sanctuary of the shrine to be out amongst the people in the streets. </div><div><br /></div><div>Festivals typically celebrate the shrine’s deity or a historic event. Portable shrines called <i>mikoshi</i> house the kami when they are brought out from the shrine and paraded for the festival in front of thousands of adoring fans. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best way to fully immerse yourself in the matsuri experience is to wear a <i>yukata</i> (a light summer cotton kimono) and <i>geta</i> (wooden shoes). </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few of the many must see summer festivals to add to your Japan itinerary. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.nebuta.jp/foreign/english.html" target="_blank">Aomori Nebuta Matsuri</a></b> in the northern <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/regions/tohoku/" target="_blank">Tohoku region</a> of Japan. This spectacular summer festival features colorful lantern floats called <i>nebuta</i> which are paraded through the streets of central Aomori every August. The enormous floats are constructed of painted <i>washi</i> paper by local teams and often depict historical figures, famous Japanese samurai, kabuki actors, or mythical creatures. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LqLsKxo0Ar38WhnAJXzjGg6t3KJRmNExoFQ2LTD6JKYO_aZElKojK_IQy9mfxnLvh6z0Er9J-srS9D4BKvVhBQre1Ivy6WnHBzclweUQpsyVhKHT8T6I0oO3t3h5PCYV3DPwwSu0OX9QyPAfrFkKfDiHN_OiENfIcnsFnA4ybdJDUClgEfwtsgXX/s1024/aomori_nebuta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aomori Nebuta Matsuri" border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LqLsKxo0Ar38WhnAJXzjGg6t3KJRmNExoFQ2LTD6JKYO_aZElKojK_IQy9mfxnLvh6z0Er9J-srS9D4BKvVhBQre1Ivy6WnHBzclweUQpsyVhKHT8T6I0oO3t3h5PCYV3DPwwSu0OX9QyPAfrFkKfDiHN_OiENfIcnsFnA4ybdJDUClgEfwtsgXX/w400-h268/aomori_nebuta.jpg" title="Aomori Nebuta Matsuri" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11813651@N03/4928278464" target="_blank">Yo3up at Flickr</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/gion_fes/" target="_blank">Gion Matsuri</a></b> in the ancient capital of <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/destinations/kyoto/" target="_blank">Kyoto</a>. This summer festival dates back to 869 and is held over the entire month of July. It is the festival of Yasaka Shrine and was originally held to appease the gods after an outbreak of disease. The highlight is the famous grand procession of elaborately decorated festival floats which occurs on July 17th. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXhR2JXCQSNB5Uuf5l-dg9G2Cao2nYN5IY55U4y5BBo2bYZzy4jq0m_jU5TcW0TrbwBcqBlEGgF_Ev4yZKI0vJDiBDc6wcrefL7YEtFpyzUQJT9IMQ-cAoCUT475JNP7mpsUuiChoFGh18GP_9PmmwnktN1kcYXuDwYIC8-4WQIR4hPpGR64o2DL0/s1024/gion%20matsuri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gion Matsuri" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXhR2JXCQSNB5Uuf5l-dg9G2Cao2nYN5IY55U4y5BBo2bYZzy4jq0m_jU5TcW0TrbwBcqBlEGgF_Ev4yZKI0vJDiBDc6wcrefL7YEtFpyzUQJT9IMQ-cAoCUT475JNP7mpsUuiChoFGh18GP_9PmmwnktN1kcYXuDwYIC8-4WQIR4hPpGR64o2DL0/w400-h266/gion%20matsuri.jpg" title="Gion Matsuri" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pv9007/28078312070/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Patrick Vierthaler at Flickr</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/odori_e.html" target="_blank">Gujo Odori</a></b> in the picturesque riverside town of <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/gujo-hachiman/" target="_blank">Gujo Hachiman</a> in the mountains of <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/destinations/gifu/" target="_blank">Gifu Prefecture</a> in central Japan. This summer street dance festival is one of the three most important traditional bon dance festivals in Japan. The festival started over 400 years ago in an attempt by the local feudal lord to bring all the people of his domain together regardless of rank or social position in order to enjoy one massive street party. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU8Q3R3ZGkfy1EFQFQC_MUBQ4xn7S1kSmxMS2Sr4CCPX6TCxWbTbo0EPfsC15-H3ayj5p5cFn47twshO_EoUuW4Npb9h9zfZJqY5PvvWhC4euVHnrsoL01XKxifIwN_0uBQoga9gY2KUTprF4cvzwKDpxtoDwzuXIniT7rQ6nN7CbPacmgisXqEhm/s1024/main%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yosakoi Festival" border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU8Q3R3ZGkfy1EFQFQC_MUBQ4xn7S1kSmxMS2Sr4CCPX6TCxWbTbo0EPfsC15-H3ayj5p5cFn47twshO_EoUuW4Npb9h9zfZJqY5PvvWhC4euVHnrsoL01XKxifIwN_0uBQoga9gY2KUTprF4cvzwKDpxtoDwzuXIniT7rQ6nN7CbPacmgisXqEhm/w400-h266/main%20image.jpg" title="Yosakoi Festival" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Yosakoi Festival by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/19468713@N08/3029863955" target="_blank">Kumar nav at Flickr</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.sendaitanabata.com/en" target="_blank">Sendai Tanabata Matsuri</a></b> in Miyagi Prefecture. Held in downtown Sendai from August 6th to 8th, it celebrates <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2014/07/tanabata-star-festival-2014.html" target="_blank">Tanabata</a> (The Star Festival). Tanabata originates from Chinese folklore and is based on the romantic legend of Hikoboshi and Orihime, two star-crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way. The festival is famous for its thousands of brightly colored tanabata streamers that decorate the city. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJoLtPiUtmHMoIS7Wl3vvPsLXhEwrHx5nqoqCkpij4GKoNhmvIgcEy1F1FF8td1qX1jTJlEY8BiWIIAaHuXC6Ic-E2Bpea0dpHp0eIShNxRFtJ5wh-a-j9gHS9jIMBVVd2L0g_e0FmLOTJvZNpX7DK9xQJHbwp9LBCdLwyJEXxoUpI5G5XixVZmA/s1024/sendai%20tanabata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sendai Tanabata Matsuri" border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJoLtPiUtmHMoIS7Wl3vvPsLXhEwrHx5nqoqCkpij4GKoNhmvIgcEy1F1FF8td1qX1jTJlEY8BiWIIAaHuXC6Ic-E2Bpea0dpHp0eIShNxRFtJ5wh-a-j9gHS9jIMBVVd2L0g_e0FmLOTJvZNpX7DK9xQJHbwp9LBCdLwyJEXxoUpI5G5XixVZmA/w400-h268/sendai%20tanabata.jpg" title="Sendai Tanabata Matsuri" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11813651@N03/4936836039" target="_blank">Yo3up at Flickr</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/" target="_blank">Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival</a></b> in <a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/destinations/tokyo/" target="_blank">Tokyo</a>. Fireworks have been a summer tradition in Japan for centuries. One of the biggest and best is this one along the banks of the Sumida River near Asakusa. It is the oldest fireworks festival in Japan and is held on the last Saturday of July. It is the perfect chance to try some street food with <i>yatai</i> (stalls) selling all kinds of delicious festival food and seasonal snacks such as takoyaki, yakisoba, shaved ice, and chocolate coated bananas.
</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz5-an_Dps9yPA8h8Vle2Cc3_v7IHAUqUXqdZD1cjNVzafzqh85lEAw8Eky8tVe1-S8Czi1_2-sCky_e4HVuWC8GX3tuYBIhLW8QeLaXOubUPaiA0Hye3MV0ACrhljEVfmhHIHIkmqAiTgzK4C7OPlUYQbqq4Sl6arHCQjg4VAze0uQFGB5OOtA1J/s1200/sumidagawa%20firework%20festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz5-an_Dps9yPA8h8Vle2Cc3_v7IHAUqUXqdZD1cjNVzafzqh85lEAw8Eky8tVe1-S8Czi1_2-sCky_e4HVuWC8GX3tuYBIhLW8QeLaXOubUPaiA0Hye3MV0ACrhljEVfmhHIHIkmqAiTgzK4C7OPlUYQbqq4Sl6arHCQjg4VAze0uQFGB5OOtA1J/w400-h266/sumidagawa%20firework%20festival.jpg" title="Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2012%E5%B9%B4%E9%9A%85%E7%94%B0%E5%B7%9D%E8%8A%B1%E7%81%AB%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-88106855945837000952022-06-26T14:29:00.000+09:002022-06-26T14:29:35.055+09:00Where to get Japanese products in Australia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD2Z8RUidvcHRlB6HIsFVUqcd1AUQRYP7JTaeyowDlWleonjoijPlISmDmfb7VGsLXYEiHl2r8lmPlc4Uy6ooO0yuUqx-eRkAGmLdcFpjugUeBMbOcS4a5Z4MauRrtH6qmYbKuTPD6wBJgWi6WvX7iddUuAguQVDrWgOALQ3lmUGCORIBho7F4nwP/s225/sugoi%20mart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sugoi Mart" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD2Z8RUidvcHRlB6HIsFVUqcd1AUQRYP7JTaeyowDlWleonjoijPlISmDmfb7VGsLXYEiHl2r8lmPlc4Uy6ooO0yuUqx-eRkAGmLdcFpjugUeBMbOcS4a5Z4MauRrtH6qmYbKuTPD6wBJgWi6WvX7iddUuAguQVDrWgOALQ3lmUGCORIBho7F4nwP/s16000/sugoi%20mart.png" title="Sugoi Mart" /></a></div>Love Japan and all things Japanese, but not in Japan? If you feel like you’re missing out on Japan exclusive items that often seem difficult, if not impossible, to buy in Australia, there is a simple solution for you - <a href="https://sugoimart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sugoi Mart</span></a>! <div><br /></div><div>There is absolutely no arguing that Japan produces the most amazing, futuristic, inventive and beautiful products. Think cute <i>kawaii</i> <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/sanrio" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sanrio</span></a> items, anime figurines, musical instruments, and <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/starbucks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Starbucks Japan</span></a> items, and that’s even without mentioning the mouth watering <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/candy-and-snacks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">candy and snacks</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Japan truly makes the most interesting, weird and delicious snacks and candy to have come into touch with our taste buds. With limited edition and Japan exclusive items from some worldwide brands like <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/kit-kat/products/sugoi-mart-japan-kit-kats-variety-pack" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Kit Kat</span></a>, <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/pocky" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pocky</span></a>, Doritos, Kewpie Mayo, Pringles and Boss Coffee. </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdRCK1q4rvBO6H60MJKsRkAvM5JbBCl7IvpRAd7xqhcXBrfFfi73dn0XlyxNfgecfyfBAhTJ6dczBr7u1kXEibGydcR9QlFm63UAv1wYBo15j1OYyTU9JzFYhsw8TdY74hh17kE3IK0YVWg3ePPb_cVtWmiF5cfSyhl5UI9cqo0406jU8KzrjmQ6Y/s2100/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sugoi Mart Japan Kit Kats Variety Pack" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdRCK1q4rvBO6H60MJKsRkAvM5JbBCl7IvpRAd7xqhcXBrfFfi73dn0XlyxNfgecfyfBAhTJ6dczBr7u1kXEibGydcR9QlFm63UAv1wYBo15j1OYyTU9JzFYhsw8TdY74hh17kE3IK0YVWg3ePPb_cVtWmiF5cfSyhl5UI9cqo0406jU8KzrjmQ6Y/w400-h286/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(4).jpg" title="Sugoi Mart Japan Kit Kats Variety Pack" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #9d9d9d; font-family: "Circular Std Book"; font-weight: 400; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin: 0px; outline: none medium; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease-in-out 0s;"><a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/kit-kat/products/sugoi-mart-japan-kit-kats-variety-pack" target="_blank">Sugoi Mart Japan Kit Kats Variety Pack</a></span></h1></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We live in an era where getting real deal Japanese products is tough - especially here in Australia. It’s easy to be unsure if it’s an authentic product that is truly from Japan or if it’s a knockoff, you want Hello Kitty, but instead you get Hello Catty. </div><div><br /></div><div>Japan is known for its overall supreme quality, originality, authentic and great craftsmanship. To make sure you're getting the real ideal items, and ensure that your Japanese products are actually made in Japan, Sugoi Mart is your one stop shop. It’s the glowing answer to get the real authentic Japan experience that is delivered to all over the world. Sugoi Mart is a bountiful land that allows access to the most exclusive and limited Japanese items that you can’t find anywhere else. This means that Japanese snacks, Japanese Kit Kat and legitimate Anime license products are only one click away. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgHJqM5Si7GK2ZUnUkPmuxOOlXoOgKsCTh0gbthw0xXpbEqULT8GFkK-O0u6gdZjxwOcjaAVshSFqsuVmKbAGEHvJUY6uYOWH_1WMsx3ixiPILIN1WsxcpBxqAypVlUha7Gbe1Olcf1INPnEVnhtiIl6ayakgJFzyWT6Od5dSQ6VSap4TmhYrOKST/s600/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Demon Slayer Figuarts Zero Figure: Shinobu" border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="600" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgHJqM5Si7GK2ZUnUkPmuxOOlXoOgKsCTh0gbthw0xXpbEqULT8GFkK-O0u6gdZjxwOcjaAVshSFqsuVmKbAGEHvJUY6uYOWH_1WMsx3ixiPILIN1WsxcpBxqAypVlUha7Gbe1Olcf1INPnEVnhtiIl6ayakgJFzyWT6Od5dSQ6VSap4TmhYrOKST/w400-h325/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(3).jpg" title="Demon Slayer Figuarts Zero Figure: Shinobu" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/demon-slayer/products/demon-slayer-figuarts-zero-figure-shinobu" target="_blank"><b>Demon Slayer Figuarts Zero Figure: Shinobu</b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Well, what Japanese products are available at Sugoi Mart? Firstly, there is a whole host of anime merch, which includes Sailor Moon items, <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/jujutsu-kaisen-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jujutsu Kaisen</span></a> character, <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/demon-slayer" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Demon Slayer</span></a> characters like Mitsuri and Shinobu Kocho and items from the world famous Ghibli movies, like Kiki's Delivery Service. You can even get a glimpse at the Weekly Shonen Jump, which is one of Japan's premiere manga magazines! </div><div><br /></div><div>But, it’s not just anime merch that Sugoi Mart has, there’s Among Us plush, adorable Sanrio characters like Pompompurin, My Melody and Rilakkuma. There’s even the renowned electronic musical synthesizer, otamatone. </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzSjl0Dd3ZRBFTs-tpSgsYze0YnrXZoO3E7wPW_skVhucMLMVtpMP_AqEBm28pVkag5-oVRAXvp9rbIyh2EsZR4C6Ii-ysv5eRjTAWoMCsd-oTMA8c10B_-SVZ1PfRjl5o_N7FzBjAUktSHwp-chAgWES-OCkJLWexmslgzs382aEwqF2Tg-IC0GQ/s600/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deluxe Kirby Otamatone" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzSjl0Dd3ZRBFTs-tpSgsYze0YnrXZoO3E7wPW_skVhucMLMVtpMP_AqEBm28pVkag5-oVRAXvp9rbIyh2EsZR4C6Ii-ysv5eRjTAWoMCsd-oTMA8c10B_-SVZ1PfRjl5o_N7FzBjAUktSHwp-chAgWES-OCkJLWexmslgzs382aEwqF2Tg-IC0GQ/w400-h400/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(2).jpg" title="Deluxe Kirby Otamatone" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #9d9d9d; font-family: "Circular Std Book"; font-weight: 400; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin: 0px; outline: none medium; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease-in-out 0s;"><a href="https://sugoimart.com/products/deluxe-kirby-otamatone" target="_blank">Deluxe Kirby Otamatone</a></span></h1></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Whilst you’re watching your favorite anime, playing the otamatone seamlessly and searching through Sugoi Mart, you’ll need to be munching on your favorite Japanese foods to keep up your energy! Why not try the Japanese classic ramen noodles, <i>taiyaki</i> and <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/yakisoba" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">yakisoba</span></a> sprinkled with <i>furikake</i> seaweed flakes, all washed down with refreshing Japanese classic <i>ramune</i>. </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx0mfJb7Qq7PunXAZrOs3pj0dF0PtY3WDH2JTg4397miEJo7dXfhg_8oo6b5RqaYVE4tBbGRTBNaeElzJtratCzujhvSmCwLXz9xkEb_Y_1QxjXP2tDqdnN3Y483px2_Sd8g4ftIUXLEJxEDKoDGSSNX22SDxGCtBC2Agi4Dh_57L-3hw90klFURG/s600/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sugoi Mart Deluxe Lucky Bag" border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="600" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx0mfJb7Qq7PunXAZrOs3pj0dF0PtY3WDH2JTg4397miEJo7dXfhg_8oo6b5RqaYVE4tBbGRTBNaeElzJtratCzujhvSmCwLXz9xkEb_Y_1QxjXP2tDqdnN3Y483px2_Sd8g4ftIUXLEJxEDKoDGSSNX22SDxGCtBC2Agi4Dh_57L-3hw90klFURG/w400-h325/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(1).jpg" title="Sugoi Mart Deluxe Lucky Bag" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #9d9d9d; font-family: "Circular Std Book"; font-weight: 400; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin: 0px; outline: none medium; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease-in-out 0s;"><a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/sugoi-mart-lucky-bags/products/sugoi-mart-2021-deluxe-lucky-bags" target="_blank">Sugoi Mart Deluxe Lucky Bag</a></span></h1></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There is a sensational amount of Japanese products on Sugoi Mart, and sometimes you just don't know what to get! And the best answer is <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/sugoi-mart-lucky-bags" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LUCKY BAGS!</span></a> Lucky bags are packed full of Japan-exclusive mystery items from snacks, drinks, collectibles, figures, toys, games, plushies, and more! The Lucky Bags are the perfect intro to Japan, whilst still having a flair of excitement and mystery. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA0Nd9JtzsYdNHTF5UQWG1eZdwRSQ66QRaATXt6p3c42PyuORw1ti_PgJyfbDIYIjWX_tfSItWEMOf1cSVoAEuI55Rpu0ZBo1nsG3pBN0ogtAiENO5wPQtDMP0Z8HJcbFwLBgYBhXuwz4siwauDCyJI9KTpspNFvc-oV5InI4AqA8hrS0AvJtIpm7/s745/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pocky Grand Party Set" border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="745" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA0Nd9JtzsYdNHTF5UQWG1eZdwRSQ66QRaATXt6p3c42PyuORw1ti_PgJyfbDIYIjWX_tfSItWEMOf1cSVoAEuI55Rpu0ZBo1nsG3pBN0ogtAiENO5wPQtDMP0Z8HJcbFwLBgYBhXuwz4siwauDCyJI9KTpspNFvc-oV5InI4AqA8hrS0AvJtIpm7/w400-h325/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg" title="Pocky Grand Party Set" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Circular Std Book"; font-weight: 400; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/pocky/products/pocky-grand-party-set" style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin: 0px; outline: none medium; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.5s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: small;">Pocky Grand Party Set</span></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>You’ve made your order, what's next? Well, once your order is packed here in Japan it’s shipped through to DHL Express with tracking. Just like that it will arrive in about 3-5 business days to your door! Before you know it you’ll be snacking on authentically delicious <a href="https://sugoimart.com/collections/pocky" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pocky</span></a> in Australia. Head over to <a href="https://sugoimart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sugoi Mart</span></a> and dive into your dream Japanese adventure right on your couch.
</div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-71346283551511646642022-06-03T11:27:00.002+09:002022-06-23T14:06:40.953+09:00Working in Japan: Understanding the Culture <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCEcFf9O4jVMcE5qccLK1fvHicP4X2FbLbNxt1UqA38HUwNsk3g8Yhu8xkKd3VMLtxn4fAPq4T0QyLyEOFMlncCy-tvZEBF6MXjXsghRO_8IyMm2UvSltiWGd6zo2W3Nhn86gzsSGwwgNfRkG9UAVuMI_JuBxGr-GaKdAUEA2eFyNFRoLQiFTeM8g/s1024/shibuya.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shibuya, Tokyo" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCEcFf9O4jVMcE5qccLK1fvHicP4X2FbLbNxt1UqA38HUwNsk3g8Yhu8xkKd3VMLtxn4fAPq4T0QyLyEOFMlncCy-tvZEBF6MXjXsghRO_8IyMm2UvSltiWGd6zo2W3Nhn86gzsSGwwgNfRkG9UAVuMI_JuBxGr-GaKdAUEA2eFyNFRoLQiFTeM8g/w200-h133/shibuya.jpg" title="Shibuya, Tokyo" width="200" /></a></div>One of the biggest challenges facing expats living and working in Japan is understanding the unique work culture which is deeply rooted in traditional values. The Japanese are known for being workaholics and extremely loyal to their company. They are very dedicated to the job and take every detail of the job seriously. While it is not too difficult to <a href="https://jobsinjapan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">find a job in Japan</span></a>, fitting into the work environment and hierarchy can be one of the most challenging aspects about working in the land of the rising sun. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Group Dynamic </h3><p>One of the key components of working successfully in Japan is belonging to the team and working well with others on the team. Most projects are worked on as a group with lots of meetings to discuss the project and make decisions via group consensus. Group harmony (<i>wa</i>) is key. A team-based attitude is important rather than standing out as an individual. Your co-workers are your teammates rather than your rivals. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugm5MssdeEfBmblHg_-zNEs-2N68I7vQaXMfbG2Lai4G19ar7vFedSEqzpena8TR3nPVKXe5ZMqtSJ3ZNNa-SxYkyHD2-QbpDg9kCmesWcNYgnuDSFdEKtHwfHRHmW6azlfYBAvaaZNf6SCdStIrsGs1q3Izz268fUqa8Ey5D6s1My5ffcQykK2s3/s1024/teamwork.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Team work" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugm5MssdeEfBmblHg_-zNEs-2N68I7vQaXMfbG2Lai4G19ar7vFedSEqzpena8TR3nPVKXe5ZMqtSJ3ZNNa-SxYkyHD2-QbpDg9kCmesWcNYgnuDSFdEKtHwfHRHmW6azlfYBAvaaZNf6SCdStIrsGs1q3Izz268fUqa8Ey5D6s1My5ffcQykK2s3/w400-h300/teamwork.jpg" title="Team work" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00/6861256042" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Team work</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">" by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: inherit; text-decoration-style: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: inherit;" target="_blank">kevin dooley</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nomunication </h3><p>Nomunication takes the Japanese word for drink “nomu” and combines it with the English word “communication”. Drinking after work is an important part of the work culture here in Japan and is done to further strengthen relationships and the teamwork mentioned above. Drinking with your co-workers after work to relax and strengthen your bond is an essential part of Japanese work etiquette.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n_jOb1IVLa6mph8ag0gqXJPCWum9MpqVDdOB_QblNJwX-gVIRsf2pOu2CJCM08JBuxIab4e_461E4lvOu4KcPT-AdVAmo7tVaMub_rNCDzuS_gQpu7btDgOK31ZRCadPecmqZs7Jvhz6YoF-JUSq6Syvyy18Q5qIzGcw2QKnIi1pDZJj0ahSWKIH/s1024/drinking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Early one morning in Japan" border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n_jOb1IVLa6mph8ag0gqXJPCWum9MpqVDdOB_QblNJwX-gVIRsf2pOu2CJCM08JBuxIab4e_461E4lvOu4KcPT-AdVAmo7tVaMub_rNCDzuS_gQpu7btDgOK31ZRCadPecmqZs7Jvhz6YoF-JUSq6Syvyy18Q5qIzGcw2QKnIi1pDZJj0ahSWKIH/w400-h360/drinking.jpg" title="Early one morning in Japan" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7311859@N05/2286401799" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Early One Morning</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">" by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/7311859@N05" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: inherit; text-decoration-style: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: inherit;" target="_blank">amirjina</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Senpai & Kohai System </h3><p>Japanese society places strong importance on the hierarchical relationship between a senior and a junior. The Senpai (senior) and Kohai (junior) system has its roots in Confucian teaching but has developed its very own Japanese style and is deeply embedded into Japanese culture. It can be found everywhere in society from businesses and schools to clubs, organizations, and associations. Understanding how it works and where you fit into this hierarchy is essential in the workplace.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overtime and more Overtime </h3><p>The Japanese are known for being some of the hardest working people on the planet with long working hours and loads of overtime. It is not uncommon for people to stay at work until 9 or 10 at night. Companies have traditionally looked favourably upon employees who work overtime as they are seen as being more diligent and hardworking. Very often, employees will work overtime because they are mindful of their co-workers and feel nervous about leaving work if everyone else is still working. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Treat Business Cards with Respect </h3><p>One of the key components of working in Japan is exchanging business cards in a formal situation. Like anything in Japanese society, it comes with its own list of rules and procedures which must be strictly adhered to. Some important things to learn include how to accept the business card with both hands, having the right angle in your bow and what to do with the card once you have received it, Common faux pas include stuffing it into your pocket and leaving it behind on the table. Make sure you get yourself a nice business card holder to treat the cards with respect. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23jVanCItZHigXxC1t2-UY7pDPVDfu4qtmDjRpZfcjTb9g35sTa9CE0_WtiRZVoqJXMuIqMo-pZ5QKRBT4xBQj-teBIwUxfL0rQgzpvfddBWBvt8AMq6V3jRfhnIzQvoI2ifzfiFJVhYHZZLsy9RxUbHqiIjRbm7BVsfGMcDqeCkrTqIdEYkK9t4L/s1023/business%20card.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Business card" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23jVanCItZHigXxC1t2-UY7pDPVDfu4qtmDjRpZfcjTb9g35sTa9CE0_WtiRZVoqJXMuIqMo-pZ5QKRBT4xBQj-teBIwUxfL0rQgzpvfddBWBvt8AMq6V3jRfhnIzQvoI2ifzfiFJVhYHZZLsy9RxUbHqiIjRbm7BVsfGMcDqeCkrTqIdEYkK9t4L/w400-h266/business%20card.jpg" title="Business card" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28971018@N00/6861057301" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Business Card 2012</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">" by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28971018@N00" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: inherit; text-decoration-style: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: inherit;" target="_blank">katsumotoy</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jobsinjapan.com/jobs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Working in Japan</span></a> can be an interesting and rewarding experience as long as you keep a positive attitude, understand the work system, and adapt to the new lifestyle.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgQtQedoQlPcEXX8NyiToCSj_OOU7gPnWA3K3jK8B-BBrNCAUn4_vNCKYFJlYKxprJLNT4dC_geSTrgL6DFZWirwY-9dH3zrHgMnEG1Qd7FHISZOQOLcx8mmd1IbxGFqEWgiwipAOw_g863NQRUQ0K0_RQixoLzzj2ZXcSY5FEwUKgGIdfVRts9hW/s1024/shibuya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shibuya Crossing" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgQtQedoQlPcEXX8NyiToCSj_OOU7gPnWA3K3jK8B-BBrNCAUn4_vNCKYFJlYKxprJLNT4dC_geSTrgL6DFZWirwY-9dH3zrHgMnEG1Qd7FHISZOQOLcx8mmd1IbxGFqEWgiwipAOw_g863NQRUQ0K0_RQixoLzzj2ZXcSY5FEwUKgGIdfVRts9hW/w400-h266/shibuya.jpg" title="Shibuya Crossing" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80112988@N06/8734471464" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Shibuya Crossing</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">" by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80112988@N06" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: inherit; text-decoration-style: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: inherit;" target="_blank">Luke Zeme Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-22624557340334101402022-05-13T10:55:00.002+09:002022-06-23T14:07:14.764+09:00How to Move from ALT to Teaching at University<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1pquh8_oDkRKU7WfKysbxWQRNoVpa06JsF13MS3fXlLN5V6Ivwfo0LWp20xSHdF6F_uzZpGbj1lj_f36nMlOqKM2Jp2CvflQSQhlTy87-MSTlCigfX4FQHtaLhVMfqbSVeuIG-8SZ-jPoZ4hZaKOa2vVKFaRkGG102d5j6HUlxLDIjV6QGpG54-W/s1024/main.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="English Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1pquh8_oDkRKU7WfKysbxWQRNoVpa06JsF13MS3fXlLN5V6Ivwfo0LWp20xSHdF6F_uzZpGbj1lj_f36nMlOqKM2Jp2CvflQSQhlTy87-MSTlCigfX4FQHtaLhVMfqbSVeuIG-8SZ-jPoZ4hZaKOa2vVKFaRkGG102d5j6HUlxLDIjV6QGpG54-W/w200-h133/main.jpg" title="English Classroom" width="200" /></a></div>The ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) role is a great way to start your teaching career in Japan as a native-level English speaker. ALTs typically work across a wide range of schools from elementary to high school across Japan. There are usually plenty of <a href="https://jobsinjapan.com/jobs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALT teaching jobs</span></a> available every year during the recruiting season for the new school year which starts in April. <p></p><p>For those who have been in Japan for a few years and are looking to further their career as a teacher, it makes sense to move from an ALT role to teaching at the university level. While this is quite a big step up, it is still possible for most with the right experience and qualifications. </p><p>In this post, I will outline some of the key criteria that you will need to have in order to make the jump from being an ALT to a teacher at a university in Japan. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Get your Master’s Degree </h3><p>One of the main criteria for working at the university level in Japan is a master’s degree (related to teaching). This could be in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or Linguistics. Getting a masters is not an easy thing and can take some time, especially if you are working full time and are doing your master’s online. Try and obtain your masters while working as an ALT as the shorter working hours and long vacation time is ideal for achieving this. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCxt9htnrTl68umhDF8sNsaYte86GLCtu4lHlSosHesp00S0r2ENnZaydOEwRH6URZdtzgd_Ps5lGbayxiQFkX-SF9beuycfTS-gLS7FRxNgFeGhZoo29RMfCaUp2e5F38re2LfYsF4dVHxchjSwOj-GO4Bz8PN4XoQRY7OqlCq363oAyS9BGZrjW/s1024/Tokyo%20uni.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tokyo University" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCxt9htnrTl68umhDF8sNsaYte86GLCtu4lHlSosHesp00S0r2ENnZaydOEwRH6URZdtzgd_Ps5lGbayxiQFkX-SF9beuycfTS-gLS7FRxNgFeGhZoo29RMfCaUp2e5F38re2LfYsF4dVHxchjSwOj-GO4Bz8PN4XoQRY7OqlCq363oAyS9BGZrjW/w400-h300/Tokyo%20uni.jpg" title="Tokyo University" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"Tokyo University of Foreign Studies" by Kimtaro is licensed under CC BY 2.0.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Complete a Cambridge CELTA </h3><p>The Cambridge CELTA Certificate is a great initial step in gaining the necessary qualifications to work at the university level in Japan. It is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world and is regarded in high esteem by employers. You can complete one in a few months and then start on the process of obtaining a masters. In fact, some universities might accept you with only a CELTA certificate if you are lucky. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Give as many Presentations as you Can </h3><p>Presentations gain you points for your application to a university level teaching job. Try and give as many as you can to build your presentation portfolio on your CV. A great place to start is the JALT (Japan Association for Language Teaching) Organization which has chapters in most prefectures in Japan and have monthly meetings which are always looking for new and enthusiastic presenters. The content of the presentation can be on anything that is teaching related in any field from kindergarten to adults. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXCeG_-CG7SP-TyxLsR7Ig5IKXWJ4FwfjhgnbRrvcs_0JoCZnoKl07VhamZEvw64c4dWZMgK7uBhXEcygfUs7aPdOVaF70JKtmZjrgnHODOt2qaEtaFyhh-q9p74xgvvyUCFP0DqQ0bk7lbzA2_cbobhrGymOrAIspD9HKY4QfZBA007DH_-wkXxT/s1023/presentation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Presentation" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="1023" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXCeG_-CG7SP-TyxLsR7Ig5IKXWJ4FwfjhgnbRrvcs_0JoCZnoKl07VhamZEvw64c4dWZMgK7uBhXEcygfUs7aPdOVaF70JKtmZjrgnHODOt2qaEtaFyhh-q9p74xgvvyUCFP0DqQ0bk7lbzA2_cbobhrGymOrAIspD9HKY4QfZBA007DH_-wkXxT/w400-h169/presentation.jpg" title="Presentation" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC BY 2.0.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Get Yourself Published </h3><p>Another way to gain points is via publications in academic journals which you can do by publishing the material that you have created or share your knowledge in a particular field. JALT has a publication called “The Language Teacher Journal” which comes out every two months. It is a great way to get your material out there in the Japan teaching world. A great way to start is to find someone (hopefully a full-time lecturer) who is interested in your work, or who is already working on something similar and do a joint publication. This is the perfect way to get your name out there. Publications can be on a broad range of topics from literature and textbook reviews to teaching young learners. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRLw6mB3JJIH2-tNxuq8Vzf0z3yr8TxocHDavJXFzoQ9MXt0PmkMw9iif1mwVQ82igY09EJciYrOJ7R4nALnuoBUVOPf4lgFdrHiEfKL7wPSjW8_h8KFvyPa04ywuPv_-JCgraSv53r7wlrBJZxxYMSAzJ_I5KO5jweiwJ02Ki_9kZS_DM7oawLcP/s1023/published.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Academic Publication" border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1023" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRLw6mB3JJIH2-tNxuq8Vzf0z3yr8TxocHDavJXFzoQ9MXt0PmkMw9iif1mwVQ82igY09EJciYrOJ7R4nALnuoBUVOPf4lgFdrHiEfKL7wPSjW8_h8KFvyPa04ywuPv_-JCgraSv53r7wlrBJZxxYMSAzJ_I5KO5jweiwJ02Ki_9kZS_DM7oawLcP/w400-h303/published.jpg" title="Academic Publication" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by oyajimbo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Network and Attend Conferences </h3><p>Sometimes all it takes is knowing the right person. You can network and build connections by attending teaching conferences in Japan. Teachers come and go in Japan, sometimes very suddenly, so if a university is in a pinch and is in desperate need of a teacher in short notice, they might just pass your application, especially if they have met or know you from a professional organization or conference.</p><p>You can also find <a href="https://jobsinjapan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">university teaching jobs in Japan</span></a> easily online. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1MEyYlMVCg63HHpZjRoaboXVslTfsU5kHihkzSWmQxZERLqfNbwAlN7qdDLQ-Sif0t0yxWBAfQePFiX-k1n2PsGDnMtK1sgCOJK5LKxuJ1_wpihTnZt9Svt7W7F-8VeN_0G46E8F42uh9qn0lOIYKAmDW_GPii6kteb5uM1xr3l1vWonG3YR7pc2/s1024/main.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="English Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1MEyYlMVCg63HHpZjRoaboXVslTfsU5kHihkzSWmQxZERLqfNbwAlN7qdDLQ-Sif0t0yxWBAfQePFiX-k1n2PsGDnMtK1sgCOJK5LKxuJ1_wpihTnZt9Svt7W7F-8VeN_0G46E8F42uh9qn0lOIYKAmDW_GPii6kteb5uM1xr3l1vWonG3YR7pc2/w400-h266/main.jpg" title="English Classroom" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"Classroom M212" by barbourians is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-71847879719141898262022-04-22T10:51:00.005+09:002022-09-16T10:42:39.710+09:00Nihongo Master Podcast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem-T2TcPud-VebgCkd0Guv53BDmWVeUGuAw620rt2lMkrpBCh0i3DnenfBG-5BZr0X0CtxF1ZQV57g6xfZDZGTlZuD5k6jz74jOlaqHmcS2-ybSVndt1CqFnOb1NWK3s5ovIV59Mxo-aHxZZg-Yw8I4E7dsKaK05nY2BIW3WmF6PaX1rP94nRApQw/s600/Nihongo%20Master.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem-T2TcPud-VebgCkd0Guv53BDmWVeUGuAw620rt2lMkrpBCh0i3DnenfBG-5BZr0X0CtxF1ZQV57g6xfZDZGTlZuD5k6jz74jOlaqHmcS2-ybSVndt1CqFnOb1NWK3s5ovIV59Mxo-aHxZZg-Yw8I4E7dsKaK05nY2BIW3WmF6PaX1rP94nRApQw/w200-h105/Nihongo%20Master.jpg" title="Nihongo Master" width="200" /></a></div>I recently had the pleasure to be a guest on the Nihongo Master podcast to talk about spring in Japan, one of my favourite topics. <p></p><p><a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2021/10/study-japanese-with-nihongo-master.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nihongo Master</span></a> is a fantastic Japanese learning website that helps you study Japanese in a fun and interactive way. The e-learning site focuses on helping learners at every level master the Japanese language. </p><p>They have their own YouTube channel and a popular podcast, so you can learn about the Japanese language and culture on the go. </p><p>During my chat with host, Azra, we talked about a wide range of springtime topics including about my experience with spring in Japan, spring in my home of Gifu in central Japan, my tips and advice for anyone looking to travel to Japan in spring, and the best spots to see the cherry blossoms in the Chubu area of Japan. </p><p>You can check out the podcast episode on the following link <a href="https://podcast.nihongomaster.com/s11/9" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nihongo Master S11E9: Wrap Up Japanese Spring with John from Japan Australia</span></a>! </p><p>If you are looking to learn Japanese, or just need some extra motivation in order to study, give <a href="https://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2021/10/study-japanese-with-nihongo-master.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nihongo Master</span></a> a try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89_e_FP3S4xfbTeyFwQPJBdtb7dQcmwyEiuiXsBFQgbXkT7DePjLlRd60DP6Dd9ZG9pmHlHP_h5sWyRut3YH_Acmf9pp8K45MS_YWNl3K8ISk98xwgkWWYFaxyfU9Y79KGa84AOEXlJXsSbDfam7c7nJn22TPrSoseSlFylmPI3DjFioMRBWHPaJ/s600/Nihongo%20Master.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master Podcast" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89_e_FP3S4xfbTeyFwQPJBdtb7dQcmwyEiuiXsBFQgbXkT7DePjLlRd60DP6Dd9ZG9pmHlHP_h5sWyRut3YH_Acmf9pp8K45MS_YWNl3K8ISk98xwgkWWYFaxyfU9Y79KGa84AOEXlJXsSbDfam7c7nJn22TPrSoseSlFylmPI3DjFioMRBWHPaJ/w400-h210/Nihongo%20Master.jpg" title="Nihongo Master Podcast" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-27286149653731378842022-04-17T11:57:00.006+09:002022-06-23T14:08:23.498+09:00A Lovely Experience at Ibiza55 Club l Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ43OxRZF7bc1FiC0nAIRfks9Hyl1aZ2j9A6ioAsSYqTyA4905XIsNhzo1ErPuwF4XmV2hLdg7l7NO-GKcgZBUpxIHJZBN9NeLKGVNr3s03qUZRRYBDBabkrBMwqPiWBASOcwTIfW9mhwU9IEY6A84Bi0ObKnkrYdeELh61Zv1-5rz2wvJX4XFJ0i/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%207.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charming night at Shinjuku" border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ43OxRZF7bc1FiC0nAIRfks9Hyl1aZ2j9A6ioAsSYqTyA4905XIsNhzo1ErPuwF4XmV2hLdg7l7NO-GKcgZBUpxIHJZBN9NeLKGVNr3s03qUZRRYBDBabkrBMwqPiWBASOcwTIfW9mhwU9IEY6A84Bi0ObKnkrYdeELh61Zv1-5rz2wvJX4XFJ0i/w200-h134/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%207.jpg" title="Charming night at Shinjuku" width="200" /></a></div>I was strolling in the nicely lit streets of Shinjuku, looking up at the lovely neon lights climbing up the buildings, scanning the people whose work cages were open. The sun was setting down. <div><br /></div><div>People were laughing. The ambiance was much less stressful than the morning rush. That evening’s haste was much more hopeful, as if people were looking forward to something. <div><br /></div><div>Of course they were. It was Shinjuku! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lSrTTLok_u2ZUfm4BqtN1f8pzBmCyGfwcyGCmXz6W35Uz55-jOjmcwNHW2y9AVg4VWT205wtQpZ87eFWPbkSa28HJTKzLEVTpiraD1cDbPKst4wcI5vahTLauf2ZPvspEOcaVlI7I02OpMX_6-eqWvleXh81F_BWmOX7uitrtDnavnPW09Yh9V9G/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Charming night at Shinjuku" border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lSrTTLok_u2ZUfm4BqtN1f8pzBmCyGfwcyGCmXz6W35Uz55-jOjmcwNHW2y9AVg4VWT205wtQpZ87eFWPbkSa28HJTKzLEVTpiraD1cDbPKst4wcI5vahTLauf2ZPvspEOcaVlI7I02OpMX_6-eqWvleXh81F_BWmOX7uitrtDnavnPW09Yh9V9G/w400-h268/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%207.jpg" title="Charming night at Shinjuku" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming night at Shinjuku</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Night came up and I passed by an interesting entrance of a bar/club with vibrant colors. People were rushing to go in from the outside. It had a white frame that said <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ibiza55__tokyo/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ibiza55</span></a>. I went through the ignited frame of lights and went down the stairs to be welcomed by a very friendly owner who seemed to love what he does. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVgIpVCwh9WxyT-UUDY1oQibbWMutFTvZ7c5DaxMv_9mt6tl7vNcr8E22ppc1eI5eIC6co2TjuYMKgGSYaCtT-it6OIs3h2Ejg0Snp-gBXTlupoCieWQcaPV2TrrUUufXj4SLCkYASmSofdBncockl79wM5S2wI7y5RGYLy-k-_WuLD80uKGZWwfw/s624/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The entrance of that bar called me in" border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="624" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVgIpVCwh9WxyT-UUDY1oQibbWMutFTvZ7c5DaxMv_9mt6tl7vNcr8E22ppc1eI5eIC6co2TjuYMKgGSYaCtT-it6OIs3h2Ejg0Snp-gBXTlupoCieWQcaPV2TrrUUufXj4SLCkYASmSofdBncockl79wM5S2wI7y5RGYLy-k-_WuLD80uKGZWwfw/w400-h265/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar.jpg" title="The entrance of that bar called me in" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance of that bar called me in</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I love to meet those kinds of people, who find a way to enjoy and love what they do, rather than stoically accepting life’s harshness, those who see a full half in a cup. I marched a few more steps to the bar and ordered a beer. The bar had a colorful neon sign behind it, which made me more aware that I was in Shinjuku, one of the best places to party in one of the most prominent cities in the world, Tokyo. It made me feel blessed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMOOu34LwSFI9gBDbACN-9sVESmt8wv4yVpYrZXN-cXadeOtc_bhm4bJLtSU0jkuLlwM1ibjEccBBiJ8gxPaodo2Z1VWOPGPzJ1mmHwLorq8yMNvt7siv2JrxXeFwY--hUzPY-FwPVQyRUjDSfBrZoFSignoPMEPv32yjBsYCp5VJqyvJWT-QbUdK/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Partying in Shinjuku" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMOOu34LwSFI9gBDbACN-9sVESmt8wv4yVpYrZXN-cXadeOtc_bhm4bJLtSU0jkuLlwM1ibjEccBBiJ8gxPaodo2Z1VWOPGPzJ1mmHwLorq8yMNvt7siv2JrxXeFwY--hUzPY-FwPVQyRUjDSfBrZoFSignoPMEPv32yjBsYCp5VJqyvJWT-QbUdK/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%201.JPG" title="Partying in Shinjuku" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7brkO0VisbbKrGvgZW06QY7fvSziH9_itESJR8XPO5YZFEKqiWLRPPew9JraAAlJS7RaAR_yRTA7N--3mpY43UNlWhQDOjGiraby3Gz9SfBJLJwKOsMLNolAsXmAgy66Fl5_rblq_QhWKQm0oVdWRG_6sM9VDT6uEyk3yjOPBSLg4dNBDddj_m7D/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Enjoying the Shinjuku nighlife" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7brkO0VisbbKrGvgZW06QY7fvSziH9_itESJR8XPO5YZFEKqiWLRPPew9JraAAlJS7RaAR_yRTA7N--3mpY43UNlWhQDOjGiraby3Gz9SfBJLJwKOsMLNolAsXmAgy66Fl5_rblq_QhWKQm0oVdWRG_6sM9VDT6uEyk3yjOPBSLg4dNBDddj_m7D/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%205.JPG" title="Enjoying the Shinjuku nighlife" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The bartender was an attentive gentleman who welcomed me with a wide smile. I took my reasonably-priced beer, grabbed a sip, and metaphysics started to take its turn. </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked myself: Why do people party? What makes it so fun? </div><div><br /></div><div>People often look to experience feelings that overwhelm them, that take their hand towards the top. The cognitive is sometimes too much to bear, but “to feel” gives a fluid and organic sense of flow that is unmatched. </div><div><br /></div><div>People party to feel. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many hardships in life that make us numb. Long work hours, job politics, conflict resolution and risk management matters. All too serious and too boring. </div><div><br /></div><div>People want to live, laugh, and be free. No one wants to be contained, neither in a work cubicle nor for bosses they probably disdain. </div><div><br /></div><div>People party to feel free. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOIBCXRYyb6BegiStlZ0rjCLYNao6HJiNwihwmQLBno_QeGmkdiGQGRlT1obtzP7YmUvFH9AgAKKC9zT58S2T_F03NAjY_04HUhB0Nl42xyeKIkuG0S0wbKKm4c-lNpU2gRBH9V7JFSFa6j0G4vMXj6iZaSbDOFnKT2JmvfdRZD-4e2ZKwAaxnBfu/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%206.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="People party to feel free" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOIBCXRYyb6BegiStlZ0rjCLYNao6HJiNwihwmQLBno_QeGmkdiGQGRlT1obtzP7YmUvFH9AgAKKC9zT58S2T_F03NAjY_04HUhB0Nl42xyeKIkuG0S0wbKKm4c-lNpU2gRBH9V7JFSFa6j0G4vMXj6iZaSbDOFnKT2JmvfdRZD-4e2ZKwAaxnBfu/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%206.JPG" title="People party to feel free" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People party to feel free</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, before my mind became too thoughtful, a lovely woman joined me on my right seat. She was wearing a red dress which I couldn’t take my eyes off. She had an extensive face and a wide smile; the one which had the extra teeth look. Her eyes held some mystery in them. Her hair was falling like waterfalls around her shoulders and back. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before my mind went back to labor, I said the first thing that I could think of: </div><div><br /></div><div>“Cool bar, huh? Do you come here often?” </div><div><br /></div><div>“Yeah,” she said, “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ibiza55__tokyo/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ibiza55</span></a> is one of my favorite places to be in Tokyo. Everyone here is just so nice. I feel alive here.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Her name was Yoko, and she spoke perfect English (My favorite kind). </div><div><br /></div><div>More people joined in. Suddenly, it was 11 p.m. and the bar was almost full. It gave it a cozier feeling. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTG6zSAeAGaxuiUFwjuk9i4aIn7_Nqx-AgtFFp9IeuYn0-LQA49aM0STqdydh7y7wcWatE7pU3qP_3YMjDR0YuyWSbNAkGnKxsvWhFNxt5vCVg6i58kCeaJpC7QXq1SWIIAFysSe__z-4tpZT6-ZPo2m6Ar5JVqdrAeWa3-5fhqJL0KFSCJJpuKeU/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing the night away in Shinjuku" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTG6zSAeAGaxuiUFwjuk9i4aIn7_Nqx-AgtFFp9IeuYn0-LQA49aM0STqdydh7y7wcWatE7pU3qP_3YMjDR0YuyWSbNAkGnKxsvWhFNxt5vCVg6i58kCeaJpC7QXq1SWIIAFysSe__z-4tpZT6-ZPo2m6Ar5JVqdrAeWa3-5fhqJL0KFSCJJpuKeU/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%204.JPG" title="Dancing the night away in Shinjuku" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4RQCf_5RoC1RdUBV1p4aqQNY0gXYujyDyjry2W-yS6cp0j1eglPDQaN_fqIkyor8kUV6luucPEth32XYPkhGLSC0Wx-cNLrtBlE-7AomyL2HMdEC4I-TrnmnLbjjOB3-Kr-3b0MqwEVEIMuYUdewVXBDnkrqfykcsTVa6XWe9xsgDgstyaLTHGJ/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing the night away at Ibiza55" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4RQCf_5RoC1RdUBV1p4aqQNY0gXYujyDyjry2W-yS6cp0j1eglPDQaN_fqIkyor8kUV6luucPEth32XYPkhGLSC0Wx-cNLrtBlE-7AomyL2HMdEC4I-TrnmnLbjjOB3-Kr-3b0MqwEVEIMuYUdewVXBDnkrqfykcsTVa6XWe9xsgDgstyaLTHGJ/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%203.JPG" title="Dancing the night away at Ibiza55" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NSBK8sGdvY5-E4S2cirCjtIakGAiplNGxojIDargUsKHJ8oxP_0WVRg2H3N7IKZkzZU9lSkv660u0e0-QRvfy10sjEeV9Tzek-e58FUa1tvmYn7McgEM34Q_k4nGkyQrkK04FffH0hfjsaxJ-PCFVrJBzVN8pydXMLvEDyXlFRcX0PX8ad6BE1Oa/s1500/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ibiza55" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NSBK8sGdvY5-E4S2cirCjtIakGAiplNGxojIDargUsKHJ8oxP_0WVRg2H3N7IKZkzZU9lSkv660u0e0-QRvfy10sjEeV9Tzek-e58FUa1tvmYn7McgEM34Q_k4nGkyQrkK04FffH0hfjsaxJ-PCFVrJBzVN8pydXMLvEDyXlFRcX0PX8ad6BE1Oa/w400-h266/Ibiza55%20Club%20bar%202.JPG" title="Ibiza55" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>People seemed to have forgotten about the worries of their day. Partying seemed like a meditative approach that lets the mind be, which many times and surprisingly, is a great way to find solutions. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was 4 a.m. now at the bar and I thought it would be closing soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>“When do you close?” I asked the bartender. </div><div><br /></div><div>“12 p.m. the next day,” he said. </div><div><br /></div><div>Woah, those people surely know how to party, I thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided not to leave any time soon. I was in a special place, at a romantic time, and there were many beautiful people around me. I was living and collecting memories that I will never forget. </div><div><br /></div><div>I realized that our favorite memories are those stories we collect from time to time, and stories most of the time include people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Where are most of the people? </div><div><br /></div><div>At <a href="https://www.ibiza55.jp/home-jp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ibiza55 Club l Bar</span></a>.
</div></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-73352911262804428172022-04-01T11:09:00.002+09:002022-06-23T14:08:43.977+09:00Five Things to Know About Living and Working in Japan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJu5708SfdeY1JcrLtbsRuVK--xa0RXe9CMigtARaBqXZ7HFkc-yxdyUyJkibVgMYQ8eXacZRJlNZ-HAgP4X1ioharifIzbaNFR8KYoPKfb8WLKcU5uqhj2uJFNxoRNL67Y3IwFe22cMSU8qmd311k2RJTGH9FKWOJTB6tbBJ6FEWptHfKe9R3xpU/s1024/shibuya_crossing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shibuya Crossing" border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJu5708SfdeY1JcrLtbsRuVK--xa0RXe9CMigtARaBqXZ7HFkc-yxdyUyJkibVgMYQ8eXacZRJlNZ-HAgP4X1ioharifIzbaNFR8KYoPKfb8WLKcU5uqhj2uJFNxoRNL67Y3IwFe22cMSU8qmd311k2RJTGH9FKWOJTB6tbBJ6FEWptHfKe9R3xpU/w200-h133/shibuya_crossing.jpg" title="Shibuya Crossing" width="200" /></a></div>The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the most fascinating places on the planet with its ancient temples and shrines, historic castles and Zen gardens perfectly blending in with its modern architecture, neon lights and high-speed bullet trains. Living and working in Japan can be a rewarding but daunting experience, so to help you out, we have compiled a list of five key things to know before moving to Japan. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Be Open to New Things </h3><p>Japan is a great place to live but is a completely different living experience from anything that you are used to back home. There are a lot of things here in Japan that you will find totally different from your home country. For example, no trash cans in public places, super early last trains (tough when you want to go out for dinner or a drink or two), and banks closing at three in the afternoon. </p><p>Don’t be afraid of these differences but embrace them and your new life in Japan. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GDWFxEoRJCSowFxBGJfm_oTX-xDnYOCxY_XOdAt_DB4-XN9F-JhlCvW65ljsLzg5Y4tYFbbERuV1MoT3F3XFwUSFLQCg0lL_ckpgzSmb3EybhaaXpM-dTmUeQpoo5Wj9bK2eE5sRkT1rW84cUPyto1cD2Swk9a07d4SeTvYmdsaWt9mx6TUV_sC9/s960/train.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="JR train in Japan" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GDWFxEoRJCSowFxBGJfm_oTX-xDnYOCxY_XOdAt_DB4-XN9F-JhlCvW65ljsLzg5Y4tYFbbERuV1MoT3F3XFwUSFLQCg0lL_ckpgzSmb3EybhaaXpM-dTmUeQpoo5Wj9bK2eE5sRkT1rW84cUPyto1cD2Swk9a07d4SeTvYmdsaWt9mx6TUV_sC9/w400-h266/train.jpg" title="JR train in Japan" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/33479336@N05/4408470218" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Japan Trains</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/33479336@N05" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">shibuya246</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> is marked with </span><a class="uppercase" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY-NC 2.0</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Be Prepared to Follow the Rules </h3><p>Japan is a country that lives and functions by rules and everyone obeying them. Group harmony is more important than any one individual. Some of these rules can seem excessive or overboard but need to be followed in order to get anything done. These rules can be found in basic things in everyday life. For example, simply ordering a hamburger at McDonalds. I once wanted to order a Big Mac without any pickles and an extra serving of cheese. This really threw the poor girl serving me into confusion and panic with alarm bells going off in the restaurant. The restaurant manager was soon on hand, profusely apologizing for not being able to customize my meal. In Japan, A Big Mac is a Big Mac! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML1ondgIG3CgPvKNYS9g3KCwllY7x286YqAAaCAOu0I8QNuEIKWRpoDofqjSj1tpE13CcaOXqb2nAlzEyjjG_LY6C6KRp77VQu4BsdjB9eGck0R_DIC4pTV7WfzETlm7_aHFbQmrFo_EVSL-naA044_wQ1Y1469u-Z6wefW5QM13q8IgAA0YzE7U4/s1024/mcdonalds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="McDonald's in Japan" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML1ondgIG3CgPvKNYS9g3KCwllY7x286YqAAaCAOu0I8QNuEIKWRpoDofqjSj1tpE13CcaOXqb2nAlzEyjjG_LY6C6KRp77VQu4BsdjB9eGck0R_DIC4pTV7WfzETlm7_aHFbQmrFo_EVSL-naA044_wQ1Y1469u-Z6wefW5QM13q8IgAA0YzE7U4/w400-h300/mcdonalds.jpg" title="McDonald's in Japan" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/68842060@N00/71948908" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">McDonalds</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/68842060@N00" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Stephen Cannon</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> is marked with </span><a class="uppercase" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-SA 2.0</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. English is not Widely Spoken Outside the Big Cities </h3><p>One thing that really surprised me when I first arrived in Japan was how little English was spoken outside of the major cities and tourist areas. Most Japanese only speak Japanese and very few are willing or capable of speaking English. This has been getting slightly better in recent years, especially with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics happening last year. If you are planning to live in a more rural location or even just outside of a big city, it is definitely a good idea to learn some of the language. For work, most companies will require that you have at least basic Japanese skills in order to work effectively and communicate with your Japanese co-workers. <a href="https://jobsinjapan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">English speaking jobs in Japan</span></a> can be found in most of the major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4b6DqAglqiGvFPxTyadd7CyfqXTB_4WxpQ8xe-iY9cn1B-r_EnJGduqScM8o7Cj8wkLRkRlc51BSDyFtGmPpmayX1CrospajLK1QqVA-QaabQpLbWHXZnTIOqekg-DC8WtfgRogpbrxw2jY5yYpp2Xmfu80qrXrfoZDEPcQQwOIrwYM8GGMxa3B_/s1024/tokyo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tokyo at night" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4b6DqAglqiGvFPxTyadd7CyfqXTB_4WxpQ8xe-iY9cn1B-r_EnJGduqScM8o7Cj8wkLRkRlc51BSDyFtGmPpmayX1CrospajLK1QqVA-QaabQpLbWHXZnTIOqekg-DC8WtfgRogpbrxw2jY5yYpp2Xmfu80qrXrfoZDEPcQQwOIrwYM8GGMxa3B_/w400-h266/tokyo.jpg" title="Tokyo at night" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44423170@N05/4893914911" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Tokyo By Night</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44423170@N05" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">4 Colour Progress</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> is marked with </span><a class="uppercase" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY-NC 2.0</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Japanese Culture is Unlike any Other </h3><p>It is easy to get baffled by the many customs and traditions here in Japan, especially for someone new to the country. A great deal of patience is required in order to live stress free. It is a good idea to brush up on some basic culture and social etiquette to avoid any faux pas. Important things to learn include how to handle chopsticks (placing them incorrectly could symbol death), how to greet colleagues at work, how to exchange business cards in the correct manner and the correct social protocol for eating out on the street, riding the train, or entering someone’s house. </p><p>Luckily the Japanese are very welcoming and forgiving, so if you do make a mistake, they will brush it off as someone new to the country and you will not have to live with the shame your whole life.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHi5CYsPYAlqRCz_5dyYHywGTK57GJMZOSTbZ_ATn5sXadzFh5XbI86QBqroR440fMhVxn8i7wvhP_9oeSHKFjVJt98mFEEbyMhUSoShvG79DhNvM9q308q7g_jNA3sbLwEw5ChVX98mxyESka7QB3IqfGpNo-5NRaQ1LF8PnpGvXtPJTWfij_GrI/s1023/meishi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Meishi business cards" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHi5CYsPYAlqRCz_5dyYHywGTK57GJMZOSTbZ_ATn5sXadzFh5XbI86QBqroR440fMhVxn8i7wvhP_9oeSHKFjVJt98mFEEbyMhUSoShvG79DhNvM9q308q7g_jNA3sbLwEw5ChVX98mxyESka7QB3IqfGpNo-5NRaQ1LF8PnpGvXtPJTWfij_GrI/w400-h266/meishi.jpg" title="Meishi business cards" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/71386598@N00/2492535018" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Meishi</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/71386598@N00" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">dominiekth</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> is marked with </span><a class="uppercase" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. The Work Culture </h3><p>One of the biggest challenges in Japan is understanding the work culture. The Japanese are known for being some of the hardest working people on the planet. Japan is notorious for its lifetime employment process and employees working overtime for the good of the company. Belonging to a group and working well within that group is much more important than standing out as an individual. The workplace culture expects employees to dedicate themselves to the workplace as an extension of their own family. Working 12-hour days is not uncommon and it is rude to leave the office before your boss. The work culture is one point that I would like to elaborate a little more on in a future post. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1AoQgWpChAjtaFIknCtCVJxZ4wGyIA6XH3cECS3uN9QIqVSX1fddAiYQGfdjRDnVm_OVxgFEG0fHBmfp6Vmp7rKj3xY0TeanjX2wXnLMpfnHs54uYOFe9zI4P6NSUQW157_L_O9sIYeOAP3YiPWGICZHoTM4F31f4CvNA-9L9T7sQJESEkZsB5eL/s1024/shibuya_crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shibuya Crossing" border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1AoQgWpChAjtaFIknCtCVJxZ4wGyIA6XH3cECS3uN9QIqVSX1fddAiYQGfdjRDnVm_OVxgFEG0fHBmfp6Vmp7rKj3xY0TeanjX2wXnLMpfnHs54uYOFe9zI4P6NSUQW157_L_O9sIYeOAP3YiPWGICZHoTM4F31f4CvNA-9L9T7sQJESEkZsB5eL/w400-h265/shibuya_crossing.jpg" title="Shibuya Crossing" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/115630165@N06/15397778192" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Shibuya Crossing</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/115630165@N06" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">J. Damasio</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> is marked with </span><a class="uppercase" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-52127770251289383682022-03-13T15:18:00.002+09:002022-06-23T14:09:07.849+09:00Tips for Australians when Travelling Overseas <h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiByZijUZCVoFmCCSyv3dNP-zZ9tJwCp-4UA4Hw2NBzqX912lZPM5ZWCRFeZdlF1A8c61KouFXu3Vdq8ypgC2Q9jT8fpa8_E3TP9M7BpBpwgYmnneKAVOA5qxXVHvrbqYwta5HbW_YDI7VYyaGu2Z_1hVHGPlRwKGyi2rLkniQo9da8Hqm-OCR4gXqT=s1440" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japan Airlines" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiByZijUZCVoFmCCSyv3dNP-zZ9tJwCp-4UA4Hw2NBzqX912lZPM5ZWCRFeZdlF1A8c61KouFXu3Vdq8ypgC2Q9jT8fpa8_E3TP9M7BpBpwgYmnneKAVOA5qxXVHvrbqYwta5HbW_YDI7VYyaGu2Z_1hVHGPlRwKGyi2rLkniQo9da8Hqm-OCR4gXqT=w200-h133" title="Japan Airlines" width="200" /></a></div>1.) Plan Ahead </h3><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Research & Select your Destination </span></b><div><br /></div><div>The first thing to do when planning a trip overseas is to figure out where exactly you want to go. The tricky thing is that there are so many amazing destinations to choose from, so this might be the hardest part of the whole process! You can start by listing the top locations you want to visit and seeing how feasible it is to visit each location. This can be in terms of the time of year you want to visit, the weather, the cost or the amount of tourism. Luckily, once you make a decision on where you will be going on your vacation, everything else is not so bad to plan! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpQA_C_qX9HXJWQcrN5LwLQoW5E5_8NGvAkY1ZNpECyMOrIBnvmdsTOhGRKLaVJx9VnEJycAqhrUVJLV0XdrYlsRXt6oAvLfNt-5wvGg3GPZMfiMO3lIZM07md1E26FbPdfr-p4BRaF2O8VpuQL3HVmH8xFbsVl9UMnwtta0LSDQHdGXV3u5agVDNp=s867" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Research your destination" border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpQA_C_qX9HXJWQcrN5LwLQoW5E5_8NGvAkY1ZNpECyMOrIBnvmdsTOhGRKLaVJx9VnEJycAqhrUVJLV0XdrYlsRXt6oAvLfNt-5wvGg3GPZMfiMO3lIZM07md1E26FbPdfr-p4BRaF2O8VpuQL3HVmH8xFbsVl9UMnwtta0LSDQHdGXV3u5agVDNp=w389-h400" title="Research your destination" width="389" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Flights & Airport Parking </b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCH5ld_i6C6IFKVonA4wuRoHVysx1TGAzv3-t6dpDLxeu8imX3BfkzaR3Vy0xE2bvZswKObhazgcZ2MR_TGpk-gdXOxEWUNvABJ8zboTCBhsWmGuE439mUgRzhJ3lXvjzm_cpQb5TEaDcDASRKdxPL8m278YCOuhKo4VtFvMuECGDqMZbeWr7jKsab=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Airport" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCH5ld_i6C6IFKVonA4wuRoHVysx1TGAzv3-t6dpDLxeu8imX3BfkzaR3Vy0xE2bvZswKObhazgcZ2MR_TGpk-gdXOxEWUNvABJ8zboTCBhsWmGuE439mUgRzhJ3lXvjzm_cpQb5TEaDcDASRKdxPL8m278YCOuhKo4VtFvMuECGDqMZbeWr7jKsab=w400-h266" title="Airport" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The next step is choosing your flight! There are countless sites to help you find the cheapest flights and if you start looking super early you can track the flights and purchase them when they are at their lowest! It is important to keep in mind that sometimes the cheapest flights have longer journey times with multiple stops, especially if you are flying to a destination that is located very far away from Australia. The most important thing is to decide what is most important to you, the cost of the ticket or the ease of the travel experience! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are planning on driving to the airport with your luggage and family or friends, be sure to check out Flyparks well in advance too. Flyparks is an online comparison site for parking across the biggest airports in Australia and New Zealand. So if you want to save on airport parking and find the best deals on Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or even <a href="https://www.flyparks.com.au/perth-airport-parking" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Perth Airport Parking</span></a>, then Flyparks is the place for you! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Visa Requirements & Passport Expiry </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB6kCuwEikZlyo9KSkaCq5X3mrzFlOcpv75aWqdNnY4VnBNMqC9nhFC07CvvrDFL8Z_3Ws3pSj62-PTWIcwa8m5EpIDH_WB7ZUejPMCk94U89AccoW3tcvAF0h2sZjEXm4-wQECcRpMP2WLlpBpdBKZqS0NPCwQjbxfyTLgxT09JHT3Ebh-ddo-akH=s1175" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Passport" border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB6kCuwEikZlyo9KSkaCq5X3mrzFlOcpv75aWqdNnY4VnBNMqC9nhFC07CvvrDFL8Z_3Ws3pSj62-PTWIcwa8m5EpIDH_WB7ZUejPMCk94U89AccoW3tcvAF0h2sZjEXm4-wQECcRpMP2WLlpBpdBKZqS0NPCwQjbxfyTLgxT09JHT3Ebh-ddo-akH=w268-h400" title="Passport" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Next, you should check to ensure that your passport is valid and that it will not expire while you are away on your vacation. Also be sure to see if it's required for you to get an entry visa or travel visa for your specific destination. That way you won't be surprised on entry. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2.) Stay Safe </h3><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Travel Insurance </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It is very important to be insured while you are on your trip with the best policy you can find. Be sure to research as many policies as you can and read in depth what you will be covered for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure that you also book flights and accommodations with flexible or return policies in case anything happens unexpectedly. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Watch your Valuables </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, it is important to keep your possessions as safe as possible. The first thing you can do is to not bring too many valuable items including cameras, computers and other electronics. This can be too stressful to carry or to leave at the hotel room and you don't want to be worrying about that while you are trying to have an amazing vacation! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, if you bring important items with you while you are sightseeing, be sure to have a safe backpack with hidden zippers or even a lock! In addition, consider wearing your backpack in front of you to be sure that no one will steal anything while you are not looking. It may not be your desired look but it is better to be safe than sorry! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Make Copies of Important Documents </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, be sure to have a plan for if something goes wrong. Have copies of all documents and emergency contact information with you at all times so that you are prepared. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Ensure you will have Access to your Money </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure that the credit/debit cards you are bringing are common forms of payment in the location you are visiting! Some destinations often only take cash, or specific types of credit cards. It is important to have cash with you in the local currency to ensure that you can always pay for something or in case your credit card isn't accepted. Note that you should also contact your credit/debit card company and let them know that you are traveling so they do not shut off your card for security reasons! </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3.) Pack Efficiently </h3><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhOoNUJ2c1geE7D5tttGj5Nc_F-J_ygo6CiHf7D3uZ4dWenIeQ5sOi1L1_sUblwQr_xvQOee8f7R9SXmfoVmd4epfIs5SfwTYitM2myx6scoW-JVQj1d0y4MS_h2UuVES_qmo6peMV8GcrBniO-FCLM6_9DZ4dQsYQgaWbVn_wFRhIy-NptbhpQs8-=s1232" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pack efficiently" border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhOoNUJ2c1geE7D5tttGj5Nc_F-J_ygo6CiHf7D3uZ4dWenIeQ5sOi1L1_sUblwQr_xvQOee8f7R9SXmfoVmd4epfIs5SfwTYitM2myx6scoW-JVQj1d0y4MS_h2UuVES_qmo6peMV8GcrBniO-FCLM6_9DZ4dQsYQgaWbVn_wFRhIy-NptbhpQs8-=w265-h400" title="Pack efficiently" width="265" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Know Baggage Limits </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Before you get to the airport, check your airline’s baggage limits to make sure that you don’t have to pay a large price upon check-in at the airport. In addition, after you finalize packing it may be useful to weigh your baggage with an at-home scale to ensure that your bag is not over the weight limit, which is also another unexpectedly large cost you might have to pay during check in. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Leave Room to Bring Back Souvenirs </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It is important to pack efficiently with enough clothing items to last the whole trip and various types of weather possibilities you may encounter while traveling. One important tip that is often forgotten is to leave some empty room in your suitcase as you will likely find some fun items to bring home with you as souvenirs! This way, you won't have to stuff your suitcase or worry about paying for heavy baggage fees on the way home. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4.) Plan Travel & Lodging </h3><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5qD4db_UJN3v9DXEfPmVJ3FQcLeKreXqT9qy5ozK1On2rgZ2lzOjnzFXcyNle2WKPd6L7GW61GU8OUOetZYD_KHHUZXWYmxwAMnDBPe-fDYE_Yu5QnjamFJaSPMM-x1DEHIxMoKYrC4HZNndDOl5PmO20PqabUItE9_r_MR5xpBtBho9rqfpOV939=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Travel and lodging" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5qD4db_UJN3v9DXEfPmVJ3FQcLeKreXqT9qy5ozK1On2rgZ2lzOjnzFXcyNle2WKPd6L7GW61GU8OUOetZYD_KHHUZXWYmxwAMnDBPe-fDYE_Yu5QnjamFJaSPMM-x1DEHIxMoKYrC4HZNndDOl5PmO20PqabUItE9_r_MR5xpBtBho9rqfpOV939=w400-h266" title="Travel and lodging" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Traveling within your Destination </b></div><div><br /></div><div>It is important to know what the most popular or cost effective ways there are to get around the city or town that you are visiting. There is usually public transportation, rental cars as well as taxis or ride-share services. If you research this ahead of time, you can make your life a whole lot easier by being prepared and not having to overpay for taxis to get from point A to point B. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Lodging </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to find the accommodation that is truly right for you. These days, there are countless sites that you can use to compare lodging options in pretty much any destination. There are hostels, hotels, Airbnb, renting apartments and so on. Be sure to find a place to stay that fits a majority of your requirements so that you have a safe and comfortable place to return to after a long day of adventuring. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5.) Prepare all technology </h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK4rfG4akxgAvSonazrdoDhTXxkTOlyzBzCDH27Qn5aLVTglEjmyEJKJp7CX2LgouLAVxfAHQRxSLkP32ZsHzG2pcGxWPwJS2y0179YS9WwnC3mCDuB0W3IN5haQuNEPzBTxfZzw-5arfpLHXYaiRoWIId_c80hSIXjNc5fHl-7mzUjMOJbaZXbMPy=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Technology" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK4rfG4akxgAvSonazrdoDhTXxkTOlyzBzCDH27Qn5aLVTglEjmyEJKJp7CX2LgouLAVxfAHQRxSLkP32ZsHzG2pcGxWPwJS2y0179YS9WwnC3mCDuB0W3IN5haQuNEPzBTxfZzw-5arfpLHXYaiRoWIId_c80hSIXjNc5fHl-7mzUjMOJbaZXbMPy=w400-h266" title="Technology" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Converters </b></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that many people forget is that different countries have different outlets! It is a common thing to forget with all the hectic and excited energy leading up to a vacation, but beware that buying a converter at the airport can be up to 4 times more expensive than buying it prior to leaving! Thus, be sure to look into the types of outlets your destination has and also the voltage used on different outlets/devices. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>International Phone Plan or Apps </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>These days, everything is done on our phones. From your hotel confirmation email to your flight boarding pass, your phone is essential when traveling. Thus, it is important to ensure that it will work when you are out on the town and without wifi. Thus, be sure to look into international phone plans and how to communicate with loved ones back home or the individuals that you are traveling with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully you are now feeling less stressed about your upcoming vacation and are getting more and more excited for the adventure that awaits you. Traveling from Australia is not an easy thing to do but it is most certainly a rewarding experience. If you follow all the advice given in this article then you will be on the right track. Good luck and enjoy your travels abroad!
</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaYEgP2bZsSel6Brv_7fL50k7t_H_5QkD8JLWt9_AsbN56BFkGfrVhdVXq6Ghf8n1XWYDCMA73qUgNUQ3k06SjOldYEPu4-D0V0PSDK50pH76SDZOnd0Sm94zHtxrG_ZiXS3hPWrohUWxChZz99BGUGvBbqvOIqHON_svUVj3zJ7miT3qbQZoi9MHm=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japan Airlines" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaYEgP2bZsSel6Brv_7fL50k7t_H_5QkD8JLWt9_AsbN56BFkGfrVhdVXq6Ghf8n1XWYDCMA73qUgNUQ3k06SjOldYEPu4-D0V0PSDK50pH76SDZOnd0Sm94zHtxrG_ZiXS3hPWrohUWxChZz99BGUGvBbqvOIqHON_svUVj3zJ7miT3qbQZoi9MHm=w400-h266" title="Japan Airlines" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-31493239753423787692022-02-13T16:35:00.007+09:002022-10-28T15:13:49.667+09:00Ghibli Park in Aichi<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ghibli Park in Aichi</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dqfk3G2TGgorzAeOK_vziuzQj1_zCzNimr2XUOmd4LpywJmjM4qB4vDmLB9XwFrpr2w6s517El3rZmG5B147i7Om7MML6cuKAuFZwPHz5ZPRS3QIi0pJ32XcH896R8JvIingjYSZ3HQMQEo8AZxyj_KFp1rW5vcRkvK1lm60YZlAmt8tjnjJcKmI/s1440/totoro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ghibli Park in Aichi" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dqfk3G2TGgorzAeOK_vziuzQj1_zCzNimr2XUOmd4LpywJmjM4qB4vDmLB9XwFrpr2w6s517El3rZmG5B147i7Om7MML6cuKAuFZwPHz5ZPRS3QIi0pJ32XcH896R8JvIingjYSZ3HQMQEo8AZxyj_KFp1rW5vcRkvK1lm60YZlAmt8tjnjJcKmI/w400-h266/totoro.jpg" title="Ghibli Park in Aichi" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of us have been touched by a classic Ghibli movie at
some time in our lives, and now that Studio Ghibli magic is being brought to
life in the autumn of 2022 with the opening of Ghibli Park in Aichi.</div></span></div><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The theme park is set to open on 1 November 2022, just in time for the reopening of Japan to overseas tourists. The sprawling attraction is located at Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 7.1-hectare park will feature attractions from iconic
films such as Mononoke Village from Princess Mononoke, and the castle from Howl’s
Moving Castle. The experience will be enhanced with Ghibli themed cafes,
restaurants, and playgrounds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The theme park will be divided into five different areas:
Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches
and Dondoko Forest. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x0An6jGsLkMEhJXLdqJNTzvt6zaiiub_ph_RU_bWN4rvUrqWLTexNdhxp1pgYgyo9uUsYXYFpkLdlYBBS75WFADyrohtMdbwjXPrKuU8xQYrmzykzZBzTtglfuvK-UwSx45w52hczx4NIVkW_AbYk_bYVYetpr9fNSOq-4Mp60GKdKKBzf_ObEEB/s1440/ghibli_park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The entry to Ghibli Park" border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1440" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x0An6jGsLkMEhJXLdqJNTzvt6zaiiub_ph_RU_bWN4rvUrqWLTexNdhxp1pgYgyo9uUsYXYFpkLdlYBBS75WFADyrohtMdbwjXPrKuU8xQYrmzykzZBzTtglfuvK-UwSx45w52hczx4NIVkW_AbYk_bYVYetpr9fNSOq-4Mp60GKdKKBzf_ObEEB/w640-h432/ghibli_park.jpg" title="The entry to Ghibli Park" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Entry to Ghibli Park via the Elevator Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The facility will initially open with 3 areas which are the Hill of Youth, Ghibli's Grand Warehouse and Dondoko Forest. The other two areas will open in the near future with Mononoke's Village scheduled to open in 2023 and the Valley of Witches in March 2024. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The lush green park was the site of the 2005 Aichi World
Expo, so it is a perfect match for the nature of the famous flicks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Hill of Youth </h3><p class="MsoNormal">Located near the north entrance of the
park, this area is modeled after the settings of "Whisper of the Heart" (1995) and "The Cat Returns" (2002). The highlight here is the recreation of the World Emporium, the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart. The attention to detail in the shop is amazing with food in the refrigerator and even trash in the garbage bin. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJpWaJuiwcWwnCQx8pc_NTzNT-bHIQQkTLJmxAYsaJyam-TpNwXWWtn0l5qBfC3isg0gVbx4U9qL-8IP0-VwzQbEidhlUhPDR_inMoy_60oukTcBjK1FvFrtlE6xd9soT_Fi6cRoZGt3BNXJtG1B1mrG-tajJj_r1CnZChAWL6tyxhE_gVa_HR2xi/s1440/hill_of_youth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The World Emporium" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJpWaJuiwcWwnCQx8pc_NTzNT-bHIQQkTLJmxAYsaJyam-TpNwXWWtn0l5qBfC3isg0gVbx4U9qL-8IP0-VwzQbEidhlUhPDR_inMoy_60oukTcBjK1FvFrtlE6xd9soT_Fi6cRoZGt3BNXJtG1B1mrG-tajJj_r1CnZChAWL6tyxhE_gVa_HR2xi/w640-h426/hill_of_youth.jpg" title="The World Emporium" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The World Emporium at the Hill of Youth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEP__MqppyCeFmDh4zkTMxsRURls3S1N15aRx9Ih6U78FslhQhccaOvxo-HVmu5B4KbuLw7jNQYWmsFx_UgjHyaU4S1xgwGCjjqC_6T3D6RxckzkjLQ806hs9xi32ex9XQfTIdZyRxofk1pgv7HAbCvurggH0_qrWALwftaEPkhQS8COBN1EsRetU/s1440/the_cat_returns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Cat Returns" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEP__MqppyCeFmDh4zkTMxsRURls3S1N15aRx9Ih6U78FslhQhccaOvxo-HVmu5B4KbuLw7jNQYWmsFx_UgjHyaU4S1xgwGCjjqC_6T3D6RxckzkjLQ806hs9xi32ex9XQfTIdZyRxofk1pgv7HAbCvurggH0_qrWALwftaEPkhQS8COBN1EsRetU/w640-h426/the_cat_returns.jpg" title="The Cat Returns" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cat Returns</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse</h3><p class="MsoNormal">This large indoor area covering 9,600 square meters is home to
an exhibition room, a children’s playground, shops, restaurants, and a small
theatre. The idea of this area is to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the whimsical worlds of Ghibli and interact with famous scenes from the movies. You can see the Iron Giant from "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" (1986) and take a virtual train ride with Kaonashi from "Spirited Away" (2001). <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrbQz1mur3ealHUwNoMlQm_mZBJhhbwhVkXh-OS2oI5FEV_xq116EAJaK2QOwcSc1HPN60oEr-mL6w2NW_8SRqeTI5dJjCk6Ho0PiHxzvZV0yRQaTCW9iMMLn2PHa33ORJgkoa8cqa61ZgM6DxKXeYhVGwALyZBvOCejAYQXUzhNG7DvwkiEerjNJ/s1440/ghibli_grand_warehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrbQz1mur3ealHUwNoMlQm_mZBJhhbwhVkXh-OS2oI5FEV_xq116EAJaK2QOwcSc1HPN60oEr-mL6w2NW_8SRqeTI5dJjCk6Ho0PiHxzvZV0yRQaTCW9iMMLn2PHa33ORJgkoa8cqa61ZgM6DxKXeYhVGwALyZBvOCejAYQXUzhNG7DvwkiEerjNJ/w640-h426/ghibli_grand_warehouse.jpg" title="Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghibli's Grand Warehouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ_SdZssudSFTtvniyPzQwDxHbb7ufm7YwtSZl-WKLeAYR0U3mxb1WsTt4QcKba_y_SwsgAnmxY0RT7WGBFs4lfOaCnhXxUPbrRnPPlXyuPu_07WtNkozxE_nnFwv0NYqJCga2c18nDEs9yc11klKFm1oR4LXpkSrBdgNJJjTh3fwmbNTxEa0gj8_/s2304/iron_giant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Iron Giant from Laputa" border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ_SdZssudSFTtvniyPzQwDxHbb7ufm7YwtSZl-WKLeAYR0U3mxb1WsTt4QcKba_y_SwsgAnmxY0RT7WGBFs4lfOaCnhXxUPbrRnPPlXyuPu_07WtNkozxE_nnFwv0NYqJCga2c18nDEs9yc11klKFm1oR4LXpkSrBdgNJJjTh3fwmbNTxEa0gj8_/w266-h400/iron_giant.jpg" title="The Iron Giant from Laputa" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iron Giant from Laputa </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Dondoko Forest</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dondoko Forest is dedicated to the film "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) with a 5-meter-tall wooden Totoro that visitors can actually climb inside. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLAM6Yc22XKYwi8ODijNDDkIRy7wLn7b71yyGvxywcHYPnx9oDOB2A9gvRX8yskZ_NcBY2J2ixH8L6_JPEqDcMZsPF34lhNKyyGlCMdcTPOg_vu__4_5GQBC_zem9Ueju1TE2u9_3Ld8d-dRd9QO9x7zvFwQflGqMiQH7ikDRMUPr78g2y04-k0-J/s1440/dondoko_forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dondoko Forest" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLAM6Yc22XKYwi8ODijNDDkIRy7wLn7b71yyGvxywcHYPnx9oDOB2A9gvRX8yskZ_NcBY2J2ixH8L6_JPEqDcMZsPF34lhNKyyGlCMdcTPOg_vu__4_5GQBC_zem9Ueju1TE2u9_3Ld8d-dRd9QO9x7zvFwQflGqMiQH7ikDRMUPr78g2y04-k0-J/w640-h426/dondoko_forest.jpg" title="Dondoko Forest" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dondoko Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmFlDkE9myBD4ozQg0yWh35PLxkonRhqeV--jHKVpKMBJzX2J8UII4WqxE9NA2IseyOMddUXP8OTkZIaLDopX4bvmR882hlDjwNSrq-j55ehjhsI8dFyP9tHa5jv6-u1preh5TOUxaogtnVkn7BL3LVlmkK9HuGDrss1BRyMjXFBHn4Wd4BU6KnT6/s1440/totoro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Totoro" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmFlDkE9myBD4ozQg0yWh35PLxkonRhqeV--jHKVpKMBJzX2J8UII4WqxE9NA2IseyOMddUXP8OTkZIaLDopX4bvmR882hlDjwNSrq-j55ehjhsI8dFyP9tHa5jv6-u1preh5TOUxaogtnVkn7BL3LVlmkK9HuGDrss1BRyMjXFBHn4Wd4BU6KnT6/w640-h426/totoro.jpg" title="Totoro" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A five-meter-tall wooden Totoro at Dondoko Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The highlight of the Dondoko Forest area is walking through Satsuki and Mei’s house from My
Neighbor Totoro, which was set in a rural landscape from the Showa
period (1926-1989). The attention to detail in the house is amazing with period-specific furniture and items. There are actual real items from the 1950's here including newspapers and books. Part of the fun is looking around and discovering all the small details. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T0MhOm4CfiUN87i2yXUlN8Ads4i9rOoMf4ayaCO_ogtjbH3TmlWSZBSFz88-Q5Ci4TCt0y06tD0olXagRLmsCpTa5ubUiTZHXlbtKnvZCfua8ArJSN4Mz17RG0jY4dhCvbUAD4fQpG54kww7Vj4yd-m_-N-MK6kOvqq4bTbAUlKe0g_HImscGQxc/s1440/satsuki_mei_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satsuki and Mei's House" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T0MhOm4CfiUN87i2yXUlN8Ads4i9rOoMf4ayaCO_ogtjbH3TmlWSZBSFz88-Q5Ci4TCt0y06tD0olXagRLmsCpTa5ubUiTZHXlbtKnvZCfua8ArJSN4Mz17RG0jY4dhCvbUAD4fQpG54kww7Vj4yd-m_-N-MK6kOvqq4bTbAUlKe0g_HImscGQxc/w640-h426/satsuki_mei_house.jpg" title="Satsuki and Mei's House" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satsuki and Mei's House from My Neighbor Totoro</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEKSGVBXkcaDKXbHn_rjzYrAFekAQJWlQbkF8wxPnfCFnQlBZdY047Xsr1L98Z5Oot58F76EYipyFUpx37Zsyx9Wp-tKkdV10Z_SSK2DvdqO_bPmP9nguxr-i7xQfdnXn-LqB0gxFHkwCArQl3Q4bjdvJ2CE3yYEEUYFhEYRRcbxuIn5FHDWwgMZV/s1440/showa_era.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside the house" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEKSGVBXkcaDKXbHn_rjzYrAFekAQJWlQbkF8wxPnfCFnQlBZdY047Xsr1L98Z5Oot58F76EYipyFUpx37Zsyx9Wp-tKkdV10Z_SSK2DvdqO_bPmP9nguxr-i7xQfdnXn-LqB0gxFHkwCArQl3Q4bjdvJ2CE3yYEEUYFhEYRRcbxuIn5FHDWwgMZV/w640-h426/showa_era.jpg" title="Inside the house" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Show Era items inside the house</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Mononoke’s Village </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mononoke’s Village will feature a real-life recreation of
Tatara-ba, the irontown depicted in the movie "Princess Mononoke" (1997). The beautiful scenery will
transport you back in time to the Muromachi period (1336-1573) of Japanese
history, where the movie is set. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTySK-60W0peipyugjkJH4RCjFO7FAleqxQ5kGreyCzHjsx7p4YFDvkS5NU50k3D4fH-EcZrx9rBWQDcZjNcN00Fc3c7ynnoRNcM5Cwe4P0Vm9nfPBswvST_uu0DIu6laf8x6nstpQ43VfuGROAqjiotzL9nIV2L58GtShXeCAis7SxqL_jyVfEDUv=s738" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mononoke's Village" border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="738" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTySK-60W0peipyugjkJH4RCjFO7FAleqxQ5kGreyCzHjsx7p4YFDvkS5NU50k3D4fH-EcZrx9rBWQDcZjNcN00Fc3c7ynnoRNcM5Cwe4P0Vm9nfPBswvST_uu0DIu6laf8x6nstpQ43VfuGROAqjiotzL9nIV2L58GtShXeCAis7SxqL_jyVfEDUv=w400-h225" title="Mononoke's Village" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mononoke's Village (Photo: ©Studio Ghibli)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Valley of Witches</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Valley of Witches draws inspiration from films that
feature protagonists with magic powers such as "Howl’s Moving Castle" (2004) and "Kiki’s Delivery Service" (1989). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It will be home to a real-life, 16-meter-tall replica of
Howl’s Moving Castle, including moving cannons resembling eyeballs. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSvpYiGDPoa69dCPGeKSd10mzpo722irgj9AKNk_2-kYwHiyaB6f6kWrnqYWGvBZUtk3nKuySY1yL8-ad5cmODx08phZ1Hi-tJ5DlCXf7qgyTbbVfPYlnJ8OSqFrDNgEwoPbJ0fNSAYLQx6zhek4SMB8QY_E9SWw-myMdlUKERfLnTlJmN337X-jjQ=s738" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Howl's Moving Castle" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="738" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSvpYiGDPoa69dCPGeKSd10mzpo722irgj9AKNk_2-kYwHiyaB6f6kWrnqYWGvBZUtk3nKuySY1yL8-ad5cmODx08phZ1Hi-tJ5DlCXf7qgyTbbVfPYlnJ8OSqFrDNgEwoPbJ0fNSAYLQx6zhek4SMB8QY_E9SWw-myMdlUKERfLnTlJmN337X-jjQ=w400-h266" title="Howl's Moving Castle" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howl's Moving Castle (Photo: ©Studio Ghibli)</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Entry to the Expo Memorial Park is free but visitors will need to reserve tickets in order to enter each of the five areas. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Adult tickets for Ghibli's Grand Warehouse cost 2,000 yen on weekdays and 2,500 yen on weekends, while entry to the Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest is 1,000 yen at all times. The fees for children are half-price.</p><p class="MsoNormal">This will be no ordinary theme park. You will not find
rollercoasters or death-defying rides here, but simply a fantasy world, where
you can feel part of your favourite Ghibli movie.</p></div>
Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-44648828831933021012021-10-31T15:10:00.005+09:002022-06-23T14:09:48.838+09:00Writers Read Their Early Sh*t Podcast <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLoY8lGoF7A/YX4uRbuwUBI/AAAAAAABAmE/fWCaNQoEJWY16q-WxZxNpPclOohq-UoOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/writers_read_their_early_shit_main.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Writer's Read Their Early Sh*t Podcast" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLoY8lGoF7A/YX4uRbuwUBI/AAAAAAABAmE/fWCaNQoEJWY16q-WxZxNpPclOohq-UoOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/writers_read_their_early_shit_main.jpg" title="Writer's Read Their Early Sh*t Podcast" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently
had the chance to be a guest on the fantastic <i>Writers Read Their Early Sh*t</i>
podcast hosted by the amazing Jason Emde.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We talked about
the world of online travel writing along with a range of interesting topics
such as the coolest places to visit in Japan and whether Aussie space-rockers
The Church are the best band to ever come out of Australia. We also had a
chance to delve into some of my very early blog writing. <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today,
Jason has returned the favour by guest posting on Japan Australia to tell us
all about his wonderful new podcast, but before we get into all of that, let’s
find out a little about the man himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jason was
born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada, and grew up in the Okanagan
Valley. He received his BA from UBC in 1995 and moved to Japan, where he taught
English to students of all age groups. He also bartended, edited scientific
journals, officiated at hundreds of weddings, played bass in a KISS tribute
band, made amateur films, won his debut boxing match by TKO in the second
round, and traveled extensively in Japan, the rest of Asia and Europe. His
first book, “My Hand’s Tired & My Heart Aches: Letters from Japan
1995-2005,’ was published by Kalamalka Press in 2005. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOA8hARHBYs/YX4u5ZSkfAI/AAAAAAABAmM/qixN2W1YDbwBlW8gS16chJz1tSZ5_VxmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/writers_read_their_early_shit_pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A young Jason Emde" border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOA8hARHBYs/YX4u5ZSkfAI/AAAAAAABAmM/qixN2W1YDbwBlW8gS16chJz1tSZ5_VxmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/writers_read_their_early_shit_pic.jpg" title="A young Jason Emde" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young Jason Emde in the middle </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, let’s
hear from Jason about the inspiration for the <i>Writers Read Their Early Sh*t</i>
podcast.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in .5in .75in 1.0in 1.25in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea for the <i>Writers Read Their Early Sh*t</i> podcast
first came to me while I was working on my Master’s Degree in Creative Writing
and happened to read a poem I wrote in elementary school about a tree. It
wasn’t much of a poem (“Emphatic!” reads my teacher’s only comment) and I
realized—or remembered—that all writers, famous and obscure, are probably sitting
on treasure troves of undeft early work, shitty first drafts, and undeveloped
and unsophisticated efforts, all of it stuck in a box in some closet or drawer.
I know I am: there are whole filing cabinets back in my hometown overflowing
with frothing journals, notebooks full of utterly pretentious waffle and
twaddle, stacks of mind-humpingly primitive poetry, and old letters full of
flatulent bombast and smut. Some of those early attempts and experiments, I
thought, might do at least three things when exposed to the air: provide a
charming autobiographical snapshot of the writer, with space for entering into
friendly relations with early ineptitude or artistic immaturity; encourage
considering <i>everything</i> an experiment,
and release some artistic pressure; and do their splendid to entertain. Early,
unripe work might provide an opportunity to confront a former version of
oneself, and maybe even forgive him or her, and it might delight and divert
other artists, no matter what stage of the game they’re at. That, in any case,
was the idea.</span><span style="font-family: times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in .5in .75in 1.0in 1.25in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlsAIxGandw/YX4vtheZ6yI/AAAAAAABAmU/M6AMk0905lUcloBk0STGKFXJ01IBd-5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/writers_read_their_early_shit_main.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Writers Read Podcast" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlsAIxGandw/YX4vtheZ6yI/AAAAAAABAmU/M6AMk0905lUcloBk0STGKFXJ01IBd-5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/writers_read_their_early_shit_main.jpg" title="Writers Read Podcast" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in .5in .75in 1.0in 1.25in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I launched the podcast in the
summer of 2021 and have interviewed—and vastly enjoyed the early sh*t of—poets
like Sarah Tsiang and James Tyler Russell, songwriters like David White and
Dave Antich (otherwise known as DJ Max in Tokyo, who provides all of the
podcast’s music), memoirists like Victoria Taylor, novelists like Adam Lewis
Schroeder, and travel writers like John Asano from Japan Australia. One
legendary episode featured my sister, Alison Emde, reading gems from her teenage
journals. The conversations so far have been freewheeling and funny and
unpretentious and intimate and moving, fueled by a love of language, a
fascination with craft, and a kind of broad-minded sympathy. There have also
been digressions into such things as literary pilgrimages, the best and worst
punctuation marks, macrame soap holders, secretly rooting for the monkey, how
The Church is (possibly) the best band Australia ever produced, why Japan is so
ace, and kabuki thunder-rockers KISS. I’m very much looking forward to talking
to more writers of all kinds (and all levels of success and achievement) and
exploring the occasionally unruly pleasures of their early, wet-behind-the-ears
work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in .5in .75in 1.0in 1.25in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can listen to all the episodes of the podcast at the <a href="https://wrtes.buzzsprout.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Writers Read Their Early Sh*t</span> </a>podcast page, and give Jason and the
podcast a follow on both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WRTESpodcast" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/writersreadtheirearlyshit/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Instagram</span></a>. </span></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-56468285250837317092021-10-17T16:23:00.003+09:002022-09-16T10:43:41.221+09:00Study Japanese with Nihongo Master<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRnenDqxVos/YV-dWmbzLVI/AAAAAAABAjs/Ki8yPoU4SYcMKJARte50jlZNnD-oaPSLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s310/image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Study Japanese with Nihongo Master" border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRnenDqxVos/YV-dWmbzLVI/AAAAAAABAjs/Ki8yPoU4SYcMKJARte50jlZNnD-oaPSLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/image.jpg" title="Study Japanese with Nihongo Master" /></a></div><p>I have been studying Japanese for over 20 years now and in
my time, I have discovered a lot of helpful books, amazing websites, and useful
applications to make that studying process that little bit more fun and engaging.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The biggest challenge for me has always been trying to stay
motivated when being bogged down in all the books. I truly believe that one of
the best ways to stay motivated is by having fun with the language. After all,
you are more likely to remember something and retain it if you are enjoying the
study process while having a blast. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am also a very competitive person and like to test myself
by setting goals, whether that be an upcoming Japanese test, or simply beating
my friends in Japanese. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the best resources that I have found for studying
Japanese is <a href="https://www.nihongomaster.com/?via=john" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nihongo Master</span></a>, a fantastic Japanese learning website to help you
study Japanese in a fun and easy way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://www.nihongomaster.com/96-1-1-5.html" target="_blank"><img alt="The fun and easy way to master Japanese!" src="https://partners.nihongomaster.com//media/banners/header_logo (1).png" style="border: 0px;" title="The fun and easy way to master Japanese!" /></a>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Here are a few reasons why I like Nihongo Master: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The curriculum has been designed by native Japanese
instructors, so you know that you are getting the best Japanese possible. People new to the Japanese language, can start with the introductory lessons to learn the basics of reading, writing and speaking Japanese. There
are hundreds of lessons for all levels of language learners from beginners to
advanced. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYUS2be7cI/YV-eIONrrWI/AAAAAAABAkA/ISlOOvpfMWUx_ApitAHVQW-QkIXiHaVXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1596/lessons.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master Japanese lessons" border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1596" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYUS2be7cI/YV-eIONrrWI/AAAAAAABAkA/ISlOOvpfMWUx_ApitAHVQW-QkIXiHaVXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h229/lessons.PNG" title="Nihongo Master Japanese lessons" width="400" /></a></div><br />The audio is also produced by native Japanese speakers,
which is perfect to get your pronunciation just right and sounding natural. You can listen to the correct pronunciation from the audio, then use the microphone button to record your own pronunciation of the word or sentence and compare it to the native speaker by playing back your voice. It is a really cool way to improve your pronunciation. I found it really useful for nailing those hard to say words or phrases. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti8AmkZ0pfM/YWjWmbC9MuI/AAAAAAABAlE/sHRS4cmdnfYuYIWtfl0LNbUHVhNHJrYsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1463/voice.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master practice your pronunciation" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="1463" height="84" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti8AmkZ0pfM/YWjWmbC9MuI/AAAAAAABAlE/sHRS4cmdnfYuYIWtfl0LNbUHVhNHJrYsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h84/voice.PNG" title="Nihongo Master practice your pronunciation" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The drill system helps you learn new words and Kanji quickly
and simply. The study drills use spaced repetition (SRS), a learning technique
that involves reviewing and recalling information at optimal spacing intervals
until the information is learned at a sufficient level. This method of learning
has been proved to accelerate your mastery of vocabulary. </div><p class="MsoNormal">The drills allow you to learn in the fastest way possible. As your studying accelerates new drills unlock. The learning is also
supported by periodic quizzes, a key to help challenge and motivate your
language acquisition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the best features for me is the Kanji look-up
dictionary. This dictionary contains over 150,000 words and 13,000 kanji and is
a great tool to look up Japanese words, or English words to find the correct
Japanese equivalent. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ron9JZREsk/YV-eURCNYDI/AAAAAAABAkE/NSskRFTxkD8H2zDFXCD7LdgZPjAhzDLZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1873/kanji%2Blook-up.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master kanji lookup" border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1873" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ron9JZREsk/YV-eURCNYDI/AAAAAAABAkE/NSskRFTxkD8H2zDFXCD7LdgZPjAhzDLZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h196/kanji%2Blook-up.PNG" title="Nihongo Master kanji lookup" width="400" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Users can also print and customize handy character practice
sheets and study word lists.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChAC5-bLvss/YV-ehbbMr3I/AAAAAAABAkM/h7pe5qAFXksLSJr4upcXIWxtTMkMyqg4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1552/practice%2Bsheets.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master practice sheets" border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1552" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChAC5-bLvss/YV-ehbbMr3I/AAAAAAABAkM/h7pe5qAFXksLSJr4upcXIWxtTMkMyqg4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h239/practice%2Bsheets.PNG" title="Nihongo Master practice sheets" width="400" /></a></div><br />The site is set up like a competition with points and achievements making it challenging as well as highly motivating. As you take the drills and quizzes, you score points based on how well you do. Earn enough points and you will soon move up to the next level.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bJ4K4EQZc/YWjVAevxVAI/AAAAAAABAk8/9qW8EoEdY2Q4PadSkqa-vuAFnPFrW_CWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1567/levels.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master levels" border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1567" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bJ4K4EQZc/YWjVAevxVAI/AAAAAAABAk8/9qW8EoEdY2Q4PadSkqa-vuAFnPFrW_CWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h235/levels.PNG" title="Nihongo Master levels" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><div>One of the extra benefits of using Nihongo Master for me is
the fantastic community of friendly Japanese language students on the website. There
are other Japanese learners there who are always willing to help and answer any
questions that you may have.</div><div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDjAsuLN8M/YV-eox00y2I/AAAAAAABAkU/DnSPuHhbJLklFDNfCVOF4Vpvmp17kf3VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1879/community.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master group discussion" border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1879" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDjAsuLN8M/YV-eox00y2I/AAAAAAABAkU/DnSPuHhbJLklFDNfCVOF4Vpvmp17kf3VwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h184/community.PNG" title="Nihongo Master group discussion" width="400" /></a></div><br />The website also has a blog, which is useful for anyone
looking for how-to articles, Japanese cultural tips, Japanese language lessons
and much more.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oHmxybUOak/YV-eunOx6mI/AAAAAAABAkY/ioxXbNyX5-UImi3IBo9XYEvM6LK9CiD2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1744/blog.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master blog" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1744" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oHmxybUOak/YV-eunOx6mI/AAAAAAABAkY/ioxXbNyX5-UImi3IBo9XYEvM6LK9CiD2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h181/blog.PNG" title="Nihongo Master blog" width="400" /></a></div><br />They have some really interesting articles on learning
Japanese such as “How to Shorten the Time to Learn Japanese” and “Top 10
Japanese Animal Noises you should learn right now!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nagZETHM-Fw/YV-e1KCJ28I/AAAAAAABAkg/W2Lud7UnGsc5Upy5JsRaUnugYpf4BUyJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1084/blog%2Barticles.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master blog articles" border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1084" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nagZETHM-Fw/YV-e1KCJ28I/AAAAAAABAkg/W2Lud7UnGsc5Upy5JsRaUnugYpf4BUyJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h334/blog%2Barticles.PNG" title="Nihongo Master blog articles" width="400" /></a></div><br />Nihongo Master also have their own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Nihongomaster" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">YouTube channel</span></a> and a popular
podcast to help you learn Japanese on the go.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5twZce2X7k/YV-e8AOKnlI/AAAAAAABAko/StICkCUCGOUK9Y9LKnjeA8ZYMIISujhtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1266/youtube.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nihongo Master YouTube channel" border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1266" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5twZce2X7k/YV-e8AOKnlI/AAAAAAABAko/StICkCUCGOUK9Y9LKnjeA8ZYMIISujhtACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/youtube.PNG" title="Nihongo Master YouTube channel" width="400" /></a></div><br />If you are looking to learn Japanese, improve your current
Japanese level, or simply just need some extra motivation like me, <a href="https://www.nihongomaster.com/?via=john" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nihongo Master</span></a> is the right tool for you. <span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<a href="https://www.nihongomaster.com/96-5-1-27.html" target="_blank"><img alt="The fun and easy way to master Japanese!" src="https://partners.nihongomaster.com//media/banners/native -600x315.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The fun and easy way to master Japanese!" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div></div>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-27241272976541648102021-07-11T16:51:00.001+09:002022-06-23T14:10:37.842+09:00Starbucks Japan 47 Jimoto Frappuccino<p><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I62Mc4jLFTA/YOZh3YYGzkI/AAAAAAABAhI/OnW1kNTC2qw45t0BXVWkUaSjwQauJQ1YACLcBGAsYHQ/s768/Starbucks-Japan-Jimoto-Frappuccino-47-prefectures-limited-edition-flavours.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I62Mc4jLFTA/YOZh3YYGzkI/AAAAAAABAhI/OnW1kNTC2qw45t0BXVWkUaSjwQauJQ1YACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h113/Starbucks-Japan-Jimoto-Frappuccino-47-prefectures-limited-edition-flavours.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We here at Japan Australia are huge fans
of Starbucks Frappuccinos. Theses icy cold blended frozen drinks are perfect
for the hot summers in Japan.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">For a limited time only, Starbucks Coffee
Japan will release 47 new Frappuccino drinks, one for each of the 47
prefectures in Japan. The drinks will feature local ingredients to help strengthen
its ties with local communities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The Seattle-based coffee chain come up
with the idea to help celebrate the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of its first
foray into the Japanese market. The first Starbucks open in the upmarket Ginza district
of Tokyo in 1996. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The special lineup is called “47 Jimoto
Frappuccino”. Jimoto means hometown in Japanese. Baristas will be drawing on
local expertise throughout Japan to bring special flavours and combinations
that are the pride of each local area. The Frappuccinos are inspired by the local food and culture of each area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the Frappuccinos that instantly
catch the eye include:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Miyagi Prefecture</span></b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">, which is famous for zunda (sweet edamame paste). This drink
features sweetened mashed edamame paste and matcha green tea. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofj7UWD2aJw/YOZh-BU0gNI/AAAAAAABAhM/sEKFsTrvJgIcBv44umE4tf8gEBQnpPx_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s660/Miyagi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofj7UWD2aJw/YOZh-BU0gNI/AAAAAAABAhM/sEKFsTrvJgIcBv44umE4tf8gEBQnpPx_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Miyagi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Tottori Prefecture</span></b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">, which is famous for its sand dunes. Baristas created a creamy
caramel drink that resembles the famous sand dunes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5IqoeoLGY0/YOZiDgtyzQI/AAAAAAABAhQ/gDUSp9jaoncOGNlkp75M3ViqaIPi3DFrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s660/Tottori.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5IqoeoLGY0/YOZiDgtyzQI/AAAAAAABAhQ/gDUSp9jaoncOGNlkp75M3ViqaIPi3DFrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Tottori.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Aichi Prefecture</span></b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">, which is famous for Ogura toast (thickly sliced toast topped
with sweet red bean paste). This Nagoya specialty comes to life as a frappuccino
with sweet red bean sauce, coffee, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szGrqENDTmM/YOZiI6U8oOI/AAAAAAABAhU/brezAjo9Y3ISbuNdicBUhu9VuUm5licogCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/Aichi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szGrqENDTmM/YOZiI6U8oOI/AAAAAAABAhU/brezAjo9Y3ISbuNdicBUhu9VuUm5licogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Aichi.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Starbucks 47 JImoto Frappuccino will be
available from June 30 to August 3, in a tall size only for 682 yen (USD$6.20).
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Which flavour would you like to try? Please leave your answer in the comments below. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">Visit the </span><a href="https://www.starbucks.co.jp/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Starbucks Coffee Japan</span></a><span style="color: #0f1419;"> website for more details. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXjUBJu_UKE/YOZiQycmfAI/AAAAAAABAhY/wNcxt6h9JfgwdmH-SMP6Ak8MedkLzAwQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/Starbucks-Japan-Jimoto-Frappuccino-47-prefectures-limited-edition-flavours.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXjUBJu_UKE/YOZiQycmfAI/AAAAAAABAhY/wNcxt6h9JfgwdmH-SMP6Ak8MedkLzAwQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Starbucks-Japan-Jimoto-Frappuccino-47-prefectures-limited-edition-flavours.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-77090676397760075052021-07-03T15:20:00.002+09:002022-06-23T14:11:00.603+09:00Mount Fuji Reopens to Climbers<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0f1419; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlPqLiBRJUs/YN_-zPezKwI/AAAAAAABAfg/aoJXhfm-QFE9pTIv6ScN57AfXCcTRzTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mount_Fuji1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlPqLiBRJUs/YN_-zPezKwI/AAAAAAABAfg/aoJXhfm-QFE9pTIv6ScN57AfXCcTRzTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h134/mount_Fuji1.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji reopened on
Thursday, July 1 to climbers for the summer season after being closed last year
<span style="background: white; color: #454545;">due to the coronavirus pandemic.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Yoshida trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Japan’s
highest peak was opened with strict virus countermeasures in place. It is the most
popular of the four routes up the 3,776-meter World Heritage Site. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #454545;">Japan’s
national symbol was officially named a </span><a href="https://japantraveladvice.com/mount-fuji-unesco-world-heritage-site/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">UNESCO World Heritage site</span></a><span style="color: #454545;"> on June 22,
2013. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO-fAmwZey4/YN_-64a11DI/AAAAAAABAfk/30qbknB9YqYz_6HOhkyhEmq2lYOToU26QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mount_fuji2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO-fAmwZey4/YN_-64a11DI/AAAAAAABAfk/30qbknB9YqYz_6HOhkyhEmq2lYOToU26QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/mount_fuji2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p>The three other paths are located on the Shizuoka Prefecture
side of the mountain, which plans to reopen them on July 10. Mount Fuji will be
accessible to visits until September 10.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are stringent measures in place as part of efforts to
reduce the risk of coronavirus infections. Visitors will be asked to fill out
health check forms and have their temperature checked before being allowed to
climb the mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mze4Wm3E2Tg/YN__DCBp38I/AAAAAAABAfs/IN_BinGBsCgAUqD1yhX2VwMQ22hTRituwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mount_fuji3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mze4Wm3E2Tg/YN__DCBp38I/AAAAAAABAfs/IN_BinGBsCgAUqD1yhX2VwMQ22hTRituwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/mount_fuji3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fuji Subaru Line, a tollway running halfway up the
mountain is usually open 24 hours but has shortened its operating hours from 3
a.m. to 6 p.m. to reduce the number of climbers who try to make quick overnight
ascents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mountain lodges along the trail have also taken measures to
help prevent the spread of infections. These include installing partitions in
sleeping areas and limiting the number of people allowed to stay in order to
follow social distancing rules. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94TLNDTOjEU/YN__IlEdMAI/AAAAAAABAfw/VfQFxv74xYM1C-hr9gSAevfWQYUpsD4rACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mount_fuji4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94TLNDTOjEU/YN__IlEdMAI/AAAAAAABAfw/VfQFxv74xYM1C-hr9gSAevfWQYUpsD4rACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/mount_fuji4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last year in 2020, both Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures close</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: arial;">d
all four routes for the first time since 1960 in response to the coronavirus
pandemic. </span><span face="Open Sans, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz5gx69CT84/YN__OBrkGXI/AAAAAAABAf4/ShEW3dXrCPM_wJF2uN2Bml5Vjjx0VQ1uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mount_Fuji1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz5gx69CT84/YN__OBrkGXI/AAAAAAABAf4/ShEW3dXrCPM_wJF2uN2Bml5Vjjx0VQ1uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/mount_Fuji1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
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</xml><![endif]--> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrYEpkXOlqs/YLBJuJq8svI/AAAAAAABAa4/dJ6py0KK5moB9R0cTBni5Q-ePDfCMdpKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/main%2Bimage.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrYEpkXOlqs/YLBJuJq8svI/AAAAAAABAa4/dJ6py0KK5moB9R0cTBni5Q-ePDfCMdpKACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/main%2Bimage.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Most of you already know that I am an Aussie in Japan and
hence the name of this blog, Japan Australia. Some of you might also know that
I am originally from Melbourne in Australia, one of the coffee capitals of the
world.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Melbourne’s love affair with coffee started back in the
1950’s with the arrival of Italian and Greek immigrants. A whole generation of
immigrants brought their European-style espresso machines to Melbourne,
starting a coffee culture and way of life for <span class="bnl2gb">Melburnians</span>.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Living in rural Japan, it’s been a lot harder to cure my
coffee fix. The Gifu/Aichi area of central Japan, where I live is well known
for its coffee shops, but it has been hard to find a good cuppa. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sisKQjUNPI/YLBKdLacigI/AAAAAAABAbY/ntO5ubIARrg99bftvTuDzXBwiXYCCsRlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cup%2Bof%2Bcoffee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sisKQjUNPI/YLBKdLacigI/AAAAAAABAbY/ntO5ubIARrg99bftvTuDzXBwiXYCCsRlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/cup%2Bof%2Bcoffee.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://japanesecoffeeco.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Japanese Coffee Company</span></a> offers premium coffee that is
not available anywhere else in the world. Recently they started a new product,
Sumiyaki Charcoal Roasted Coffee and being a huge coffee lover, I just had to
give it a try.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojmDydEEfy8/YLBJ4BeKyQI/AAAAAAABAa8/0wvruUe2yM4Izy_KYMt7hmIY3dtthpyNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/JapaneseCoffeeCo11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojmDydEEfy8/YLBJ4BeKyQI/AAAAAAABAa8/0wvruUe2yM4Izy_KYMt7hmIY3dtthpyNACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/JapaneseCoffeeCo11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sumiyaki means charcoal roasted in English and has been a
hidden treasure in Japan since 1933. This unique Japanese method of roasting
coffee beans enhances the taste and aroma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Binchotan charcoal is used to roast the beans due to its high steady
heat and long burning time, which produces a unique flavour of coffee. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-be7hGxwwKGI/YLBKCa3on_I/AAAAAAABAbE/sd0hMOxY7jse50JSbjkg5EG63KtH2rNywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sumiyaki.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-be7hGxwwKGI/YLBKCa3on_I/AAAAAAABAbE/sd0hMOxY7jse50JSbjkg5EG63KtH2rNywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/sumiyaki.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The coffee is roasted in Hokkaido by Sapporo Coffee Kan. The
low temperatures and humidity in Japan’s northernmost prefecture are perfect for
coffee brewing. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTBD6wjTo1I/YLBKJ4SkO6I/AAAAAAABAbI/cfd7h5se4T0DFaliWzox2eUrvrjYuv7BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/main%2Bimage.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTBD6wjTo1I/YLBKJ4SkO6I/AAAAAAABAbI/cfd7h5se4T0DFaliWzox2eUrvrjYuv7BwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/main%2Bimage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can purchase a variety of different coffee blends from the
Japanese Coffee Company from single origin and blended coffee to certified
organic and decaffeinated.
</p><p class="MsoNormal">We ordered the Colombia Arabica Caturra Pital Mountain
Single Origin Premium Coffee and had the choice of grinding the beans ourselves
or having them pre-grinded for us. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEf7imyTtSM/YLBKS56wpQI/AAAAAAABAbQ/JvC3UtZmABMpBc2hydNY14crA2rV87ceQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/coffee%2Bmill.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEf7imyTtSM/YLBKS56wpQI/AAAAAAABAbQ/JvC3UtZmABMpBc2hydNY14crA2rV87ceQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/coffee%2Bmill.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>The Taste Test</b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">The coffee has a wonderful rich aroma thanks to the unique <i>sumiyaki</i>
roasting method. The coffee has a strong, bold full-bodied taste that is not
too powerful and bitter. There is a smooth, smokey aftertaste with no
unpleasant bitterness. It was delicious to drink. This is one coffee that
certainly has a unique flavour profile and background. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are looking to try a truly unique premium coffee that
is only available in Japan, check out the <a href="https://japanesecoffeeco.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Japanese Coffee Company’s</span></a> Sumiyaki
Charcoal Roasted Coffee blends. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM7C0gt6ku4/YLBKnZAW5FI/AAAAAAABAbg/E0UOEeecEhszyaEbGCVvsw01o6SuZJsRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/JapaneseCoffeeCoLogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM7C0gt6ku4/YLBKnZAW5FI/AAAAAAABAbg/E0UOEeecEhszyaEbGCVvsw01o6SuZJsRACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/JapaneseCoffeeCoLogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-4123625301835369072021-04-29T11:23:00.004+09:002021-05-03T15:26:56.028+09:00Cherry Blossoms at Kawaramachi in Gifu<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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</xml><![endif]--> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9__m8JDpjTU/YIoXbc3anSI/AAAAAAABAZA/yGLW01VHPZgq83leZJNLSJV7dVmj4jwEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_cherry_blossoms.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9__m8JDpjTU/YIoXbc3anSI/AAAAAAABAZA/yGLW01VHPZgq83leZJNLSJV7dVmj4jwEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/kawaramachi_cherry_blossoms.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The last spot on my cherry blossom exploring mission in Gifu was
the Kawaramachi historic district, which is a short walk from <a href="https://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_03.html" target="_blank">Gifu Park</a> on the
south side of the Nagara Bridge. The historic area retains its traditional
charm with its wooden townhouses with lattice facades. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_11.html" target="_blank">Kawaramachi</a> was a thriving merchant town that owed its
prosperity to the open-trade policy (<i>rakuichi rakuza</i>) established by
samurai warlord Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582). It used to be one of the main river
ports in Gifu to transport local materials such as bamboo and <i>washi</i> paper. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, it is home to traditional craft stores, art
galleries, and up-market restaurants and cafes. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kawaramachi Park leads into the historic district from Gifu
Park and is a large open space that is quite interesting to explore. There are
a few cherry blossom trees here which blend in beautifully with the traditional
architecture of the old buildings.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrQ6-o7-_7s/YIoXnT9oh0I/AAAAAAABAZE/BjzjKn03nS0bv2_ejZMvlDKjiD3g8WhYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_sakura.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrQ6-o7-_7s/YIoXnT9oh0I/AAAAAAABAZE/BjzjKn03nS0bv2_ejZMvlDKjiD3g8WhYACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_sakura.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GQGAZyM-C4/YIoXt5-AcRI/AAAAAAABAZM/ONPD1Sms-scWyhjKa4MQNfRw505QHSAngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_cherry_blossoms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GQGAZyM-C4/YIoXt5-AcRI/AAAAAAABAZM/ONPD1Sms-scWyhjKa4MQNfRw505QHSAngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_cherry_blossoms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2iLaGmwq0g/YIoYCggiNFI/AAAAAAABAZg/Ng5ftGPthLAdgAmBgUhNKRNHHgqZnb23gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_sakura_closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2iLaGmwq0g/YIoYCggiNFI/AAAAAAABAZg/Ng5ftGPthLAdgAmBgUhNKRNHHgqZnb23gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_sakura_closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can also take a short walk along a small creek which is
lined with cherry blossoms and some interesting animal statues.
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbrFRckWmI/YIoX7Zc8cRI/AAAAAAABAZY/0kVyzUF0NW0LielaqxR4D6V9zHCj0v2TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbrFRckWmI/YIoX7Zc8cRI/AAAAAAABAZY/0kVyzUF0NW0LielaqxR4D6V9zHCj0v2TwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_park.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-LoFs2hZjE/YIoYL8VZA-I/AAAAAAABAZs/V9C1OapbYg0v7GQIXOhFMwMQQOzrQhIgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_park_river.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-LoFs2hZjE/YIoYL8VZA-I/AAAAAAABAZs/V9C1OapbYg0v7GQIXOhFMwMQQOzrQhIgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_park_river.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9c_85FAY8I/YIoYQ4teZJI/AAAAAAABAZw/PKm87YQYeNIu4T17x-z9K21dACDbneTOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/kawaramachi_park-squirrel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9c_85FAY8I/YIoYQ4teZJI/AAAAAAABAZw/PKm87YQYeNIu4T17x-z9K21dACDbneTOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/kawaramachi_park-squirrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>
Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-10156375328180122092021-04-23T10:30:00.007+09:002021-04-25T16:51:53.623+09:00Cherry Blossoms at Gifu Park in Gifu City<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeXNvIjdZEA/YIIiezv6zLI/AAAAAAABAX8/fJSGIK1SydAm8oFrxMSwVT7cNxrrgUUsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_sakura_closeup.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeXNvIjdZEA/YIIiezv6zLI/AAAAAAABAX8/fJSGIK1SydAm8oFrxMSwVT7cNxrrgUUsACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/gifu_park_sakura_closeup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Next spot on my list of cherry blossom spots in Gifu City was <a href="https://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_03.html" target="_blank">Gifu Park</a>, which is a short walk
from the <a href="http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2021/04/cherry-blossoms-at-japan-and-china.html" target="_blank">Japan and China Friendship Garden</a>. Gifu Park is a public park located
at the foot of Mount Kinka, a symbol of Gifu City along with Gifu Castle. It is a popular rest spot for local
residents and tourists. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The park used to the home to samurai warlord, Oda Nobunaga’s
(1534-1582) impressive palace, which was called heaven on earth by Portuguese Jesuit
Missionary, Luis Frois (1532-1597). The palace was called <i>Senjo-jiki</i>
(one-thousand tatami mats) and was so large that it covered about two-thirds of
the present day park. A castle town was developed by Nobunaga around the base
of the mountain. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdpUB-yZKOY/YIIinDoa8gI/AAAAAAABAYA/DWOtkSwa1GMCLzLokMLjsbuuty3l5SSqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_sakura_lantern.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1440" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdpUB-yZKOY/YIIinDoa8gI/AAAAAAABAYA/DWOtkSwa1GMCLzLokMLjsbuuty3l5SSqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/gifu_park_sakura_lantern.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry blossoms at Gifu Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULoheKJjhjY/YIIiuYrNlaI/AAAAAAABAYI/J3YLm8VIm_QgNuRA6lQBsgVfn-ZZJkxLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_sakura.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULoheKJjhjY/YIIiuYrNlaI/AAAAAAABAYI/J3YLm8VIm_QgNuRA6lQBsgVfn-ZZJkxLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/gifu_park_sakura.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wide spacious park is home to many cherry blossom trees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the top of Mount Kinka is <a href="https://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_02.html" target="_blank">Gifu Castle</a>, an impressive fortress that was first built over 800 years ago. The modern castle is a reconstruction, which you can reach by one of the seven main hiking trails, or a quick
ride on a cable car. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The park is surrounded by beautiful nature and is home to
several different types of cherry blossom trees. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHvMPMKbRac/YIIi9rFRcvI/AAAAAAABAYQ/ItNkMZywsl0zHdCQ8fPU-QoXHP9MU3BdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_sakura_tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHvMPMKbRac/YIIi9rFRcvI/AAAAAAABAYQ/ItNkMZywsl0zHdCQ8fPU-QoXHP9MU3BdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/gifu_park_sakura_tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry blossoms close up<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFlGvjQtosA/YIIjEyB1UzI/AAAAAAABAYY/IET_5Gnmz-gfEUNd98t5TqpEz_z6r4e8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_cherry_blossoms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFlGvjQtosA/YIIjEyB1UzI/AAAAAAABAYY/IET_5Gnmz-gfEUNd98t5TqpEz_z6r4e8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/gifu_park_cherry_blossoms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A different type of cherry blossom<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gifu Park has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100
Public Historical Parks.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN4UHCJSb8/YIIjMAO6V6I/AAAAAAABAYc/6gvZU_vUm4gYYr3-mhqZ5eydPq60t1VowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/gifu_park_sakura_closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN4UHCJSb8/YIIjMAO6V6I/AAAAAAABAYc/6gvZU_vUm4gYYr3-mhqZ5eydPq60t1VowCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/gifu_park_sakura_closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty of spring at Gifu Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>
Japan-Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970708785185874284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045859997804888278.post-76126196267395512042021-04-18T15:17:00.000+09:002021-04-18T17:42:04.136+09:00Cherry Blossoms at the Japan and China Friendship Garden<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F7X-Pdr9RQ/YHvNu_XwA9I/AAAAAAABAW8/1VrBBSnDTdQQ__5W-UGXmDRLfsIDfeZGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1440" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F7X-Pdr9RQ/YHvNu_XwA9I/AAAAAAABAW8/1VrBBSnDTdQQ__5W-UGXmDRLfsIDfeZGACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h121/japan_china_friendship_garden.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Next spot on my <i>sakura</i> hunting mission was the Japan
and China Friendship Garden which is located between <a href="http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2021/03/cherry-blossoms-at-gifu-gokoku-shrine.html" target="_blank">Gifu Gokoku Shrine</a> and
<a href="https://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_03.html" target="_blank">Gifu Park</a>. This is definitely one of my favourite <i>sakura</i> spots in Gifu
City day or night with a mixture of different cherry blossom trees. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">It is a popular spot for <i>hanami</i> (cherry blossom
viewing parties) and is especially picturesque in the evening when the sun
starts to go down. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The garden was created in 1999 to commemorate the 10<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the friendship and affiliation between Gifu City in Japan and
Hangzhou in China. It was also created to further improve the often fragile
relationship between these two nations. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UudQQ_RhW80/YHvODA5saRI/AAAAAAABAXE/OsQ5a-V4G_kOKcrCD-1BHemhoIGhnAQAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden_pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UudQQ_RhW80/YHvODA5saRI/AAAAAAABAXE/OsQ5a-V4G_kOKcrCD-1BHemhoIGhnAQAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/japan_china_friendship_garden_pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion and Ornamental Pond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u-7eIGE1UM/YHvOOWRSEnI/AAAAAAABAXI/78dly2ZSkkU7f_vTVEjGc_MBHQhqUY7YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden_roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u-7eIGE1UM/YHvOOWRSEnI/AAAAAAABAXI/78dly2ZSkkU7f_vTVEjGc_MBHQhqUY7YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/japan_china_friendship_garden_roof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Entrance to the Garden<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The garden is laid out in classic Chinese style with a
keyhole gate, ornamental pond, bridge and pavilion. Inside the garden is a pond modeled after West Lake, a famous spot in Hangzhou, and some interesting
looking Chinese architecture including a Hangzhou gate and a pair of guardian
lions. The beautiful pond and garden have been created to reflect the stunning
scenery of the four seasons in Gifu. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pSlI66-OjQ/YHvOXHiezVI/AAAAAAABAXQ/Cp0PzSLXrvEAZ9HQwO9sRNQxmdAviON4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden_window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pSlI66-OjQ/YHvOXHiezVI/AAAAAAABAXQ/Cp0PzSLXrvEAZ9HQwO9sRNQxmdAviON4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/japan_china_friendship_garden_window.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keyhole Gate to the Garden<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQLXIDn0OYE/YHvOhO5AjyI/AAAAAAABAXU/74-prWCZlVERdtSSrnzfpafor7ZhEHkSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden_lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQLXIDn0OYE/YHvOhO5AjyI/AAAAAAABAXU/74-prWCZlVERdtSSrnzfpafor7ZhEHkSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/japan_china_friendship_garden_lion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guardian Lion<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I visited on March 26. 2021, the <i>somei yoshino</i>
cherry blossom trees were at peak bloom, but the <i>shidarezakura</i> (weeping
cherry blossoms) were about a week from their peak. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ed1sU5R9LA/YHvOtaLn4_I/AAAAAAABAXc/n8vzqSXpiFUI_6RhJeMKFUuvP3vVd9yqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/japan_china_friendship_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1440" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ed1sU5R9LA/YHvOtaLn4_I/AAAAAAABAXc/n8vzqSXpiFUI_6RhJeMKFUuvP3vVd9yqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h388/japan_china_friendship_garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japan and China Friendship Garden at Gifu Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>
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