Why You Should Visit Central Japan

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. 

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

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. 

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. 

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.

The Japan Experts Podcast shares practical tips on how to design your unique trip to Japan

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? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

What are some of the attractions you recommend in the central region? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

A Hikone Castle tour with Miyuki and her guests

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. 

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. 

Replicas of samurai armour

What is the other unique characteristic of the central region you’d like to share? 

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, ukai 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. 

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. 

An ukai fishing master with his cormorant birds

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. 

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. 

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? 

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. 

Miyuki's private tours are focused on the Japanese way of life and unique local culture

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. 

Connect with Miyuki on her website, Facebook and Instagram 

Download her Complete Japan Travel Guide: the 7 steps to creating your unique immersive travel experience 

Check out her Japan Experts Podcast and Uniquely Japan Tours

Writers Read Their Early Sh*t Podcast

I recently had the chance to be a guest on the fantastic Writers Read Their Early Sh*t podcast hosted by the amazing Jason Emde.

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.

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.

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.

A young Jason Emde in the middle 

Now, let’s hear from Jason about the inspiration for the Writers Read Their Early Sh*t podcast.

The idea for the Writers Read Their Early Sh*t 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 everything 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.

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.

You can listen to all the episodes of the podcast at the Writers Read Their Early Sh*t podcast page, and give Jason and the podcast a follow on both Facebook and Instagram. 

No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners! Book Review

I first arrived in Japan in 1998 to start my working career after graduating from university in Australia with a business degree. Japan was a vastly different place then to what it is now, and I was lucky to catch the very tail-end of the golden boom period. I was one of the few foreigners living in my small city in central Japan, and I can tell you that I had a lot of unique and interesting experiences as one of the only westerners in my area, but that is a story for another day.

Joe Palermo the writer of No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners arrived even earlier than I did, but we share many of the same Japan experiences and Japan stories.

The Book’s Content 

No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners is a short, easy to read 87-page book full of interesting Japan experiences from the perspective of a foreigner living in Japan in the 1980s.

Many of the stereotypes of a foreigner in Japan from the 1980s still, unfortunately, remain today, such as “Wow! You can speak Japanese. How are you able to do that? ” and “Your chopstick skills are amazing for a non-Japanese!”

Here is a little from the book and the author.

“A young Japanese woman was running through Tokyo station screaming “Save me! Save me!” There was a Japanese man chasing her and closing in. He grabbed her wrist and caught her about 10 feet in front of me. The woman was still yelling “Save me! Save Me!” but the Japanese people in the crowded station ignored her, not wanting to get involved. This is the beginning of just one of the stories from my experience living in Japan in the 1980’s, where I had moved right after graduating university. It was still rare to see an American who could speak Japanese fluently. This book guides the reader though my many adventures navigating through Japanese culture while living in the outskirts of Tokyo, as well as Tokyo proper.”

My View 

This book is really easy to pick-up and read and is jam-packed with short entertaining stories about Joe’s eight-year journey of living in Japan in the boom of the 1980s. The writing style is easy to digest and I found myself sitting down wanting to read more and more each time I picked it up. The main interest for me was reading about Joe’s adventures in Japan and how he adapted to Japanese culture while living in his small town on the outskirts of Tokyo. I could definitely relate to this experience.

I really enjoyed the book as someone who has lived in Japan for a very long time. I could relate to many of the stories in the book and even went through quite a lot of them myself, so it definitely brought back a lot of memories about my start here in Japan.

About the Writer 

The author, Joe Palermo grew up in Addison, Illinois in the United States. Upon graduation from the University of Illinois in Chicago, he moved to Japan to accept a position with the Japanese government as a Mombusho English Fellow (MEF). He spent 3 years working for Shimaden, a Japanese manufacturer of industrial temperature controllers, and then joined the Nielsen company (formerly A.C. Nielsen) locally in Japan. He is now semi-retired and lives with his Japanese wife in the suburbs of Chicago.  

No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners! is an enjoyable read, outlining what it was like to live in Japan in the 1980s with many of the experiences still ringing true today.

No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners! is available on Amazon

Strawberry Picking in Gifu Japan

One of the great joys of the late winter, early spring season here in the mountains of Gifu for me is the strawberry picking season.

Strawberry picking or ichigo gari in Japanese is a great chance to get outdoors with the warmer weather and spend some time doing a fun activity with family or friends.

You don’t just get to pick these gorgeous sweet red berries, but the chance to indulge in quite a few as well, which might just be the best part of this whole activity.

Gifu Prefecture has its own brand of delicious strawberries called ‘nohime’ which are known for their large size, tender flesh, and superb balance of sweetness and tartness.

Nohime Strawberries from Gifu

A great place to try it out is Tumitumi Farm, a five minute walk from Tarumi Railway Motosu Station in Motosu City, where for ¥ 1,900 you can pick and enjoy your heart’s desire of strawberries for 30 minutes.

Make sure you are hungry as this is an all-you-can-eat fair and a must for any serious strawberry lover.

The farm is open from mid-December to early-June with an advance reservation required.

Tumitumi Farm Website

5 Food You Have to Try While in Osaka

It wouldn't be wrong to call Osaka the food capital of Japan, and the people take great pride in their local cuisine. There’s a popular saying ‘Osaka no kuidaore’ which literally means people in Osaka have the habit of eating themselves out of house and home. While there are several local specialties in Osaka worth experiencing, we will talk about the 5 food you have to try while in Osaka.

1. Takoyaki 

This is the classic Osaka dish made with simple ingredients but scores high in terms of taste. It typically involves a mixture of eggs and flour stuffed with sliced octopus, spring onions, ginger, and tempura crumbs. The dumplings are topped with a sweet sauce and mayonnaise, and sprinkled with nori seaweed and dried bonito flakes. The octopus may be substituted with shrimp, tomato, cheese or chocolate. The dish is prepared in a special pan that has hollow moulds and most homes in Osaka have this special tool for takoyaki parties. While most of the street side stalls in Osaka sell takoyaki, the Dotonbori Konamon Museum is one of the best places to try this delicacy.

2. Kushikatsu 

This is another must-try delicacy of Osaka and it mainly comprises of skewered kebabs of seafood, meat, or vegetables that are breaded and deep fried until they achieve a crispy golden finish. They are served with different styles of dipping sauces and flavored salt. Some of the typical ingredients you can expect to find on a kushikatsu menu are pork, beef, shrimp, eggs, sweet potato, pumpkin, onion, asparagus, lotus root, and shiitake mushrooms. Although you can find Kushikatsu in various restaurants around Osaka, it is believed to have originated in the Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant. Today Kushikatsu Daruma has branches in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Customers are allowed to choose a variety of kushikatsu skewers or order a la carte menu. The oldest branch still serves the delicacy and some people love flocking to the birthplace of Kushikatsu.

Photo by: Kimishowoto on flickr

3. Okonomiyaki 

Love pancakes? Then you must try this Japanese version of it made from flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and grated yam. You can add more on top of these basic ingredients – squid, pork, shrimp, tomato, or cheese. Okonomiyaki is basically a Japanese term that means ‘grilled stuff you like’ and it is dressed with mayonnaise, brown sauce, and powdered nori seaweed on the top. While you can find okonomiyaki restaurants in any part of Osaka, the most popular place is Mizuno in Dotonbori. You can watch the chef prepare pancakes in large iron griddles right in front of your eyes. You must try their signature dish ‘Mizuno-yaki’ which is filled with shrimp, scallops, pork, squid, oysters, and minced meat.

Photo by: fat worm on Pexels

4. Yakiniku 

This delicacy is pure and simple barbecued beef and it is prepared by grilling thinly slices of beef on a charcoal griddle. The pieces are then dipped in a savoury sauce before eating. It is believed that this style of barbeque was introduced to Japan by Korean restaurant owners. Even today the best restaurants are still the ones run by Koreans. If you want to taste the best yakiniku in Osaka, then you must visit Tsuruhashi, also nicknamed Korea town. In this section of Osaka, you will find Koreans who have lived here for ages. This is where you will find the most authentic Korean restaurants selling Yakiniku and the most popular among them is Ajiyoshi. You can order different cuts of grilled beef served with Ajiyoshi’s signature sauce.

Photo by: urakido on flickr

5. Fugu 

This is a type of raw fish delicacy is known as sashimi in Japanese, and it is notorious for being risky if prepared by an inexperienced chef. Despite this, you don’t need to worry when savouring a bowl of fugu as all chefs must train for three years before they get the license to make this delicacy. The dish is not only delicious to taste but also visually appealing with thin slices of fish arranged in a beautiful pattern. In sashimi style, the raw fish has a light and subtle flavour but you may also savor it in shabu shabu style in vegetable stew, tempura, or deep fried. At some places, you may get dried and baked fins of fugu, served with hot sake. In Osaka, the most popular area to find good fugu restaurants is Shinsekai, and the most sought after restaurant is Zuboraya.

Photo by: takedahrs on Pixabay

About the Author

Today's guest post is from sushi blogger, James. 

James is a sushi enthusiast and owner of a sushi blog called Easy Homemade Sushi. He has been to Japan several times and loves Japanese food and culture. He is also a passionate writer and likes to share his experiences and knowledge through his blog.

ByFood: Japan’s One-Stop Food Platform

ByFood is Japan’s one-stop food platform with over 250 food experiences (and counting) across Japan, such as food tours, cooking classes, tastings, and dining experiences. With filters for vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and more, byFood strives to make Japanese food experiences accessible to all. We bring locals and visitors together through food experiences, help small local businesses, and celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine. In doing so, we hope to preserve local Japanese heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding through food.

Spreading Happiness Through Food! 

ByFood’s mission is “spreading happiness through food.” For every experience that is booked through the platform, byFood donates to a different NPO or NGO of the month. So, just by enjoying a meal in Japan, guests can help children in developing countries get access to necessities like nutritious meals, schools, and housing, so they can grow up healthy and happy, and ready to change the world.

Here’s a preview of our recommended experiences: 

Food Tours 

Hop on a two-wheeler for a foodie bike tour, taste 6 bowls of ramen on a ramen tour, explore bustling fish markets on foot, or munch on the most Instagram-worthy sweets in Harajuku. There’s something for everyone!

Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Bar Hopping in Harmonica Yokocho (The Midnight Diners Experience)

Cooking Classes 

Learn to make ramen noodles from scratch, roll your own decorative sushi, fry up crunchy tempura, and more. The best souvenir you can take back home is the skills to make these classic Japanese dishes in your own kitchen!

Traditional Japanese Sweets, Wagashi and Mochi Class

Handmade Soba Noodles Cooking Class

Dining Experiences 

From omakase sushi with a personal chef to luxurious multi-course kaiseki meals to classic izakaya bar food, byFood offers a vast selection of dining experiences in Japan.

Sake Pairing & Omakase Sushi with Personal Chef

Most Expensive Ramen in Tokyo (Luxury A5 Wagyu)

Tastings 

Visit Japanese sake breweries, whisky distilleries, and tea farm regions in Japan during a byFood tasting experience. Tickle your tastebuds with new flavors and aromas, learn how to brew a superior cup of tea, and become an expert in your favorite Japanese beverages.

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

Tokyo Bars & Mixology

To see more, browse food experiences in Japan! 
Every booking helps children in need through byFood’s Food for Happiness Program.

Rising Sun Prints

Ukiyo-e is a style of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. The artists of this traditional art form produce woodblock prints and paintings of beautiful landscapes, scenes from history and folk tales, samurai warriors, beautiful women, kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers to name just a few.

Today's guest post is from Rising Sun Prints, an online store that brings a sense of Japan's timeless beauty to your home.

INTRODUCING RISING SUN PRINTS: OUR STORY AND PRODUCTS 

“Every room and every soul is better with art.” 

OUR STORY 

Rising Sun Prints’ mission is to help lovers of Japanese culture live a more artful life, and to conserve and share the wonderful works of the Japanese art (Ukiyo-e) masters.

In the words of our founder, Jack Jenkins:
"I felt moved by the transcendent beauty of the Ukiyo-e masters, and a desire to make these works known and available.

In the art-form’s heyday, Ukiyo-e were mass-produced for the general public, costing about as much as a bowl of rice. That way, anyone could enjoy a famous view of a distant land, or their home city.

Paintings were for the wealthy social elite, the aristocrats. Ukiyo-e prints were made so that everyone could enjoy the masterpieces of the renowned artists of the day, like Hokusai or Kunisada.

Nowadays, you'll need a spare $10,000 to compete against collectors in auctions, if you want a faded, probably damaged Hokusai print. But in the spirit of the original Ukiyo-e publishers, at Rising Sun Prints we’re making Ukiyo-e accessible to all."

- Jack Jenkins, Founder

With our curated collections of stunning prints, we offer anyone the opportunity to bring a fragment of Japan’s timeless beauty into their home. Our team of enthusiastic art lovers creates articles dedicated to renowned ukiyo-e artists, genre specifics and Japanese culture in general as well as live events and documentaries to grow our community and help them appreciate and discover Japanese artists and their life’s work.

OUR PRODUCTS 

We offer collections of ukiyo-e artworks from various genres. The term ‘ukiyo-e’ refers to prints (and sometimes paintings) made in Japan within the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. These were made using the technique of woodblock printing - where the design would be carved out of cherry wood and printed onto handmade paper, allowing multiples in the thousands to be produced. The subject matter of the artworks commonly varied around what was popular within the pleasure districts, for instance sumo wrestling, kabuki theatre or geisha, but inspiration also arose from the landscapes, warriors, eroticism and legends that formed Japan’s rich culture.

Landscapes 

“Starry Night at Miyajima Shrine” - Hasui, 1928

Landscapes were a common genre in ukiyo-e. At the time, Japanese people wanted to view images of travel because they themselves were unable to do so, due to the strict political landscape. But Japanese people also had a deep, spiritual love and respect for nature, relishing in its beauty. We have mesmerising works by some of the most famous landscape artists, including Hokusai, Hiroshige and Hasui.

Warriors, Myths and Legends 

“Tokuda Magodayu Shigemori” - Kuniyoshi, 1947-48

Warriors, Myths and Legends were another much-loved element of Japanese culture. They were usually tales of the adventures of: samurai (military noblemen), ronin (samurai without masters) and otokodate (commonly known as ‘street knights’). Rising Sun Prints honors Kuniyoshi's legacy as one of the last masters of ukiyo-e printmaking, and the leading model of Bushido values in Japanese art. This collection of majestic prints is a tribute to his mastery, skill and display of warrior virtue.

Beauty Prints 

“After washing her hair” - Ito, 1936

Beauty Prints (Bijin-ga) was one of the most popular forms of ukiyo-e. They depicted the beauties of the day: the courtesans and geisha of the pleasure districts. The artworks portrayed an idealised, traditional interpretation of female beauty. They were also the main instigator of fashion and styles within hair, make-up and clothes. Visitors of our website have the opportunity to acquire wonderful pieces by Ito, Yoshitoshi, Utamaru, Harunobu, Chikanobu and Eisen.

Birds & Flowers

“Cranes on a snow-covered pine tree” - Hokusai, 1834

Birds and Flowers (Kacho-e) were exquisite displays of the natural world - of which the Japanese had the utmost respect for. Many images are embedded with metaphorical and poetic meanings, such as cherry blossoms: which can represent a precious but transient life. Our product range includes many of Hokusai and Hiroshige’s masterpieces where they employ their artistic talent to portray the unique beauty of Japan’s nature.

Erotic Prints 

“The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife” - Hokusai, 1814

Erotic Prints (Shunga) were artworks that portrayed sexually exciting scenes. Unlike many Western cultures, sensual pleasures were considered to be a sacred part of Japanese culture and were not frowned upon in religion. Types of shunga scenes can range from the flirtatious showing of a woman’s neck to multiple couples engaging in exposed coitus. Our collection presents artworks by Utamaru, Eisen, Kiyonaga, Kunisada and Hokusai, the most well-known being “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife”, which has become Hokusai’s best known shunga print and has had a massive influence on Japanese culture.

Kabuki Actor Prints

“Ichikawa Sadanji as Fukashichi the fishmonger” - Kunichika, 1883

Kabuki Actor Prints (Yakusha-e) were one of the most popular forms of ukiyo-e. As the theatre art of kabuki was so actor-centred, the heroes and villains of the plays, and the actors who played them, became celebrities. Much like the famous actors of our time, the Japanese public wanted to display images of them in their homes. We have an amazing selection of highlights from masters of the genre: Kunisada, Kunichika and the enigmatic innovator, Sharaku.

Supernatural Prints 

“The ghost of Kohada Koheiji” - Hokusai, 1831

Supernatural Prints (Yōkai) covered everything from ghost, to demon to strange apparition. Japan’s history is rich with folklore, the exciting and scary stories of spirits and creatures that brought both good and bad fortune. Originally these beings were incredibly feared, but after being so heavily illustrated in ukiyo-e, much of the belief in yōkai has disappeared. Our community can enjoy a gorgeous collection of Yōkai prints by the great Hokusai as well as Kuniyoshi who specialized in the area.

You can find your own reminder of Japan’s captivating culture on our website, where masterpieces of the ukiyo-e genre transcend time!

Rising Sun Prints Website

The Great Wave

Matsuya Gyudon Vending Machine

A new innovation is hitting Japan’s gyudon industry with the introduction of Japan’s first ever gyudon vending machine. Japan is known the world-over for its vending machines, which can just about be found on every street corner from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka to little country towns in the middle of nowhere.

Most of these sell hot or cold drinks and sometimes even snacks, but now there is a game-changer with the world’s first gyudon vending machine from fast-food chain Matsuya.

Matsuya is a popular restaurant chain in Japan that serves gyudon (beef bowls) and Japanese curry. They are known for their budget-friendly menu items that are quick, cheap, and tasty. By far, their most popular dish is their gyudon (shredded beef and onions served over a bowl of steaming rice).

Matsuya Restaurant | Wikimedia Commons

This unique gyudon vending machine has been installed at the employee cafeteria of Gree, a Tokyo-based mobile game company.

The vending machine is fully-stocked with a variety of Matsuya’s most popular dishes including their standard beef bowl and Japanese curry. Prices range from 450-500 yen (USD$4.15-$4.60), which is comparable to the regular prices at their restaurants.

The dishes come with miso soup and need to be warmed up in the microwave which is adjacent to the vending machine.

Matsuya Gyudon with Miso Soup | Photo by: エドガー on Flickr

We are hoping that Matsuya roll out their enhanced version of the vending machine to other locations around Japan soon, so we can give it a try. What do you think? Are you keen to give this new vending machine a try? Please leave your replies in the comments below.

Tokyo Racecourse ~ More Than Just Horse Racing

Looking for a cheap & fun day out in Tokyo? Check out Tokyo Racecourse located only a short 20-minute train ride from downtown Tokyo in Fuchu City.

Tokyo Racecourse, which is run by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), is a fun family orientated travel destination just outside of central Tokyo that is a great escape from the big city. A visit here is like taking a day trip from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, whisking you away to a thrilling location that feels like you are miles away in a totally different part of the country.

Back home in Australia, a day at the races means men in suits, ladies in gorgeous dresses and fascinators (hats), and a chance to mingle with the rich and famous for a day. In Japan, it is more of a family affair with kids and cute mascots. There is definitely something for everyone at Tokyo Racecourse.

Entry to the theme park-esque venue is only 200 yen for live race days and FREE on days with no races, and includes access to all the ride and attractions for FREE. There are a lot of staff on hand at each attraction to ensure that everything goes smoothly and everyone is safe and looked after with the greatest of care.

There are lots of entertaining spots to enjoy for the day at Tokyo Racecourse including the various activities and attractions below: 

Fuji View Grandstand & Grassed Area 

A massive modern grandstand that offers views of the iconic Mount Fuji on clear days, it is the perfect place to take in a race and feel the excitement and atmosphere of a day out at the races. Bring a picnic blanket and your lunch box and you can relax on the grassed area near the grandstand to admire Japan’s best thoroughbreds in action.

Infield Amusement Playground 

Follow the underground passage under the track to kids heaven at the infield amusement playground which includes a huge blown up Turfy (JRA mascot) jumping castle, JR-dome adventure playground, mini Shinkansen ride and food fair with a different theme each week.

Hiyoshigaoka Park 

The kids will love the playground equipment at this cool park which includes a huge wooden pirate ship, jungle gym, grass lawn to play on and sand pit.

Horse Riding Experience 

Jump on the back of a former racehorse in the paddock to experience what it is like to ride these majestic animals.

Horse Patting (Uma no Fureai) 

A great place for the kids to stroke the horses and get comfortable with these beautiful warm animals. There are little ponies for the little ones, and bigger horses for the big kids. This is a fantastic spot for that golden photo opportunity.

Horse Carriage Ride in Rose Garden 

Enjoy a slow stroll around the rose garden in a horse-pulled carriage through the Zelkova-lined street. You will feel like royalty with this relaxing ride which comes complete with driver dressed in elegant attire.

Horse Viewing in the Parade Ring 

Catch a glimpse of the race horses and jockeys close up before the race. This is the place where the punters will be studying the horses before the race to try and pick a winner.

JRA Racing Museum 

Learn all about the storied-history of horses and horse racing in Japan, including a hall of fame of Japan’s most famous horses.

Restaurants & Food Court 

One of the hardest decisions you will have to make at Tokyo Racecourse is what to eat. With a wide-range of restaurants located all around the venue you have some great choices including some of my personal favourites such as Coco Ichibanya and Hanamaru. If you are on a budget, you are also allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the venue.

Umajo Spot 

The Umajo spot is a women’s-only café at Tokyo Racecourse designed to appeal to younger women. Here female visitors can enjoy special horse-themed goodies and drinks while learning all about the betting process in a cute kawaii space.

Japanese-style Garden 

Enjoy the seasonal beauty of this quiet and peaceful Japanese-style garden located behind the horse viewing parade ring. In spring, the garden comes alive with cherry blossoms, and in fall, there is colorful autumn leaves to admire. There is also a large pond featuring Japanese koi (carp) and plenty places to sit and soak up the beauty and atmosphere.

Horse Show 

Watch some equestrian elegance here with a horse show featuring acrobatics, trotting and beautiful dance performances by the horses.

Future Events 

On November 24th, 2019, the Japan Cup, a big Group 1 race will be held at Tokyo Racecourse. This international event will feature horses from around the world and is one of world racing’s richest purses.

In conjunction with the Japan Cup on November 24th, from 9:00 - 16:00, there will be the following events:

(1) Special novelty items will be gifted to visitors on answering a simple questionnaire.

(2) There will also be a stamp rally and those who participate and complete it, will get a discount coupon of 1000 yen that can be used at any of the food stalls or presented with a novelty item.

Note: These events are only for overseas visitors to Japan.

For more information about Tokyo Racecourse, visit the JRA website.

Tokyo Racecourse Information 

Address: 1-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, 183-0024

Entry fee: ¥200 (free for children under 15) on live race days. FREE for all on non-race days.

Open hours: 9am-5pm on race days

Weekdays: 10am-noon, 1pm-4pm (except Mondays, Tuesdays, holidays)

Website: japanracing.jp

Access 

Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku and either get off at Fuchu Keiba Seimon Mae Station or Higashi-Fuchu Station. The walk from Fuchu Keiba Seimon Mae Station to the main gate is only 2 minutes, while from Higashi-Fuchu Station, it is a 10-minute walk.