Nabana no Sato Mie, Japan

Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) located in Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, Japan is a must see place if you are ever in the Mie area. Nabana no Sato is a theme park focused on flowers and is part of the Nagashima Onsen (長島温泉) resort area.

Winter in Takayama

Takayama (高山市) located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan is famous for its beautifully preserved old town. Takayama has managed to retain its traditional charm with its traditional inns, shops and sake breweries.

Takayama in Winter is a white wonderland with snow and ice dominating its landscape. It is my favourite time of year to visit the city. I love staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) soaking in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the mountains above Takayama and feasting on the world famous Hida beef from the region.

Picture of the Week Former Kaichi School Matsumoto

The Former Kaichi School in Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan is a Meiji era school that was founded in 1873. The school was used as a functional school for 90 years and is one of the oldest elementary schools in Japan. The building is a mix of Japanese and Western styles of architecture and was designated an important cultural property in 1961.

In 1965 the former school was opened as a museum of education. The museum inside the fantastic looking building showcases the history of some of the education material and architectural materials of the period. The education materials contain some old textbooks that were used during the Edo period as well as textbooks, diaries and certificates from the Meiji era.

Picture of Week Festival Floats in Takayama

This is one of the four famous yatai or festival floats, displayed at the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall).

The yatai, some of which date from the 17th century, are spectacular creations with flamboyant carvings, metalwork and lacquerwork.

The hall is 800 yen to enter and is open from 8am to 5pm.

Picture of the Week Usuzumi Sakura, Neo Village, Japan

Neo village located amongst the mountains in Gifu Prefecture is home to one of the three largest cherry blossom trees in Japan. The Usuzumi Sakura or Cherry Blossom in Neo Village is said to have been planted in 487 AD and as such is reported to be the oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan. This unique cherry blossom initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which become white in full bloom. The tree has been appointed as a National Natural Monument of Japan and is one of the great places to visit in Gifu.

Here is a picture of the magnificent tree, which is over 1,500 years old, stands 17.2 meters in height, and 9.2 meters in circumference.

There are also many other magnificent cherry blossoms in the area and park around Usuzumi Sakura and there is a lot to do and see there.

 

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This is my entry for this week's Show Me Japan

Picture of the Week Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossom or sakura is the unofficial national flower of Japan. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan with most blooming for just a few days in Spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April.

This picture is of a tree in Kagamigahara Shiminkoen in Gifu, Japan.

Step-By-Step Guide to Identifying, Finding, Cultivating, Protecting & Maintaining Beautiful Bonsai Trees!

Picture of the Week Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan

Matsumoto Castle (松本城 Matsumoto-jō), also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, is one of Japan`s premier historic castles. The castle is located in the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. The castle is 15 minutes on foot from the train station and costs ￥500 for admission.

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Picture of the Week Hida Beef Sushi in Takayama, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is famous for its miso, ramen, mountain vegetables and Hida beef. Walking through the city is a taste sensation. A speciality is Hida beef sushi.

This is a picture of the raw beef sushi that costs 500 yen in Takayama.

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Picture of the Week Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. It is a great place to spend a few days or to use as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsen hot springs.

This picture is of the Hida Takayama folk village, which is near Takayama.

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Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

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Japanese Swords

A Japanese sword or nihonto is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese sword, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture. The most commonly known type of Japanese sword is the katana, which is a single-edged and usually curved long sword, traditionally used by samurai from the 1400s onwards. Other types of Japanese swords include wakizashi, which is a short sword, tsurugi, which are double-edged long swords and odachi, which are older versions.

Japanese swords are still commonly seen today and remain very popular. Antique and modernly-forged swords can easily be found and purchased. Modern, authentic nihonto are made by a few hundred swordsmiths in Japan. Most old Japanese swords can be traced back to one of five provinces, each of which had its own school, traditions and trademarks. My favourite are the blades from Seki and Mino in Gifu which were famous from the start for their quality and sharpness.

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Japanese 100 Yen Shops

Japanese 100 Yen Shops or hyaku-en shoppu have steadily gained in popularity over the last several years. 100 Yen shops are located everywhere in Japan and stock a variety of items ranging from clothing to stationary, houseware to food, with each item priced at 100 yen. Please note with the current Japanese sales tax of 5% the total cost of one item will actually cost 105 yen. This corresponds to roughly one US dollar per item, making the shops a great source for travellers and residents on a budget.

The biggest and best 100 Yen Shop in Japan is the Daiso chain which first opened in 1991 and now have around 1300 stores in Japan. One of the largest 100 Yen Shops in central Tokyo is Daiso Harajuku in Takeshita Dori, just a few steps from Harajuku Station. Large 100 Yen Stores can be found all over Japan in major cities and include: Daiso Sapporo Chuo (South 2 West 2, Odori Station), Daiso Nagoya Sakae Skyle (Sakae Station), Daiso Osaka Nihonbashi (Nihonbashi Station), Daiso Kobe Promena (Promena Kobe, Kobe Station) and Daiso Fukuoka Kotsu Center (Fukuoka Kotsu Center, Hakata Station).

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Obon

Obon (お盆?) or just Bon (盆?) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori.

Fireworks Summer Spectacular in Japan

Get ready for the Fireworks Summer Spectacular in Japan. Hanabi, the Japanese word for fireworks, is synonymous with summer in Japan, and a must-see event for travellers and visitors to anywhere in Japan during the summer. Fireworks in Japan are now a major summer tradition with most fireworks taking place along the many rivers located throughout Japan. There are over 500 firework events held in Japan during the summer and can be found everywhere from big cities to small villages. Going to a fireworks event is a big opportunity for the Japanese especially younger Japanese to embrace their traditional culture. Many people will show up in a yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy traditional snacks, foods and drinks from the numerous street side vendors located along the riverside. Most fireworks events are free and open to the public. Get there early with a good strategy to secure the best viewing spot as most people will start early to get prime locations.

This is my entry to this month's Japan Blog Matsuri

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What does teaching English in Japan involve?

What does teaching English in Japan involve? It really depends on what type of teaching you pursue. In Japan there are eikaiwa (conversation schools), English schools and ALT English teachers. Eikaiwa mostly teach conversational English but we were also required to explain grammar and teach grammar to higher level students. The students usually range in age from about 2 years old in kids classes to 90 years old. Typical working hours will fall somewhere in between 10am to 9pm and the classes are usually around 45-50 mins long. The most famous eikaiwa schools are Nova, GEOS and AEON.

ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) mostly work in Elementary and Junior High School as an assistant to the main JTE (Japanese Teacher of English). Most of the time the JTE will explain the grammar in Japanese so the kids have a better understanding but can put you on the spot with a grammatical question. I recommend teaching in Elementary or JHS with an ALT company as this was the most rewarding experience for me and you get the chance to participate in real school life with real students. I would highly recommend contacting ALTIA Central Japan if you are interested in working as an ALT in Japan as they were the best company in Japan for ALTs.

Whatever teaching you do it will pay to have a good understanding of English grammar.

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Working in Japan

The easiest and quickest way to send money home from Japan

The easiest and quickest way to send money home from Japan is to set up an account through Lloyds of London. The Go Lloyds account takes a little time to set up but once you have set up an account you can send money home directly through any ATM in Japan and it usually takes 1-2 business days to arrive. There is a small fee that is applied to the receiving bank (around $8) and the exchange rates used are usually 1-2 cents higher through Lloyds. The other alternative is via the post office but I have found this inefficient and difficult at times. The post office money transfer can take several weeks to arrive and in one instance I had my money arrive via London to Australia more than a month after sending it. Used at your own peril.

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Getting a Phone in Japan

Getting a phone in Japan can be quite an easy process if you know the basic steps. Softbank and NTT Docomo are the two biggest mobile phone companies in Japan. Both have English support and phones available with English. Softbank tends to be a little cheaper with Docomo offering better coverage across Japan. I could speak Japanese so didn`t have any problems getting a phone, but most stores usually have someone who speak a little English. You will need to bring along your passport and have your gaijin registration card before you can sign up. Some places also require a hanko stamp but this is rare. Phones on the cheaper end will cost zero yen and you can select from several different monthly plans depending on the amount of use.

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A Brief History of Karate

Karate is a Japanese form of martial arts developed in Okinawa through the Chinese influence of Kung Fu. Anko Itosu is called the grandfather of modern karate. He helped popularize karate as a way of practicing martial arts, by promoting karate in Okinawan public schools. His ten precepts of karate include using karate not just for health and circulation, but for fighting enemies as well. Funakoshi Gichi, a student of Anko Itosu created the twenty precepts of karate, which emphasized respect, humility, patience, diligence, and inner peace. His precepts advocate against unnecessary violence. After Funakoshi`s death, his students formed different schools or forms or karate. After all these years, karate continues to be popular both inside Japan and around the world.

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Working in Japan

To work in Japan, a foreigner must receive a job offer from a guarantor in Japan, and then apply for a working visa at an embassy or consulate outside the country. In most cases in order to work full time in Japan you need to have a University degree and you also require the backing of a company in Japan to sponsor your visa. There are about a dozen types of working visas available, each allowing the holder to work only within a defined professional field, e.g. as an engineer, instructor or entertainer. Working visas are valid for a period of 1 to 3 years, and may be used to secure employment at any employer within the scope of activities designated on the visa (including employers other than the guarantor).

Spouses of Japanese nationals can obtain spousal visas, which carry no restrictions on employment.

The Working Holiday program is open to young citizens (between 18 and 30) from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, Ireland and the UK: those eligible may apply for working holiday visas without having a job offer.

The most common form of employment among foreigners is teaching English.
Many foreign residents from English speaking countries now work in Japan, most as language instructors. The demand for native language instructors remains high, with a lot of major language schools now operating recruitment offices overseas. It is quite easy to find work teaching in Japan as there are many eikaiwa (conversation schools). The most famous being Nova, GEOS and AEON. I recommend teaching in Elementary or JHS with an ALT company as this is the most rewarding.

Other fields that qualified residents have a good chance to find work include translation, IT, modeling and entertainment.

The best site to look for employment in Japan is Gaijinpot.

How to become an English Conversation Teacher

Divorce in Japan (A smashing end to wedded bliss)

Japanese couples are embracing divorce with a twist. A new ritual is becoming increasingly popular among Japanese couples who choose to end their marriages with the same pomp and ceremony with which they began them. The ceremony involves couples dressed as in a wedding with the groom in a suit and bride in a gown surrounded by family and friends. A sparkling ring then appears which in not placed lovingly on the finger, but the bride and groom are handed a hammer and proceed to smash the ring to symbolize the end of their marriage. The ceremony includes drinking toasts to never seeing each other again, elaborate cakes and consists of a string of symbolic acts to mark the definitive end of a marriage. Divorce has been on the rise in recent years in Japan with now a third of Japanese marriages ending in divorce.

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