Japan Australia Pages

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Exploring the North of Okayama Prefecture

Takahashi is an old castle town in Okayama Prefecture
In the final part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will explore the northern area of Okayama Prefecture which includes Takahashi, Hiruzen and Okutsu. If you missed the first two parts of the series, you can see our guide on Okayama City and Kurashiki in part 1, and southern Okayama Prefecture in part 2.

The northern part of Okayama Prefecture is famous for its amazing castles, old villages, hot springs and stunning mountain scenery.

Takahashi


Takahashi is an old castle town in Okayama Prefecture full of history, culture and nature, located about 60 minutes from Okayama City.

The most famous attraction in Takahashi is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles still remaining in Japan. Located atop a 430-meter mountain, it is the highest stronghold in Japan with an existing castle tower. On a cold and clear morning in autumn, a sea of clouds form around the castle, giving the illusion that the castle is floating in the sky. This has earned the castle the cool nickname, “The Castle in the Sky”. The best time to visit Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is very early morning in autumn for the amazing fall foliage and sea of clouds.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle floating in a sea of clouds in autumn

Located deep in the mountains of Takahashi, 550-meters above sea-level is Fukiya Furusato Village, a remote mountain village that is home to a beautiful street of houses with red roof tiles and walls. Here you can visit a one-of-a-kind street in Japan that is painted in traditional “Bengara” a vivid red colour pigment made from oxidized iron. The mountain village once flourished as a copper mining town and major producer of “Bengara” during the late Edo Period (1603-1868) through to the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Today, the uniform red colour of the buildings here hark back to the past as well as appealing to the eye with their aesthetically looking appearance. The red pigment helps preserve the buildings as well as repelling insects, which is definitely a good thing in my book.

The uniform red of the buildings of Fukiya Furusato has earned the village recognition as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings as well as being labeled as an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese government. In order to save and preserve these beautiful and historic buildings, the local residents have turned many of them into charming shops selling local handicrafts and museums to inform about the culture and history of the village. Some of the buildings have even been turned into accommodation, where you can rent a house for a stay to soak up the authentic atmosphere further in this magical village.

Fukiya Furusato
Fukiya Furusato Village is painted in traditional Bengara red


Hiruzen Kogen Highlands


Hiruzen Kogen Highlands in the north of Okayama Prefecture reminds me a lot of the beautiful mountains here in Gifu. Located on a gently sloping plateau, this prominent resort area in Western Japan is famous for its rolling hills and Jersey cows. The best time to visit is spring for the fresh greenery, or autumn for the colourful fall foliage.

Hiruzen Winery is the perfect place to recharge the batteries with delicious western style food made with its famous wine grown from wild mountain grapes. The winery located on a hill overlooking some stunning mountain scenery has some exquisite wine to choose from which has won multiple awards at Japanese wine competitions.

Hiruzen Winery
Amazing views from Hiruzen Winery in the Hiruzen Kogen Highlands of Okayama


Hiruzen Jersey Land is where you can try some fresh local dairy products made from the milk of the local Jersey cows. The best way to sample some of this Jersey magic is via trying a Jersey milk soft-serve ice cream, or some cheese made from the milk of the area’s most famous residents, the Jersey cows.

The best way to explore the local area is by bike and the Hiruzen Cycling Club gives you the chance to see the beautiful nature of the area in a fun and healthy way. Follow the Hiruzen Kogen Cycle Road to enjoy the beauty nature of each season from the fresh green of spring to the blazing red leaves of autumn.

One of the best nature spots in the area is Shiogama Cold Spring, a natural cold spring located in a secluded valley at the foot of the Naka-Hiruzen Mountains 520 meters above sea level. The cold spring measures 12 meters from north to south, 5 meters from east to west, and is 1.9 meters at its deepest point. It is classified as one of Japan’s Top 100 Springs, and produces 300 liters of water every second.

Shiogama Cold Spring
Shiogama Cold Spring at the foot of the Naka-Hiruzen Mountains


Okutsu Onsen


The Okutsu Valley is a picturesque valley that is home to the largest formation of natural potholes in East Asia. The valley is alive with colour during fall with colourful autumn leaves. You can even enjoy a light-up event that offers you the chance to experience the colourful autumn leaves illuminated at night.

Okutsu Valley
Autumn leaves illuminated at night in the Okutsu Valley


Okutsu Onsen is a picturesque hot spring town nestled among mountains and mountain streams of Okayama. The water from Okutsu Onsen is said to purify the skin and make you more beautiful. The hot spring water is called “Bijin no Yu” in Japanese, meaning beautifying water.

Okutsu Onsen
Ashiyu foot baths at Okutsu Onsen

The best place to experience these beautifying waters is at Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso, a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) located at Okutsu Onsen. Here you can experience sleeping in a Japanese tatami room with futon and soaking in the natural hot spring baths at the inn. Just outside the inn is a river which has two different ashiyu (foot baths) on either side.

Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso
Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso traditional Japanese inn at Okutsu Onsen

There you have it, my extensive guide to Okayama Prefecture from the south to the north. After reading this series I think you’d agree that Okayama is full of amazing hidden gems, which make it in my opinion, one of the must-see destinations in Japan.

Fukiya Furusato Village
Fukiya Furusato Village in Takahashi

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Exploring the South of Okayama Prefecture

Seto Inland Sea
In the second part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will continue exploring the southern area of Okayama Prefecture which includes Okayama City, Kurashiki, Akaiwa, Bizen and Setouchi. If you missed it, you can catch part 1 of the series here, which focuses on Okayama City and Kurashiki.

The southern part of Okayama Prefecture is famous for its traditional pottery, legendary Japanese samurai swords, olive gardens, spectacular sunsets and Mediterranean Sea like coast.

Akaiwa


Akaiwa is a city in Okayama Prefecture that is one of the three remaining places in Japan that produces the bamboo stalk for fude (ink brushes). It is also famous for its top quality Omachi rice, which can mean only one thing, top-notch sake.

The Muromachi Shuzo Sake Brewery was founded in 1688, making it the oldest existing sake brewery in Okayama Prefecture with a history of over 320 years. The sake brewery takes great pride in its products with its traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. The award-winning sake is made using Omachi cold spring water (one of the Top 100 Great Springs of Japan) and Omachi rice, the only pure strain of rice left in Japan, which is produced locally in Akaiwa.

Muromachi Shuzo Sake Brewery
Gold medal sake at Muromachi Shuzo Sake Brewery in Akaiwa


Inbe


About 20 kms from Akaiwa is Inbe, a town in Bizen City, which is the home of Bizen-yaki Pottery, the oldest and most revered form of pottery in all of Japan. During the Kamakura Period (1185-1338) Bizen came to prominence as one of the six pottery producing centers in Japan.

Today, Bizen Pottery is renowned for its strength and beauty throughout Japan. Bizen Pottery with its unique unglazed natural reddish or brownish colour was rougher and fired at higher temperatures to produce a more durable type of pottery. Bizen Pottery is said to be so strong that even if you throw it, it will not break easily. It also said that the water preserving qualities of the pottery allow flowers to last longer in Bizen vases and beer to stay colder with a creamer head in Bizen cups.

Inbe Minami Ogama Ato is where the South Large Kiln for making Bizen Pottery was placed. It was used as a communal kiln during the golden age of Bizen ware in the Momoyama (1568-1600) and Edo period (1600-1868). Today the hill is covered with broken pieces of Bizen-yaki that were thrown there after breaking during the firing process. It is an interesting place to visit giving you a glimpse of the history of Bizen ware and a great view of the city from the top of the hill.

Inbe Minami Oogama Ato
View over Inbe from Inbe Minami Ogama Ato

Bizen-yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan is both a tourist information center and a café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in traditional Bizen ware cups, or head upstairs and enjoy the gallery for Bizen-yaki artists, where you can purchase many kinds of Bizen ware pieces.

Bizen-yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan
Bizen-yaki on display at the Bizen-yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan

If you are feeling the creative juices flowing and want to give this unique art form a try, check out the Bizen-yaki Tokichi pottery experience to create Bizen ware that will be fired and posted out to you when complete.

Bizen-yaki Tokichi
Bizen-yaki Tokichi Pottery Experience

Amatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Bizen Pottery. The shrine founded in 1411 enshrines the patron god of the birthplace of Bizen Yaki. Bizen Pottery can be found everywhere here from the Guardian shrine dogs that stand at the entrance of the shrine and the shrine’s roof tiles to the path approaching the shrine, which is lined with tiles contributed by local Bizen Pottery artists. Different bits and pieces of Bizen Pottery can be found all over the shrine precincts such as Bizen ware talisman and the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune.

Amatsu Shrine
Amatsu Shrine in Inbe

Feeling hungry? Stop by Kokorozushi for fresh sushi served on Bizen ware plates. This place serves some of the best sushi I’ve had in Japan which tastes even better when served on a beautiful Bizen-yaki plate made by local artists.

Kokorozushi
Fresh sushi served on a Bizen-yaki plate at Kokorozushi in Inbe


Osafune


Osafune is a town in Setouchi City, which once flourished as a major producer of Japanese swords.

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Osafune is the home of the Japanese sword and is perfect place if you are a samurai fan like myself. The Bizen area was one of five major sword making areas in Japan during the age of the samurai, so has a long history and reputation for producing top-quality swords. There are three essential elements to producing quality swords: their use (ability to cut), their beauty (appearance) and their spirit (passed from the flames by the master sword-smith). Around half of the existing swords designated as National Treasures of Japan were made in Bizen.

The iron-rich mountains around Bizen provided the quality raw materials necessary to produce legendary Japanese swords that are now regarded as works of art. Here you can witness traditional sword forging techniques and view some of the many masterpieces that are on display.

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Osafune
The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Osafune


Setouchi


Ushimado in Setouchi City is a seaside resort town that overlooks the many beautiful islands that dot the Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea). It is the perfect place to admire the Seto Inland Sea, which is called the “Aegean Sea of Japan”. Here you can enjoy the beautiful island scenery of the Setonaikai while admiring the stunning sunset, which is regarded as one of the “Best 100 Sunsets in Japan”. Take a stroll or leisurely ride up to the Ushimado Olive Garden for some breathtaking views of the blue sea and Seto Islands mixed in with the green of the olive groves.

Ushimado Olive Garden
View of the Seto Inland Sea from the Ushimado Olive Garden

The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado is a resort hotel inspired by the Greek Islands. If the scenery, architecture, blue and white colours don’t get you then the authentic Greek food prepared by the head chef, a Greek-Australian will definitely make you feel like you are in Greece. The dry-aged Okayama beef is to die for but if you are after something truly special give the chicken & lamb Gyros a try.

The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado
The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the great attractions that southern Okayama Prefecture has to offer the keen traveler. Please stay tuned for part 3 where we will explore the northern area of Okayama Prefecture.

Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea from The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Okayama: Get Off the Beaten Track in The Land of Sunshine

Okayama Castle
Spend a relaxing time without all the crowds in Okayama Prefecture, also known as “The Land of Sunshine”, due to its status as the sunniest place in all of Japan.

Okayama is often overlooked as just a stop on the Shinkansen when heading to Hiroshima from either Kyoto or Tokyo, but what people don’t know is that Okayama is an amazing tourist destination in its own right, and the perfect gateway for exploring the region.

Located in the western part of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Okayama is midway between the major cities of Osaka and Hiroshima. You can reach Osaka from Okayama via Shinkansen in about 45-minutes and Hiroshima in about 35-minutes. Shikoku and Shimane are also easily accessible via direct train line from Okayama City.

Your most likely starting point in Okayama Prefecture is the capital, Okayama City, famous for Korakuen, one of Japan’s Top 3 Gardens and Okayama Castle known as “The Golden Crow Castle” due to its black exterior and golden tile decorations.

In the first part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will be exploring the southern area of Okayama Prefecture focusing on Okayama City and Kurashiki.

Okayama City 


With Okayama Castle as its core, Okayama City has prospered for centuries as a castle town and cultural center for the Chugoku region of Japan.

Okayama Castle was first built by Hideie Ukita in 1597 and is famous for its majestic black-lacquered exterior and golden tile decorations, giving it the nickname Kin-ujo, “The Golden Crow Castle”. This magnificent castle brought many merchants and craftsmen to the area and established Okayama City as a true castle town.

Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle

Next door to Okayama Castle is Korakuen Garden, one of the top 3 landscape gardens in Japan along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen Garden in Mito. Lord Tsunamasa of the Ikeda clan (head of Okayama domain) took more than 10 years to complete this amazing garden, which is known for its serene beauty.

Korakuen Garden
Korakuen Garden

Located close to Okayama Station and key tourist attractions, Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden is Sake Kobo Doppokan, a sake brewery that produces sake, shochu, craft beer, whiskey and gin. The brewery started its business in 1915 and prides itself in producing high quality Japanese sake and alcohol. Take a tour of the brewing facilities or simply enjoy the modern-looking restaurant with craft beer on tap and delicious Japanese food with unique local dishes made to pair with the fine alcohol of the brewery.

Sake Kobo Doppokan
Sake Kobo Doppokan

A short 20-minutes from downtown Okayama City is Sogenji Temple, a working monastery that welcomes foreigners from around the world seeking to learn about the Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded over 300 years ago by Ikeda clan as the family temple of the clan. Today about 20 people from all around the world study Zen meditation there seeking enlightenment. The temple offers visitors the chance to enjoy the Buddhist practice of zazen (Zen meditation). The hands-on experience in the tranquil surroundings of the temple will take you away from the troubles of this world into a place of peace and relaxation.

Sogenji Temple
Sogenji Temple

Kurashiki 


Kurashiki is a beautiful place with historic buildings and a canal area giving it the nickname, “The Venice of Japan”. It is only a short 17-minute train ride from Okayama City.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is one of the most picturesque old merchant towns in all of Japan. Walk the narrow streets lined with traditional 17th century kura storehouses and merchant homes. The beautiful buildings with their thick black and white patterned walls and shiny black roof tiles contrast magnificently with the green of the willow-lined canal. One of the best ways to enjoy the old-time atmosphere of this historic area is to don a kimono or yukata and leisurely stroll the streets. You can hire a variety of traditional Japanese kimono from Kurashiki Kimono Komachi.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Ohara House with its distinct windows and latticework is a classic example of a Kurashiki Merchant houses that still survives to this day in its original form. The Ohara family were a wealthy family of merchants with its most famous member being, Magosaburo Ohara, a businessman and philanthropist who founded the Ohara Museum of Art and the Kuraray Chemical Company.

Ohara House
Ohara House

The Ohara Museum of Art is a must-see gallery with works of art from European masters such as Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and El Greco. This magnificent collection of art is housed in an eye-catching building styled after a classic Greek temple. The museum was the first privately operated museum of Western art in Japan and was funded entirely by the wealthy Ohara family.

The Ohara Museum of Art
The Ohara Museum of Art

Ryokan Kurashiki is located at the foot of the Nakabashi Bridge in the center of the Bikan Historic Quarter. The home of a successful sugar merchant is now a traditional Japanese inn and restaurant that serves seasonal food made from local ingredients and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.

Lunch at Ryokan Kurashiki
Lunch at Ryokan Kurashiki

Kurashiki Ivy Square is the birthplace of the Kurashiki Spinning Works Cotton Mill which was owned by the Ohara family. The picturesque ivy-covered red brick buildings with saw-toothed pattern roofs, red brick walls and semi-circular windows, make you feel like you are no longer in Japan, but in Victorian England. The impressive complex is now host to several cafes, restaurants and shops with a tranquil piazza at its center. Take the experience further by staying the night at the hotel in Kurashiki Ivy Square, which gives you the chance to enjoy Kurashiki at night, or get up early and explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter without all the crowds in the morning.

Kurashiki Ivy Square
Kurashiki Ivy Square

If you are hungry check out Yakitori Kurashiki Takataya, the best yakitori in town. This tasty establishment offers you an authentic Japanese izakaya or pub-style experience at reasonable prices.

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the great attractions that Okayama has to offer the keen traveler. Please stay tuned for part 2 where we will continue to explore the southern area of Okayama Prefecture.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Shirakawago Light Up Event

Shirakawago
Shirakawago has a special place in my heart with its beautiful scenery and traditional old farmhouses. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Gifu Prefecture’s must-see travel destinations and is famous for its collection of thatched roof houses built in the gassho-zukuri style.

The historic village is home to 112 of these gassho-style houses with the traditional thatched roofs resembling the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. Some of these historic houses are more than 250 years old with the unique architectural style developed over generations to withstand the heavy snow fall during winter of this remote region of Japan.

The small village is home to only about 1,700 people but around 1,700,000 visitors come every year, especially around the time of the beautiful light-up event in January and February. This magical illumination event turns the village into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale.

The Shirakawago Tourist Association has partnered with Japankuru Funding, a crowdfunding service to create a community made guidebook for the Shirakawago Light Up Event, which runs every weekend from January 19th, 2019 to February 17th, 2019.

The guidebook will help people attending the event have a better time and enjoy the experience further by providing tourists with key information such as where to eat, what to see, what to do and how to best enjoy Shirakawago.

If you are interested in helping the project, visit the Shirakawago Light Up Event Guidebook page and help the community create this useful resource.

Shirakawago
Image from the Shirakawago Tourist Association

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Super Cheap Tokyo Book Review

Super Cheap Tokyo Budget Travel Guide
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities on the planet with its mix of the traditional, from historic temples and colourful shrines to the ultramodern, with neon-lit skyscrapers and pop culture. Tokyo has it all. With so much to see and do in Tokyo, it can be overwhelming trying to plan a travel itinerary without the right travel guide.

The Book’s Content 

 

Super Cheap Tokyo is the ultimate budget travel guide to exploring Japan’s capital on a shoestring budget. The travel guide covers the greater Tokyo metropolis and the surrounding Kanto region on the cheap. Unlike other Tokyo guides, this book shows you exactly how, where and when you can save money.

The book covers a wide range of money saving tips such as how to grab a traditional Japanese meal for only $3, buy clothes in the fashion mecca, Harajuku for under $10, and how to spend next to nothing on a day’s hiking or relaxing in a Japanese garden.

Inside the book you will find:

Budget food – a comprehensive list of low-cost restaurants, take-outs and supermarkets.
Budget shopping – the best tax-free shopping, shopping hot-spots and 100-yen stores.
Highlights and itineraries – based on discount subway and train passes, so you can explore while keeping the costs down.
Tokyo’s hidden treasures – walking routes to all the hot spots and must see places to visit.
Cheap accommodation – the best and cheapest hostels, budget hotels, family-friendly hotels, internet cafes, overnight spas and more.

Super Cheap Tokyo Budget Travel Guide


My View 


Why I really like this book? It is compact and easy to use with all the information and tips at your fingertips. I like how the book provides a quick guide on how to use it and some useful information about Tokyo before moving into the travel guide and covering the must-see places. Each area of Tokyo is broken down into a brief intro, a little bit of history about the area, things to do, and getting around, before moving into budget food and shopping.

Shibuya Preview


Tokyo offers countless tourist attractions to visitors, and this book gives you plenty of great travel options to explore without breaking the bank.

It is easy to use with colour maps making it easy and stress-free to get around. The maps use landmarks and walking routes to help get you around and include convenience stores, cheap supermarkets, 100-yen stores, budget accommodation and tourist information. The book covers all the best of the region including the highlights of Tokyo such as the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, Akihabara, and Odaiba, as well as the Kanto region with Mount Fuji, Kamakura, Yokohama, Nikko, Hakone along with many other off-the beaten-track spots.


Shibuya Map
Shibuya Map

The colour photos in the book add to content giving you a glimpse of the amazing places that you will visit.

This book is perfect for backpackers, budget travelers, families on a tight budget, students and those who just want an amazing time, without blowing all their cash in a day.

About the Writer 


The author, Matthew Baxter is a travel writer living in Tokyo. Having traveled across the country for several years, without much money, he has built up an extensive knowledge of budget travel in the Land of the Rising Sun. He now writes professionally for several websites and publications, such as the Japan National Tourist Association, Japan Visitor and All About Japan. He is the author of Super Cheap Japan.

Super Cheap Tokyo is all you’ll need for a fantastic budget holiday in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region. This book gives you some great money-saving tips all in an easy-to-use travel guide. There is no better time to come to Tokyo and Japan than now.

Super Cheap Tokyo is available now from Amazon.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette
Japan is a country filled with ancient traditions and customs that can baffle anyone who is new to the country. The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the millennia, with the modern culture absorbing influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese culture has its roots in ancient China, a regional powerhouse that strongly influenced Japanese traditions and customs first through Korea, and later via direct cultural exchanges with China. For a long period of time during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868), Japan adopted a period of isolation from the outside world, which allowed its own culture to flourish and develop with out influence from outside forces.

The Book’s Content 


Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette is one of the first books to explain in great detail why the Japanese think and behave the way they do. Veteran Japanologist, Boye Lafayette De Mente unlocks the mysteries of kata – the cultural forms that shape and define Japanese etiquette, character and world view. Kata is responsible for creating the unique traits and talents which distinguish the Japanese people. It remains the key to understanding Japanese customs, business etiquette and daily communication and interactions.

The book covers a wide range of topics from “The Art of Bowing” and “Importance of the Apology” to “The Compulsion for Quality” and “Exchanging Name Cards”. The author delves deep into the complexities of Japanese culture by exploring the origin, nature, use and influence of kata in Japanese life.
Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

My View 


Why I really like this book? In seventy short, clear essays and 224 pages the book explores Japanese history, daily life and the collective Japanese psyche to help explain the ancient culture of Japan and its own unique way of thinking. Long-term foreign residents of Japan will find this book illuminating and thought-provoking as it provides detailed insights into many of the country’s interesting traditions, customs and etiquette. It is the perfect read for anyone interested in working for a Japanese company to better understand the work culture, business etiquette and why things are the way they are.

The black and white photos in the book add to the mystery of the content and help to break up the text-heavy pages.

This book is great for anyone looking to get deep under the surface of Japanese culture and better understand this fascinating country.

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette


About the Writer 


The author, Boye Lafayette De Mente first went to Japan in 1949 as a member of a U.S. military intelligence agency, and was involved with the country for more than six decades as a student, journalist, editor, lecturer, and writer. He is the author of more than thirty books on Japan, including Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business and How to Do Business with the Japanese.

The book has been completely revised and expanded by Geoff Botting, who has lived in Japan for over a quarter century, witnessing Japan’s economic bubble, its bursting, and the changes that came in its wake. He is a freelance translator and a print and broadcast journalist specializing in business.

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette offers an informative and eye-opening look at a unique culture and helps you better understand the rationale behind Japanese behavior. This book gives you a good understanding of Japan’s traditions, customs and etiquette which are useful to know whether you are just visiting the country as a tourist, or planning to live in Japan as a resident.

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette is available now from Tuttle Publishing.




Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Fuchu - The Mystery City of Tokyo

Fuchu Tokyo
Fuchu is a hidden destination in Tokyo that is off the beaten track and full of mystery. Located a short 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku and downtown Tokyo on the Keio Line, this charming city will surprise you with all its history, shrines, temples, and fascinating spots to explore that offer you a taste of the real Japan. In fact, it might be Tokyo’s best kept secret.

Fuchu is a town with a long history and cultural tradition dating back to ancient times when it was the capital of Musashi Province (Tokyo, Saitama & Kawasaki and Yokohama in Kanagawa). The area prospered during the samurai age as the region’s center of politics, economy and culture and as a post town on the Koshu Kaido, one of the five routes of the Edo Period.

Fuchu now prides itself as a rugby city with two teams, the Top League’s Suntory Sungoliath and local rivals, Toshiba Brave Lupus based in the city and with its location close to Ajinomoto Stadium (Tokyo Stadium). Fuchu has gained a reputation as a “Sports Town” with many sports teams basing themselves in the city. Ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, both England and France will hold their training camps in Fuchu.

Let’s take a look at some of the places that make Fuchu a must-see destination for anyone looking to avoid the tourist hoards and sample a taste of authentic Japan.

Baba Daimon - Zelkova Tree Street 


An oasis of greenery in metropolitan Tokyo, Baba Daimon no Keyaki Namiki is a zelkova tree lined street, which is a National Natural Monument of Japan. The canopy of trees that form a tunnel over the road are believed to have been donated in 1062 by the samurai general Minamoto no Yoriyoshi (head of the powerful Minamoto clan), and his son, Yoshiie as a prayer of thanks after victory in military campaigns in Mutsu Province (Tohoku Region). Fuchu is famous for horses and this street was the place where the samurai would run their horses to choose the best ones for their samurai warriors. Today, a total of about two hundred trees create a scenic environment that is not only a symbol of Fuchu, but a beautiful entrance to the city.

Baba Daimon - Zelkova Tree Street
A statue of Minamoto no Yoshiie | Photo: John Asano

Okunitama Shrine 


At the end of the zelkova tree street you will find Okunitama Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okunitama, the god protecting Musashino Province. The shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest, reportedly established in 111 AD and is a power spot worthy of a visit as one of the five major shrines of Tokyo along with Meiji Jingu, Yasukuni Shrine, Hie Shrine and Tokyo Daijingu. The shrine holds a famous festival every May called the Kurayami Festival (Darkness Festival), which draws 750,000 visitors from across Japan. The festival is one of the three oldest festivals in the Kanto region and features large taiko drums and eight elaborately decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) that house the gods during the festival.

Okunitama Shrine
The main shrine gate at Okunitama Shrine | Photo: John Asano

Mikoshi portable shrines at Okunitama Shrine
Mikoshi portable shrines at Okunitama Shrine | Photo: John Asano

Furusato Fuchu History Museum 


Located on the grounds of Okunitama Shrine is the Furusato Fuchu History Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the area. The exhibits inside provide you with a sample of the long history of Fuchu and its role during the time it was home to the provincial government office of Musashi Province. If you are lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Fuchu City’s mascot character, Fuchukoma.

Furusato Fuchu History Museum
Fuchukoma - the mascot character of Fuchu City | Photo: John Asano
 

Koanji Temple 


Koanji Temple is a small but fascinating Buddhist temple full of charm and little surprises. The historic temple was built in the 12th century with the temple grounds containing a well that is believed to have been used by the legendary samurai warrior, Minamoto Yoshitsune, who stopped by this temple on his way to battle. The most striking part of this temple is the architecturally impressive two-storied main temple gate that is flanked on either side by beautifully carved Nio Guardians. Don’t let them distract you too long as rows of jizo statues (the protector of children, travelers and women) to the side of the gate as well as the colourful lanterns of an annex to the main temple are just two of the many charms of this temple.

Koanji Temple
The main temple gate at Koanji Temple | Photo: John Asano

Rows of Jizo Statues at Koanji Temple
Rows of jizo statues at Koanji Temple | Photo: John Asano
 

Sakeza Nakakyuu 


One thing that I have learned in Japan is that anywhere there is a temple or shrine, you are likely to find quality water and Fuchu is no different. The best thing about quality water is that it produces quality rice, which in turn makes for great tasting sake. Sakeza Nakakyuu is a sake brewery in downtown Fuchu that sells a great range of local sake as well as a place where you can sample some of Fuchu’s finest. The café in the old kura (warehouse) has an authentic old time ambience, but head up the steep stairs to the second floor, where you can enjoy a range of different sake from the brewery.

Sakeza Nakakyuu
Sake bottles at Sakeza Nakakyuu | Photo: John Asano
 

Suntory Sungoliath Rugby Grounds


The Suntory Sungoliath rugby team along with the Toshiba Brave Lupus are two local rival teams in the top league of Japanese rugby union based in Fuchu. The Suntory Sungoliath’s are as you might have guessed owned by the Suntory beverage company and proudly where the Suntory Premium Malts logo on their team uniforms. The team trains out of the Suntory Sungoliath Rugby Ground in Fuchu which is a modern facility that several teams will use as their pre-camp for the upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Suntory Sungoliath Rugby Grounds
Suntory Sungoliath | Photo: John Asano


Café +64 


Café +64 is a little taste of down under in Fuchu that was started by New Zealand Rugby Union player, Michael Leitch and his Japanese wife. Specializing in breakfast and brunch, I felt like I was back home in Melbourne with meat pies, all-day breakfast and flat white coffee on the menu.

Café +64
Cafe +64 | Photo: John Asano


Fuchu Kyodo no Mori Museum 


An open-air museum in the heart of Fuchu dedicated to the famous history and culture of the area. The main building houses some interesting exhibits about the local history as well as a planetarium, but the best part is heading outdoors to enjoy the gardens and architecture of the buildings of the open-air museum. The grounds are home to several different buildings from Fuchu’s time as a post town on the Koshu Kaido during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The buildings are spectacular in all the seasons, offering you a different view from plum blossoms in spring, hydrangea in summer and Japanese maples in fall.

Fuchu Kyodo no Mori Museum
Edo Period building at the Fuchu Kyodo no Mori Museum | Photo: John Asano


Musashi Fuchu Kumano Shrine Kofun Ancient Tomb 


The remains of an ancient tomb have been restored here creating a mysterious spot to visit in Fuchu. The tomb is unique with a rectangular base topped with a rounded mound. There is a small two-storey museum located near the tomb that houses pictures and artifacts from the ancient site. Don a helmet and pick up a flashlight and you can explore a replication of the ancient tomb but take care as the entrance is narrow and the tomb is tight.

Musashi Fuchu Kumano Shrine Kofun Ancient Tomb
Musashi Fuchu Kumano Shrine Kofun | Photo: John Asano
 

Dai Tokyo Sogo Oroshiuri Center (Great Tokyo Wholesale Center) 


A wholesale market in Fuchu that sells just about everything imaginable in one place. Built in 1966 by the chairman of a successful telescope company, this market hosts a large number of shops selling everything from food to fashion. This is the ultimate one stop shopping with cheap prices that you will not find at your local supermarket. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning for the best quality meat and fish on offer.

Great Tokyo Wholesale Center
A sample of fresh fish at the Great Tokyo Wholesale Center | Photo: John Asano
 

Sumomo Plum Festival 


Every year on July 20th, the humble Japanese plum (sumomo) gets its hour in the sun at the popular Sumomo Plum Festival at Okunitama Shrine. The legend of the festival traces its roots back to samurai leader Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son, who stopped at the shrine to pray to the gods for victory in battle. Minamoto presented a plum as an offering to the gods and it must have worked as the Minamoto Clan were victorious in their military campaign trouncing their rivals. Today, eating a plum at the festival is said to keep away both sickness and evil spirits. The approach to the main shrine building is lined with a variety of food vendors selling all kinds of delicious summer festival food and sweets.

Sumomo Plum Festival
Sumomo plums at the Sumomo Plum Festival | Photo: John Asano

Sumomo Kakigori
Sumomo kakigori (shaved ice) | Photo: John Asano


If you are interested in getting off the beaten track and exploring Fuchu City for yourself, visit the Fuchu website for more information http://www.kankou-fuchu.com.e.adc.hp.transer.com/ 

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