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Come join us in Sydney!

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:04:59 +0000

We’ll be at the Sydney Travel and Holiday Show on 24 and 25 March, 2012. The Sydney Travel and Holiday Show is at the Royal Hall of
Industries, Fox Studios, Moore Park, and entry is free. Let us know if you will be attending. We’ll be happy to make an appointment to talk about Japan!

Tenkawa-mura

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:54:30 +0000

Tenkawa-mura – the river under heaven – is a village deep in the mountains of Nara prefecture. It’s south of Yoshino, and also is a staging post on the arduous Mount Omine pilgrimage.

Dorogawa hot spring

The village inludes Dorogawa Hot Spring, a classic Japanese hot spring village with a main street lined with hot spring ryokan. However, Tenkawa-mura is not just a hot spring village. It’s the start of the arduous mountain pilgrimage to Mount Omine.

Waraji sandals

From May to September each yeay, pilgrims gather here to pray, and fortify themselves before the trek through the mountains to the shrine on the top of Mount Omine.

Ryusenji temple

Around 1,300 years ago, En-no-gyoja undertook religious training for 1,000 days at Mount Omine, and founded the Shugendo faith, a syncretism of Buddhism, Chinese Taoism, and the native Shinto religion.
Shugendo can be translated as “path of training to achieve spiritual powers” and emphasis is put on physical endurance as the path to enlightenment. The area’s rugged and isolated mountains were ideal place for the demanding pilgrimages and training.

Ryusenji temple

Lay worshippers are to be found undertaking training such as standing under waterfalls, chanting.
This time of year the autumn colours arrive in Tenkawa-mura.

Momiji

In the nearby Benzaiten shrine (the Japanese name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati, and is also a god in the Shinto faith), a ‘mochi-zukuri’ festival was held last week. To the sound of beating drums and rhythmic singing, sticky cooked rice was pounded until it became a thick paste.

Mochizukuri

Benzaiten shrine

Tenkawa-mura also has the spectacular Miterai Gorge, a favourite for fly-fishing but also for its thundering waterfalls.

Miterai gorge

Paper making in Yoshino

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:39:44 +0000

On a recent trip to Yoshino, a town in the south of Nara prefecture famous for its cherry blossoms, we managed to get to meet one of Japan’s ‘National Living Treasures’. Designated so because of their outstanding accomplishments in traditional arts and crafts, many are the from families that have carried on their profession down the generations.

We met Masayuki Fukunishi, who together with his father Hiroyuki Fukunishi (the National Living Treasure) run the Fukunishi Washi (Japanese paper) studio.

Fukunishi-san explained the process of making washi. From the growing of the plant, washing it, spreading out the pulp, and drying it using the old Yoshino method, on wooden boards.

His wife and mother process the fibres before the pulp is made.

Masayuki Fukunishi (the son) shows us the various types of washi his studio produces. It is of such high quality that it is used by the Imperial family.

Fukunishi-san welcomes visitors to his workshop, and has created a three-hour programme, with a demonstration of the paper-making process, and also the possibility to learn some Japanese caligraphy. You can write your name in Japanese ‘katakana’ characters, and take home the scroll which can be framed and put on your wall.

2011 photo competition winners

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:15:00 +0000

We have chosen the winners for our 2011 photo competition.

First prize is of a geisha walking through the rain in Gion in Kyoto. This was taken by Anna-Catherine from Switzerland on the Shoguns and Samurai tour in May of 2008.

The first runner-up prize was also won by Anne-Catherine, for her photo of moss beside a path.

Kathryn from Australia was also a runner-up with her photo of a Japanese forest in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, hiking the Kumano Kodo trail.

Three great photos from our trips! The 2012 photo competition is now running. If you have been on any of our trips and would like to enter, visit our competition page to views the rules. Good luck!

New shorter self-guided walking tours

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:09:58 +0000

We have just launched new, shorter versions of our popular ‘self-guided walking’ trips.

We now offer 3, 4, 5 and 6-day versions of the Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, and Nara & Asuka routes.

These shorter versions are for those who are organising their own travel to places such as Tokyo and Kyoto, but also wish to get ‘off-the-beaten-track’ during their stay and walk, but wish to have us to provide support for that part only.

We provide the same level of support, with stays at family-run inns in the small villages along these trails, detailed route guides and topographic maps, as our longer trips. We let you venture into some of Japan’s most evocative landscapes, and experience a level of personal service and warm hospitality that will make your trip in Japan one of the memorable trips you ever take.
Do get in touch if you have questions, we’ll be happy to share our experience of walking these trails!

Popular summer sweets in Japan

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:42:21 +0000

A great way to enjoy summer in Japan is to indulge yourself with cold sweet snacks. We will introduce some popular summer sweets in Japan and where they can be enjoyed.

カキ氷 Kakigori

A very popular sweet for children and adults is the Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice). You can find very simple ones with only shaved ice covered in sweet fruit flavoured syrup, or topped with canned fruits. A large block of ice is turned on a machine which shaves off the ice as it turns.
In Kyoto, 茶寮ぎょくえん Saryo Gyokuen is the most popular place to get shaved ice, and theirs is truly unforgettable. The shaved ice is like cotton candy and melts instantly in your mouth leaving only sweetness behind.

茶寮ぎょくえん Saryo Gyokuen
Access: From Sanjo Station on Keihan Railway 2 minute walk from Exit 6
Open hours: 14:00 to 21:30
Closed: Every Thursday
Phone: 075-231-8353

餡蜜 Anmitsu

Anmitsu is a very popular Japanese sweet that can be enjoyed all year round but is eaten mostly during summer. It is like a Japanese Parfait made with small cubes of agar jelly, cold boiled peas and sweet bean paste. It’s also topped with fruit and sweet syrup right before eating.

Known for its Anmitsu is 銀座若松 Ginza Wakmatsu,
a dessert shop in Tokyo’s Ginza district with a history of over 100 years. It is said to be the founder of Anmitsu. Here you can try the traditional authentic Anmitsu . Its flavour remains unchanged over the past 80 years.

銀座若松 Ginza Wakmatsu
Access: 161 meters from Ginza Station
Open hours: 11:00 to 20:00
Open all year round
Phone: 03-3571-1672

冷やし飴 Hiyashi Ame

This is a popular summer drink in western Japan. It is made from mizu-ame, which is converted from starch to sugar. It has a very similar taste to corn syrup. This drink is chilled mizu-ame spiked with ginger.

A place I recommend if you want to try this is:
中村軒 Nakamuraken in Kyoto.
This is a well known Japanese sweet shop in Kyoto, with a long history of 120 years. I also recommend trying their seasonal sweets and shaved ice as well. During the summer, there is usually a long cue in front of the store.
What is amazing about this place is you can enjoy a chilled Hiyashi Ame drink in a huge jug for only 100 yen!

中村軒 Nakamuraken
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Katsura Station
Open hours: 09:30 to 17:45
Closed: Every wednesday
Phone: 075-381-2650

モナカアイス Monaka Ice

This is also known as modern Monaka, because traditionally Monaka is a Japanese sweet with 2 crispy wafers made from rice and is filled with sweet bean paste. The modern Monaka replaces the sweet bean paste with different flavoured ice cream (vanilla being the most popular). You can find Monaka in different shapes: some are in a form of a cherry blossom or chrysanthemum.

Very well known for their Ice Monaka is からさわ Karasawa. This is a café in Onomichi near Hiroshima. Many guide books will mention this café as a must visit. There is usually a cue in front of the store. There also do delivery within Japan.

からさわ Karasawa
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Onomichi Station
Open hours: 11:00 to 19:00
Closed: Every Tuesday
Phone: 0848-23-6804

ひやしメロンパン　Hiyashi Melon Pan
So far I introduced very traditional summer sweets in Japan, the last one is a new trend this year. I have a feeling this will continue to be very popular. Melon Pan is a sweet pastry that has a thin layer of crispy cookie dough. The look resembles a melon, and is usually melon flavoured but some places sell non-melon flavoured ones as well, such as chocolate, caramel. Donq, a well known bakery in Japan, sells these Hiyashi Melon Pan only during the summer. The bread is filled with rich cream which is creamier when is refrigerated. It is now becoming a popular breakfast choice in Japan.

This can only be purchased at:
ドンク Donq
This is sold from June 1st until August 31st.
This is a chain bakery with about 140 stores in Japan, so wherever you are in Japan there should be one nearby.

When in Japan why not try some these summer delicacies? I recommended some places that are well known in Japan but all of these can usually be enjoyed at local tea houses/cafes in Japan. Things like Ice Monaka or Anmitsu can also be purchased at convenient stores.

Kyoto Gion Festival

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:21:39 +0000

July in Kyoto is a whole month of festivity. It is the month of the Gion festival, one of the largest festivals in Japan.

The Gion festival’s original form goes back to 869AD, a year in Kyoto in which the people suffered from a major plague. It was believed that the epidemic was caused by an angered deity, and the Emperor ordered his people to pray to Susanoo-no-mikoto (enshrined in Yasaka shrine). To appease the god’s anger 66 decorated halberds (1 from each province of old Japan) and a portable shrine was prepared. The plague ended and this ritual was repeated at times of an epidemic outbreak. In 970 AD it became an annual event.

As the festival continued it became more elaborate as rich Kyoto merchants invested in decorating the floats showing off their wealth and power.
In the present day, the Gion festival continues to be a festival to wish the health of its people. It has become a form of pride, power and solidarity for the people of Kyoto.

The Gion festival is held for a whole month; during which many traditional rituals are performed. However, the highlight of the festival is the parade of the marvellous floats from July 14th to 16th. There are 2 kinds of floats; Hoko and Yama. There are 9 Hoko with long poles representing the original 66 halberds. There are 23 smaller Yama on it which are life size figures of important people. It is decorated with beautiful tapestry and art, and is often referred to as the “mobile art museum”. On some floats you will see musicians playing traditional instruments and little boys with painted white faces. They are considered mediators between gods and the priests.

This parade goes on for 3 days, during which no cars are allowed and the roads are packed with excited viewers. There are also numerous kinds of street stalls where delicious foods, fun games and souvenirs can be purchased.

The Season of Hydrangeas

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:46:58 +0000

A great way to enjoy the rainy season in Japan is to go see the blooming hydrangeas.
It is not just the Cherry Blossoms that can be appreciated in Japan, with the arrival of the rainy season and summer June to July variety of colourful hydrangeas bloom in Japan.

Just as there are well known places to visit for Cherry Blossoms, there are spots where you can visit to enjoy beautiful hydrangeas.

Why not visit shrines and temples, and enjoy their beautiful gardens as well.
I will introduce several places well known for their outstanding hydrangea gardens.

Fujimori Shrine in Kyoto

Also known as Ajisai-miya (court of Hydrangeas), have two gardens
In which 3,500 hydrangeas are blooming.
On two last weekends’ of June there are traditional musical performances and dancing.

Entrance Fee: 300 yen
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Access: 7 minute walk from Sumizome Station on the Keihan line
5 minute walk from Fujimori Station on the JR line

Hasedera-temple in Kamakura

The most famous place to see Hydrangeas, every year there during June and July
You will see long lines of people waiting to get into the garden.
There are 8,000 hydrangeas planted in the compass of the temple.
What is charming here is that you can also enjoy the great view of Sagami Bay.

Entrance Fee: 300 yen
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00PM
Access: 15 minute walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Line

Sanzen-in temple in Kyoto

Located in Ohara, the rural part of Northern Kyoto .
This temple is the highlight of Ohara, a vast temple of numerous buildings and garden.
It is especially known for its two gardens here the Joheki-en and Yusei-en.
Yusei-en is where their 3,000 hydrangeas are planted.
You can also enjoy the shopping and foods at the numerous stores along the path to the temple.

Entrance Fee: 700 yen
Hours: 8:30AM to 5:00PM
Access: From Kyoto station take Kyoto Bus No.17, 18 “Ohara” (1 hour ride)
From Ohara bus stop it’s a 10 minute walk

Meigetsu-in temple in Kamakura

Also known as Hydrangea temple (Ajisai dera).
The hydrangeas here are a kind Originating in Japan.
As you walk the stone path to the temple you will be surrounded by flowers.

Entrance Fee: 700 yen
Hours:8:30AM-5:00PM
Access: Get off at Kita-Kamakura Station on JR Yokosuka Line.
From the station it is a 10 minute walk.

Summer in Kyoto – noryo yuka

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:50:41 +0000

Kyoto is a beautiful city rich in culture and history but the summers can be hot and humid. A great way to get away from this heat and enjoy the cool summer breeze by the riverbank is eating at the noryo yuka (summer platforms.) In Kyoto every summer wooden platforms are built connecting to the restaurant as a dining spot.

This custom in its original form dates back more than 400 years ago, when rich merchants entertained their guests by putting out folding seats by the riverbanks. As restaurants and shops opened along the river they adopted this custom for their customers. There are now not only Japanese cuisine restaurants, but also Chinese, Italian, Western and fusion restaurants with noryo yuka.

Most of these restaurants either charge an extra seat fee or will ask you to order a course meal starting from a certain price range if you want to eat on the noryo yuka. Therefore the price you see on the menu may not be the same when eating outside, you may want to check out the prices before entering. It is also best to reserve before going to the restaurants as there are very popular and getting a seat may be difficult.

The noryo yuka can be enjoyed from May to September in four areas of Kyoto: Kamogawa river, Kifune, Takao and Takagamine. Along the Kamagawa River there are now 90 restaurants with noryo yuka, and you should have no problem finding something of your liking. Below I will introduce 4 of these restaurants.

Moritaya Kiyamachi-ten (meat restaurant)
This is a famous restaurant known for its meat dishes. You can choose to have your beef cooked in four styles: They have Sukiyaki (beef boiled in sweet sauce with vegetables), Shabu Shabu (thin sliced meat cooked in boiling water), Oil-yaki (beef cooked in hot oil), and Teppan (cooked on a hot stone plate).
Location: 5 minutes walk from Sanjo Keihan station
Opening hours: open all year round
Lunch time 11:30-16:00 Dinner time 17:00-23:00 (Sundays from 16:00)
English Menu: Available
Phone number: 075-231-5118

Ikumatsu (High class Japanese restaurant cuisine)
You can enjoy Kyoto Kaiseki, seasonal fresh dishes are served on traditional Japanese lacquer ware. They serve shojin Cuisine (vegetarian course) meals as well. You can choose from three different courses for dinner starting from 14,000 yen. For lunch they serve a fancy lunch box for 4,500 yen. The main building faces the Kamogawa River and you will have a beautiful view of the Higashiyama Mountain.
Location: 3 minutes walk from Sanjo Keihan station
Opening hours: open all year round
Lunch time 11:30-15:00 Dinner time 17:30-22:00
English Menu: Available
Phone number: 075-231-1234

Ushinohone (Kyoto Fusion restaurant)
A rather recent group of restaurants based in Kyoto, established in 1985. They serve course meals from 5,000 yen. They specialize in food cooked on charcoal braziers and seasonal Kyoto dishes with a western touch. They are very well-known for their delicious beef stew.
Location: 5 minutes walk from Sanjo Keihan station
Opening hours: must check directly with the restaurant
Lunch time 12:00-14:00 Dinner time 17:00-24:00
English Menu: Available
Phone number: 075-212-1023

June 2011 Newsletter

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:37:31 +0000

Our June 2011 newsletter is out. Read it here!