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SACRED JAPANESE RICE: EXPLORING FAVORITE BRANDS | Arigato Travel
This is a phrase I've heard from my mother since I was little. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of rice when I was young as I preferred bread, and was tired of having rice every day. Moreover, if even a single grain of rice were left in my bowl, my parents would get mad and tell me to eat everything, which made me dislike rice even more. In my house, there was rice, miso soup, vegetables, and either meat or fish for breakfast; a school lunch or lunch box called
Interview With Barrique Tokyo – Traditional Japanese Ambiance | Arigato Travel
Let’s all welcome Barrique Tokyo, a Japan-based shop renowned for its exquisite collection of home furnishings, accessories, and decorative pieces ingeniously crafted from repurposed Kimonos. Each item breathes new life into these cherished Japanese textiles, showcasing unparalleled artistry and uniqueness. With a dedicated commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage, Barrique Tokyo has garnered widespread acclaim for its elegant craftsmanship. We are thrilled to present them to you today, inviting you to explore their enchanting world of timeless beauty and cultural reverence. First of all, can you please introduce yourself? BARRIQUE TOKYO is an online store of custom-made home furnishings that recreates the beauty of Japan’s good traditions of kimono and obi into interior items that fit the current lifestyle. My name is Chieko Noguchi, Curator & Artist. I have been involved in the world of fashion and apparel for many years and have worked as a stylist for celebrities and actors on TV and in commercials. My family was engaged in textile manufacturing and wholesale in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and I have been familiar with kimono, obi, and haori since I was a child. Seeing the beautiful colours, delicate patterns, weaving, and craftsmanship of the artisans, I decided to do something about the kimonos and obis that had been carefully passed down to me and became involved in remaking them in earnest. Could you please share with us the story behind Barrique Tokyo? When was it founded, and what inspired its creation? BARRIQUE refers to the wooden barrels used to age wine, and BARRIQUE was the first apparel brand created by Chieko Noguchi’s husband, a producer specialising in repurposed goods, after he became independent. In the 1980’s, Omotesando was the leading hub of fashion and culture. BARRIQUE had a directly managed store on the first floor of the Dojunkai Aoyama Apartment, the predecessor to the current Omotesando Hills, and Chieko Noguchi was in charge of the press (public relations). Many artists from overseas, including Julian Lennon and Pierce Brosnan, visited the store, and it was a popular store where Daryl Hall purchased stage costumes for his performances in Tokyo. We used ‘’BARRIQUE’’ to express ‘’tradition’’ and the desire to inherit the ‘’iki’’ of Omotesando, Tokyo and transmit it to the world. What is the core concept of the shop? Has using kimonos and obis affected your craft and customers? The brand logo is an arrangement of cloisonne enamel patterns. Shippou is one of the Yusoku-monyo patterns used by the aristocracy since the Heian period (794-1185), a time when the dynastic culture flourished in Japan. It is a pattern consisting of circles joined by overlapping quarters of circles. The eternally unfolding shape of the interlocking circles represents ‘’perfection’’ and is considered an auspicious and lucky pattern. Our concept is to have everlasting connections with people who read this article and purchase BARRIQUE TOKYO products, not only in Japan but also overseas, through ‘’kimono’’. What sets this ambiance and decoration store apart from others? What is important to us is to remake the products in a way that is in tune with modern and overseas lifestyles. For example, combining different materials, such as denim with shibori haori fabric, creates a stylish look. Furthermore, BARRIQUE TOKYO’s products are unique and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted with a focus on the differences in fabric expression for each piece created. The products have a long-life design that can be used timelessly. To convey the charm of kimonos and obis overseas is to convey Japanese culture and traditions. By remaking them into interior items, we hope to pass on the spirit of kimono in a different form overseas. Where do you get the used Kimonos and Obis from? How do you select them? Obi and kimono are purchased from special channels, being carefully selected, and only those items that we are satisfied with are commercialised. In our online store, you can choose your favourite pattern and colour from our carefully selected obi, one by one, and we also offer interior items that can be created from those obi as well. Also, can you tell us about your shop location? Can people find your creations outside of Japan, and where? The products are sold in stores at Maison WA, a concept store based in Paris, France. France is famous among European countries for its extremely high interest in Japanese culture and deep interest in craftsmanship. The awareness of brands is also high, and all brands from all over the world consider France as a business market. Name: Maison WA (Concept shop & Showroom) Phone: +33 (0)1 4026 6670 Address: 8 bis Rue Villedo, 75001 Paris Access: About 100 m from Pyramides station on the Paris Metro Opening hours: 11:00 – 19:00, Tuesday - Saturday https://barriquetokyo.com/pages/maison_wa In addition to our online store, we also hold pop-up stores on a regular basis. For more information, please visit our Social media. https://www.instagram.com/barriquetokyo/ Can people make customised orders at BARRIQUE TOKYO? At BARRIQUE TOKYO, we carefully select obi that are in good condition. Although the length varies from obi to obi, once you have selected your favourite one, please contact us by email etc and we will wholeheartedly create a Kakejiku runner or any other product of your choice. Where do you see BARRIQUE TOKYO in the future? Are there any interesting projects we should know about? We hope to help connect the beauty, culture, and history of traditional Japanese crafts to the world by remaking and delivering traditional obis and kimonos as interior decorations from Tokyo to everyone. Beyond products, are there any other Japanese cultural aspects BARRIQUE TOKYO wants to share with the world? Traditional Japanese crafts, arts, and lifestyle. Japan has long had its own unique culture, which includes beautiful traditions and techniques. We would like to convey the charm of Japan to the world through those cultural aspects. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Through kimonos and obis, we hope to bring the wonderful Japanese culture behind them to people around the world. We also want to convey the importance of respecting the traditional beauty of Japan and incorporating it into modern lifestyles. Thank you so much for taking precious time out of your day, answering questions, and sharing your extraordinary story with us! We appreciate your insights, and we are glad you joined us for this interview. Follow BARRIQUE TOKYO on: Website: https://barriquetokyo.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59KV-lt9k9gFa02tIbm4wg/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriquetokyo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BARRIQUETOKYO/ Featured Photo Credit: Barrique Tokyo Plan to visit Tokyo in the future? Book a Personal Travel Consulting Call with our experts and let us ensure your trip is unforgettable!
Miso: the Soul of Japanese Cuisine | Arigato Travel
Miso is deeply ingrained in Japanese food culture, and people outside the country are probably more familiar with it in the form of soup. Whenever you order a teishoku (meal course) at a restaurant, it is usually served with miso soup as a side. It is also common to see it when having a traditional breakfast. It is one of the core dishes and fundamentals of Japanese cuisine and can be used in food as simple as ramen, but also as delicate as kaiseki. It can also be a deep expression of love. There's a saying that when a person says “Would you make miso soup for me?”, the underlying meaning is actually “Would you marry me?” It shows how closely and dearly miso is tied to the daily life of Japanese people. You may not be aware, but there are several different types of miso. Depending on the amount and the type of ingredients used and the length of fermentation, it can make a big difference in taste, color, and texture. It is primarily made of soybeans, koji, and salt, which provides great nutrition to the body. Each region has a different preference for miso as well. There are three main types: kome (rice), mugi (barley), and mame (soybean). Kome Miso Kome miso is made from malted rice, soybeans, and salt. The process by which it is made starts by boiling and steaming the soybean, then pressure cooking it. As for the rice, it needs to be steamed first, then mixed with koji starter to turn it into rice malt. Then, mix the rice malt with soybean, season it with salt and water, and let it fermentate and age. Depending on the length of fermentation, we will get either shiro (white) miso or aka (red) miso. The white version has a shorter fermentation period of 2 to 8 weeks and is known for its smooth, sweeter taste and rich flavor, which is great for seasoning senbei. The most well-known brand is
Wear Your Rainbow Cloaks With Pride With Japan Gay Guide | Arigato Travel
Japan might not be the first name on the list when you think of LGBTQ+ support, but the community is there and growing with the influx of travelers and those looking to live in Japan for the long term. Tempered by increasing support from locals, big cities like Tokyo and Osaka boast a thriving queer culture centered in the neighborhoods of Shinjuku Ni-chome in the former and Doyamacho in the latter. Yet many people might still find it daunting to get into the scene, from not being sure about their own gender and sexuality, to not having sufficient information on the subject, to simply finding the idea of meeting new people nerve-wracking. That’s where Japan Gay Guide comes in. As a website dedicated to serving the latest information on LGBTQ+-friendly events, venues, and businesses, let’s learn how it works to spread awareness about the community and share the resources to stay safe, happy, and healthy in a society that’s definitely progressing in its views but which still has a long way to go. Hi, Lin-san! Can you please introduce yourself? What is your role in the company? Hi! My name is Lin, and I am the Chief Marketing Officer of Japan Gay Guide. I have been with the project since its launch. We are very new, but very excited for what’s to come! Can you please explain to our readers about Japan Gay Guide and what it aims to do? Japan Gay Guide is a comprehensive platform dedicated to providing information and resources for the LGBTQ community in Japan. We aim to bridge the cultural and language barriers that often make navigating Japan challenging for LGBTQ travelers, expats, and locals. Our mission is to showcase the beauty of Japan’s LGBTQ culture while ensuring people have the tools they need to explore safely and confidently. From LGBTQ-friendly venues and inclusive neighborhoods to tips on cultural practices and safety, JGG strives to make the scene more accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. How did Japan Gay Guide start, and what have you been doing since to spread the word? Japan Gay Guide began with a vision: to make Japan’s LGBTQ culture more accessible to people around the world. Our team recognized the challenges posed by language and cultural differences, especially for tourists and foreigners living in Japan. We wanted to create a space where the beauty and diversity of Japan’s LGBTQ culture could be celebrated and shared globally by everyone. To spread the word, we’ve actively engaged with the community through social media, collaborated with LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, and attended LGBTQ+ events across Japan. Our content, which includes personal stories, comprehensive guides, and tips, reflects our core values of inclusivity and empowerment. You offer many comprehensive guides on LGBTQ-friendly spots throughout Japan. How do you gather such information, and how much does fieldwork factor into deciding which spots you’d recommend? Fieldwork is absolutely integral to what we do. Our team personally visits venues, engages with owners and staff, and assesses each spot’s inclusivity and atmosphere. This hands-on approach ensures that the recommendations we provide are authentic and reflective of the LGBTQ community’s needs and experiences. We also listen to feedback from our audience and community. Many of our featured spots are based on recommendations from locals and travelers who share their experiences with us. By combining on-the-ground research with community input, we maintain the accuracy and quality of our guides. JGG also introduces many resources for residents in Japan, from inclusive clinics to meetup groups and even hotline services. How rare or accessible is such information to the community in Japan? Such information is often difficult to access, especially for non-Japanese speakers. While Japan is gradually becoming more inclusive, many LGBTQ resources are scattered, under-publicized, or only available in Japanese. Without platforms like Japan Gay Guide, finding inclusive clinics, support hotlines, or community groups can feel overwhelming, particularly for those new to the country. By consolidating this information into one accessible platform, we help bridge the gap and make essential resources available to those who need them most. Not all LGBTQ-friendly places welcome certain genders or sexualities, so JGG makes sure to include plenty of great all-inclusive places on the website. How does including straight people and allies of the community in your audience align with Japan Gay Guide’s mission? Inclusivity is at the heart of Japan Gay Guide’s mission. We believe that creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone—regardless of gender, sexuality, or identity—is essential to building understanding and acceptance. By including straight allies and those exploring their identities, we foster connections that challenge stereotypes and promote allyship. All-inclusive spaces serve as bridges, allowing allies to support the community while creating environments where everyone feels respected and valued. You always make sure to include the personal anecdotes of the staff, travelers, and other members of the community regarding being queer in Japan. What was the most memorable story you’ve heard so far? It’s hard to pick one - But our most memorable stories are always about our members’ strange and fabulous experiences in the nightlife of Japan. Drag queen hosts, Halloween events, muscle bars, you name them! You can check out these experiences below: Kingdom Tokyo’s Crazy Land: Fantastical Realm into the World of Drag Shows FTM Bar in Japan: My First Experience Gay Muscle Bar in Tokyo: My First Time Male Maid Cafe in Japan?! My First Time! My First Time: Muscle Girls Bar Tokyo What do you think is the most unique aspect of Japan’s gay culture compared to what you know about the rest of the world? Japan's rich history and unique cultural heritage deeply influence its LGBTQ scene. While the country can be conservative in some respects, stepping into Japan's gay districts reveals a fun, welcoming world unlike any other. We hope these areas become more and more vibrant hereon! Meeting up with new people and trying to find a community can be daunting, especially when you’re in a new country whose language you’re not yet fluent in. Where do you think people should start when they first set foot in Japan? We recommend starting in Shinjuku Nichome, Tokyo’s LGBTQ hub. With its variety of bars, clubs, and community events, it’s a vibrant space where you can meet people from all walks of life. For those seeking a softer introduction, joining LGBTQ-focused language exchanges, meetups, or community groups is a great way to ease into the culture while building connections. Speaking of, we at Arigato Travel believe that food is an all-around great way to get to know someone. Do you have any recommendations of restaurants or other food spots to go to during a night of club and bar-hopping? After clubbing, we recommend heading to an Izakaya to have a sit and continue your drinks, or perhaps a ramen shop to sober up! There are many such spots that are LGBTQ-friendly in Tokyo, you can view a list here: https://japangayguide.com/gay-friendly/ Thanks so much for sharing, Lin-san! May Japan Gay Guide continue to reach more and more people, providing them with the information necessary to better understand themselves and also one another. And let us all wear our colors in pride no matter where we find ourselves in the world! Make Sure to Follow Japan Gay Guide on: Website: https://japangayguide.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japangayguide/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/JapanGayGuide YouTube: https://youtube.com/@japangayguide?si=GTLo2_jEe1Ck2X81 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japangayguide?lang=en Featured Photo Credit: Japan Gay Guide Plan to visit Tokyo in the future? Be sure to check out Japan Gay Guide for resources, as well as our Arigato Travel LGBTQ+ Japan Resources page! and don't forget to use your special code for a discount on Food Tours. To show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, book now and use the coupon code LGBTsushi for 10% off your tour!
Kanpai! Destination sake breweries to visit in and around Tokyo | Arigato Travel
Why pick up a bottle of sake from the store, when you can go straight to the source? Imagine sipping on freshly brewed sake while overlooking picturesque landscapes or savoring a carefully crafted dish that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of your drink. Visiting a sake brewery is not just about tasting the brew; it's an immersive experience where you can explore the artistry behind each bottle, connect with the rich history of the craft, and perhaps even meet the passionate brewers who pour their heart and soul into every drop. Here’s our guide to the best destination sake breweries in and around Tokyo: self-contained sake wonderlands that go beyond the brew, offering hard-to-find combinations of beautiful views, delicious eats, souvenirs with local flavor, and more. Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery (Okutama, Tokyo) Want to escape the heat, density, and glassy high-rises of Tokyo without actually leaving Tokyo? Okutama is the answer. A popular day-trip destination blanketed in green during the spring and summer months and boasting stunning foliage in autumn. It’s the perfect reprieve from the frenetic pace of urban Tokyo.Enjoy the greenery and river views at In this serene, mountainous haven, Sawanoi Brewery stands as a guardian of tradition. Founded in 1702, the crystal-clear waters from the Tanzawa peaks infuse their sake with clarity and freshness. Their drinks are best enjoyed while relaxing in the riverside Seiryu Garden, perfectly settled in the din of chirping cicadas. Visiting Sawanoi is as much about the experience as it is about the sake. The tasting hall offers the opportunity to sample up to ten varieties of sake, ranging from Sawanoi’s signature blends to seasonal specialties. Each sample is available at a mere ¥300, served in a ceramic ochoko printed with the brewery’s distinctive crab logo. And here’s a tip: keep that ochoko handy for future visits to enjoy a ¥100 discount on your next tasting round. Complement your tasting with a sample of the delicious local cuisine. Try the jiggly konnyaku, a regional delicacy, slathered in a sweet and savory dengaku sauce, or opt for the refreshing al dente cold soba. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the on-site restaurant and café offer a selection of traditional dishes that pair perfectly with your chosen sake. Don’t leave without browsing the souvenir shop, where you can find local specialties to take home and remember your trip. Some of the things you can find are wasabi cream cheese, infused with the spicy kick of locally grown wasabi, or Mitake-jiru, a hearty freeze-dried soup made richer with the addition of Sawanoi’s own sake kasu, or sake lees. These edible souvenirs are perfect for extending the Sawanoi experience long after you’ve left the tranquil surroundings of Okutama. Website: https://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en/about/ Address: 2-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo Nearest train station: Sawai Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). At Ome Station, change to the local train headed for Okutama. Alight at Sawai Station. The entire journey should take approximately 1.5 hours and cost ¥945. Tours: In Japanese, English pamphlets are available. Must be booked in advance through the website. Free of charge; no samples provided. Ishikawa Brewery (Fussa, Tokyo) As you exit Haijima Station, it’s hard to believe that a historic sake brewery lies just around the corner. Evoking listless American suburbia, the area is all sharp angles and large cars – which makes entering the Ishikawa Brewery estate all the more delightful. Walking through its gates, the first thing you may notice is the impressive sugidama – a large sphere fashioned from cedar – which is green at the start of the brewing season in winter, and slowly withers to brown as the year unfolds. Or perhaps your eyes will be drawn to the twin keyaki or zelkova trees, towering at 400 years old. Both trees are adorned with zigzag Shinto paper streamers and tied together to represent the marriage between the god of rice and the goddess of water – the perfect harmony at the heart of sake. Ishikawa's sake, sold under the Tamajiman brand and available for purchase at the sake cellar, is a testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Each bottle captures the essence of the pristine waters of the Tama River. For anyone even slightly curious about sake, Ishikawa Brewery offers a comprehensive tour, available in English, which not only goes over the ins and outs of the sake-making process but also includes a tasting session led by the guide. Apart from sake, Ishikawa also brews a range of beer, ranging from crisp and refreshing lagers to rich, full-bodied ales, each crafted with the same dedication to quality and tradition that defines their sake. The wafu Italian cuisine offered at Fussa no Birugoya blends the delicate flavors of Japanese ingredients with the hearty comfort of Italian dishes, creating a unique dining experience that pairs beautifully with Ishikawa’s brews. For those with a sweet tooth, the brewery’s offerings extend beyond beverages. Indulge in umeshu-infused cakes, where the subtle sweetness of plum liqueur elevates the dessert to a new level. The shop also offers local organic honey, harvested from the surrounding area, which makes for a perfect gift or a treat for yourself. Pair it with their smoked cheese, a rich, savory option that complements both their sake and beer selections. Website: https://www.tamajiman.co.jp/en/ Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003, Japan Nearest train station: Haijima Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). Get off at Haijima Station. The journey should take about 1 hour, and cost ¥483. From the station, you can take a taxi or walk around 20 minutes to the brewery. Tours: In Japanese and English. Must be booked in advance by email. Paid (¥3000); samples provided. Kumazawa Brewing Company (Chigasaki, Kanagawa) Imagine a rose, jeweled with dew drops, now, imagine licking it. That’s how fresh, floral, and sweet Kumazawa Brewing Company’s junmai ginjo, under the name Kamakurashiori (鎌倉栞), tastes on the palate. And it’s only one in a series of excellent sake produced by this long-standing maker. Hidden within the brewery’s subterranean cellar, you’ll find two samples available for just ¥300, offering an affordable way to savor the delicate flavors that Kumazawa is renowned for. Since its founding in 1872, Kumazawa Shuzo has been dedicated to brewing sake, and it is now the last remaining sake brewery in the Shonan region. But don’t expect a purely traditionalist approach. Kumazawa masterfully blends the classic with the contemporary. This unique fusion is evident in everything from their comprehensive bottle art, which often features a playful sense of humor, to the calming, sun-dappled garden. It’s here that antique tokkuri (traditional sake flasks) are thoughtfully scattered among the greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation. More recently, Kumazawa has expanded its offerings to include a variety of craft beers, ranging from easy-to-drink IPAs perfect for hot beach days to darker, more complex brews for those who enjoy layered flavors. The brewery’s dedication to capturing the essence of the Shonan region extends to its newest ventures into gin and whiskey. Several of their beers are inspired by and named after nearby destinations like Kamakura and Enoshima, capturing the vibe and flavor of these coastal areas in every sip. Beyond being a brewery, though, Kumazawa serves as a cultural hub, with a café, bakery, restaurants, and small vegetable market on its premises. This makes Kumazawa a family-friendly destination and an ideal spot for the sober-curious as well, offering something for everyone. Art and craft enthusiasts will find much to admire at the Okeba Gallery, a haven for all things handmade. Here, you can pick up elevated souvenirs ranging from beautifully crafted ceramics and finely worked leather goods to unique jewelry and delicate paper crafts, all created by local makers and artists. Website: https://kumazawa.jp/ Address: 7 Chome-10-7 Kagawa, Chigasaki, Kanagawa 253-0082, Japan Nearest train station: Kagawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina, then change to the Sagami Line to Kagawa Station. The whole journey should take about 1.5 hours and cost ¥755. Walk about 8 minutes to the brewery. Tours: Visitors can take a brief guided tour of the brewery, available to those dining at their on-site restaurants, with advanced reservations (Japanese). More breweries worth visiting in the greater Tokyo area: Nakamura Brewery (Akiruno, Tokyo) With over 200 years of history, Nakamura Brewery is hidden away in Tokyo’s western reaches. Nakamura’s sake is crafted with the pure waters of the Akigawa River. In addition to offering a range of traditionally brewed sake, the brewery houses a compact yet fascinating museum where visitors can explore the tools and techniques used in sake production throughout the ages. From old wooden vats to vintage presses, the displays provide a tangible connection to the rich heritage of sake brewing in Japan. Website: https://chiyotsuru.com/ Address: 63 Ushinuma, Akiruno City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Akigawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line to Akigawa. The whole journey should take about 50 minutes and cost ¥660. Walk about 15 minutes to the brewery. Izumibashi Brewery (Ebina, Kanagawa) Venturing slightly beyond Tokyo to Ebina, Izumibashi Brewery is known for its “field to bottle” approach, where the brewer controls every aspect of production, from rice cultivation to brewing. Their Black Dragonfly series is particularly renowned. Beyond its exceptional sake, Izumibashi offers a scenic experience for visitors, with lush rice fields surrounding the brewery, providing a picturesque backdrop. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and tradition, combined with its stunning location, makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the intricate relationship between agriculture and sake brewing. Website: https://izumibashi.com/en/ Address: 5 Chome-5-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa 243-0435 Nearest train station: Ebina Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina. The whole journey should take about 1 hour and cost ¥520. Walk about 25 minutes to the brewery. Noguchi Brewery (Fuchu, Tokyo) With its signature crane-emblazoned bottles, Noguchi brews sake for the gods. It is the official purveyor of sake for Fuchu’s Ōkunitama Shrine, one of Tokyo’s five major shrines. Visitors can enhance their experience by exploring Nakakyū Honten, a historic liquor store, and Kura Cafe, where unique offerings like sake kasu latte and sake kasu cheese toast showcase the versatility of sake. Website: https://www.noguchi-brewery.co.jp/ Address: 2-4-8 Kotobukicho, Fuchu City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Fuchu Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Keio Line to Fuchu. The whole journey should take about 35 minutes and cost ¥320. Walk about 10 minutes to the brewery. Exploring the sake breweries in and around Tokyo offers more than just a taste of Japan’s iconic beverage; it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the cultural and historical roots of this traditional craft. From the serene surroundings of Sawanoi Brewery in Okutama to the innovative blend of old and new at Kumazawa Brewing Company, each brewery provides a unique experience that goes beyond the bottle. Whether you're a sake connoisseur or a curious traveler, these destinations offer a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, exquisite local flavors, and a glimpse into the meticulous process that brings each bottle of sake to life. → Learn more about sake → Enjoy a luxury sake, cocktail, and whisky pairing tour in Tokyo with Arigato → Go on a sake tour of Hiroshima with Arigato Featured Photo Credit: Aarohi Narain On a trip to Tokyo? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
Hatsuyume: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s “First Dream” Tradition | Arigato Travel
What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early Edo period and is still recognised today, about 400 years later. Through certain symbols appearing in one’s first dream of the new year, people can be foretold of their possible luck. These symbols which are said to determine whether you are destined for good fortune in the ensuing year are typically said to be imagery of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and/or an eggplant. Each one must be seen in that order, hence the common saying of 一富士、ニ鷹、三茄子, first Mt. Fuji, second the hawk, and third the eggplant. These symbols are the three most popular objects said to bring good fortune that are seen in the first dream of the year. While now they may seem random, there are plenty of good reasons for why these three symbols are so important when it comes to this tradition. Why Mt. Fuji, a Hawk, and Eggplants? The reason why these three objects are said to be tied to good luck in dreams comes from the language itself and how these words can sound similar to other words that many may wish for. For example, Mount Fuji comes from 無事, buji, for safety. The hawk comes from the Japanese word for hawk taka, which sounds like the word for high in Japanese, 高, meaning that one will make high advancements in life. Lastly, the eggplants, which may stand out as the most curiosity-striking symbol, come from the similar sounding verb “to achieve”, 成す, as they both sound like “nasu”, so that many may achieve great things in the year. Practices Done for Hatsuyume As almost everyone wishes for good luck and the chance to see any of these foretelling dreams on the first day of the new year, there are some preparations for this dream to appear that night, and to ward off any bad dreams that may come instead. First, many will buy or already have a piece of paper called Hatsuyume Makurafuda, basically, a First Dream Pillow Talisman. This is a charm put under one’s pillow with the shichifukujin depicted on it, the seven gods of fortune, such as Ebisu, Daikokuten, and more, all on a huge treasure ship. By having this placed under your pillow and sleeping on it, tradition says this will give you a good dream for the new year. However, if one doesn’t see any of the auspicious symbols, and instead has a rather bad/unlucky dream, there are measures to counter this. First, many may just simply brush it off as a sakayume, a dream that simply doesn’t make sense if applied to reality, and see nothing bad or unlucky from it. Those who are more superstitious, on the other hand, and feel that their bad dream may have meanings of terrible misfortune, can avoid this by chanting “バクにあげます” (translating to “I give it to the tapir”) to the tapir three times, an animal believed to have eaten bad dreams, inviting it to come and eat your bad dream. This practice can be done before or after the dream as either preparation or avoidance. Once this is done, some put salt on the paper of the gods of fortune (only if the dream was bad) and then dispose of it. Examples of Good and Bad Dreams Even though the previously stated fuji, hawk, and eggplants are the most popular symbols that represent a dream that shows you will have good luck, there are many interpretations of what makes a good dream so that many will not feel disheartened when they wake up with no recollection of either the three, but also signs of bad dreams to keep an eye out for. Good Dreams: Seeing the Seven Gods of Fortune, and/or the ship they are commonly depicted on Seeing a snake Dreaming of going through a Torii gate Dreaming of the morning Dreams of fire Bad Dreams: One’s teeth falling/coming out Being chased by something Laughing Hatsuyume remains an important part of tradition across Japanese households and individuals to this day still believing in the meaning behind the three symbols many hope to see in their first slumber of the year. After a whole year of hard work, studying, and/or challenges, many wish for the new year to be a bit easier than the last, and consider this first dream of the new year to be a foretelling of how it will go based on how fortunate they may be. Whether it's going the whole way by purchasing paper charms to place under pillows to bring luck to your sleep, praying to the tapir, or just simply going to bed and hoping to see Fuji, a hawk or eggplants at all, this tradition is still respected and practised in many forms. While remembering the things you see or experience in a dream can be quite difficult, there are many interpretations of good and bad dreams when it comes to this tradition. So don’t feel left out, as there are plenty of ways to get involved with a multitude of fun variations that can come from dream interpretation. Curious if you will be met with good luck this new year. Try to remember your dream, or perhaps engage in the measures to protect and/or bring lucky dreams during your sleep! Sweet dreams, and good luck! Feature photo credit: A K O Interested in Japanese holidays and want to celebrate? Be sure to enter our special Holiday Giveaway where you can win fabulous prizes and celebrate the right way!
Decoding the Traditional Japanese New Year Decorations | Arigato Travel
Ah, New Year in Japan – a time for renewal, reflection, and of course, decoration! It is the time when you stroll through the streets of Japan, and you see all kinds of cool traditional decorations, then you get curious, “What are they for?” Fret not, my fellow travellers – I’ve got you covered with the answers to all your burning questions. Today, I will be introducing the different kinds of traditional Japanese New Year decorations, and explaining the meaning behind them! The Meaning and History Behind Japanese New Year Decorations Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the history of all these decorations, and why are they so important? The answer lies in welcoming the Toshigami-sama (年神様) – the New Year deity that brings good fortune, health, and blessings for the year ahead. These decorations act as beacons for the Toshigami-sama to find their way into your home and bring a fresh dose of luck, health, and prosperity. Each decoration has its own meaning and purpose. Let's explore the most iconic ones: Kagamimochi (鏡餅) – The Mirror Rice Cake This little beauty is more than just a pretty centrepiece. Kagamimochi (鏡餅) is a traditional New Year's edible decoration consisting of two round, flat rice cakes stacked on top of each other, symbolizing dualities like past and future, or yin and yang, and representing the hope for stacked fortune and a prosperous, harmonious year. Topped with a daidai (a type of citrus), it symbolizes the wish for generational prosperity and longevity. It is believed the power of the deity resides within the cake! Typically displayed on shrines, alcoves, and entrances, it invites the New Year Deity into the home. After New Year’s, during kagami biraki (鏡開き) on January 11, the mochi is cracked open and shared among family members, spreading the divine blessings amongst all. Therefore, it is essential not to discard it but to consume it, as doing so allows the family to receive all of the fortune and energy of the god for the year ahead. Fun fact, the reason why it is called a Mirror Cake is because the round shape of the cake is said to resemble ancient bronze mirrors, which were once used to reflect divine power! Kadomatsu (門松) – The Gate Pine Tall, majestic, and often made of pine, bamboo, and plum, the Kadomatsu (門松) stands guard at the entrance of homes to guide and welcome the New Year Deity inside. The pine represents enduring life and strength, while specifically, the three bamboo shoots represent heaven, earth, and humanity, symbolizing harmony and balance. Displayed in symmetrical pairs, it marks the boundary between the divine and everyday worlds. Kadomatsu is usually set up by December 28 and should be removed by January 7 or 15, ensuring the home is prepared to receive blessings. For apartment dwellers, mini versions of kodomatsu (made from paper or felt) can work wonders, especially near your front door! Shimekazari (しめ飾り) – The Rope Decoration Made from braided rice straw, this rope is hung above the door to create a boundary between the sacred and the secular. It’s there to ward off evil spirits and ensure that the toshigami-sama will feel welcomed at home. The shimekazari often features auspicious items like daidai (a type of citrus), urajiro (fern), and konbu (kelp), and shide (paper streams), each symbolizing prosperity, integrity, happiness, and protection against disasters. Displaying shimekazari on a fortunate day like December 28 ensures the home is ready for the deity’s arrival. Hang this over your door or entryway. Make sure it's placed at a higher point to create a “boundary” that the deity can pass through. Eto Figurines (干支置物) – Zodiac Animal Figurines Each year, a different animal of the Chinese zodiac (Eto) would appear as a New Year decoration. These cute and symbolic figures represent the spirit of the year ahead. In addition to its general significance, the eto (干支) figurine for 2025, which is the Year of the Snake (み or へび), holds special meaning. The snake, particularly the white snake, is a symbol of good fortune and is believed to enhance luck, financial prosperity, and personal growth. It is also thought to bring peace and harmony to the family. This year’s eto figurine is especially auspicious, making it an ideal decoration to invite these blessings into your home for the new year. Display your eto figurine in a prominent spot such as the entrance, living room, or on a shelf – somewhere the family can easily admire it throughout the year of the snake. Shōgatsu-flowers (正月花) – The New Year's Blooms These flowers are just what you need to bring some natural beauty into your home. Matsu (pine), ume (plum), and senryō (千両, a plant with red berries) are the typical flowers used for New Year's decoration. Each separate plant symbolises longevity, endurance and hope through the winter months, and wealth respectively. Chrysanthemums and Narcissus are also popular choices for the bouquet. While the former is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and is a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation, the latter is known for its resilient nature and its auspicious meaning of
Toshikoshi Soba: A Japanese New Year Tradition | Arigato Travel
There are many traditions around the world when the year ends. For Japan, one such tradition is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” This simple dish holds a special place in the Japanese New Year celebration traditions as soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because they are long and thin, the easily broken noodles cut ties from the passing year's ill luck, and soba attracts money since gold leaf craftsmen use sticky soba gaki to collect tiny specs of gold dust. What is Toshikoshi Soba? Toshikoshi soba is a type of buckwheat noodle traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve. The long, slender noodles are believed to symbolize longevity and good fortune. Slurping the noodles is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Beyond its symbolic meaning, Toshikoshi Soba is also seen as a practical choice for a New Year's Eve meal. The noodles are relatively easy to digest, making them a light and refreshing way to end the year. Additionally, the clean, simple flavors of soba allow the taste buds to be refreshed, preparing them for the indulgent feasts that often follow. There’s no strict rule on timing, but many people enjoy their Toshikoshi Soba during dinner on New Year’s Eve, while others eat it close to midnight. To embrace its luck-bringing qualities, it’s best to finish the meal without leaving leftovers. Some even believe eating it before the New Year’s bell rings ensures a clean start. The Historical Roots of Toshikoshi Soba The tradition of eating Toshikoshi Soba on New Year's Eve is believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). Back then, soba noodles were considered a luxury item, making them a fitting choice for a special occasion. As the custom gained popularity, it spread throughout Japan, becoming an integral part of the New Year's festivities. Variations and Regional Differences While the core concept of Toshikoshi Soba remains consistent, there are regional variations in the way the dish is prepared and served. In some regions, the noodles are served hot in a flavorful broth, while in others, they are served cold with a dipping sauce. Some people prefer to enjoy their soba with various toppings, such as tempura, nori (seaweed), and negi (green onions). Where to Experience Toshikoshi Soba If you're planning a trip to Japan during the New Year, here are a few recommendations for places to savor the authentic experience of Toshikoshi Soba: Tokyo: Ginpachitei Yazawa: Located in Kameari, Ginpachitei Yazawa is a well-known soba restaurant offering delicious, aromatic soba crafted from buckwheat sourced in Hokkaido and Fukushima. The Inaka Seiro soba has a rich flavour and darker colour, while the Seiro Soba is elegantly mild. Both make for a perfect Toshikoshi meal to end the year with a satisfying, flavourful experience. Tansouan Kenjiro: Tansouan Kenjiro, a cozy back-alley restaurant in Asakusa, serves nihachi Edo soba, a popular choice in Tokyo’s soba scene. The soba’s subtle buckwheat flavor is enhanced by pairing it with duck soup, especially in their recommended Kamo Seiro. This restaurant is perfect for a Toshikoshi dinner. Kyoto: Honke Owariya: A centuries-old soba restaurant in the heart of Kyoto, known for its elegant presentation and refined flavors. On the first floor, there is table seating, as well as a tea room (tatami room), while on the second floor, both table seating and tatami banquet rooms can be found. Enjoy the great taste of soba and sweets in a relaxed atmosphere. All seats are non-smoking at all times. Soba-no-Mi Yoshimura: A modern soba shop offering creative twists on traditional dishes. It is known for its high-quality soba noodles, which are made from stone-ground buckwheat flour. The restaurant offers a variety of soba dishes, including ten-wari soba, inaka soba, and kawari soba. They also offer other dishes, such as tempura, tofu, and soba-based desserts. Osaka: Akari Soba: Looking for an escape from Dotonbori's relentless crowds? Akari is a charming, homey soba shop that will whisk you away to a calmer, quieter world - along with some delicious soba and tempura. Takama: Located a 5-minute walk away from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station, 1-star Soba Takama serves glorious soba noodles at highly affordable prices. It might be one of the most affordable Michelin-starred meals in the city! Making Toshikoshi Soba at Home If a trip to Japan isn't possible, you can still enjoy the tradition of Toshikoshi Soba at home. Many supermarkets sell pre-packaged soba noodles, and you can find dipping sauces and toppings online. Here's a simple recipe to get you started: Ingredients: Soba noodles Dashi broth Soy sauce Mirin Wasabi Negi (scallions) Instructions: 1. Cook the soba noodles: Boil the noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking. 2. Prepare the dipping sauce: Combine dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin in a small bowl. 3. Serve: Place the cooked soba noodles in a bowl and serve with the dipping sauce, wasabi, and negi. Toshikoshi Soba is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tradition that symbolizes hope, longevity, and a fresh start. Whether you choose to indulge in a bowl of soba at a traditional restaurant or recreate the experience at home, Toshikoshi Soba offers a delightful way to welcome a prosperous and joyous new year. Featured Photo Credit: sasazawa Ready to try some authentic Japanese soba? Come join our Flavors of Japan food tour, where we will introduce you to the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine!
Discover the Magic of Winter and Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo | Arigato Travel
As the holiday season approaches, Tokyo is gearing up to transform into a dazzling wonderland, filled with sparkling lights and festive displays. Christmas and winter illuminations in Japan have become a cherished tradition, evolving over the years from simple decorations to breathtaking artistic expressions. The origins of these illuminations can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th century when Western customs began to influence Japanese culture. In recent decades, the displays have grown in complexity and scale, with stunning light installations becoming a symbol of the holiday season. While this tradition is a relatively modern phenomenon, illuminations have become an integral part of Japan's winter views. The country's approach to holiday lights really illuminates its ability to adapt and reinterpret foreign customs. While Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, illuminations have become deeply ingrained as part of winter festivities, offering both a romantic atmosphere and a spectacle for families and travelers alike. Tokyo's illuminations not only create a magical atmosphere but also serve as a celebration of the city's rich cultural landscape. From upscale shopping districts to historic neighborhoods to amusement parks, each area offers its unique take on holiday decor and reflects both modernity and tradition. With millions of lights illuminating the streets, parks, and landmarks, Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience the festive spirit! Here’s a guide to some of the most enchanting illuminations to experience this holiday season! Marunouchi Illuminations Located near Tokyo Station, the Marunouchi area lights up with over a million LED lights. This event began in 2002 and has become a beloved holiday tradition amongst locals and visitors alike. The stunning display along the tree-lined Marunouchi Naka-Dori street creates a warm and inviting ambiance, especially when contrasted with the historic architecture of Tokyo Station. While enjoying the lights, visitors can also enjoy various pop-up shops and cafes offering seasonal treats! This event will run from November 14th, 2024 to February 16th, 2025. Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Roppongi Hills is renowned for its upscale shopping and dining, but during the winter season, it transforms into a luminous spectacle. The illuminations along Keyakizaka Street span over 400 meters and feature over 800,000 lights that create a breathtaking walkway leading up to the iconic Mori Tower. The illuminations are synchronized with music, which enhances the experience immensely. From the observation deck of Mori Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the lights, making it an ideal spot for a Christmas-themed evening out. This spectacle will run from November 7th to December 25, 2024. Mohri Garden Christmas Just next door to Roppongi, The Mohri Garden showcases a beautiful display of lights amidst its serene landscape. This traditional Japanese garden offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, and what better time to enjoy this garden when it is adorned with seasonal decorations? The seasonal lights enhance the garden's natural beauty and create a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and unwind. Special events may also include tea ceremonies or music performances, adding to the holiday charm. This display is scheduled for November 28th to December 25th, 2024. Tokyo Midtown Tokyo Midtown's annual
A HIDDEN GEMS ITINERARY IN KYOTO: STEP INTO ANOTHER WORLD | Arigato Travel
Lately, my Instagram feed has been flooded with reels showcasing the beauty of Kyoto. If you’ve caught a glimpse of them, you’ve likely been amazed by the amount of tourists visiting this historic city. Kyoto is often known for its temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese charm. But this time, I want to take you on a 2-night, 3-day itinerary that allows you to explore Kyoto’s rich history and uncover its hidden, mystical spots - all while avoiding the usual crowds. Let’s explore Kyoto like a local! Day 1 - Discovering Central Kyoto 9:00 Breakfast at Tsumugi Cafe Start your morning in Kyoto with a delicious breakfast at the charming Tsumugi Cafe. This cozy spot offers fluffy shokupan toast, iced coffees, and other specialty drinks. Japanese shokupan is renowned for its soft and delightful texture - a must-try for visitors! For around 700 yen, try their toast topped with a refreshing scoop of ice cream - making it perfect for a hot summer day! But don’t fill up too much, as there are more foodie adventures to come! Tsumugi Cafe Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xbhhtf5E4U91g6Z7 Learn more about the delicious azuki butter toast in our article on red beans! 11:00 - 12:15 Wagashi Making at Kanshundo East Store Just 20 minutes away from Tsumugi Cafe, you’ll find yourself at Kanshundo East Store, where you can experience making wagashi for 3,300 yen. Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections, often enjoyed with tea, crafted from natural ingredients like rice flour, sweet bean paste, and seasonal fruits. In this workshop, you’ll create four types of wagashi, paired with matcha tea. Moreover, each season offers different beautiful designs, making this an unforgettable memory. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry! English texts are available. Just be sure to book in advance and arrive 10 minutes early to get settled. Kanshundo East Store Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XxStGhG2tTcTe8NP8 Wagashi Making Experience Reservations: https://www.kanshundo.co.jp/wagashiform/ 12:30 Exploring Kyoto City Kyoto’s city center is incredibly convenient and has an amazing transportation system, making it easy to see the sights! Start your day at Nishiki Market, a busy street with over 130 vendors offering everything from fresh seafood to local favorites like soy milk doughnuts. Afterwards, take a stroll through the beautiful Kyoto Gyoen National Garden - only a 40 minute walk away from each other. This garden is home to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and is a must-see no matter the season! Nishiki Market Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cchv3jZLDspqvTpr7 Kyoto Gyoen National Garden Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1DYWDUDB8HZHa1iQA 15:30 - 17:00 Crafting Kanzashi at Oharibako By now, you’ve noticed many people wearing beautiful kimonos with cute accessories. At Oharibako, you can create your own kanzashi (traditional hairpin) that perfectly compliments a kimono for just 3,300 yen. No need to worry if you don’t speak Japanese, the friendly staff will guide you through the process step by step. Making a personalized kanzashi is a truly memorable activity to do in Kyoto! Oharibako Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z4YM2jEZ5WM92XBJ7 19:00 Dinner at Minoru Dining - Kyoto Porta If you’re visiting in summer, you’re a lucky one. This restaurant serves dishes made with Manganji Amatou, a representative vegetable of Kyoto. Additionally, it’s the first ingredient from Kyoto to be registered with a geographical indication (GI) and is sweet and tasty indeed. It’s in season from June to October, so be sure to taste the real Kyoto brand products at Minoru Dining. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/giuVBeoTcjA5gVTL7 20:00 Rest at Genji Hotel During the second day, you will go hiking, so it’s best to get a good night’s sleep. At Genji Hotel, you can enjoy the beauty of Kyoto’s four seasons in a harmonious blend of Western and Japanese styles. This hotel is not just a place to sleep, but somewhere to experience Kyoto's Omotenashi (hospitality) culture. The interiors, crafted by Kyoto artisans, to the views from the windows, are all concepts that embody the spirit of Kyoto. The best thing is that it’s just 20 minutes away from Kyoto Station on a walk, making it a perfect base for your stay. Be sure to check out more details in this blog. Genji Hotel Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rZjRVdMAM8t4i52c8 Day 2 - Hidden Treasures and God's Domain 9:30 Breakfast at Coffee Shop Yamamoto-Shimogamo Past the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, you can savor delicious Wagyu beef cutlet sandwiches, fruit sandwiches, and morning coffee at coffee shop Yamamoto-Shimogamo. Since you’ll be moving a lot today, have a good breakfast and take some snacks for your journey! For the next locations, it is easier to use a car compared to public transportation. For more information on car rentals, please take a look at this article from Japan Airlines. If you are interested in using public transportation, be sure to check Google Maps for the most efficient bus and train routes to get to these locations! Yamamoto-Shimogamo Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rxgbyYJbcRGvBYfc8 *There are a few parking spots around the building, but if they’re full use a paid parking lot. 11:00 Tanukidani-san Fudo-in Temple Tanukidani-san Fudo-in Temple is just 15 minutes away from Coffee Shop Yamamoto-Shigamo by car and around 30 minutes by city bus. While it’s bustling during summer and winter events, it’s usually a quiet spot. Fortunately, free parking is available. The temple is known for its tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, which visitors have been leaving since around 1970. The current main hall was built in 1986, standing along the mountainside like Kiyomizu Temple, so be sure to visit! Tanukidani-san Fudo-in Temple Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4G84N1jz1qRjdhTP9 13:00 Lunch at Onnellinen Only a 40-minute drive away from Tanukidani-san Fudo-in Temple, is Onnellinen. This restaurant offers onigiri set meals starting at 1,650 yen. The yuzu pepper-scented karaage and Omi beef hamburger steak match perfectly with the onigiri. However, they close at 2 PM, so watch out for the last order time! Onnellinen Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ycnJnsRx18nZZ99q8 Option 1 14:15 - 15:00 Gohodo Benzaiten From Onnellinen, it’s 10 minutes away to Paraca Saga Shakado Fujinoki-cho Daiichi Parking (paid one), and then 15 minutes to Gohodo Benzaiten by foot. The main attraction here is the green maple leaves in summer and the vibrant red leaves in autumn. At the end of autumn, the ground is covered with red leaves, creating a stunning view. Gohodo Benzaiten Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f9EEkbi8jgMW7vzg8 Paraca Saga Shakado Fujinoki-cho Daiichi Parking Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JcqeQmQj69ZtY57HA 16:30 Visit Kayabuki No Sato From Paraca Saga Shakado Fujinoki-cho Daiichi Parking, it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kayabuki no Sato, a small village of traditional Japanese houses. This village was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1993. In addition, there are two accommodations in the village, but you should book in advance due to potential closing days. There are also several places to stay a bit further away, which you can check out here. Furthermore, Kyoto’s Miyama town provides various events throughout the year. My top recommendation is the “Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival” in January. There are also many activities and tours in English, so don't miss out to check the official website and enjoy the rich nature of Kyoto!! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M5xbQhK3Bi3RABWYA Option 2 14:15 - 16:30 Hike to Kuya Falls From Onnellinen, it takes 15 minutes to Sakuraya Parking (700 yen to 1,200 yen). Since the trail to Kuya Falls is rugged, please wear comfortable shoes. This waterfall is the largest in the Kyoto area, about 15 meters tall, and offers a satisfying nature hike unlike a first day. However, it takes about an hour to reach Kuya Falls (2 hours round trip), so it is recommended to be there earlier when it is still bright out. If you travel during the winter season, you may want to skip your plan of visiting Tanukidani-san Fudo-in Temple. The path is complex, so follow this website for directions! Kuya Falls Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1uZcWdmxJji2Y7SX7 Sakuraya Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ZvefngMt8aks3fN7 18:00 Kayabuki No Sato From Sakuraya Parking, it is a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive. Option 3 15:00 - 16:00 Kamo Shrine It’s about a 50 minute drive from Onnellinen to Kamo Shrine. Unlike larger shrines, Kamo Shrine is hidden within a cedar forest, which may feel a bit lonely. However, it offers a mystical experience, as if stepping into the realm of gods. Since it can be dangerous after dark, adjust your plans according to the season as well. And also, there is parking available, but remember to close the wildlife prevention gate on your way in. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AAW8vvmGd1adfnwh7 17:00 Kayabuki No Sato From Kamo Shrine, it takes 35 minutes to drive. Day 3 Goodbye to Kyoto 10:00 Check Out Following checking out from the hotel, you can spend the rest of the morning exploring the village. 12:00 Lunch at Oshokujidokoro Kitamura After your exploration, why not try Nishin soba at Oshokujidokoro Kitamura? Nishin soba is a local dish of both Hokkaido and Kyoto. Unlike the sweet soy sauce-based soup from Hokkaido, the Kyoto version uses light soy sauce, offering a refined taste. Be sure to compare both versions when traveling in Japan! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dF7ueo45F8P9KJFLA 13:00 Return to Kyoto Central City In this blog, I’ve introduced a 2-night, 3-day plan to discover Kyoto’s hidden gems. While famous tourist spots are wonderful, don’t miss the chance to visit these mystical places that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. In addition, Arigato Travel offers various tours in Kyoto, so be sure to check them out! So if you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to include Kyoto in your itinerary. I promise you won’t regret it and look forward to seeing you there! Featured Photo Credit: nekko_nekon Ready for a trip to Kyoto?, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
Beyond The Slopes: Discovering Luxury and Charm With Chatrium Niseko | Arigato Travel
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s premier ski destination, Chatrium Niseko offers a unique mix of luxurious comfort and adventure. Known for its world-class hospitality and stunning views of Mount Yotei, this vibrant hotel is more than just a place to stay-it’s an experience in itself. Whether you’d like to snowboard down powdery slopes or savor exquisite Japanese cuisine, Chatrium Niseko promises an unforgettable getaway. We had the chance to interview this exceptional hotel and learn more about what makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation. Hello! Can you please introduce yourself? Hello! My name is Narisa Jareeboonsompte, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as a Sales and Marketing Executive at Chatrium Niseko. Originally from Thailand, I have a diverse background in hospitality and tourism, which has fueled my passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. In my role, I focus on developing innovative marketing strategies and building strong relationships with our clients to showcase the beauty and charm of Niseko. The hotel is located in the scenic Hirafu Village, between Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annapuri, and has over 72 rooms! Can you share the story behind the founding of Chatrium Niseko and how it has evolved over the years? Chatrium Niseko is more than just a hotel; it's a cornerstone of the beautiful Hirafu Village, perfectly nestled between the majestic Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri. Our journey started with a vision to merge luxury with the stunning natural beauty of Hokkaido’s premier ski region. Since opening, we’ve grown from our initial dream into a vibrant destination with over 72 thoughtfully designed rooms. Our diverse accommodations range from cozy studios to expansive 3-Bedroom Suites and luxurious penthouses, ensuring we cater to every type of guest—whether you're a couple seeking a romantic getaway, friends on a skiing adventure, or families enjoying a winter vacation. Each room is designed to make you feel right at home, even when you’re far away. Our full kitchen facilities in many of our rooms allow guests to prepare their own meals, providing the convenience and comfort of home during your stay. Our evolution has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for offering unforgettable experiences. As the seasons change, so does Chatrium Niseko, from the serene snowy landscapes of winter to the vibrant greenery of summer. We’re excited to welcome you to Chatrium Niseko, where modern luxury meets the unparalleled beauty of Niseko, and where every guest can find a perfect home away from home. With a diverse range of rooms available at various price points, could you share more about the different room types offered at Chatrium Niseko? Additionally, do any of these accommodations include kitchens for guests who prefer the option of cooking their own meals? At Chatrium Niseko, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of rooms to cater to every type of guest. Our accommodations are designed to provide both luxury and flexibility, ensuring that whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, or as a family, you’ll find a perfect space to suit your needs. Our property features over 72 thoughtfully designed rooms, ranging from cozy studios to expansive 3-bedroom Suites and luxurious penthouses. Each room type provides its own unique charm and level of comfort, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences and group size. One of the standout features of our rooms is the choice of three distinct views: the vibrant cityscape, the majestic Annupuri, and the iconic Mt. Yotei. Each view offers a different ambiance, giving guests the option to enjoy various vibes depending on their preference. For those who enjoy cooking their own meals, All rooms are equipped with full kitchen facilities. This allows guests to prepare and enjoy their own meals, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort to their stay. Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat, an adventure with friends, or a family vacation, Chatrium Niseko provides a range of options to make your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We look forward to welcoming you to Chatrium Niseko, where you can experience the perfect blend of modern luxury and stunning natural beauty, along with the flexibility to tailor your stay to your personal preferences. What are some ways the hotel accommodates families, and what specific amenities or services do you offer to ensure a family-friendly experience for guests of all ages? At Chatrium Niseko, we prioritize creating a welcoming environment for families, ensuring that guests of all ages have an enjoyable experience. Here are some of the ways we accommodate families: Spacious Accommodations: Our family suites and interconnected rooms provide ample space for everyone to relax comfortably. Each room is thoughtfully designed with family needs in mind. Kids’ Amenities: We offer complimentary cribs and highchairs upon request, making it easier for families with young children. Additionally, we have partnerships with childcare services, allowing us to arrange babysitting or other support as needed. Ski and Snow Activities: During the winter months, we provide convenient access to ski lessons for all ages, along with equipment rentals tailored for families. We also collaborate with partners who organize winter kids' ski weeks and camps focused specifically on children. Moreover, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available for families to enjoy together. Summer activities: During the summer months, Chatrium Niseko transforms into a vibrant hub of outdoor adventure, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the area. Families can immerse themselves in a variety of exciting activities that embrace the warm weather and the lush landscape. Such as rafting, ziplining, hiking and cycling. Our goal at Chatrium Niseko is to create a nurturing environment where families can bond and make lasting memories together. There are quite a few different food options for visitors! Could you describe some of the dining options and foods visitors might see? At Chatrium Niseko, we’re all about good food and great experiences! We have five fantastic restaurants right here in the hotel, serving up everything from delicious breakfasts to cozy dinners. A highlight is definitely Kamimura, our Michelin-starred gem. It’s the perfect spot for a special night out—you won’t want to miss it! But that’s not all! Just a short walk from the hotel, you’ll find a ton of other awesome dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, ramen, or a hearty steak, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget about our amazing concierge team! They’re here to help with all your dining plans, from making reservations to recommending the best spots based on what you’re craving. Need help with transportation or planning activities? We’ve got you covered there too! So come stay with us at Chatrium Niseko, where great food and unforgettable experiences are just a step away! We noticed that there are many outdoor activities available for guests! Could you tell us more about these activities and how guests might book them? At Niseko, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained, whether you visit in summer or winter! Summer brings a host of exciting outdoor adventures with breathtaking views. You can go rafting down the pristine rivers, tackle the thrills of ziplining, or try your hand at tree trekking through the lush greenery. There’s truly something for everyone! When winter rolls around, Niseko transforms into a winter wonderland. Of course, skiing and snowboarding are top of the list, but you can also enjoy snowshoeing and even building your own igloo for a unique experience. For those who prefer to stay indoors and escape the chill, we offer fun options like a Japanese cooking class and a Niseko pottery experience. Guests can book activities directly with the agencies if they prefer. However, our fantastic concierge service team is here to make things even easier! Just let us know your preferences, and we can recommend and help arrange your bookings. We highly suggest pre-booking your activities to ensure you secure your spot for the adventures you’re excited about. Whether you're seeking thrills or cozy experiences, Niseko has it all! Come join us for an unforgettable getaway! How does Chatrium Niseko integrate traditional Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) into its guest experience? At Chatrium Niseko, we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of hospitality that emphasizes anticipating guests' needs and providing exceptional service. Here are some key ways we integrate this into our guest experience: Personalized Service: From the moment you arrive, our staff is dedicated to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We take the time to understand your preferences, whether it's special dietary needs or room arrangements, ensuring a tailored experience. Warm Welcomes: Our team greets every guest with genuine warmth and friendliness, making you feel right at home. We believe that a sincere smile and a heartfelt welcome set the tone for your stay with also Japanese staff who can speak fluent in English. Attention to Detail: We pay meticulous attention to every detail, from the cleanliness of your room to any special request for restaurant booking. This commitment to excellence reflects our desire to create a seamless experience for you. Cultural Experiences: We offer various cultural activities, such as traditional Japanese cooking class and local pottery workshops, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Japan and create lasting memories. Local Market Corner: We have a small market corner featuring local souvenirs and artisanal products. This allows guests to take home a piece of Niseko, capturing the essence of their stay and representing the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. Concierge Services: Our concierge team is always ready to assist, providing recommendations for local attractions, dining options, and activities based on your interests. We aim to connect you with the best experiences Niseko has to offer. Feedback and Adaptation: We actively seek feedback from our guests to continuously improve our services. Listening to your suggestions helps us refine our approach and ensures that we meet your needs effectively. At Chatrium Niseko, our goal is to embody the spirit of omotenashi in everything we do, ensuring that your stay is not just enjoyable but truly unforgettable. Can you share what sets Chatrium Niseko apart from other luxury hotels in the region? Chatrium Niseko stands out from other luxury hotels in the region for several compelling reasons: Unique Location: Nestled in the heart of Niseko, we offer stunning views of both the mountains and the surrounding natural landscape. Our prime location provides easy access to outdoor activities year-round, whether it’s skiing in winter or hiking and rafting in summer. Exceptional Dining Options: With a range of on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Kamimura, we offer a culinary experience that highlights local flavors and ingredients. Our dining options cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that every meal is a memorable One. Family-Friendly Focus: We offer a variety of spacious room layouts that are perfect for families and larger groups. Our accommodations are designed with comfort and stability in mind, ensuring everyone has plenty of room to relax and enjoy their stay together. This makes Chatrium Niseko an excellent choice for families seeking a luxury experience that caters to their unique needs. Whether you’re enjoying quality time in our family suites or utilizing interconnected rooms, you’ll find the perfect space to create lasting memories. Concierge Expertise: Our dedicated concierge team is committed to helping guests curate their perfect getaway, providing personalized recommendations for activities, dining, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. Sustainable Practices: We are dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, incorporating local materials and supporting local communities, which resonates with environmentally conscious travelers. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Absolutely! At Chatrium Niseko, we believe that every guest deserves a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, our team is dedicated to ensuring your stay is exceptional. Don’t forget to explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding us—each season offers its own charm, from breathtaking winter landscapes to vibrant summer adventures.We also invite you to immerse yourself in local traditions and cuisine, making the most of your time in Niseko. Our concierge team is always ready to assist you in planning your activities, dining, and excursions to ensure you experience the best of what this incredible region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and making your stay unforgettable! Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed, we loved hearing about the omotenashi offered at your beautiful hotel! Chatrium Niseko: chatrium.com/chatriumniseko Instagram: instagram.com/chatrium Facebook: facebook.com/chatrium Featured Photo Credit: Chatrium Niseko Want to have more fun on your trip to Japan? Join a culinary tour and discover the country as a local!
Things to do in Osaka in December 2024 | Arigato Travel
With the winter cold in the air and the city decorated for the season, December is a wonderful time to visit Osaka. Since Osaka doesn’t get snow as often, you don’t have to worry about your trip being too cold, but still expect chilly weather around this time of year, and bring proper coats, gloves, scarves, etc! In December, Osaka comes alive to celebrate the holidays and the magical winter season by having night illuminations paint the streets, cozy Christmas markets, and plenty of food to keep you warm during this chilly time. Whether you like the holiday season or simply prefer winter trips, this blog will introduce everything to do in Osaka during this December. Take a Walk Through the Magical Colored Street of Midosuji Celebrate the holiday season by taking a stroll or a drive through the colorful street that is Midosuji, a popular street in Osaka. With a 4-kilometer stretch of trees illuminated with all sorts of colors, it not only paints the streets a mix of beautiful shiny colors but also makes the perfect atmosphere for this winter holiday season. It’s a free event and goes from 5 PM until 11 PM, and has easy access across several stations. If you are looking for something magical this winter season, Midosuji should be a quick trip on your itinerary, whether you go for a few minutes for a quick stroll or stay around enjoying the sights for an hour or so in the early evening or late at night. Dates: November 3rd - December 31st Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCKExSMQ1C5jvGm16 Website: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/en/midosuji/ Experience Colorful Recreations of Famous Architecture at Osaka Castle At Osaka Castle Park, you can experience another illumination experience, showcasing Osaka’s history, reproductions of famous spots, and also activities for those who want to have a little fun during this event, all with Osaka Castle lit up in the background. Additionally, with the attraction being in Osaka’s Castle Park, you can enjoy two amazing spots at once. With illuminations of the Nio Guardians from Asakusa, women in kimonos, a reproduction of Dotonbori street, and so much more, you can take a good stroll around the park and enjoy every illuminated creation, having fun recognizing places or things you know, but also admiring illuminations of things you have never seen before. Additionally, even the trees and long stretches of area are illuminated, and these lights are also reflected on the water, so the whole park becomes lit up, making an amazing, bright experience. There are even lit-up see-saws, so if you want to have a quick moment for some illuminated entertainment, Osaka Castle provides! There are also some opportunities for hot-pot and food trucks in the area if you want some warm food this chilly time of year. Dates: November 22nd - February 25th Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gduCXLg1BdTtNPsa9 Website: https://illuminagegroup.com/en TryRamen from all over Japan at the 2024 Ramen Expo Looking for something warm to eat during this cold weather? Perhaps a hot bowl of ramen? Lucky for you, in Osaka’s Banpakukoen Expo Commemoration Park, there is a Ramen Expo that invites around 10 vendors selling different types of ramen every December. This food festival is held every weekend from late November to late December, with ten new vendors each weekend. Once you pay the park’s entrance fee, you will get a poster introducing all the different types of ramen available to try at this expo. With some options being from different parts of Japan, you can experience different flavors across the country from one spot. Whether you’re searching for a hearty pork ramen from Tokyo, a thick broth tonkotsu ramen from Osaka, or even a bowl or two from Hokkaido and Fukushima, a couple of hours spent at the ramen expo is a must this December. Typically, instead of buying ramen directly, you buy vendor tickets that are usually at a fixed price. As prices tend to change each year, expect a ticket to be at most about 1000 yen each, as some years have seen prices of 650-700 yen, and it’s always best to be prepared! Dates: November 23rd - December 30th (Weekends only and some Fridays) Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UHKEEhKzYVVLc5ZR9 Website: https://ramen-expo.com/ Have Some Fun by Ice Skating at Umekita Square Looking for a way to stay active on your trip? Right on Umekita Square is Osaka’s Tsurun Tsurun ice rink. This ice rink is a must-visit whether you want to exercise or have fun skating with friends or family! With hours from around 11-12 to 8:30 PM, you can have lots of time to fit this activity into your schedule. As gloves are necessary for this rink, make sure to bring some, or you can buy some for cheap at the rink! Dates: November 24th - February 25th Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B4NHEKvUujiEuiRA9 Website: https://www.mbs.jp/skate-rink/ Feel the Christmas Spirit at Osaka’s Christmas Market At Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building, you can experience the holiday season firsthand within their German-inspired Christmas market. It is full of different shops, stalls for food, huge light decorations, a merry-go-round, and even a nativity scene. Being at the Sky Building allows you to witness Osaka’s winter scene from above with beautiful views. With Umeda Sky Building being so large, there are plenty of activities this time of year. Whether you want to stay at the market and purchase vintage-looking cookie tins, get some hot chocolate, eat German food like sausages, or enjoy German beer and/or wine, you can also find that this area has Christmas dinner activities. Unlike the Umeda Sky Building, admission is free, and the dinner courses have set prices that depend on each course, so make sure to check the website! There are also ceremonies such as lighting up the tree ceremony for the festivities, so if you happen to be in Osaka during that time, make sure to drop by for that wonderful event! Dates: November 26th - December 25th Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rcCy6Ry7t2cJbZcZA Website: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/event/xmas/ Yassai Hossai Festival at Iwatsuta Shrine While this festival only occurs once in December, if your trip manages to fall around mid-December, especially the 14th, you won’t want to miss this spectacular opportunity to experience local Japanese culture at a beautiful shrine location. Based on an old local legend from the area, where villagers found the sea god named Ebisu stranded and warmed him by fire, this festival is now celebrated by praying for a bountiful harvest and catch for fishermen, but also by recreating the legend, carrying a man dressed as Ebisu across burning firewood while chanting “yassai, hossai!” There are even sayings that bringing home the firewood used in this festival can bring good luck, so upon your visit, if you’re able to, try taking a little piece or two home with you after it has cooled off, of course! Date: December 14th Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/psNvEEiC3w2z6QyQ7 Website: 石津太神社のやっさいほっさい 堺市 Osaka, this time of year, is a beautiful and magical place that comes alive with color, lights, and, of course, holiday spirit. Thus, if the weather isn’t an issue, December makes a great month to visit Osaka, whether you wish to experience festive markets and enjoy some hot food and drink or walk through and look with wonder at all of the decorative and creative illuminations Osaka hosts each December. If you are looking for something unique to Osaka this time of year, go see the festival that only occurs on one day of the year in December, the Yassai Hossai festival at one of the area’s beautiful shrines. This time of year even accommodates those who want a way to get their body moving and stay active, an ice rink for people of any age to enjoy, and a way to get everyone involved on one’s trip. Additionally, if you’re looking for a place to spend your lunch or dinner to keep warm, Osaka’s Banpakukoen has a ramen expo for you to get a hot meal in between your travels while also experiencing ramen flavors across the country. In short, if you like the cozy feeling of a city in the cold, great sights and events, and even activities, Osaka should be on your travel plans for this year’s December. Featured Photo Credit: flickr Want to have more fun on your trip to Osaka? Join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local!
From Winter, Spring, Summer to Autumn, Everything to Do in Suruga! | Arigato Travel
Being between Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula, Suruga is typically referred to as the area surrounding the gorgeous Suruga Bay. Known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji, fishing opportunities, tea harvesting, and drinking experiences, along with much more throughout each season, there is never a wrong time to visit! Of course, even though it is known for its large bay, there are equal opportunities whether done on water or land. From onsen to tea harvesting, skiing, and matcha experiences, both land and sea, Suruga has it all. With different experiences across the seasons, this blog will provide all the activities and experiences one can enjoy throughout the year. Winter - Downtown Suruga (December-February) While it may be the chilliest season of the year, don’t let that hinder you from making the trip to Suruga. Suruga has relatively mild winters from 0-18 degrees Celsius as it is somewhat near southern Japan, making it bearable for this time of year. Even though the main tea harvesting and fishing seasons are over, this article will introduce ways to still have fun in Suruga in the winter, specializing in the downtown area. Sabo Yume Terrace Enjoy all sorts of products from Shizuoka prefecture in this cozy terrace cafe. Specialties include cups of tea, either sencha (green tea) or hojicha (roasted tea), and rice bowls topped off with warm ochazuke, a type of rice that, once it’s cooked, has green tea poured over it. Another specialty from this region is mandarin oranges, which this cafe also takes advantage of by preparing and selling mandarin jelly. Whether you enjoy tea, warm rice, or refreshing light jelly, warm up and take a break, or use this cafe as a start for your day by sitting directly across a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, with new, fresh coats of snow in the winter while enjoying some warm tea and food. With Suruga being in such a bountiful area, there is no better place to enjoy all the main products of Shizuoka prefecture than Sabo Yume Terrace. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVTSYdwrSkfT7Xzp9 Website: https://www.nihondaira-yume-terrace.jp/ Matcha Calligraphy Looking for an experience that you’d probably only find in Suruga? A restaurant within the downtown area has created a fun opportunity for visitors to enjoy doing calligraphy, eat a seasonal meal, and of course, have some tea to drink, all in one. When your experience begins, first, your instructor will show you various green teas for you to enjoy at your leisure, paired with a multi-course meal, using seasonal ingredients from the area. After you’ve eaten, you’ll get to take part in some Japanese calligraphy. Whether you’ve tried your hand at calligraphy in the past or are a total beginner, this experience is open to everybody, and you’ll be taught how to partake in such an important aspect of Japanese culture. What you may notice right away is that the ink used for this activity is not the usual black ink you may expect, but instead, powdered green tea mixed into a solution to act as ink, which allows it to come out as a beautiful light green color on paper. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jp6TYdj9ZZLrm9Zh7 Website: https://fieja-japan.com/teapairing-matchacalligraphy/ Onsen Need some warming up? Head to the Suruga ward area before you end the day and stop by an onsen. Close to the bay, a highly rated onsen called Yunoki no Sato is referred to as a “super public bath,” which just recently implemented the use of nano water in every facility. Nano water is water that has had the contaminants and chemicals removed to soften the water. Thus, nano water is purely O2 and H20, making it the best water you could bathe in. This water will help relax your body and is good for the skin. And according to the onsen’s website, it is even advertised as delicious. What I would recommend, as a frequent onsen goer, is always to check out the bath labeled “露天風呂,” or “rotenburo,” meaning exposed air bath. Because the onsen water at this destination can reach temperatures up to 32.6 Celsius, being exposed to the chilly winter air helps balance these temperatures and prevents you from overheating and feeling sick if you are new to onsens. Keep in mind that prices change depending on whether you visit on a weekday or weekend, with adult prices being 1,100 yen on the weekday and 1,320 on the weekend. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sihJNe8p4qec4ngaA Website: http://www.yunokinosato.com/ Tea Museum While tea harvesting season is sadly over for this time of year, and it may be too cold for some to go out into the water, you might feel more comfortable going somewhere you can enjoy and get some nice heating while you’re at it. Even though tea-harvesting experiences are off-limits, there is nothing stopping travelers going to Suruga from learning about the process and tea in general. Lucky for you, there is a museum within Suruga called Fuji No Kuni Cha No Miyako Museum, full of experiences, whether that be learning, tasting, or eating- all related to tea. Since the museum is within the Makinohara tea plantation, you can still get a good look at an actual tea farm on your way to the museum. With tickets as cheap as 300 yen, you can be introduced to several cultures related to tea, tea making, matcha tasting, and workshops too to make tea yourself. For the aforementioned workshops, you can get the experience of grinding matcha in a stone mill and can bring your own matcha home to enjoy. If matcha isn’t up your alley, you can leisurely enjoy various types of straight green tea while enjoying the sights of the museum. While the ticket is 300 yen to participate in the tea ceremony activity, it is an extra 600 yen to be able to enter the separate tea house. However, that is a small price to pay to be able to participate and learn more about a huge part of Japanese culture! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/up2PMEXSk5iJtuAh9 Website: https://tea-museum.jp/ Spring - River Area (March-May) The Suruga area in the spring makes for a wonderful trip with nice weather, tasty food, cool water in the bay, and fun seasonal experiences. While the weather may be too cool to fully indulge in bay activities, the river area of Suruga is the perfect destination for spring. This river area is referred to as the Oi River. Starting from a 3000-meter altitude in the Southern Japan Alps, the water from the river flows through Shizuoka. Due to the river area’s misty climate, multiple tea plantations are accompanied by it, which allows for the best conditions for tea to grow. Tea Farms Being in Japan’s number one tea-producing area, a trip to a tea farm goes without saying. Whether you simply like tea or are a huge enthusiast, people from all different forms of appreciation for tea will find something enjoyable about their visit to one of the tea plantations. Along the Oi River lies a farm called Yamakasho Farm, right at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps. As mentioned earlier, these farms take advantage of the climate from the Oi River, along with the mist that comes from the mountain, all of which help their tea grow. Suruga’s climates are so great for tea production that Yamakasho’s own tea has been presented to the Emperor. On your visit to Yamakasho, you will partake in a tour of the tea plantation, followed by a tour of the tea production factory, and end with some fresh tea to be enjoyed in a traditional Japanese farmhouse. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQ4Sr56F4yF9YahT6 Website: yamakasho.com Pottery Making Experience With Japan’s vast history of pottery making starting around 10,500 BC, near the river, area you can partake in making your own piece of pottery accompanied by the history of the piece you’ll be making by Mr. Maruyama, who runs the Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln. Being of the fifth generation to run this kiln, you’ll be in the hands of the best of the best to learn how to make a new piece of pottery to take home with you. While Shitoro-ware itself did not originate in 10,500 BC, it still has a long history. From the 12th century, Japan’s Heian period, to the 13th century, which was the Kamakura period, pieces using this process of pottery making were found in Japan, and thus this specific method of pottery making was continued. For about 3300 yen for a 2-hour class, you can choose to make anything from a cup, bowl, plate, and more. Shitoro-yaki is a type of pottery that involves a lot of iron mixed within the clay, which gives it that rich, burnt brownish color, and once it’s fired, it comes out with a natural hue and a nice gloss finish. Since this type of pottery process is meant for tea-based ceramics, this type of clay shrinks hard when in the kiln, protecting the tea from humidity and other outside elements. After you’re done making your pottery, you’ll place it into a kiln, but since it will take a few days to finish, Maruyama offers to ship it to your home if you are out of the country before it’s ready. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvyJKEZtZax9JpB89 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046717740582 Kimono Experience With the cooler weather, the spring season makes it a great time to wear kimono comfortably. In Shimada city, you can enjoy a kimono-wearing experience, some tea tasting, and a museum visit all in one for a fee of 4000 yen, all hosted by a volunteer group called “Walk Shimada in a Kimono Promotion Group,” which so far have donated about 300 kimonos for visitors to enjoy trying on. After you’re helped into the kimono of your choice, you can enjoy some green tea, then depart on your walk down Kawagoe Road. The surrounding restored and preserved buildings and scenery make you feel as if you’ve been sent back to the Edo period. During this walk, you can enjoy Japanese sweets and tour Shimada’s City Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Oi River and how people back in the Edo period crossed these rivers and the systems they built to do so. Of course, you can find artworks and literature from artists from this period, giving you a feel of what happened and came from the area you just walked around in. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q3Jn3kjRid8cd2PX7 Tea and Souvenir Shop After all of those tea-based experiences along the river, one location that should be on your list is a visit to the Horai Bridge 897.4 Tea Gift Shop to bring a piece of Suruga back with you. Curious about the name? Leading up to the actual gift shop lies a world record-breaking bridge called Yakunashi, which translates to “no worries.” With a length of 897.4 meters, it makes it the longest wooden bridge in the world (and also quite the hike). Once you make it across the bridge, you’ll meet the 897.4 Tea Gift Shop, which holds varieties of tea, Japanese sweets, and other neat souvenirs. Some include green tea-flavored Coca-Cola, sweets shaped like Japanese teapots, and various other goods. You can even order tea to drink while you browse or get some green tea ice cream. Whether you’re a green tea fan or not, 897.4 is full of tea-related and non-tea-related goods, so there is a little bit of everything for everyone to remember their trip to Suruga’s river area. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PpbvLpCNyHLJfDuU7 Website: http://shimadagreenci-tea.jp/drink-buy/8974chaya.html Summer - Bay Area (June-August) With easy access to the bay, multiple activities are available in Suruga for the summertime to beat the heat. Whether you want to cool off in the water, view nighttime fireworks, or visit a beach, there are multiple ways to keep cool and still have fun during these hot summer months. Fireworks Would it really be a summer trip in Japan if you didn’t participate in at least one fireworks festival? Luckily for you, Suruga has just the event. Being right up against the bay, an area called Nihondaira holds a firework festival every late July, presenting 15,000 huge fireworks that light up Suruga Bay, and surround Mount Fuji in the background. Unlike usual festivals where the fireworks feel as if they are miles away, the fireworks at this festival are so close that they quite literally go over and above your head, coloring every inch of the night sky. Performed close to the Nihondaira Hotel, it gathers a huge crowd of fireworks viewers, so make sure you plan accordingly and read up on the parking/transportation regulations before making plans to attend. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j1GY2b7VEjAZ1rnx9 Website: https://www.minatokappore.jp/ Shizunami Beach Hot during your travels? Looking for a way to cool down before you start your day? Take a trip to Shizunami Beach on the bay, a wide-stretching shore with a stunning view of Mount Fuji and refreshing waters to escape the summer heat for a couple of hours. If you wish to surf, many say that Shizunami is the perfect beach to do so; with gentle waters, subtle waves, and soft ground, even beginners can feel comfortable surfing here. In addition to those gentle, shallow waters, this beach makes for a great and safe travel spot for those with young children. If surfing or swimming isn’t your thing but you still want to visit a beach just to cool off, there are spots for barbecues and picnics, so you can cool off by walking around in the shallow part of the beach for a few, then head back and enjoy some good food on a nice summer day. Also, make sure you don’t miss the small Statue of Liberty at the beachfront for a great photo! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUypXk99m8QwMGrm6 Website: https://shizuoka-makinohara.com/shizunamikaisuiyokujo/ Fishing/Kayaking Fishing can be done all year round, but many would agree summertime is one of the best times to dig out the old fishing pole and take a stab at reeling in something this year. With its vast bay, Suruga is a perfect destination for fishing. As said earlier, while the opportunity is available all year round, going in the summertime allows you to balance off the hot weather with cool breezes from the sea if you choose to fish and being in the water if you choose to kayak. With over 1000 different species of fish in the waters of Suruga, many come to try their luck at reeling in something, whether that is close-shore fishing or deep-sea fishing. While many can rent a fishing boat for about 7000 yen, Suruga also offers the opportunity to fish while kayaking, combining a hobby with exercise! If you choose to kayak, certain tour guides will take you along routes in the Bay that you can’t reach or see by foot, making it an interesting experience to explore the secrets of Suruga Bay and all that it holds. Website: https://tour.izuadventurefactory.jp/kayak-tour/ Seafood Restaurant Want to do something with the fish you caught out at sea? Being so reliant on the seafood populations in the bay, Suruga has just the place for fishermen or people who just want to enjoy fish from the area! Due to the area being a popular spot to fish, many fishing enthusiasts drive hours just to get to Suruga, then spend all day fishing but don’t want to travel all that distance back just to spend more time cooking what they caught. As a result, a certain restaurant within Suruga came up with the solution to cook the fish people caught and brought to the restaurant so they could enjoy a professional meal from their fish. This restaurant is called Osakana Dining Hiro. So, why not combine two activities into one and spend some time in the summer rays fishing, then enjoy your catch in a cozy Japanese and beach-themed restaurant? Whether your catches are small or big, this restaurant deals with anything you throw their way. However, be warned that prices may vary based on size and your preferences. If you are not the fishing type, don’t worry; this restaurant has plenty of courses for you to be able to taste all different types of seasonal fish caught from Suruga Bay, with affordable prices from 4000 yen for 8 different dishes, and so forth. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CGczKbvirD7PyLJd8 Website: https://osakana-hiro.com/party/ Fall - Mountain Area (September-November) With the heat from summer gone and the cooling breezes back, venture a bit away from the Bay, and Suruga becomes a beautiful symbol of the autumn season with all of its mountains and scenery surrounding you. As the waters of the bay may be too cold this time of year, if you prefer the cool breezes and colorful autumn scenery in the areas nearby, then your trip to Suruga may be best suited for the fall season. Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge The fall foliage and the perfect weather make the best time of year for visiting a suspension bridge and taking a relaxing stroll through the woods without the stress of being too hot or cold. Near two major mountains, Mount Kurohoshi and Daimugen, Yume no Tsuribashi, or The Bridge of Dreams, is a popular tourist destination. With many making the trip here for the amazing picture opportunities, the long stretch of a walk from one end of the bridge to the other, and the experience of solely walking on a suspension bridge in the first place, being that high up really makes the experience worthwhile! With a 30-minute hike from the parking lot to the actual bridge itself, you can get a good walk in and enjoy the natural air of Shizuoka before reaching the famous spot. Upon reaching the beginning of the bridge, you’ll quickly feel a sense of seclusion, surrounded by beautiful colors of reds and oranges and the teal-colored water 109 meters below. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KbiU49DtNCvzYM4Z7 Yume no Tsuribashi is not the only bridge, however. The mountain areas of Suruga contain multiple bridge-crossing opportunities for hiking enjoyers and/or nature sightseers. If one isn’t enough or if one is out of reach, other bridges nearby consist of the Ikawa Suspension Bridge, connecting you through a path from one mountain to another, or the Sekinosawa Bridge, while not a suspension bridge, it makes for a relaxing hike across such a small seemingly appearing bridge when surrounded by so many trees from the mountains, giving you that isolated in nature experience, away from all the noises of the city. Additionally, there is a bridge that doesn’t require any walking but instead a leisurely train ride. If you’re already nearing the end of your day, this will be the perfect last bridge attraction. If you take any train along the Oigawa line cutting through the mountains, you’ll be able to witness many amazing views above the water and take a ride through the forests on the rainbow bridge. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ccqWLMf4PDWwpx326 Waterfalls Being this deep in the mountains, suspension bridges are not the only thing hidden within the trees. If you head towards the Oma area in Aoi Ward, you’ll find a hidden tourist attraction that consists of a flowing waterfall tucked away in the woods. At Fukuyo Falls, witness cooler temperatures due to being under trees and enclosed in this part of the mountain, and witness about a 100-meter-deep drop for the waterfalls below you. With past travelers saying they’ve encountered monkeys and lizards at this location, you’ll be experiencing nature on a deeper level beyond hiking, but be careful with waterfall locations; everyone should be cautious of slippery rocks and surfaces! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBJ2kZh2tMHiGheq8 Onsen and Dining If you’re tired from walking and want some time to relax and get something warm to eat, within the mountains lies Sessokyo Onsen Kaikan, a public hot spring combined with a cafeteria. With mineral-rich waters, high temperatures, and a cheap ticket, a quick stop at Sessokyo is well-deserved after all of that hiking and exploring. While the baths may be smaller than your usual onsen experience, it still makes a great pit stop to get you back on your feet, especially with the food choices after you’re done with your bath. With sets that have affordable prices, you can order food such as roast beef, a warm plate of curry, or udon set, or if you want something cold after that hot water, you can order matcha ice cream as well. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7R1brRbP8BeVn2N6 Website: https://www.sessokyoonsen.com/ Tea farms Thirsty after your hike? Head to Moriuchi farm, just outside Shizuoka city, near the bottom of the mountain ranges. This farm has been through nine generations, with the current Mr. and Mrs. Moriuchi caring for the beautiful green tea leaves, handpicking tea leaves every day. Upon visiting, the two owners teach the process of tea making from the harvest up until it is in a cup at the table. With the plantation surrounded by mountains, it’s no easy job to harvest such vast fields of tea leaves; however, the Moriuchis seem to bear no complaint. All of their effort and love for tea is poured into each cup they prepare. If you take the trip to this plantation, you can taste the tea from their farms while also learning stories and history from a tea farm in operation since the Edo Period. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sh7kd7qsXZvUrDM26 Website: https://www.moriuchitea.com/ Now the Choice is Up to You Whether you go in the Winter, Autumn, or anytime in between, Suruga has everything suited for each season for you to enjoy your trip. Being in such a bountiful area full of resources used across Suruga, but also across the country due to how everything is produced as freshly as possible, you can experience firsthand the area that is deemed Japan’s tea-producing capital and fully understand the importance of Suruga while also having fun. The downtown area of Suruga is most fitting for winter, as the temperatures will not be the best suited for enjoying the bay or tea plantations. But this does not mean you cannot enjoy tea in one of the best tea-producing areas of the country. Moving on to Spring, this time holds many cultural and tea-based experiences along the Oi River, from taking a stroll in a kimono to making some new ceramics for your kitchen. If the bay attracts you to Suruga, the summer season has beaches, fireworks, opportunities to fish in the bay, and all other sorts of water-based activities. In Autumn, Suruga’s mountain area comes to life with beautiful fall colors, making it a fitting time of the year to partake in hiking adventures, find suspension bridges, take trains across huge winding rivers through the woods, and connect with nature on a deeper level. With experiences like tea tasting, tea-centered museums with hands-on workshops, and even calligraphy using the tea resources from the area, the winter season still holds many tea-oriented activities, surely to leave you with a good impression of Suruga. No matter the season, you can rest assured that if you can’t make the trip during a certain season, the next one has plenty to make it a memorable trip! Featured Photo Credit: IamDoctorEgg Ready to experience the healing powers of Suruga? Check out our ultimate itinerary for the area and see it for yourself!!
Big News: Japan Hits 30 Million Visitors in 2024! | Arigato Travel
Japan’s tourism is absolutely booming! According to Kyodo News, over 30 million visitors from around the globe traveled to Japan between January and October this year. That’s not just an impressive number—it’s the fastest pace the country has ever seen for welcoming travelers. We couldn’t be more excited to share this milestone with our readers and guests! After a few quiet years during the pandemic, this incredible rebound is a sign that Japan is officially back on everyone’s bucket list. And honestly, it’s easy to see why! From the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes to food that’s just out of this world, Japan has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re coming for the food, the festivals, the history, or simply the unforgettable hospitality, there’s no better time to visit than now. What's Behind the Record-Breaking Numbers? So, what’s fueling this massive influx of visitors? Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) points to a few key reasons. First, Japan has seen a huge surge in travelers from neighboring countries like South Korea, China, and Taiwan, as well as the United States. These regions have long had strong travel ties with Japan, and as restrictions have eased, people are jumping at the chance to explore (or re-explore) this incredible country. Let’s not forget the unbeatable timing of cherry blossom season earlier this year. Sakura season is always a major draw, but this year it felt even more special. After years of travel restrictions, visitors flocked to Japan’s parks, temples, and riversides to soak in the stunning pink blooms. Another factor is Japan’s streamlined travel process. With international travel becoming easier and more convenient, it’s no surprise that people are booking trips in record numbers. Add to that Japan’s reputation for safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, and it’s clear why travelers feel confident choosing Japan as their next destination. Why This Matters to Us at Arigato Travel At Arigato Travel, we’re thrilled to see Japan’s tourism industry thriving like this. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the stories, connections, and memories being made. Every time we guide a group through the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene paths of Kyoto, we’re reminded of how special it is to share Japan’s culture with the world. For us, this milestone is a celebration of what makes Japan unique: the incredible cuisine, the warm hospitality, and the perfect blend of old and new. We know that many travelers are seeking authentic, meaningful experiences, and we’re here to make that happen. From discovering the freshest seafood at Tokyo’s fish markets to learning the secrets of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, we’re all about creating moments that you’ll treasure forever. Looking Ahead As Japan continues to welcome millions of visitors, we’re also excited to see how travel trends evolve. Sustainable tourism, local experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures are becoming more popular than ever. At Arigato Travel, we’re ready to meet these trends head-on by offering unique, immersive tours that highlight Japan’s hidden gems and celebrate its vibrant culture. Thinking about making Japan your next travel destination? Now’s the perfect time to plan your trip. Let us help you explore Japan in a way that’s personal, authentic, and unforgettable. After all, there’s nothing quite like the magic of Japan—come see it for yourself! Featured Photo Credit: Lauren Shannon Want to join these 30 million visitors and come see us? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
A Taste of Asagaya: Serenity in Western Tokyo | Arigato Travel
Asagaya is a residential neighborhood west of Shinjuku, located 15-20 minutes away from JR Shinjuku station on the Chuo line. Despite not boasting as many attractions as famous areas such as Shibuya or Roppongi, this area of Suginami Ward offers peace of mind as well as entertainment for those passing through while in Tokyo. Today we are going to dive into this sleepy little corner of a hectic city to clue you into some hidden gems and must-see destinations. What to do? Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine (阿佐ヶ谷神明宮) is located about 5 minutes from the JR Asagaya station’s east exit. Despite not being as big as other shrines in Tokyo, Asagaya Shinmeigu feels wide and spacious due to its open space and greenery shielding the grounds from the busy traffic and buildings nearby. As one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo at over 1,000 years old, it is known as a place to ward off evil. At this shrine, visitors can take part in “hachinan-yoke,” (八難除), which is a prayer ritual to ward off disasters, especially during unlucky years (yaku-doshi). As well as making offerings at the shrine, visitors can also buy bracelets and charms for good luck in education, driving commuting, and safe pregnancies. Either way, this shrine offers a reprieve from the outside world to reflect on and collect oneself on your travels. Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine on Google Maps Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine (Japanese only) Hours of operation: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm daily Admission: free A-San no Niwa A-San no Niwa (Aさんの庭) was originally a Western-style house surrounded by roses and was nicknamed “rose house” and “Totoro’s house,” as locals felt that Totoro (the magical character from a Studio Ghibli movie, would like to live in that sort of place. Sadly, after the owner moved away, the house was burned down in 2009. However, upon learning of what happened to “Totoro’s house,” Hayao Miyazaki, the Ghibli director, designed a house and park to be built where the original once stood, which was reconstructed in 2010. While the iconic house has been turned into a public restroom, the park offers a simple beauty in its suburban neighborhood. It features a sun tiger pump well (which is currently not in operation) and an open deck patio area for people to sit and be surrounded by the greenery around them. This park charm allows visitors to feel the easy-going atmosphere Ghibli movies are known for. As a heads up, this park is a 15 to 20-minute walk northeast of JR Asagaya, but worth the time and effort for those who want to see Hayao Miyazaki’s artistic touch firsthand. A-San no Niwa on Google Maps A-San no Niwa on the Suginami Ward site (Japanese only) Hours of operation: Open 24 hours Admission: free Asagaya Pearl Center Asagaya Pearl Center is the biggest shopping area in the neighborhood, offering over half a kilometer’s worth of eateries, shops, and services to locals and visitors alike. Located at the southern end of JR Asagaya station, you’ll be protected from the hot sun or cold winds with the window roof covering the pedestrian pathway as visitors go about shopping. From coffee shops, grocery stores, gyms, and clothing stores to ethnic restaurants (both Japanese and overseas), visitors have access to almost anything they want at Asagaya Pearl Center. Asagaya Pearl Harbor on Google Maps Asagaya Pearl Center on Suginami Tokyo site (English) Hours of operations: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily Laputa Asagaya Laputa Asagaya is a theater tucked away in a corner of Suginami’s Asagaya neighborhood that specializes in playing old Japanese films, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s. The staff there speaks some English and will be happy to help answer questions about the films playing on its second floor. There’s also a neat gift shop located on the first floor. The entrance is hidden under the shade of nearby trees, making it a hidden gem if you’re interested in old Japanese films, though most of them won’t have English subtitles. Laputa Asagaya is located 10 minutes on foot northwest of JR Asagaya station. Laputa Asagaya on Google Maps Laputa Asagaya site (Japanese only) Hours of operations: 10:30 am to 11:00 pm daily What to eat? Tsukishima Monjayaki Located near the entrance of the Asagaya Pearl Center, Tsukishima Monjayaki Okoge (月島もんじゃおこげ) offers guests a traditional Japanese-style dish, the aforementioned monjayaki. Monjayaki is a mix of ingredients (usually vegetables with mixed meats like pork, chicken, etc.) and a liquid batter that is fried on a skillet at your table, with staff mixing the ingredients in front of guests. The result is a fresh hot meal that’s easy to cut up with your plate’s own mini-spatula, but surprisingly filling once it’s finished. Tsukishima Monja Okoge on Google Maps Tsukishima Monja Okoge on Tabelog (English) Hours of operation: 10:45 am to 11:00 pm weekdays, 10:30 am to 11:00 pm weekends Taiyaki Tomoean Taiyaki (たい焼き) is a fish-shaped pancake pastry filled with red bean (azuki) or other sweets. Located further into Asagaya Pearl Center, this taiyaki booth offers the famous Japanese snack, along with its signature shiratama-taiyaki (taiyaki with a small white mochi ball inside). Tomoean also offers visitors rennyu-mochi (練乳餅), which is mochi (soft rice cakes) mixed with milk along with shaved ice (かき氷). Their Renyu-mochi is on sale from May until October to help beat the heat. Anyone with a sweet tooth for Japanese desserts will be spoiled for choice here. Taiyaki Tomoean on Google Maps Taiyaki Tomoean site (Japanese only) Hours of operation: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday) Pan no Tajima Along with Japanese specialties like monjayaki, there are many restaurants visitors choose to enjoy a meal at, a select few of which we’ll mention here today. The first one is “Pan no Tajima,” which serves small loaves of bread with special added ingredients. It’s similar to the peanut butter or red bean bread loaves that can be bought at convenience stores in Japan but of much higher quality. Ranging from sweets such as blueberries or chocolate to more traditional foods like potato salad or meats such as beef or fish, guests can find a quick snack of their choice here. Pan no Tajima on Instagram (Japanese only) Pan no Tajima on Google Maps Hours of operation: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily Tik.Top Biryani Restaurant If Indian-Nepalese dishes are on the menu while in Asagaya, visitors can try curry or biryani for lunch if they want. Further down in Asagaya Pearl Center, this restaurant offers the tried-and-true favorites of naan curry to savory samosa snacks. This restaurant makes dishes from South and Southeast Asia, ensuring anyone with a taste for food from those regions will have something to enjoy when they sit down for a meal. Tik.Top Biryani Restaurant on Google Maps Tik.Top Biryani Restaurant on Tabelog (Japanese only) Hours of operation: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm daily Asagaya in western Tokyo has many things for visitors to indulge in, such as the restaurants and shops in Asagaya Pearl Center to its famous shrine, the Asagaya Shinmeigu. Some locales are more of an acquired taste, like Laputa Asagaya with its showing of classic Japanese films. There is also the hidden gem that is A-San no Niwa, a park designed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. While not as famous as Odaiba or Akihabara, Asagaya offers plenty of history and leisurely activities for those wanting to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life in Tokyo. Featured Photo Credit: Joseph Magtibay Coming to Tokyo to check out Asagaya and want to see more of the city? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
A Taste of Ariake: Relaxing by Tokyo Bay | Arigato Travel
Ariake is a district in Koto, Tokyo that is best known as the home of Tokyo Big Sight and plenty of venues for concerts and sporting events, such as the Ariake Coliseum and Ariake Arena. But on top of that, Ariake also boasts some fine eateries and tons of fun activities. While most of Tokyo can have a congested and crowded image, Ariake stands out as a place where people can enjoy the bay breeze with lots of open space to enjoy major events. Come check out why Ariake, near Toyosu and Odaiba, is a great spot to get fresh air and unwind after a hard day (or week) in Tokyo. What to do? Tokyo Big Sight Tokyo Big Sight is a large building with a unique shape (think of four upside-down gold trapezoids next to each other) overlooking Tokyo Bay. With over 300,000 square meters of floor space, Tokyo Big Sight has served as one of Tokyo’s most accessible venues, hosting events such as the Tokyo International Toy Day (usually held in June) and Comiket, a comic book convention held biannually (in August and December) that attracts hobbyists from all over the world. Even when there's no convention going on, Tokyo Big Sight offers free entrance and plenty of restaurants inside for visitors to eat in. It’s a great place to get away from the heat or the cold and take it easy on a day out. Tokyo Big Sight has also incorporated the Ariake Gymnastics Center, which was used in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It has been rebranded as ‘Ariake GYM-EX’, adding more space for future exhibits that will draw in more fun events in the future. Location: Tokyo Big Sight on Google Maps Website: Tokyo Big Sight official website (English) Hours of operation: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily Admission: free (outside of events occurring there) Tokyo Water Science Museum Tokyo Water Science Museum is a kid-friendly 3-story free museum where visitors can interact with exhibits about water and learn where it’s collected and purified for use in society. The staff and exhibits are all in Japanese, but there are enough English headers under the separate areas to describe what they’re about. There’s an “aqua laboratory” where visitors can experiment with how water moves under certain conditions and how often we use it daily. The museum has a 10-minute 3D movie (with no dialogue) on the 3rd floor showing how water from forests and dams gets filtered and sent to homes and public facilities. All of this is showcased with a semi-panoramic view. And of course, there’s the main lobby’s interactive waterworks where children (and their parents) can enjoy spraying water at targets during their day at the museum. Location: Tokyo Water Science Museum on Google Maps Info Pamphlet: Tokyo Water Science Museum official pdf file (English) Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays and holidays) Admission: free Small Worlds Tokyo Another museum in Ariake worth checking out is Small Worlds Tokyo (or Small Worlds Miniature Museum). It features miniature replicas not only of famous places in Japan and around the world in its “Global Village” exhibit but also of the popular anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Replicas of the giant mechs and locations featured in the franchise are on full display. Located less than 10 minutes away from Ariake-Tennis-no-Mori station on the Yurikamone line, visitors will go through a tunnel to pass admissions and marvel at all the meticulous details put into each display. From the recreation of the Kansai International Airport to the “Nightlife in Japan” exhibit, children and adults can take their time to enjoy this museum. Location: Small Worlds Tokyo on Google Maps Website: Small World Tokyo official website (English) Hours of Operations: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily Admission: 3,200 yen (adults) What to eat? Murata Located on the 2nd floor in the Ariake Park Building right across from Kokusai-Tenjijo station, Murata (むら田) is a traditional Japanese restaurant, offering set meals (lunch is cash only) and English-speaking staff. This restaurant has Japanese staples such as sashimi (thinly cut raw fish slices), tempura (deep-fried battered seafood and vegetables), and negitoro (green onion and fatty tuna). For those who love Japanese food in a serene setting, be sure to check out this restaurant near the Washington Hotel in Ariake. Location: Murata on Google Maps Website: Murata on the Tokyo Big Sight website (Japanese only) Hours of Operation: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm daily Ariake Garden Located between Ariake station and Kokusai-Tenjijo station, Ariake Garden is the go-to mall in the area for eating and shopping. Along with a tax-free shop for foreigners, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the food court on the 5th floor. The Ariake Diner food court offers your standard selection of Japanese restaurants serving ton-katsu (Kim-katsu-tei) and curry (Maji-curry). But you also have the option to walk over to the Ariake Dining Street for sushi (Aburi) or some American food at TGI Fridays, making this a great spot to eat and relax in the mall. Location: Ariake Garden on Google Maps Website: Ariake Garden official website (English) Hours of Operation: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily Hobson’s Ice Cream Parlor If you’re in the mood for something cold or sweet, you can try Hobson’s Ice Cream Parlor on Ariake Garden’s 5th floor right next to Pancake House. This ice cream parlor specializes in making fruit parfaits, using mango, melon, strawberries, and other types of berries. Along with parfaits, Hobson’s also makes strawberry zuccotto (an Italian dessert made with cake and ice cream) and strawberry Christmas cake once December approaches. Regardless of the season, there’s always a sweet ice cream treat at the Ariake Diner when this place opens up. Location: Hobson's Ice Cream Parlor on Google Maps Instagram: Hobson's Ice Cream Parlor (Japanese only) Hours of Operation: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm daily (last order at 10:00 pm) Taking a trip down to Ariake is a good idea if you’re looking for either outdoor activities at the Ariake Tennis Park (which was a venue for the 2020 Olympic Games) or just want to see a side of Tokyo that isn’t a part of the hustle and bustle of the city center. Outside of a massive convention, you won’t feel claustrophobic in Ariake with its wide open spaces and close proximity to Tokyo Bay. And while you’re at it, feel free to grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries within a stone’s throw of the stations here. Visiting Ariake is a great way to treat yourself to a chill day in Tokyo. Featured Photo Credit: Joseph Magtibay On a trip to Tokyo? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
Interview With Taiko-Lab Studios | Arigato Travel
The taiko drums are an integral part of Japanese music and culture and have been for over 2000 years. Interestingly, the word Taiko can refer to a Japanese drumming style, the music from the drums, a group of musicians who play the drums, and even the actual drum itself. In short, Taiko is not just the well-known drums, it is everything and everyone involved in the performance. When other Japanese performance art forms like Noh and Kabuki began flourishing, the taiko drums also started gaining popularity as an accompaniment to these performances. Soon, they also became associated with religious ceremonies and festivals. Today, the Taiko drums are recognized as an amazing music style and performance art, in its own right. We are super excited to introduce you to Taiko-Lab, a music studio that is based in Tokyo. Taiko-Lab offers guests an opportunity to participate in fun, energetic Taiko learning workshops. Not only is it an amazing way of learning a Japanese art form, but it also gives a deeper insight into Japanese culture. Let’s chat with the Taiko-Lab team to learn more about them. Can you briefly introduce yourself and Taiko-Lab? Also, we'd love to hear a little background about Taiko. How did it originate and what is its cultural significance? At TAIKO-LAB, we believe in our slogan “Taiko that resonates with the heart and body for everyone”. We strive to share the joy of traditional Japanese drumming with people all over the world. The origins of taiko drums date back over 10,000 years. You’ll see Taiko drums in nearly every temple and shrine, and this is because taiko is more than just an instrument for the Japanese people; it’s a deep cultural symbol. Please tell us more about what kind of workshops or events you conduct at Taiko-Lab. At TAIKO-LAB, you can learn the traditional Japanese art of Taiko drumming directly from professional Taiko instructors. Does one need to have any specific knowledge about music to apply for a course at Taiko-Lab? Or can even amateurs join these courses? No musical experience is necessary. Beginners are more than welcome to join and have fun! Is there an age limit for joining the course? Also, do you conduct your classes in Japanese as well as in English? Our lessons are open to all ages, from 3 to 100! You can enjoy learning Taiko in either Japanese or English. Are your programs only for locals and residents of Japan? Do you have any events or workshops for tourists, who wish to participate in a unique experience during their short holiday in Japan? Both tourists and residents of Japan are welcome to participate. * Please note that trial classes for the regular courses are only for residents of Japan, they are not available to tourists. Where are your workshops or courses currently conducted? Do you plan to start in other cities too? We offer Taiko lessons in Tokyo (Aoyama and Akihabara), Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. What can one expect from participating in a Taiko-Lab event? At TAIKO-LAB, our 60-minute trial program introduces you to the basics of Taiko drumming, teaches traditional rhythms, and lets you complete a simple song. The experience concludes with a performance by a professional Taiko instructor. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? We’d love for you to experience Japanese culture through our authentic Taiko drums. We look forward to seeing you! Thank you for your time. Many of our readers are already aware of the iconic Taiko drum performances, and we are sure that they will find this information very helpful if they too want to take part in such an invigorating part of Japanese culture. Where To Find Taiko-Lab: Website: https://www.taikolab.com/english/ Instagram: ＠taikolab_aoyama Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taikolab.aoyama/ X/Twitter: @taikolabjp Featured Photo Credit: Taiko-Lab Studios Want to have more fun on your trip to Japan? Join a culinary tour and discover the country as a local!
Tokyo: World’s Best Large City 2024 | Arigato Travel
Tokyo recently earned the title of “World’s Best Large City” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2024 reader survey, marking the sixth time Japan’s capital has received this prestigious recognition. The survey, which excludes U.S. cities and has been conducted since 1988, drew over 575,000 votes in Tokyo’s favor, highlighting the city’s global appeal. Tokyo previously held the top spot three years ago, and this year’s win reaffirms the city’s place as a favorite destination among international travelers. The survey, part of Conde Nast Traveler’s U.S. edition with a readership of around 3.5 million, caters to high-end travelers seeking curated information on top travel destinations, accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities. Following Tokyo, the survey ranked Singapore as the second-best large city, with Sydney, Cape Town, and Vienna rounding out the top five. Officials from Tokyo’s Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs attribute this success to strategic promotional efforts focused on showcasing Tokyo’s food, culture, and unique nighttime attractions, which are made possible by the city’s strong safety record. These initiatives target high-spending international tourists, who are drawn to Tokyo’s blend of traditional and modern experiences. “The No. 1 ranking is the result of our tourism promotion activities, projects to improve the environment to receive travelers and other efforts,” a bureau official remarked, expressing pride in the city’s accomplishment. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike echoed this sentiment, celebrating Tokyo’s eclectic mix of old and new. She highlighted the coexistence of traditional shrines and temples with cutting-edge anime culture and the latest pop trends, which together create a unique charm that resonates with visitors worldwide.
Shichi-Go-San: Japan’s Celebration of Childhood Milestones | Arigato Travel
In Japan, there’s a cherished tradition taking place every November when temples and shrines fill with brightly dressed children, proud parents, and an air of festivity. This celebration is Shichi-Go-San — a longstanding Japanese tradition that honors children who have reached the special ages of 3, 5, and 7. Families mark this occasion with visits to shrines, beautiful outfits, and prayers for the health and happiness of their little ones. Though it's a tradition deeply rooted in history, Shichi-Go-San today is a beautiful blend of old customs and modern family life. The Origins of Shichi-Go-San Shichi-Go-San, which literally means
Things to do in Kyoto in November 2024 | Arigato Travel
As the leaves transform into stunning colors of red and gold, November in Kyoto brings a magical atmosphere that invites exploration. View the scenic maple leaves in the garden of some of the best temples in Kyoto, try out the seasonal food that is the freshest in Kyoto, and embrace traditional Japanese cultural experiences. Trust me when I say that there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are some highlights to make your November trip to Kyoto unforgettable. Eikando Momiji Light-up Festival First up on your autumn adventure is Momiji viewing, if you ask me this is quite the quintessential Kyoto experience. Momiji, literally translating to “Red Leaves”, are maple leaves in Autumn. Known for its stunning gardens, temples, and shrines, Kyoto is a prime location for viewing the multicolored trees that populate the Kyoto landscape for the months of fall. Not to mention, the city’s rich history and well-preserved landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for nature's colorful art show. And did you know there is a festival at Eikando where the maple leaves are lit up and you get to see the leaves glow in front of your eyes? Eikando has long been recognized as a famous spot for autumn leaves. Its beauty is so renowned that it is referenced in the Kokin Wakashu (Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems) as the one and only “Momiji of Eikando.” During the light-up festival, 3,000 trees surrounding the temple grounds will be lit up by perfectly placed light that accentuates the beauty created by this time of year. The illuminated autumn leaves around the Hojo Pond are particularly breathtaking. So grab your camera or even just your phone and enjoy nature’s colorful art show at Eikando. Date: November 11, 2024 to December 1, 2024 Location: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto Entry Fee: 700 Yen Website: Eikando Official Website Try Chestnut Ice-cream at the Hundred-years-old Kyoto Shop When November rolls around, it’s time to indulge in what the locals would call, “shokuyoku no aki (食欲の秋)”, or the appetite of autumn. This season is famous for its delicious seasonal food, and you can’t visit Kyoto without trying some of the local favorites. Just like how you might connect Autumn with pumpkin spice, Japanese people connect Autumn with foods made with kuri (chestnuts). During Autumn, Hayashi Mansyodo starts selling their famous chestnut ice cream. This rich frosty treat comes with two layers, one being the sweet chestnut paste and the other vanilla. The fragrant paste and fresh cream create a richly flavored ice cream that fills your mouth with the aroma of this beloved seasonal nut. While the mildly sweet vanilla ice cream enhances the gentle sweetness of the dish as a whole. Enjoy the cold, smooth taste of Hayashi Mansyodo’s sweet chestnuts. Date: Entire November, while stock lasts Location: 3 Otabimiyamotocho, Shijo-dori Teramachi Higashi-iru , Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto Website: Hayashi Mansyodo Official Website Thinking of trying all sorts of delicacies in Kyoto? Check out our Food Tours in Kyoto to give you a sense of taste adventure in Kyoto! Sagano Autumn Sightseeing Train For those who love a good scenic ride, hop aboard the Sagano Sightseeing Train this November! This train journey takes you through the breathtaking Arashiyama countryside, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains. Since it’s Autumn, at various locations along the nighttime journey, lighting devices are installed to illuminate the vivid autumn leaves that color the valley along the river, creating an almost magical scenery. The train’s large windows allow for unobstructed views, so get ready to take many photos, or just simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Bookings can be made a month prior, so now is the best time to reserve a spot. It’s a perfect and laid-back way to appreciate the beauty of Kyoto’s autumn landscape! Date: Light-up period from October 12 to December 29, 2024. Every day from 4:30 pm. Location: Light-up stations operate between Torokko Arashiyama Station and Torokko Kameoka Station. Website: Sagano Sightseeing Train Official Website Yokai Matsuri at Toei Kyoto Studio Park Hey, October may be over but are you still feeling the urge to join in on that chilly, spooky season spirit? Fear not, as the Yokai Matsuri (Monster’s Festival) at Toei Kyoto Studio Park is keeping the creeps alive all the way into November! This festival celebrates Japan’s fascinating folklore of Yokai, featuring all sorts of mythical creatures and ghosts. Participate in “The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,” a procession of countless traditional Japanese creatures that are said to walk among us again this one night! It’s here that you will get to experience all the different monsters for yourself, and you can even dress up and join the parade! It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into Japanese culture while having a little spooky fun. Date: Until December 8, 2024 Location: 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi Tickets and Website: Toei Kyoto Studio Park Official Website Gion Maiko Dance: Grace and Tradition No visit to Kyoto is complete without witnessing the grace of the traditional Gion Maiko Dance. The Gion Higashi district is renowned for its traditions and rich history. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the exquisite performances by maiko, the apprentice geisha, who showcase their skills in dance and music. During November in the Gion Higashi District, there is a special performance where you can experience this traditional Japanese culture. You can see a performance featuring an original script that includes a medley and dances performed by the local Maiko. This event is unique among the five geisha districts in Kyoto, as it is the only dance performance held in autumn, making it a cherished tradition that attracts many domestic and international visitors. Date: November 1, 2024, to November 10, 2024, with two shows per day. Location: Gion Kaikan Theatre, 323 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi Tickets and Website: Gion Higashi Official Website. Ohitaki Fire Matsuri at Kifune Shrine Witness the annual tradition of the Ohitaki Fire Matsuri at Kifune Shrine, a festival held every 7th of November to cleanse the impurities and defilement of the earth. This ancient event features the lighting of large bonfires, creating a mesmerizing display of flickering flames against the night sky. Visitors can participate in the traditional ritual of writing their wishes on wooden plaques/sticks, which are then cast into the flames as a symbolic offering. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines spirituality with the warmth and wishes of the community. Plus, the magical atmosphere surrounded by the fiery glow is perfect for capturing those memorable photos in Kyoto! Date: November 7, 2024 from 11AM Location: 180, Kurama kibunecho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi , Kyoto, 601-1112 Official Website: https://kifunejinja.jp Le Marche: A French-Style Sunday Market If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a Sunday in November, head to the Institut Français Kansai in Hyakumanben, where they host Le Marche once a month on Sundays. This vibrant market is reminiscent of a French market, filled with fresh vegetables and fruits arranged in a rainbow of colors. The garden and terrace come alive with the theme of “Food Meets Art,” offering not just organic seasonal produce but also carefully selected gourmet ingredients and crafts. While enjoying delightful live performances by local artists, you can savor freshly made crêpes and chat with friends on the terrace of Le Café. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a leisurely Sunday, complete with the charm and flavor of France right in the heart of Kyoto! Date: November 10, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM Location: 8 Izumidono-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8301 Official Website: Institut Francais Tenjin-san Market: A Treasure Trove at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine On the 25th of November, Kyoto will have its Tenjin-san flea market held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. With as many as 1,000 stalls lining the shrine and surrounding areas, this market is a treasure trove of second-hand kimonos, antiques, pottery, and unique curiosities. You can easily spend hours browsing through the various local shops, all while enjoying delicious snacks from various food stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables. This market is not only a fantastic shopping experience but also a great reason to visit one of Kyoto’s most beloved shrines. Date: November 25, 2024 Location: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto Official Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp With November approaching, there are things to do for everyone, be it scenic views, delicious foods, or just embracing the Japanese tradition. In addition, the weather in Kyoto for this month is so comfortable that you won’t regret going out all the time, whether you are walking or renting a bicycle, it is simply enjoyable everywhere. So be sure to cherish the perfect weather and check out all these fantastic seasonal things you can do in Kyoto to make your trip unforgettable! Feature photo credit: AXP Photography If you're coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
Bunka no Hi: A Celebration of Japanese Culture | Arigato Travel
Every year on November 3rd, Japan celebrates Bunka no Hi (文化の日), or Culture Day. This national holiday gives an opportunity for the Japanese people to celebrate their culture, historical achievements, and artistic creativity. It's a day made to appreciate the richness of the diverse cultural heritage and provides a moment for reflection on the contributions of Japanese culture, encourages the promotion of art and education, and showcases modern and traditional talents. Let's dive into how this day came to be and how you can join in on appreciating all that Japan has to offer, and maybe Culture Day will become your favorite holiday too! The History of Bunka no Hi Bunka no Hi traces its roots back to Meiji Setsu (明治節), a holiday founded in 1927 to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1867 to 1912. Emperor Meiji was a key figure in Japan’s modernization and transformation from a feudal society into a more progressive and industrialized nation. However, post-World War II, Japan underwent a major transformation. In 1948, Bunka no Hi replaced Meiji Setsu as part of the country's post-war reforms, acknowledging the significance of culture and peace in reconstructing a prosperous and amicable society. The Prestigious Order of Culture Award One of the major highlights of Culture Day is the presentation of the Order of Culture (文化勲章, Bunka Kunshō) by the Emperor of Japan. This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing Japanese culture, the arts, and academia. Recipients can be from any discipline whether it's literature, science, music, or even technological change. The award ceremony, held at the Imperial Palace, is a formal and significant event in the national calendar, often receiving media attention for its celebration of Japanese talent and genius. How do People Celebrate Bunka no Hi? While the official ceremonies, such as the Order of Culture award presentation, take place in Tokyo, Bunka no Hi is widely celebrated throughout Japan. Schools, museums, and cultural institutions host a variety of events aimed at highlighting Japan’s artistic and academic achievements. Here’s how people across Japan celebrate the day: Cultural Exhibitions and Festivals Across the country, various exhibitions and festivals are organized to showcase Japan’s artistic talents. Museums and galleries hold special exhibitions that highlight traditional crafts like origami, ikebana (flower arranging), sado (tea ceremony), and shodo (calligraphy). Many of these events are free to the public or discounted, encouraging everyone to engage with the arts. Additionally, local communities often host bunka-sai (文化祭), or cultural festivals, which include everything from theater performances to culinary showcases, dance presentations, and music concerts. These festivals are lively and interactive, offering visitors a chance to try hands-on activities, watch live performances, and sample traditional Japanese foods. School and University Cultural Festivals Japanese schools, from elementary to universities, often hold their cultural festivals, known as gakuensai (学園祭), in the days leading up to and around Culture Day. Students take the lead in organizing these events, which showcase their talents in music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing. These school festivals are open to the public and are highly anticipated by students and parents alike. During these festivals, classrooms are transformed into exhibits, cafés, or stages for performances. You might find students playing in bands, putting on theater productions, or hosting traditional tea ceremonies for visitors. The energy of these school events reflects the importance of creativity and self-expression within Japanese education. Parades and outdoor performances Many cities and towns hold parades to celebrate Culture Day, often featuring traditional taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations like kendo and aikido, and displays of traditional Japanese dress, such as kimono and yukata. These parades celebrate both Japan’s historical heritage and its vibrant modern culture, with participants often blending traditional customs with contemporary arts. Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival is one of the most notable events during Bunka no Hi. The festival includes classical Japanese performances, such as bugaku (ancient court dance) and noh (classical theater), set against the serene backdrop of the Meiji Shrine. The cultural richness of these performances brings visitors from across Japan and beyond. Museums and Art Galleries: Free Admission Many of Japan’s public museums and art galleries offer free or discounted admission on Bunka no Hi, allowing people from all walks of life to engage with Japan’s artistic and historical treasures. The Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, and National Museum of Nature and Science are some of the institutions that open their doors for free or at a reduced rate, making it an ideal day for families and students to explore the cultural landmarks of Japan. You can find more information here. Bunka no Hi is more than just a national holiday; it’s a celebration of the past and present in Japan. From its ancient artistic traditions to modern scientific achievements, the day embodies the country’s respect for creativity, learning, and cultural harmony. Whether through award ceremonies, festivals, parades, or educational events, Bunka no Hi provides an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the diverse cultural fabric that makes Japan unique. It’s a day that reminds us of the power of culture to connect the past and the future while fostering a society built on peace and understanding. Featured Photo Credit: Shubert Ciencia Want to have more fun on your trip to Japan? Join a culinary tour and discover the country as a local!
Things to do in Tokyo in November 2024 | Arigato Travel
Tokyo in November is a captivating blend of autumnal beauty and cultural richness. The city transforms with the changing seasons, as parks and gardens showcase stunning red and golden leaves. Visitors can savor seasonal delicacies, attend cultural festivals, and bask in the glow of citywide illuminations. With comfortable weather and fewer tourists, it's an ideal time to explore Tokyo's diverse attractions and immerse yourself in its unique charm. From breathtaking firework competitions and vibrant street dance events to the tranquil beauty of chrysanthemum exhibitions, Tokyo offers something unforgettable for every type of traveler. Autumn Rose Festival While Tokyo is often celebrated for its autumn leaves, the Autumn Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens offers another side of autumn beauty—roses in full bloom. Explore the meticulously maintained gardens filled with vibrant roses in shades of pink, red, and white. The gardens provide a serene escape from the bustling city, and during the festival, you can experience seasonal displays and learn about the various varieties of roses on show. Admission: ¥150 Date: October 5th - November 8th, 2024 Location: Kyu-Furukawa Gardens Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Website: Autumn Rose Festival Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and soak in the autumn beauty at the Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival. The surrounding mountains burst with hues of red, orange, and yellow, offering breathtaking views. The festival itself includes cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional music, providing the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. A visit to Mt. Takao is a perfect way to reconnect with nature and experience Japan's spectacular autumn landscapes. Admission: Free Date: October 26th - December 8th, 2024 Location: Mount Takao Website: Mt. Takao Autumn Leaves Festival Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Chrysanthemum Exhibition Join in on celebrating the beauty of Japan's imperial flower at the Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Chrysanthemum Exhibition. Held in the scenic Hibiya Park, this event showcases a stunning array of chrysanthemums — arranged in both traditional and contemporary styles. Wander through the exhibition and marvel at the meticulous arrangements that reflect the artistry and skill of Japanese horticulture. It's a peaceful, beautiful way to enjoy one of Japan's symbolic flowers. Admission: Free Date: November 1st - 10th, 2024 Location: Hibiya Park Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Meiji Jingū Shrine Yabusame Step back in time and witness a captivating demonstration of Japan's samurai heritage at the Meiji Jingū Shrine Yabusame event. Yabusame is the traditional art of horseback archery, in which riders shoot arrows at targets while galloping on horseback. This rare event, set against the tranquil and spiritual backdrop of the Meiji Jingū Shrine, is a mesmerizing way to experience Japanese culture firsthand. You won't want to miss this stunning blend of skill, tradition, and history. Admission: Free Date: November 3rd, 2024 Location: Meiji Jingū Shrine Time: 1:00 PM Website: Meiji Jingū Shrine Yabusame Tori-no-Ichi Fair Tori-no-Ichi Fair is a centuries-old festival that embodies the spirit of prosperity and good fortune. Held on the
Momiji Manju: A Taste of Tradition | Arigato Travel
Do you have a sweet tooth? A curiosity about traditional Japanese culture? Or perhaps an eye for culinary aesthetics? If you’ve said yes to any of the above, you are definitely in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of Hiroshima’s culinary traditions is a confectionery definitely worth traveling for—the elegant Momiji Manju. Served hot and freshly steamed, this regional delicacy in the shape of a maple leaf (Momiji is the Japanese word for maple leaf), makes for the perfect snack while strolling the streets of Hiroshima. But what’s so special about this treat and what makes it different from the other traditional sweets out there? What is Manju? Exploring Japanese Culinary Delights Before unwrapping the secrets behind its craftsmanship, flavors, and cultural significance—we must ask what is a manju anyway? The manju is a classic staple in the world of traditional Japanese sweets. It is made using simple ingredients such as rice, flour, or buckwheat, and it is commonly enjoyed with a warm cup of green tea. But don’t let its simplicity fool you! Although not as complex as other sweets, the manju is not something to overlook while in Japan. Combined with a sweet red bean filling (also known as anko), the manju transforms into an unforgettable culinary treat. That’s not all… If you’ve explored Japan before, you may have noticed that manju often comes in different shapes and sizes. In fact, there are hundreds of variations to be sampled all across Japan, and the most iconic and beloved by locals is the Momiji Manju. All About Momiji Manju Japan is known for its love of the four seasons. As the months go by, you’ll notice the change not only in nature but even in food. This confectionery is one example of Japan’s fascination with the autumn season. It is named as such because of its maple leaf shape. But unlike the crimson and gold-colored leaves, the Momiji Manju can be enjoyed year-round. Traditionally, it is steamed and commonly filled with sweet red bean paste—just like its standard variant. But today, you can find a multitude of unique flavors and interesting twists to this traditional recipe. Aside from chocolate, matcha, and custard, Hiroshima’s flagship stores offer flavors such as cream cheese and lemon. Specialty manju stores also serve deep-fried versions, considered a novelty even here in Japan. Through a fusion of both Western and traditional patisserie techniques, these stores bridge the culinary gap between Japan and the rest of the world. Truly the perfect experience for anyone with an adventurous palate! Here’s a humble list of must-visit Momiji Manju shops in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island: Momijido Nishikido Takatsudo The History of Momiji Manju The exact origin is difficult to trace, but one thing is certain: it is a work of art. It is said that the first Momiji Manju was created by artisans who took inspiration from the beauty of the changing seasons—particularly, the vibrant hues of the autumn leaves. Through their culinary creations, they wished to represent nature’s flow and the ephemeral beauty of life… Who knew that such a deep and reflective history could be borne by such a sweet and simple treat? Though it isn’t clear when and where it was created, it has become an irreplaceable part of Hiroshima’s cultural history and is now considered a symbol of the region itself. Indulging in Momiji Manju isn't just about enjoying a sweet treat; it's an invitation to delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and the century-old traditions of Hiroshima. While you wander the streets of this historic city, why not let the enticing freshly steamed scent be your guide to an exciting culinary adventure? Those with a penchant for unique flavors and an appetite for exploration should highly consider making their way to Hiroshima. Immerse yourself in the world of Momiji Manju, where each bite unfolds a narrative of artistry, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the ever-changing seasons. Embark on this culinary journey, relish the flavors that encapsulate the culture of Hiroshima, and allow your taste buds to revel in the joy of discovery. Featured image by みちもち To try Momiji Manju and other regional favorites, check out our Best of Hiroshima Food Tour with an expert guide!
Things To Do in Osaka in November 2024 | Arigato Travel
November is a great time to be in Osaka, a vibrant city that blends contemporary lifestyles with rich cultural heritage. While the autumn foliage may come a bit later than usual to Osaka this year, the city’s bustling energy, traditional festivals, evening fireworks, and spectacular cuisine are more than enough reasons to plan a trip to Osaka this November. Here are some of the few things you can do to maximize your Osaka experience. So let’s get started. Fireworks at Osaka Hanabi 2024 If you enjoy fireworks, make sure to check out the Osaka Hanabi 2024, or the Great Sky Art Fireworks to be held at Rinku Park, in Izumisano City, Osaka. Get ready for 50 minutes of breathtaking fireworks along the coastline, synchronized to music, conducted by Japan's top pyrotechnicians. Thanks to specially designed barges, visitors can expect unique on-the-water performances, making it a must-see event for visitors to Osaka. Also, don't miss the sunset at Marble Beach before the show. It’s a ticketed event, so buy your tickets in advance before you visit. Dates: November 2nd, 2024, 6:00 pm onwards (seating begins at 3:00 pm) Location: Rinku Park, Izumisano City, Osaka Website: Osaka Fireworks Official Site Please refer to the website for more ticketing and other details Celebrate Japan’s multi-cultural ties at Shitennoji Wasso Matsuri The Shitennoji Wasso Matsuri is a vibrant cultural festival that celebrates international ties between Japan and its neighboring countries and offers a glimpse of how these international exchanges have helped shape modern Japan. Osaka has always been a thriving trade hub, and this festival was started precisely to remind new generations about Osaka’s rich trade and cultural history, especially its connections with the Korean peninsula and China. Today, the Shitennoji Wasso festival draws a lot of local as well as international visitors, and one of the most popular features is its historical parade, which re-enacts different ancient delegations traveling to Japan. Participants from different countries and communities, dress up in costumes from their past, and briefly transport spectators to the past, with their vibrant performances and dances. It’s also a great time to enjoy Korean music and K-pop events in Japan. As a unique blend of ancient history and modern entertainment, the Shitennoji Wasso is a must-see for anybody who is fascinated by East Asian history. Dates: November 3, 2024, from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm Location: Naniwa-no-Miya Palace Remains, Osaka Website: Shitennoji Wasso Website Please refer to the website for more details Pray for good health at Shinno-sai Matsuri For almost 200 years, the Shinno-sai or Tome no Matsuri has been held each year in November, at Osaka’s Sukunahikona Shrine, making it an intangible aspect of Osaka’s culture. It began around the early 19th century, at a time when Japan was struggling with a cholera outbreak. During this time of crisis, the people offered prayers to the kami, Japanese spirits, and especially to Shinnosan, the God of Medicine, in hopes of stopping the pandemic. This faith is what led to the Shinno-sai festival, which to this day remains a celebration of health, where people gather to pray for protection from illness and disease. As part of the traditions, people buy Shintora bamboo grass charms, as a health amulet, in the shape of a tiger, to ward off sickness and attract good health. According to stories, this amulet symbolizes tiger bones, which were once used in traditional medicine. During the festival, the streets along the shrine are filled with stalls selling all kinds of traditional food and arts & crafts. Whether you’re curious about Japanese culture, love historical festivals, or simply want to enjoy the festive ambiance, the Shinnosan Festival offers something authentically Osakan to all visitors. Dates: November 22nd and 23rd, 2024 from 10 am to 8 pm Location: Sukunahikona Shrine, Osaka, Japan Website: https://www.sinnosan.jp Please refer to the website for more details Immerse yourself in the world of Noh Theatre Fans of the theatre and the performing arts must check out the Osaka Noh Festa 2024, a popular cultural event celebrating Noh theatre. One of Japan’s oldest performing arts, dating back almost 600 years, Noh is known for its slow movements, spiritual themes, elegant minimalism, and fusion of dance, drama, and music. The Osaka Noh Festa offers bilingual performances as well as interactive workshops, at various venues across Osaka, all through November. Experience Noh chanting, mask-making, and dancing, in immersive sessions that give a unique glimpse into this centuries-old art form. It will also give visitors a chance to engage in traditional tea ceremonies, which explore the connection between Noh and the traditional Japanese tea culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, the Osaka Noh Festa 2024 is an unmissable experience for anyone who loves Japanese tradition and culture. Dates: Through November 2024 Location: Multiple venues, including Yamamoto Noh Theatre and Choyo Kaikan Noh Stage Website: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau Please refer to the website for more details Indulge at the Bar Festa Ibaraki in Japan’s Kitchen One of the highlights of Osaka’s culinary calendar this November will be Bar Festa Ibaraki 2024. A must-visit festival for cocktail enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and foodies in general, the event brings together local bars, restaurants, and food vendors. The event operates on a passport system, where attendees purchase a festival
Taco Rice: A Fusion Dish That Brings Okinawa to Your Plate | Arigato Travel
Hey foodies, today let's taco 'bout one of Japan's tastiest and most popular dishes — taco rice! Taco Rice, or タコライス (Takoraisu), is a beloved Okinawan dish that combines elements of Mexican and Japanese cuisines. While a staple in Okinawa, its popularity has spread to Tokyo and Kansai, making it accessible even if you can’t travel to Japan’s southernmost islands. The Origins of Taco Rice Trust me when I say it's not just a dish; it's a cultural bridge and comfort food. Taco Rice was created in 1984 by Matsuzo Gibo, the owner of a small eatery, Parlor Senri, near the U.S. military base in Kin, Okinawa. He wanted to cater to the American soldiers stationed nearby, ultimately settling on the familiar taste of tacos. However, instead of tortillas, Gibo served the seasoned ground beef and toppings over a bed of Japanese rice. The result was an instant hit, and it quickly became a beloved dish across Okinawa, symbolizing the unique blend of cultures in the region. What Makes Taco Rice Special? Taco rice is loved for its simplicity, making it a popular home-cooked meal. Picture this: a bed of fluffy rice topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sometimes salsa or sour cream! But this isn’t all there is to this delicious dish; you can also find many variations among the toppings and flavors available for you to try. Some versions include avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, or even eggs. It's simple, bursting with flavor, and allows you to customize it so that it is perfectly fitted to your specific tastes. Did you know? October 4th was Taco Day! That makes OCTOBER the month to celebrate tacos, it’s the perfect time to try taco rice, a unique Japanese take on the classic taco. Whether in Tokyo or Kansai or making it at home, taco rice is a delicious way to celebrate! So make sure you grab your own bowl come October 4th and join in on all the taco-related festivities. Where to Enjoy Taco Rice in Tokyo & Kansai area? Craving taco rice in Tokyo? Don't miss out on savoring mouthwatering taco rice in this bustling city. While taco rice is simple to make at home, there are plenty of great places to try it in Tokyo and Kansai! Check out these top spots that I found for you! Tono Café in Bunkyo City, Tokyo Tono Cafe restaurant has three locations, each housed in a food truck, which are located at the main shop, a two-minute walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line, and finally in the office district. But if you are unable to make it to any of these locations, don’t worry, as they also offer a delivery service. This cafe typically serves their taco rice topped with an egg. However, they also have plenty of creative variations available, like Thai Chicken Taco Rice and Avocado Spam Bowl. Address: 2 Chome-12-17 Suido, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0005, Japan Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 8 pm Friday: 9 am - 3 pm Sunday: 10 am - 2:30 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep in mind) Price range: 1-1000 yen per person Website: https://tono-cafe.jp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tono.cafe.111/ Madosh! Café in Shibuya City, Tokyo Madosh! Café in Shibuya is a must-visit, and they are big fans of avocados. They use it in almost every dish they offer! One standout item is the taco rice, where the generous addition of avocado takes it up a notch. This dish features a bed of rice and lettuce topped with meat, cheese, and tortilla chips, all surrounded by plump scoops of avocado. Mixing it all creates a truly delicious dish that somebody shouldn’t miss. Address: 5 Chome-28-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-000, Japan Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 10 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays so keep this in mind) Price range: 1000-2000 yen per person Website: http://mado.in/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madosh_official/?hl=nl Moga Café in Shibuya City, Tokyo Mobomoga café is on the second floor of a small grey building on the backstreet of Shibuya. It is a cosy little cove with a warm, retro atmosphere. The interior is mostly wooden, creating a cute cabin vibe with eclectic American decorations. They have a wide menu and Taco Rice! It’s a must-visit spot and only a 10-minute walk from Shibuya station. Address: 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 4−9, Kuretake Bldg., 2F, Japan Opening Hours: Monday: 11 am - 10 pm Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 11 pm Sunday: 11 am - 10 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep this in mind) Price range: 1000-2000 yen per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogacafe_shibuya/ 4649 Taco Rice タコライス in Shinjuku City, Tokyo The store opened in 2003 and claims to be the first “taco rice specialty store” outside of Okinawa. It offers lunch specials featuring taco rice, including classic, vegetable-loaded, and egg-topped versions. Customers can also customize their orders with additional toppings. In the evening, the spot becomes an Okinawan izakaya offering more regional specials. Address: 8 Chome-19-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep this in mind) Price range: 1-1000 yen per person Harmonica Quina in Musashino, Tokyo Harmonica Quina is the go-to spot for quick and satisfying taco rice. Customers select their meal at a kiosk outside before entering the cozy restaurant. The taco rice is served quickly, and the portions are generous, allowing diners to enjoy Okinawan flavors to the fullest. One of Quina’s unique touches is the addition of creamy avocado beneath layers of shredded lettuce, enhancing the dish’s texture. While taco rice is the star, the menu also features other Okinawan dishes. Address: 1 Chome-1-8 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0004, Japan Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 9 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep this in mind) Price range: 1-1000 yen per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacorice917 Veg Out in Kyoto Located by the river in Kyoto, Veg Out Café is a peaceful spot perfect for enjoying healthy, plant-based meals. Their standout lunch dish? A delicious Taco Rice Bowl made with organically grown veggies, chili beans, salsa, and dressing served over rice. It’s a flavorful, guilt-free take on the Okinawan classic. Address: 〒600-8133 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Inaricho, 448 鴨川ビル 1F, Japan Opening Hours: Monday: 5 pm - 8 pm Wednesday - Sunday: 9 am – 10:30 am, 11:30 am – 5 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep this in mind) Price range: 1000-2000 yen per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegout_kyoto/ The 9X Osaka in Osaka This restaurant offers a diverse selection of Mexican cuisine from around the world. One dish that you have to try is their taco rice bowl. The restaurant is very stylish, with a terrace that offers a beautiful view to relax and enjoy your meal. It's located along the Okawa River, making it a great spot for a meal with a lovely atmosphere. Address: 〒530-0043 Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenma, 3 Chome−1−2 B1F～1F ＴＳビル, Japan Opening Hours: Monday: 11:30 am – 7 pm Wednesday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 7 pm (Hours can change depending on the day and holidays, so keep this in mind) Price range: 1000-2000 yen per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the9xosaka/ When travelling to Japan, make sure to try it out! Whether you're in Tokyo or Kansai, there are plenty of places to try this Okinawan specialty without travelling to the islands. It is a fun and tasty mix of Japanese and Mexican food. It brings people together and is a popular dish in many places. Taco rice is a must-try! So, why not satisfy your craving for a taste of Okinawa by visiting one of these great spots? Happy eating! Featured Photo Credit: sasazawa On a trip to Tokyo? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
Kicking It Up a Notch: Interview with Emiri Iwamoto a Karate Champion and Fitness Instructor | Arigato Travel
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Emiri Iwamoto, a Japanese karate champion and sports and fitness instructor. Emiri’s journey in karate began at a young age, and her dedication to the sport has led her to achieve remarkable success on both national and international stages. When she’s not competing, Emiri is studying sports science sociology and strives to teach others about karate fitness. Join us as we hear more about her journey on and off the mat! Hello! Can you please introduce yourself? My name is Emiri Iwamoto and I am from Sapporo, Hokkaido. I started practicing Karate in elementary school back in the second grade. I was accepted on the All-Japan National team in my third year as a working adult. From there, I represented Japan in both domestic and international competitions for 10 years, becoming the world’s number one ranked Karate-ka in 2017. I retired from competitive karate in December of 2023 and established Tokyo Katete Tours LLC, to dedicate myself to promoting karate. Currently, I teach karate every Monday and Tuesday at the NERGY Karate Club in Harajuku and hold a karate class every Friday at the bilingual preschool called Kids Duo International Shinonome. I am also a coach for the Waseda University Karate Club and the International Budo University Karate Club. What inspired you to start practicing karate and how do you maintain your passion for the martial art? I started doing karate when my father invited me to try it because he thought it was interesting. I maintain my motivation by concentrating on improving my own skills, rather than focusing solely on winning the competitions. Are there any new techniques or skills you are currently working on? Instead of focusing on learning new techniques, I prioritize practicing and improving together with my students to provide better instruction. I work on perfecting my own skills so that I can always demonstrate techniques to my students. This is why even after retiring, I never stopped training and am always finding ways to improve my techniques. Given your Master’s in Sports Science Research from Waseda University, how has your academic knowledge influenced your approach to training and performance in karate? How have you balanced life as an athlete and a student? Balancing graduate studies with training was really tough to do when I was still competing. Some days I would train up to 10 hours a day, but for the days I had to focus on my graduate research, my goal was to practice “efficiently and effectively.” I structured my practice methods based on science and reduced my training sessions to 3 to 5 hours. I also had my personal trainer develop workouts I could do at home, to minimize travel time and train more efficiently. This period became one where I focused on quality over quantity. Even though I spent less time training, my performance improved greatly. Can you describe a memorable competition or match that stands out in your career? My most memorable competition has to be the Asian Championships, when I was dispatched as part of the Japanese national team, and ended up winning! Representing my country for the first time was nerve-wracking, but I was thrilled and relieved to come out on top. You have been featured on various television shows and martial arts/sports magazines, most recently the Tokyo American Club monthly magazine! What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind as a role model in the karate community? In the future, I want to continue to promote karate and normalize “martial arts tourism.” I also hope to open my own dojo. Eventually, I’d like to have a permanent studio where I can offer both traditional karate classes and karate fitness sessions. Since I already receive numerous inquiries from people all over the world, I’m working on creating an environment where I can accommodate them at any time. What’s the best way for a newcomer to start their martial arts journey? My advice for beginners is to first focus on perfecting your posture and the position of your center of gravity. In my lessons, I always begin by showing how changing your posture and center of gravity can make a huge difference, and then guide students to experience it for themselves. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Karate offers a range of benefits, including strengthening your core, improving balance, enhancing posture, and reducing body fat. Additionally, practicing karate allows you to reflect on yourself and experience personal growth. Ultimately, karate will give you more confidence and foster a positive mindset. Karate is great for improving not just physical health but mental wellness as well. I invite you to enjoy the art of karate, the traditional Japanese martial art with me! Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed! We truly appreciate you giving us the chance to introduce you on our blog. Be sure to check out Emiri-san on her website and social media! Website: https://iwamotoemiri.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykarate Featured Photo Credit: Emiri Iwamoto If you come to Tokyo to take a Karate Class with Emiri-san, why not join us on one of our Food Tours with an expert guide?
Attractive Blooms – An Interview with the Ikebana Artist, Kayoko Konda San | Arigato Travel
Please welcome Kayoko San, an ikebana specialist who offers classes in Nagoya and sometimes in Tokyo! She has spent the past 7 years teaching ikebana to people from various countries and has been practising this amazing skill for almost 20 years. Her pieces are a real tribute to her unbeatable artistic skills! So, let’s start learning about Kayoko San’s amazing journey and her work together! First of all, can you please introduce yourself? My name is Kayoko Kondo and I’m 60 years old. I grew up in Arimatsu, Nagoya. It is a town of tie-dyeing with more than 400 years of history. In fact, many historical buildings still remain along Tokaido Road. I spent a lot of my younger years in the U.S., with 1 year in high school as an exchange student, and 4 years at a university. After returning to Japan, I taught English conversational skills to Japanese people for 15 years. Then I went to a couple of schools for translation and I began working at a major automobile company as a translator. At the same time, I started taking ikebana classes as I wanted to learn more about my own culture. When I was younger, I was only interested in Western cultures, and I could not communicate with people regarding my own culture. But, I always loved plants and art, so when I wanted to start getting more involved with my country’s culture I decided to go with Ikebana. Was being an Ikebana artist your dream, or did fate put you on this path? Did you always want to teach people about this art? When I first started learning, it was really just my hobby. I became more serious about ikebana about 10 years ago, and now I want to share my love of this magnificent art with anyone who is interested. Communicating with people through ikebana has become my life’s work. What are the core principles of Ikebana? Do you think learning this art form helps people calm down and bring their artistic souls out? Ikebana is a quick way to connect with nature, being a way to create art with living materials. So, you must be responsible for giving it that second life, ultimately making the plants more beautiful than before they were cut. Yes, I think ikebana is like walking through a forest. When surrounded by nature, people calm down and forget about their daily stress, and that allows them to purely focus on creation. How many people are you teaching at a time, and how can we enroll in your classes? I normally teach 1 to 7 people at a time. You can either try my private lessons or come to regular classes if you prefer learning with textbooks. Always feel free to contact me by email or by Instagram message if you wish to learn more. Beyond the basic styles of Ikebana we know, are there any specific styles you prefer? I love minimalistic ikebana which only uses 1 flower and 1 leaf. I also love the style that is made with only 1 kind of material. Can you walk us through a simple process of making Ikebana? Is the class you offer accessible to people with no experience? Let me explain to you how we go about the basic style of moribana: When you first encounter the materials in a class, take one material and study it carefully. If you find any damaged leaves or overlapping leaves or branches, remove them. You want to determine what posture or orientation of the material you want to show in your ikebana. Then you choose your vase and place a kenzan (if you are doing a nageire style, you will not use a kenzan). Measure the three main branches (called shin, soe, and hikae) that make up the structure of the work. Now is the time to start bending the bendable materials into the right places. Ikebana is an art of depth and space. So, you always want to make sure your ikebana does not become 2-dimensional, looking flat and having no depth. Add some subordinate branches to the main branches. I offer ikebana experience classes to people who have never learned it before. So if you have no experience in this art, don’t fear I’m always happy to help you start your journey. People can either come to my home school or to the classes I hold in Nagoya and Tokyo. Are traditional Ikebana styles different from the modern ones? Which ones do you prefer? Yes, the styles created today are quite different from those of old. Traditional Ikebana Styles aim to perfect the already set styles made and enjoyed by others. Modern ikebana, on the other hand, allows you to create your own art. I respect the traditional ways, but I prefer to create modern ikebana that matches more with our current lifestyle today. Do you have any advice for someone looking to pursue Ikebana as their main art? Ikebana is a wonderful activity that can be used to communicate with people. Of course, though, your skills will only develop after much practice just as with any other art. So, if you want to become good at ikebana, you will need to practice a lot at home also. We’d love to know if you have any interesting stories related to your experience in Ikebana, teaching or related to anything else you’d like to tell? You can enjoy ikebana for a long time. I know many ikebana practitioners who are still active in their 70s, 80s, and even their 90s. So, if you want to start a hobby that can last a lifetime, I definitely suggest Ikebana! Lastly, is there anything else you would like to add for our readers? I recently visited Taiwan for my workshops. I was fascinated by their parks and flower markets. Tea culture in Taiwan was also fascinating. I always thought that we Japanese loved our tea, but people in Taiwan seemed to love it just as much. This allowed me to realize that Ikebana is a good way to make friends all over the world. Through my art, I have made so many friends from many countries. If you love plants, and if you are willing to accept and learn new cultures, you will enjoy ikebana. Thank you so much Kayoko San for taking precious time out of your day for us, answering our questions, and sharing your extraordinary story with us! We really appreciate your insights and we are so glad you joined us for this interview :)! Follow Kayoko Konda on: Website: https://ikebanaworkshop.com/ Instagram: Kayokon1174 Ambient Ikebana Facebook: The Ikebana Workshop - https://www.facebook.com/nagoya458 Featured Photo Credit: Kayoko Konda Attend one of Kayoko San's classes to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture, then come join one of our amazing Food Tours.
Warm up with Okayu: Japan’s healing comfort food | Arigato Travel
Okayu, a Japanese dish, simple yet profound, holds the secret to both comfort and joy. It is well known that Japan has many different delicacies, and Okayu is one of them. Like most Japanese meals, it is rooted in culture and has multiple variations. This article will teach you about the basics of Okayu and its rich history. What is Okayu All About? What actually is this supposed healing food? Okayu is a Japanese porridge that traditionally consists of rice, water, and some toppings. It is often used as a remedy to soothe a weak stomach. Compared to other similar dishes, Okayu is often much thicker due to its water-to-rice ratio. It is a simple dish, though it can be very versatile. This is because you are able to switch water for stock, make it thick or thin, and add any topping you like! Healing Properties Okayu is considered a healing food in Japan. Its abilities are to soothe and restore energy. The energy restoration is said to come from it being warm. Thus boosting the body's internal energy and helping you get better. Its healing powers come from the rice being soft and easily digestible. It gets its softness from the cooking process, where the rice gets broken down while being prepared. Because it is tender and easy on the stomach, it is also commonly consumed by the elderly and babies. Traditions and Origin Okayu is not only a delicious and soothing dish, but it also has many traditions tied to it. For example, the practice of eating Okayu when being ill actually comes from the Kanto region. While in Kansai, it is usually eaten for breakfast. Those are the traditions tied to it in terms of when it is eaten. However, there are also many festivities where the meal has an important role. Okayu has a spin-off to suit almost every one of these occasions and customs. An example of a variation is Nanakusa-gayu, meaning seven-herb rice porridge. This type features five spices and traditional herbs combined with radish and turnip. Najakusa-gayu is often eaten in Kyoto on the Japanese New Year. Another alternative, named Azukigayu, is served at the Okayu festival in Sakyo-ku. This specific version consists of rice porridge with red beans or soybeans. At this festival, it is offered to the god while praying for a bountiful harvest and national peace. With numerous traditions around Okayu coming from Kyoto, you would think the dish originates from there as well. However, it does not; It is originally from China, where they call it Congee. Nevertheless, it has been consumed in Japan for approximately 1,000 years. It was not until the Edo period that it got its signature texture we adore today. THE Way to Eat Okayu As mentioned before, Okayu is very customizable. However, knowing what is commonly used to make it can help preserve the traditional flavor. In its basic form, it consists of 1 part rice to 5 parts liquid. However, when using pre-cooked rice, the ratio is 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid. You already know the liquid used can be either water or whatever stock you prefer. However, using stock adds more flavor to the dish, allowing for a bit more seasoning. Therefore, meat or seafood stock is often used in restaurants, so vegans should be vigilant when going to eat it there. Now that you know how to make the base, what about the add-ons? Toppings commonly used are: Chopped green onion/scallion Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) Toasted white sesame seeds Shredded nori seaweed Japanese salted salmon Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) These follow tradition, but you can always use any garnish you think is tasty. Cooking is also done in a specific way; the rice porridge is traditionally prepared in a clay pot. That is called Donabe, meaning clay pot in Japanese. They are often used to prepare hot pot dishes. The reason for using a Donabe is because the lid keeps everything inside hot and cooks the food evenly. Once you are done with the assembly, you can dig in with a Renge, a big ceramic spoon. What did we end up learning about this magical Japanese food? Well, it is a simple Japanese meal that is very customizable. It is soft and easy on the stomach, which can help you get better when recovering from sickness. The dish is not only good for people with a weaker stomach but also has beautiful traditions tied to it. Nearly every one of these traditions has its own iconic version of Okayu. It is also quite easy to prepare, but to stay true to tradition there are a few rules you must follow. With your newfound knowledge, you are now able to enjoy its healing properties by making Okayu at home. That way, you can appreciate its soothing properties and traditional beauty. Featured Photo Credit: aomas Want to have more fun on your trip to Japan? Join a culinary tour and discover the country as a local!
The Art of Ikebana | Arigato Travel
Also known as kadō, Ikebana is by far the most attractive flower arrangement method. Literally, Ikebana means ‘’giving life to flowers.’. Compared to the Western styles of flower arrangement which are commonly marked by placing a bunch of flowers in a vase, Ikebana focuses on aesthetically arranging them in patterns that highlight every piece of the flower: the blossoms, branches, leaves, stems, and buds. It helps calm the soul and establishes an inner relationship between the artist and those attractive flowers. Ikebana is special because it conveys a personalized feeling and message to the viewer. Origin of Ikebana The main origin of Ikebana is still unknown, but it is believed to have started during the 6th century when Chinese Buddhist missionaries brought over their traditions and practices. Other sources state that in pre-Buddhist times, flowers were used to invoke nature gods. Over time, this is how it evolved, forming a mixture of tatebana and Shinto yorishiro to be known as the
Everyday Meals In The Japanese Countryside: Food I Love Eating! | Arigato Travel
The Japanese countryside offers unique culinary experiences. Read on to learn about natural farming in Shikoku, see delicious daily meals from an Ehime prefecture homestead, and consider the outlook for local foods of rural Japan. Make sure you bring along some snacks because believe me when I say you’ll be leaving hungry! Local and Home-Grown Foods in Rural Japan Hi! Bitsii here. My husband and I live deep in the mountains of the Japanese Countryside in rural Shikoku. We've been building a permaculture homestead here. That means growing fruit and vegetables, but it also means learning more about the local foods of Japan. We've been tending to the kiwi fields, growing vegetables from seeds, and teaching ourselves how to not only eat better but self-sufficiently as well. That means prioritizing foods we can grow, forage, hunt, and fish from right here in the countryside. A Noteworthy History of Sustainable Farming in Ehime Prefecture Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer from Ehime Prefecture known for his natural farming methods. He is easily considered the forefather of natural farming, having literally written the book, “The One-Straw Revolution.” Visitors to the prefecture can even still visit his farm, which is now run by his descendants today. Although Japanese tradition is heavily connected to nature, natural farming practices have mostly been replaced by plastic weed barriers, chemical fertilizers, and mono-culture crops. Fukuoka’s approach on the other hand was far more organic, natural, and a bit wild. He would scatter a mix of seeds, sometimes in clay balls, across fields and mountainsides without weeding, watering, or using pesticides. Following his developed practices, we have created incredible vegetable fields on our property that are diverse, weed-filled, and completely chemical-free. While our farm is more structured than Fukuoka's
SAIJO’S 2024 SAKE MATSURI: THIS OCTOBER | Arigato Travel
Sake. Smooth, simple, elegant. With its notoriety and worldwide acclaim, this sophisticated fermented rice wine can be argued as Japan’s national alcohol. For all those who’ve given it a try and now proudly call themselves fans of this delicious beverage, we have something in store for you today! Touted as one of the largest sake festivals in the country, the Sake Matsuri, as the name implies, is no less than sake heaven! With over 100,000 to 200,000 people gathering together to celebrate their love and interest in the drink, it creates a contagious atmosphere of pure excitement. But hey, don’t worry. Even if you’ve never taken so much as a sip, this is more than the perfect opportunity to take a crack at it! The festival is held annually for two days (Saturday and Sunday) during the month of October. This year, it will be taking place on the 12th from 10:00 A.M. to 8 P.M. and the 13th from 10:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. The hosting town, Higashi-hiroshima’s quiet and quaint Saijo, has long since been renowned for its sake, being home to seven breweries. Where it gets really interesting, though, is the fact that they all happen to be concentrated in a single area! Dubbed “Sakagura-dori” literally “Sake Brewery Street,” you would probably guess that when festivities start, it sees a lot of activity. You’d be 100% right! While normally as calm as the rest of sleepy Saijo, the festival turns things upside down. As people flood the streets, the breweries open their doors to foot traffic while local businesses set up stalls. If you can, be sure to hop in on a brewery tour–interesting tidbits of history aside, being able to do some taste testing is sure to be a highlight! After all that walking it’s understandable if you're a little spent. Maybe you want to sit down and refill the tank before venturing out again. Well, this is your chance to dig into Saijo’s own bishu nabe, which is said to have originated here. A simple hot pot, it’s a dish commonly eaten by sake brewers to give them the energy needed for such a back-breaking job. Rather than being cooked in water, however, the meat and vegetables are all boiled in sake! Yep, that’s right. But no worries, it won’t get you the slightest bit drunk since the alcohol evaporates while cooking, meaning anyone of any age can enjoy this hearty meal. It’s ¥14,300 per 4-person serving and includes two bottles of local sake. Bottoms up! The main draw of the Sake Matsuri, though—what really gets everyone and their grandma to come rushing over to Hiroshima in October is the aptly named Sake Square. In this venue, over 800 varieties of sake hailing from all across Japan are for the tasting! It’s samples galore and will have your tongue smiling by the time you’ve had your fill. Tickets for designated time slots can be bought in advance at ¥3,300 or at the door for ¥3,800. You’re definitely getting your bang for your buck since a ticket covers 8 drinks, 2 snacks, a bottle of yawaragi-mizu water, a free sake cup, and a list of the different wines being served. Tickets are available for sale at 7/11’s Ticket Pia machines. For those who don’t consider themselves drinkers or don’t particularly rock with sake, don’t fear there’s still a barrel full of fun to be had. Yes, though themed around alcohol, the festival has plenty of activities that can be enjoyed by all. Live music, parades, and even numerous karaoke contests offer themselves as opportunities to have an absolute blast! On Saturday morning, you can watch a group of men coming from Matsuo Shrine carrying a heavy mikoshi (portable shrine) on their shoulders. At 2 P.M. that same day it’s the women’s turn, and they can be seen doing the same in their Hime Mikoshi procession, hustling over from mitate shrine. The Sake Matsuri is astounding for the sheer fact that the shared enjoyment of a single drink can bring together so many people. It’s a lively, heart-pounding romp that's a fun ride with friends, family, or even just yourself. There’s much to explore, much to do, and tons, tons to drink. For the folks who are planning on coming to Japan in October, the Sake Matsuri is a delightful way to spend a weekend and a chance to make memories that shine as brightly as a freshly poured cup of sake. EVENT DETAILS: Dates: October 12th from 10:00 A.M. to 8 P.M. and October 13th from 10:00 A.M. to 5 P.M Website: https://sakematsuri.com/ Fees: Advanced Tickets ¥3,300 & Tickets at the door ¥3,800 Location: There are several different venues, so please check the website for information about them. The website is also available in several different languages! Featured Photo Credit: Johnny Coming to Hiroshima for the Sake Festival? Reach out to our Specialists Team to plan your WHOLE trip and properly explore this fantastic prefecture!
Taste of Jimbocho: Tokyo’s Second-Hand Book Capital | Arigato Travel
Throughout our lives, books have always been a great source of information and inspiration. Digital books have recently gained popularity as they are lighter and better for the environment and your pocket. However, a digital book will never have the same feeling as a paper book. The town of Jimbocho in Tokyo is where these paper books are grouped. Jimbocho, which is in the center of Tokyo, is the ideal location for book lovers and offers much joy for bibliophiles everywhere. This post will go deeper into this neighborhood, the sacred home of paper books. History of Jimbocho Jimbocho once housed a huge number of universities, and as a result, plenty of cafes and bookstores dedicated to students and faculty members were opened in the area. Since the majority of these colleges specialized in law during the Meiji period, a large number of used and antiquarian bookshops primarily focusing on legal literature, but also featuring other prominent genres, appeared nearby. Building the area around these educational institutes was the primary foundation for the neighborhood's development as an antique book district. Even though the neighborhood was almost completely destroyed by fire after the war, Jimbocho still managed to keep the tradition of being the main destination for book lovers or the town of bookstores alive. Our Bookstore Recommendation List For You Jimbocho is filled with new and secondhand bookstores, and we'd like to highlight four of the top ones for you here. Bookstore in Kitazawa One of Jimbocho's oldest bookshops, Kitazawa Bookstore has been in operation for more than 120 years. It boasts a big range of vintage novels and is well known as a store that specializes in Western literature, which constantly draws in a lot of people. The business also focuses on stage settings, exhibitions, store interior design, and other interior design projects. It also provides appealing interior design suggestions made from used books. Kitazawa Bookstore's official website Google Maps Link Bookstore Isseido Isseido Bookstore, which has been around for more than 115 years and offers a large selection of books on Japan, including Japanese literature, poetry, ethnic books, and historical books. This wide selection makes it the best place to go if you're seeking books specializing in Japan as a whole. Another bonus to this store is that customers can also buy books online without having to go to the store thanks to the official website's online store. Bookstore Isseido’s official website Google Maps Link Our Selection of Book Cafes in Jimbocho Cafés and coffee shops are the perfect places to go if you want to take a break while reading your brand-new book. Jimbocho has a wide variety of cafés for people who wish to disconnect from the real world through the perfect cup of coffee and a little bit of reading. We'll introduce five of Jimbocho's top cafés for you. Sabouru Jimbocho's Sabouru has been a popular cafe for more than 60 years. A special ambiance covers the inside thanks to the wooden ornaments and other collection items that are typically found in tropical countries. Pizza toast is the top suggestion on the menu. The chef tops a large slice of bread with pizza sauce and tasty melted cheese. You can't go wrong with this delicious dish Official Website: Sabouru Google Maps Link Bumpodo Gallery cafe On the third floor of Bumpodo Gallery, there is a cafe that is connected to a long-standing art supplies store. Numerous exhibitions are held in the gallery space, allowing guests to admire art whilst enjoying delicious sweets and amazing drinks. Visitors can savor their rich coffee and pastries in the café’s corner vintage western setting. Official Website: Bumpodo Gallery Cafe Glitch Coffee Roasters The owner of Glitch Coffee & Roasters runs a well-lit cafe where the best coffee is served. The proprietor is very careful about not offering any blended coffees and only serving his preferred roasted coffees. Coffee beans come in a variety of jars at the store, and the owner is very proud to offer freshly ground coffee to you. Official Website: GLITCH COFFEE & ROASTERS Our selection of Curry restaurants in Jimbocho In this same area loved by writers and novelists we find a variety of delicious curry restaurants that you should stop by while you are there, we will recommend you a few below: Curry specialty Ethiopia Curry Ethiopia Curry is definitely one of the best by merit. When you eat their smooth curry, which is cooked with a variety of veggies by simmering them with 12 different kinds of spices, your body will begin to heat up. Although chicken curry is the most popular option, there are other beef, chicken, and bean curries on the menu. You should go there because it is one of the only restaurants to offer 70 different levels of spiciness choices for your tongue’s tolerance. Sumatra Curry Kyoeido The curry served in this restaurant is originally from the island of Sumatra and has been specially prepared for Japanese clients. This is the oldest curry restaurant in Jimbocho. It has a huge variety of Curry that you can try, including beef, chicken, or even ox tongue. The potage soup that is served alongside the curry complements the hot curry quite well. Udon Maruka Maruka Udon took part in this list specifically because it is special of its kind. Curry pairs well with other foods besides just rice! This restaurant decided to couple it with a bowl of Udon noodles. This restaurant is considered to be the most famous in Jimbocho for its chewy and substantial Udon noodles well combined with the curry sauce. We also advise adding tempura or a poached egg as topping. The combination of curry and udon noodles is the best to bear with the cold weather. Gavial Curry restaurant: Gavial Curry is famous for being cozy and comfy in style. The Japanese beef used in GAVIAL's curry foundation is cooked over the course of more than a full day. You can taste the high quality of the ingredients that were carefully chosen and prepared to make this delicious curry. Grated cheese is put on top of the rice before serving to complete the taste alongside their excellent side dishes selection. It's a cozy restaurant! And because Jimbocho is home to many delicious cuisines, we can not finish without talking about... Jimbōchō Kurosu This restaurant is famous as the hidden gem of the curry district, it is famous even among people who are not fans of Ramen. The noodles are made with a special Hokkaido-grown flour called “Haru yo Koi”. which gives it an earthiness, in addition to the perfectly measured portions of salt and alkaline “Kansui” which gives it a bounciness pairing with its refined sauce. You can choose from a big selection of classic toppings available. Give it a try on your next trip to Japan. It definitely deserves it. Sagatani Jimbocho: Japanese people love this restaurant and you can notice it when visiting the long line forming in front of it, it serves one of the best Soba noodles in Tokyo at competitive prices. Don’t worry even if the line forms quickly, it also moves quickly. The restaurant offers Soba full of taste by itself, adding the sauce to it makes it juicy and tender, they also offer a variety of fried toppings that can only add to the taste. In short, a taste out of this world. Are you a lover of books or cafes? Jimbocho, with its huge book volumes stacked at every corner, offers you a moment surrounded by books in a wonderful old-fashioned coffee shop with the warmth of its curry restaurants. You will definitely feel at home. Do not forget to add it to your list for your next trip to Japan. Feature photo credits: gltjp.com Looking for hidden gem restaurants in Tokyo during your trip? Book your local guide and create delicious memories together!
Celebrating Japan’s Unique Tea Brews and Blends! | Arigato Travel
Japanese tea is not merely just a beverage but the emblem and heart of Japanese culture, often known for its rich flavours and tons of health benefits. Tracing its roots back over a millennium, Buddhist monks introduced tea to Japan from China, which was quickly popularised amongst the Japanese elites of the time. Court nobility to the Samurai class was deeply enamoured by the aromatics and flavours of these delicious leaves that subsequently led to the birth of some of the most beautifully illustrious traditions known as
A Travellers Best Friend: Japan’s Regional Rail Pass | Arigato Travel
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Japan Rail Pass. You have probably heard that after the price increase, JR passes are much less affordable than they used to be. However, Have you ever heard about the regional ones? If you're planning a trip to Japan, this essential travel tool is your ticket to exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with ease and affordability. In this post, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about Japan and its unique regional rail passes, from what it is and how it works to where you can use it and how to get the most value out of it. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, the Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective must-have for navigating Japan's extensive rail network to allow you to make the most out of your travels. What is a Rail Pass? Travelling by train in Japan is a must for international visitors. It offers both adventure and convenience thanks to the country's superb rail network. A significant factor enhancing this experience is the value provided by rail passes. These passes enable passengers to explore to their heart's content within the designated timeframe and zone they have chosen, offering both convenience and savings compared to purchasing individual tickets. The convenience of the JR Pass provides comprehensive coverage of trains operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group nationwide, including regional, intercity, and Shinkansen services. There are also over 30 different regional passes available, catering to specific geographic areas and travel preferences. These regional passes come in various types, each offering distinct coverage and savings opportunities tailored to different travel needs. Itinerary ideas For example, the Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass may prove to have more value than purchasing a single ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto. This pass allows unlimited travel on the designated route, as shown on the left, allowing travellers to make pit stops at all the wonderful places offered on this pass. So, whether you're planning to explore a single region or embark on a cross-country adventure, there's a rail pass in Japan to suit your itinerary and budget. Eligibility and Why Regional Passes are the best bang for your buck! Now, to determine if purchasing a regional rail pass is the right choice for you, it's crucial to understand if you meet the eligibility criteria. These passes are typically reserved for non-Japanese nationals on short tourism visits or Japanese nationals residing outside Japan, provided they enter the country on a temporary (sightseeing) visitor visa. Individuals holding other visa types, such as student visas, long-term visas, or permanent residency visas, are not eligible for regional passes. It's essential to thoroughly review the eligibility rules before making a purchase decision. Once you confirm eligibility, consider which regional pass aligns with your travel needs. While the JR Pass is generally the preferred option for its value and extensive coverage, the recent price increase may mean a regional pass may be more suitable and budget-friendly in specific situations. For example, if you're only visiting a single region, travelling on a budget, planning a short trip, or are an avid traveller familiar with Japan's rail network, a regional pass could be the ideal choice. Additionally, using a regional pass alongside a JR Pass can be beneficial for longer stays, allowing you to explore specific areas more affordably once your JR Pass expires. Ultimately, understanding your travel itinerary and preferences will help you determine which regional rail pass is the right fit for your Japan adventure. How to purchase To purchase your JR Pass, start by visiting their website. Once there, proceed to place your order for the JR Pass, selecting the desired duration and type. After completing your purchase, you'll receive an Exchange Order, which you'll need to bring with you to Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, locate a JR Pass exchange office, typically found at major airports and train stations. Present your Exchange Order and passport to receive your activated JR Pass. With your JR Pass in hand, you're ready to enjoy unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, for the duration of your pass. In summary, we believe that looking into purchasing regional passes is an incredible way to enhance your journey throughout Japan. With unlimited access to JR trains, including the iconic Shinkansen, it not only saves you money but also provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. By purchasing online and exchanging in Japan, you'll be ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through this beautiful country. Don't hesitate to consider Japan's wonderful variation of travel passes. It's your key to unlocking endless possibilities and discovering the wonders of Japan. Featured Photo Credit: Rap Dela Rea Want to have more fun on your trip to Japan? Join a culinary tour and discover the country as a local!
THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO IN OCTOBER 2024 | Arigato Travel
Picture this: the weather starts getting cooler giving a most gracious reprieve from the summer sun and the days get longer to allow you to enjoy more of the city. Yes, folks. Autumn is on the way. Whilst you may not see much of a change in the leaves in October there are still lots to do in Kyoto. Let’s take a look, shall we? Zuiki Matsuri First on our list is Zuiki Matsuri (ずいき祭). This five-day-long festival has roots dating back to the 1900’s and is held to celebrate the Autumn harvest. On the first day, the procession departs from the Kitano Tenmangū shrine with numerous omikoshi (portable shrines) to a temporary shrine, Otabisho, after making the rounds around the neighborhood. These omikoshi are usually decorated with dried goods and other vegetables such as taro stems (zuiki) on the roof and tofu skins, dried greens, marigolds, and even wheat! On each side, legendary artwork and creatures are depicted also using vegetables. Rituals are conducted at Otabisho including a dance performed by young girls called Yaotome Dance. After three days, the omikoshi is returned to Kitano Tenmangū via ox-drawn carts. On the final day, ceremonies are performed to conclude the festival including one last dance offering. You can usually find the geiko and maiko of Kamishchiken district viewing the processions on the streets as well. Dates: October 1st - 5th, 2024 Location: Kitano Tenmangū Shrine to Otabisho Start/End Time: 10 A.M. - TBA Fees: Free Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/ Awai Taisai In mid-October, Awata Shrine found in northern Higashiyama near the Chion-in and Shōren-in temples hosts a series of colorful annual rituals and parades. There are two highlights to this festival - the Reiken Ceremony and the Shinkō-sai Procession. The Reiken Ceremony involves large, traditional Japanese paper lanterns in the form of mythological creatures and deities. These lanterns are also paraded through the Higashiyama area though they really come alive at night when lit! Some types of lanterns you may see include the Lucky God Ebisu, the Ox-Headed Heavenly King and even zodiac animals. During this ceremony, the procession carries the lanterns as well as shrine treasures and torches to Chion-in. The Shinkō-sai Procession on the other hand involves transporting the shrine’s god via an omikoshi around the neighborhood. In addition, the omikoshi, eighteen, distinct sacred polearms (kenboko) rumored to dispel evil spirits are also carried by talented bearers to make the bells ring. Some Kenboko, relics and altars are even displayed around the neighborhood so there is much to see and experience! Date: October 12th - 15th, 2024 Location: Awata Shrine Fees: Free Funaoka Taisai Funaoka Grand Festival or Funaoka Taisai is annually held on Mt Funaoka at Kenkun Shrine to pay tribute to the accomplishments of Oda Nobunaga, a feudal lord from the 16th century. This marks the anniversary of Oda Nobunaga’s march into the former capital in 1568 where he began to drive out the Miyoshi clan. But why the celebration? And why at Kenkun Shrine on Mt Funaoka? Well, in Japanese history, Oda Nobunaga was one of three people who participated in unifying Japan and ending the period of unrest the country was subjected to since the later half of the Muromachi Period. As for the second question, Kenkun Shrine is where the deity of Oda Nobunaga is enshrined. The festival involves re-telling the feudal lord’s history to youth as well as making offerings to the enshrined warrior. Priests also conduct prayers and guide visitors in showing reverence. A highlight of the festival is the Atsomori or plain clothes nō dance (rumored to be the feudal lord’s favorite performance) as well as a bugaku performance. Date: October 19th, 2024 Location: Kenkun Shrine, Mt. Funaoka. Website: https://kenkun-jinja.org/en/rituals/ Kasagake Shinji During October every year, an equestrian archery event is held at Kamigamo Shrine. To entertain shrine deities, there are three styles of archery usually performed, one of which is Kasagake Archery. In Japanese history, instead of being a religious offering, this event was used as practice drills. Today, it is used as a religious offering and performed by the trained members of the Takeda-ryū school of horseback archers. In this style of archery, there are five targets split into two different levels in order to recreate a battlefield and its scenarios. After each run, hits and scores are announced. As the highest scoring riders advance into the following rounds, the targets become smaller in size. This is an exhilarating festival to witness, drawing you back into Japanese history! Date: October 20th, 2024 Location: Kamigamo Shrine Time: 12:30 PM Saigū Gyōretsu In mid-autumn, surrounded by Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, Nonomiya shrine hosts the Saigū Gyōretsu - a reenactment of the priestess’ departure for Ise. In the past, women from the imperial family known as Saigū underwent purification rituals before being appointed as emissary priestesses to the grand shrine in Ise where Amatersau, the sun goddess, was worshiped. During this procession, people are customarily dressed in court regalia as they travel to the river for the purification rituals. The highlight of the procession, however, is the Saigū-dressed women either riding on an ox cart or in a palanquin. Once at the purification site, the shrine’s priestesses first perform a dance followed by prayers recited by a priest. The Saigū would then release a paper doll in an Omisogi no Gi ceremony at the water’s edge. Observants are also allowed to take part in prayers towards the Ise Shrine whilst gagaku (traditional court music) and bugaku (dance) are performed as offerings. Date: October 20th, 2024 Location: Nonomiya Shrine, Arashiyama Fees: Free Jidai Matsuri Jidai matsuri involves a 5-hour historical reenactment parade from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine involving different eras in Kyoto’s history. To commemorate the former capital’s (Kyoto’s) history, the first Heian Shrine was built in 1895 for the first Jidai festival’s inauguration and to enshrine Emperor Kanmu’s spirit who initiated the commemoration of the city in 794. Did you know that Kyoto was once called Heian-kyō (平安京)? In the early morning of Jidai Matsuri you can see mikoshi (portable shrines) being brought out of the Imperial Palace for people to pay their respects. These shrines are representatives of not only Emperor Kanmu but also Emperor Kōmei who is renowned for unifying Japan, the imperial court’s power and Kyoto as Japan’s center at the end of the Edo period. If you want to follow along you better be prepared with comfy shoes and water since the parade usually begins in the afternoon. Date: October 22nd, 2024 Location: Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine via Oike and Sanjo Streets Start Time: 12 PM Fees: Free along the parade route. Reserved seating at Kyoto Imperial Palace, in front of Kyoto City Hall and nearing Heian Shrine at a cost of 4000 - 6000 yen. Website: https://kyoto.travel/en/season_festivals/jidai_matsuri.html Although Kyoto may no longer be the capital of the country, it does represent years that have since passed, leaving behind a robust history for the city's culture to develop from. Being a modern city in a modern world, you can’t ignore the realities of changing times. But through combining elements of both the past and present, Kyoto becomes a beautiful symbol of perseverance through its mixture of old-fashioned traditions and modern-day innovations. We must keep the vision of these times alive so we can live the best of both worlds! The weather is changing, and new things are happening everywhere you look, Kyoto is calling you: Come and see it for yourself! Kurama Fire Festival The Kurama fire festival is another festival also on October 22 based on Mt. Kurama outside of downtown Kyoto at Yuki-jinja Shrine. This festival begins at dusk with a parade when each house lights a small torch. It is a tradition for homes to display their family heirlooms in their windows so you may even catch a glimpse of a samurai’s armor! This is also considered as a rite of passage for youth hence children can first be seen leading the parade with small torches followed by teenagers. Bringing up the rear of the parade are the village’s men carrying rather large torches. Some villagers also carry mikoshi. At the end of the parade, the torches are used to create a huge bonfire. To secure a viewing spot, we recommend you make sure and get there early. Date: October 22nd, 2024 Location: Yuki-jinja Shrine Nuit Blanche Kyoto This contemporary art festival was inspired by Paris’ Nuit Blanche festival and involves collaborations between artists, the curator,s and craftsmen at multiple locations in Kyoto. Whilst the opening ceremony takes place with several performances on September 28th, many exhibitions are open until October 28th with some running into November. If you’re an art lover, be sure to check out some of the exhibitions! Date: Begins on September 28th and runs throughout October Location: Various Website: https://nuitblanche.jp/ Experience Autumn Geisha Dances In October, theaters in the four of the five geisha quarters, or hanamachi, host a variety of dance performances by geckos and maikos, the apprentice geisha. First is the Onshukai dances by the geisha of Gion-Kobu in the Gion district followed by the Mizuekai dances by the Miyagawacho geisha in the second week and the Kotobukikai dances by the Kamishichiken geisha in the third week. Finally at the end of October, the Pontocho geisha perform the Suimekai dances. Date: Early October to mid-October. Fees: Between 4222 yen to 8444 yen Kyoto Antique Fair Kyoto is the prime city for a taste of Japanese culture but if you don’t want to go around each and every shop, check out the Kyoto Antique Fair at the Kyoto Pulse Plaza convention center. The fair is held three times a year in March, June, and October with over 350 antiquities dealers. Stalls may specialize in certain items or may have a multitude. Either way, it’s a great place to enjoy a piece of Japanese culture. Besides the museums of course. Be sure to check it out! Date: October 25th - 27th Location: Kyoto Pulse Plaza Fees: Free Time: 10am to 5pm Website: http://www.gomoku-do.com/index_en.html As we move along in the year, Kyoto does not fail to offer a deep immersion into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. From witnessing historical parades to learning more about traditions and remembering the people who have paved the way for Japan to become the country it is today. This ancient city’s timeless treasures also extend to the elegant performances in the Gion district by the resident geisha and maiko. Indeed Kyoto is the city that bridges the gap between history and modern times, the city that ensures residents and visitors remember the cultural roots. And what better time to enjoy this time than in October’s cool, crisp air? Feature photo credit: Gene Hiew If you're coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
Japan’s Favorite Autumnal Seafood | Arigato Travel
For many, Autumn would be considered an ideal season. After all, it doesn’t get as cold and chilly as it does during winter, and all the heat from summer has finally begun to ease. Those who have traveled to Japan during July-August must know what I am talking about, as the humid weather of these months is quickly becoming a thing of the past! Above all, Fall is THE season to witness the artistic creativity of Mother Nature, as she paints lovely leaves in a myriad of warm colors, ranging from yellow to red, with tints of orange in between. But, these are not the only reasons those who get the chance to travel to Japan in autumn should consider themselves lucky. Indeed, this beautiful country, during the months of fall, does not only offer you ravishing scenery but also a plethora of seafood specifically meant to be eaten during this season. Mouth-watering food and beautiful landscapes, what more could one ask for? Let’s Start With Shake (Salmon) Just like tuna, salmon is considered one of the fundamentals when it comes to seafood. Many of us begin our journey of discovering onigiri and sushi thanks to this luscious fish. Well, did you know that although Shake, as it's known in Japanese, can be caught all year long, the ones that are caught between September and February are considered to be the most delightful ones? Indeed, during the fall, salmon travel to the ocean to feed before heading back to the river to spawn. Thus, making them rich with fat and nutrients. Out of all Shake species, Akijake (chum salmon) in particular is quite appreciated and popular with the locals because of its firm texture and extra fattiness. You can eat it in a multitude of ways: sashimi (raw), sushi, or even on top of rice, Shake-don style. If you don’t like raw fish, you can try the cooked version, where oftentimes it will either be marinated with shiokoji (salted koji) or saikyo miso (sweet white miso). When prepared in this manner you can find it grilled or even foil-baked. Truly, a fish that can be enjoyed by all. Following Mama Shake, Baby Sujiko and Ikura Sujiko and Ikura are the names given to salmon eggs. The former consists of the eggs that are still intact in their casing, while the latter corresponds to the eggs that have been extracted, rinsed, and salted. Both are called the “Jewels of the Sea” because of their pearl-like shape and crimson color, similar to a ruby. While raw Ikura has a more subtle taste, with a hint of sweetness, Sujiko is much stronger in flavor. They can be eaten in the form of sushi, for instance, as a Gunkan Maki (Ikura) or a Nigiri (Sujiko), but also as a Temaki. Let’s Samba Like the Sanma Sanma is THE fish to represent the arrival of the fall season. Even the kanji (秋刀魚) behind its name bears the meaning of “Autumn(秋) Sword (刀) Fish (魚)”. Sword, because of its elongated, silver-colored body, and Autumn, because it becomes available only in this season. Sanma is sweet and fatty and has a lot of benefits: rich in Omega-3, a good source of proteins, and a lot of vitamins, and that's just to say the least. No wonder, Japan has the following saying: “Sanma ga deru to anma ga hikkomu”, which translates to “when the swordfish appears, the massager withdraws.” Thus, highlighting its nutritional value. It can be enjoyed in quite a few ways: Sashimi, Sushi, Teriyaki (glazed in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar), Nitsuke (simmering in soy sauce), or even Shioyaki-style (grilled and seasoned with salt). Grilled Sanma pairs well with freshly made rice, some soy sauce, and Oroshi Daikon (grated Japanese radish). So, if you’re in Japan this Autumn, make sure you grab a bowl! Deru, Deru Momijidai Like the revival of a song from the anime Fruits Basket, Sakuradai (Cherry Sea Bream) our beloved spring fish makes a grand return as the Momijidai (Autumn Leaves Bream)! Same fish, just caught in a different season with a different taste and color! That’s the beauty of the majestic fish known as the King of Fish. Momijidai, compared to its spring counterpart, is darker in color, but with a softer texture. During fall, the fish are regaining energy after having spawned during spring, and are getting ready for winter. Therefore, their diet differs, hence, altering their taste. You can enjoy Momijidai in a Nitsuke-style dish or grilled, in a Shioyaki style. Ise Ebi Let’s diversify our palette with some delicious Ise Ebi (Japanese Spiny Lobster). This lobster is a specialty that comes from the Shima Peninsula, in the southern part of Mie Prefecture. Its name “Ise Ebi” also seems to derive from Mie Prefecture’s former name: “Ise”. It is considered a luxurious food item because of its rich and tender meat, and its peak season is said to be between October and January. You can enjoy Ise Ebi in various forms, ranging from sashimi to tempura, grilled on a Teppan, or even steamed with Sake (rice wine). The way to savor Ise Ebi is as diverse as the lovely scenery that Mie Prefecture offers. Red Snow Crab (Beni-zuwaigani) Let’s continue our journey by traveling to the beautiful region of San’in. Tottori Prefecture is not only home to the magnificent and one-of-a-kind Tottori sand dunes, but it also provides you with delicious, decadent, and succulent crab meat. Indeed, this area reigns supreme when it comes to the matter of crabs. Out of all the different types of this shellfish, Matsuba crab, aka the male red snow crab; Beni-zuwaigani, the red snow crab, also nicknamed “the taste of autumn”; and Itsukiboshi (the rarest type of Matsuba), are all sought after during the fall season for their rich meat, tinted with sweetness and umami flavor. The peak season for Matsuba is said to be from early November to early March, while the fishing period for Beni-zuwaigani, on the other hand, is said to start from the 1st of September and last until the 30th of June. You can enjoy it in a myriad of ways, from boiled to stewed, in a sukiyaki, or grilled, and even in its rawest form, as a sashimi. Mosaebi Let’s remain in Tottori to uncover the sweet delicacy known as Mosaebi. Mosaebi is a shrimp (ebi means shrimp/prawn) that is caught between September and May, and is often overshadowed by the more widely known Red Snow Crab. The reality is that these shrimp are often caught by trawling, a practice more commonly used when fishing for crabs. The uniqueness of the Mosaebi resides in the fact that this particular shrimp can’t maintain its freshness for too long, thus rendering export outside the region difficult. Therefore, this gives you another reason to travel to the mesmerizing Tottori Prefecture within the months of autumn to try this locally exquisite sweet shrimp. There are various ways to eat it. In the form of sashimi, its meat is firmer and sweeter than that of the Alaskan pink shrimp. Besides sashimi, it is also savored in the form of Nitsuke (simmered in soy sauce), as part of the Miso soup with Wakame seaweed and tofu, grilled and seasoned with salt, Shioyaki-style, or even as a tempura. But, most importantly, please try the Mosaebi Senbei, a specialty of the region that consists of a rice cracker made with Mosa shrimp. It is a hot seller loved by both tourists and locals alike. Nodoguro and Shijimi After Tottori, it is now time to visit the breathtaking Shimane Prefecture. Nodoguro, also known as blackthroat seaperch, is reputed to be a very luxurious fish, primarily due to its rarity. Its spawning areas are quite limited, and its natural habitat is narrow, rendering it difficult to catch. It is said that the Nodoguro caught in the Hamada area is known all over Japan, for its delicious taste and its rich fattiness. Nodoguro can be enjoyed in various creative forms, ranging from Sashimi to Sushi, boiled or even grilled. As for the Shijimi clams, their largest annual catch happens in Lake Shinji, in the northeast area of the Shimane Prefecture. The clams are usually bigger in size than other types with very fleshy meat. One of the local specialties consists of the Shijimi Miso soup, a traditional dish that embraces the tenderness of the clam’s meat with the richness of the Miso broth. Indeed, Fall is the ideal season, whether for how versatile autumn is with its beautiful leaves or for the plethora of diverse dishes that it offers. Fall is magnificent. And lucky are those who get to spend it in Japan! With its beautiful selection of seafood, harboring both delightful tastes, and interesting background stories, you are sure to find your perfect match. But believe us when we say that the above list is not exhaustive. Whenever you get the chance, please also try Saba, Iwashi, Shishamo, Shirasu, and Nishin fish! As diverse as the colors of the leaves of Autumn are, so is its seafood. Each represents the arrival of the Fall in its own way and pleads you to try their delectable, mouth-watering, tender meat. Fall is coming, so what are you waiting for? Featured Photo Credit: Jose Ruales Ready to get your hands on some of this delicious seafood? Tag along on this amazing food tour in the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
Things To Do in Osaka in October 2024 | Arigato Travel
October is a wonderful time to explore the vibrant city of Osaka, which offers a rich mix of cultural events, seasonal activities, and of course, fantastic food! Whether you’re into festivals, food tours, or simply enjoying autumn in Japan, Osaka has plenty to offer. Here’s a short list of things you can expect to enjoy in Osaka if you visit Japan’s foodie capital in October. Experience the Spiritual Side of Osaka at Sumiyoshi Taisha Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka’s most iconic shrines, is an important spiritual site known for its unique architectural style. Established over 1,800 years ago, this shrine is dedicated to the gods of the sea, offering prayers for safe voyages and prosperity. The serene atmosphere and beautiful vermillion bridges make it a peaceful retreat from Osaka's bustling city life. October is an ideal time to visit, as the autumn air makes exploring the grounds pleasant, and you may get a chance to witness seasonal events such as ceremonies for blessing newborns and children. The highlight of the shrine is the stunning Sorihashi Bridge, an arched wooden structure that provides perfect photo opportunities, especially with the backdrop of autumn foliage. So, if you’re in Osaka in October, don’t miss this chance to experience the spiritual heart of the city, and witness traditional ceremonies that give you a glimpse into local culture. Dates: Every day Address : 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-0045 Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/en/ For more details, please check the website Enjoy a three-day Beer Holiday One of the most fun things you can do in Osaka in October is enjoy a wide range of artisanal beers at the Craft Beer Festival. This is a three-day beer fest that gives you access to lots of great craft beers, made with unique brewing techniques, as well as some lip-smacking tasty food. For about 4,400 yen, you can get access to the festival, as well as an original event glass, and tickets that allow you to try a select number of food and drinks. These tickets can be purchased in advance, or on the same day as well. If you enjoy beer, this is one festival you don’t want to miss. And just in case you do miss these dates, don’t worry! Beer lovers can always join the craft beer tour by Arigato Travel in Osaka. Dates: October 11th to October 14th, 2024 Location: JR Osaka Castle Park Station Square Website: https://www.yte.co.jp/beerholiday/ Osaka Mecha Happy Matsuri This special Happy Festival began about 25 years ago to spread energy and happiness in the world, through dance performances. This annual event is held at various locations, all across the city, with performances ranging from hip-hop to yosakoi. Sometimes more than 50 teams participate in the festival and compete with one another to win bragging rights as the most fun dance team. One of the best places to view the performances is at Osaka Castle. Dates: October 14th Location: Osaka Castle and other venues across Osaka Website: http://mechahappi.com Party On at Dotonbori Dotonbori is always on the to-do list when one is visiting Osaka, but this vibrant entertainment district truly comes alive during October, especially around Halloween. The Dotonbori street runs parallel to the Dotonbori Canal and is the perfect place to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere and flashy lights. This over-the-top party neighborhood also attracts some of the most cosplay action, especially during Halloween. So, if you are a cosplay fan, make sure you don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to dress up. There are also tons of delicious street food options available in Dotonbori, so you won’t go hungry after a fun night out! Dates: All days of October Location: Dotonbori Street Enjoy a Scary Halloween Party at Universal Studios, Osaka If you love celebrating Halloween, you can spend the scary holiday screaming at the top of your lungs as you dive head-first into a whirlpool of fear at Universal Studios, Osaka. Whether you want to run from zombies in the street, confront the Chainsaw Man, or even join forces with heroes and take on the evil creatures from Resident Evil, you’ll find it impossible to find a more thrilling and scarier Halloween experience anywhere else. And if you want to experience Halloween during the day, USJ has you covered. Get up close and personal with your favorite Pokemon characters, during the daytime celebrations, where you can trade in your screams for laughter as you enjoy the Haha! Halloween Party! Be sure to try some spooky snacks at USJ for a more authentic feeling! Just remember to book your tickets in advance and do whatever you can to overcome your deepest fears, for an absolutely exciting Halloween! Dates: September 5th to November 4th 2025 Location: Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan Website: www.usj.co.jp Please refer to the website for more details The period around Halloween is a great time to visit “The Kitchen of Japan,” and try some specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. You can plan to spend a couple of days in Osaka, and also make it a base for trips to other destinations nearby, such as Kyoto, Himeji, and Kobe. Osaka always has something spectacular to offer, and if you find yourself running short of ideas on what to do, remember to look up our various tours of Osaka listed here. Enjoy! We look forward to seeing you in Osaka soon! Feature photo credit: Malcolm Fairman Want to have more fun on your trip to Osaka? Join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local!
All About Dango | Arigato Travel
The Dango Before my first trip to Japan, I made a list of all the foods I wanted to make sure I tried. I had your typical ramen, sushi, gyoza, and onigiri; however, sitting at the top of my list was a little round-shaped dessert on a skewer called dango! I had no idea what it was, where to get it, or even what it would taste like, I just knew I needed to have it thanks to a song that played at the end of an anime called Clannad. During my visit, dango quickly became my favorite go-to sweet and I can tell you now that it’s an absolute must-have on your next trip to Japan! With its rich history dating back hundreds of years ago and its unique seasonal flavors sold year-round in addition to regional varieties, there are plenty of delicious options for you to try! So let's all learn as much as we can about this amazing treat together! Dango throughout History While it has evolved throughout the years and its specific origins seem to be in debate, it is believed that one of the original dango was created out of a mixture of rice porridge and nuts ground into a fine meal and shaped into the circular shape we know today! The five rice dumplings on a skewer were meant to resemble a person, with the top dumpling representing the head, the following two arms, and the last two a person's legs. In more recent history, it is said the most common modern-day dango, also known as mitarashi dango, was created in Kyoto and sold in a small tea shop called Kamo Mitarashi Chaya. They say that an Emperor visited the Shimogamo Shrine and while cleansing his hands in the mitarashi (purifying water at the entrance of the shrine), he saw five bubbles which the mitarashi dango was then named and designed after. And though in each of these stories, they placed five dango on the skewer, a skewer most commonly contains anywhere from three to five dangos a piece. In addition, some variations of dango are not served on a skewer at all. Dango vs. Mochi During my first visit, while I was trying every dango stand I could possibly find, I was a little confused about the difference between mochi and dango. I thought that dango was just mochi on a skewer; however, that is not the case! Mochi is made from mochigome (glutinous rice) which is steamed then pounded until stretchy! Dango, on the other hand, is made by mixing rice flour with water and then boiling each dango after they’ve been shaped. Mochi is also a little softer, which makes it harder to hold a specific shape. In addition, mochi can also be filled with things such as red bean paste. Popular Dango With so many variations of dango, including dango covered in chocolate and topped with sprinkles, it’s impossible for me to cover them all! Therefore, I will only focus on five of the most popular kinds. Mitarashi Dango This is the most common flavor and is easily recognizable by its sweet soy glaze that spills off each dango! Not only that but combined with its slight char gives for a delicious blend of flavors available all year round! (You can read more about it here). Hanami Dango You might recognize these dango from the emoji on your phone 🍡! Hanami directly translates to ‘flower viewing’ and is the word used for cherry blossom viewing. That means these colorful dango are enjoyed during the springtime and sakura season! Now the question is, why are they colored pink, white, and green and why are they stacked in that particular order? While there are many interpretations, it seems there are two that are considered the most popular. The first is that the colors symbolize the life cycle of cherry blossoms, and the second represents the change in seasons with pink depicting the cherry blossoms, white the snow that has passed, and green the grass/buds that are to come. Anko Dango Anko, or red bean paste, is a popular paste used commonly as a filling in Japanese snacks such as taikyaki, anpan, and mochi! However, in the case of anko dango, it is thickly brushed on top adding a whole new texture and flavor to your dessert! Kinako Dango One of my personal favorites is kinako dango! Kinako is translated as roasted soybean flour and in this case, each dango is covered in it! This gives each one the flavor of roasted peanuts and is absolutely delicious! Tsukimi Dango Tsukimi (also Otsukimi) translates to ‘moon-viewing’ and is a holiday celebrating the Harvest Moon in Japan. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month on the lunar calendar so it usually lands somewhere in September or early October. Because the festival takes place on the 15th day, tsukimi dango is displayed on a special tray stacked with 15 plain dango in a pyramid! In some cases, the top dango is even colored yellow to represent the Harvest Moon! Where Can I Find Dango? Now I’m sure you are wondering where exactly you can find these delectable treats. And the answer is that these sweet rice dumplings can be found all over Japan! You can buy them at street vendors/food stalls some who may be grilling them or even toasting them around a fire, wagashi shops, festivals, supermarkets, and even at the local conbini! So no matter where you turn on your trip you’re sure to find one to feed your cravings and your stomach! Thanks to Clannad, I will never take a trip to Japan without eating dango, and neither should you! Come try one of the Cutest and Sweetest foods in Tokyo on our CRAZY CUTE KAWAII FOOD TOUR!
A TASTE OF TAKADANOBABA: A bustling student district | Arigato Travel
Takadanobaba is infamous for its status as a town built for schools and students. Young people from the nearby universities, particularly the most well-known academy Waseda University, come together to indulge in the dynamism offered by the neighborhood (also known as “Baba”), which also enjoys its proximity to the popular neighboring districts of Ikebukuro, Shin-Okubo, and Shinjuku. However, before becoming a place for students, Takadanobaba was known as the birthplace of Astroboy (an iconic manga in Japan) by the legendary creator Osamu Tezuka in 1952. As a testimony to the legacy of the mangaka (manga author), two big murals representing the little robot boy are visible right outside the station greeting all visitors walking along the street. Also for curiosity, if you are at the JR station, you can hear the musical theme of the animated series Astro Boy. But this isn't all that you can find when visiting this magnificent area, there are also plenty of great restaurants and a very active lifestyle with typical stores that both boast and benefit from a youthful atmosphere, it is truly a neighborhood that shows that it knows how to adapt with the times! Takadanobaba’s Story The original name of Takadanobaba was Totsuka; an area that remained unchanged for some time. Little by little, however, new houses were slowly being built in the region, with the Yamanote line having the greatest influence on this developing urban change. Ultimately, Takadanobaba station was opened and since then, the name Totsuka was removed and addresses changed to pair with the new station. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the surrounding area (to the north Takada, Toshima-ku, and west Kamitakada, Nakano-ku) was called