Kurashiki

Before or after Naoshima, “The Modern Art Island”, let’s step back in time and experience old Japan in Kurashiki !

Kurashiki is located in Okayama Prefecture, on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. The town was an important river port. As a result, a number of elegant warehouse-style buildings were built to store rice, which was a valuable commodity during the Edo Period (1600-1868). Most of those typical warehouses have been preserved in the “Bikan district”. A walk along the quiet willow-lined canal will give a good image of traditional Japanese architecture. Often there are artists sitting by the canal making and selling trinkets.

The "Bikan district" in Kurashiki

Getting to the Bikan District is not hard just follow the signs from Kurashiki station. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the JR Kurashiki station to the “Bikan district”. For a true Japanese experience, the Tsurugata Ryokan will welcome you; located in the heart of the "Bikan district" this traditional ryokan will serve you traditional Kaiseki dinner and breakfast (From 18,900 yen per guest per night).

The Ohara museum in Kurashiki

Magosaburo Ohara was a textile tycoon (1880 – 1943). Ohara financed trips to Europe for his friend, painter Kojima Torajiro, to study art.  Torajiro brought back artwork of El Greco, Gauguin, Monet, Matisse, and others. These pieces composed the museum’s initial collection when it opened in 1930. Later on, the museum also added artwork from Japanese and Chinese artists to its collection.

The Kurabo Museum

The Ivy Square was originally the first spinning mill in the region and the layout was based on mills in Manchester, England. Now the Ivy Square sometimes has live concerts or beer gardens.

Often called "The small Kyoto", Kurashiki is a beautiful town, very quiet and with a fantastic atmosphere; so if you are looking for a traditional stay or a romantic visit, Kurashiki is a great place to go.

Naoshima

Looking for a unique spot ?
Naoshima Island is waiting for you. Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. From Osaka, it takes about 4 hours by express train (no reservations needed); or less than 2 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train).
The first thing I would like to say is that even during the Golden Week, Naoshima is a peaceful and quiet island. Naoshima is off the beaten path, and I really enjoyed it.

"Pumpkin" A work of art by Yayoi Kusama

Naoshima became popular when the Benesse House and Chichu Museum were constructed. Now the island is considered a must see for art lovers. Anywhere you go on this island, you will find interesting, curious, funny or strange pieces of modern art.

The Benesse House Museum

This was designed by Tadao Ando and is a combination of 3 hotels (Oval, Park and Beach) and a museum. Each hotel has a unique feeling and style. Just exploring these hotels will make your trip worthwhile. Guests at Benesse House are allowed to view the museum until 22:00 PM. I didn't stay there, but I sincerely think that it's a great experience; a night in a museum !

On Naoshima, most buildings are hidden, here it's The Benesse House Museum. In addtion to artistic exhibitions, Naoshima focuses on environmental activities.

The Chichu Museum

Though I am usually not a big fan of Modern Art, I would recommend the visit. Actually Naoshima is a beautiful island, very clean and if you’re lucky to have a nice weather, for sure you will enjoy your day.

By Vincent Penez

2 days in Tokyo,

I just spent my last weekend in Tokyo, let me share my opinion about some of the Tokyo’s landmarks. Living in Osaka for more than 3 years, I reached the Japanese capital by Shinkansen (bullet train) in less than 3 hours.

Tokyo Sky Tree

A Shinkansen ride is not cheap (About 14,000 yen for a single way) but trains bound for Tokyo leave Shin-Osaka station every 7 minutes!! It’s really the most convenient way to go there. The ride is very comfortable, even the economic seats are wide.
I didn’t expect it, but Japanese people enjoy the Shinkansen in many different ways. Salarymans were drinking beers and sake, maybe celebrating the end of a busy week.

Some other businessmen (less lucky) were still working with their computers. Other people like me, were listen to music, reading… in a very friendly atmosphere. I thought Japanese would have a very formal behavior like most of the time. But I was happily surprised to see all those people enjoying their time on the way to Tokyo.
Once I arrived in Tokyo, I went to Asakusa. It’s the most famous temple in Tokyo. People usually pray and guide the smoke that is at the entrance of the temple on the part of the body they want to heal. This temple is a must in Tokyo, though I was actually more interested about another landmark, located near Asakusa; The Tokyo Sky Tree. This is a 634 meters tall (about 2,080 feet) antenna developed for Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting.The Tokyo Sky Tree will open on May 22nd.

Sushi in Tsukiji Market

Later I visited is the Tsukiji Fish Market. The biggest fish market in the world. As I am now use to the Japanese society where everything is clean and in order, I thought “What a crazy place!!” In the professional side of the market I felt a little awkward. People are running everywhere, in very narrow streets; with fishes all around…I guess this is the real attraction of the Tsukiji.
The other part of the market, people are looking for the finest sushi or sashimi restaurants. The one I could find were excellent!

Vincent Penez

Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani,

You might think that hot springs are reserved for humans; but if you visit the Jigokudani Park you will probably be sharing your bath with Japanese Snow Monkeys.

The Jigokudani is located in the Japanese Alps, outside of Nagano. Jigokudani (meaning “hell’s valley”) took its name from the steam and boiling water of the hot spring. Because it is located in the mountains, about 850 meters (2,800 feet) the heavy snowfalls cover the area for at least 4 months a year.

During the cold winter, the hot spring of the Jigokudani is a real Eden for the monkeys living in the valley. Hot baths are a necessity for the monkeys to keep themselves warm; but it is also interesting to see that their behavior is very similar to human.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is open all year long, however the best season to go would be winter. When the valley is all white and monkeys are all playing around the hot spring bath.

How to go there ?

From the JR Nagano station; take the Nagano Dentetsu Rail Line bound for Yudanaka train station. From Yudanaka train station, take a bus to Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop. Then you must walk 2 kms (30-40 minutes) to the ryokan. It gets dark quickly and there are no lights along the road leading to the ryokan, so its better to arrive early. Also, a backpack would be more convenient that a large suitcase.
It is a good idea to leave most of your luggage at JR Nagano train station.


Where to stay ?

The Korakukan Jigokudani; is a rustic mountain minshuku; it is the only ryokan (only 100 meters) in the Jigokudani Yaen National Park. Korakukan Jigokudani has 12 traditional Japanese-style rooms. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women and men at Korakukan Jigokudani (and monkeys frequently visit the outdoor hot spring baths). There are also two "family baths" which can be reserved for private use. From the outdoor hot spring baths at Korakukan Jigokudani, the nearby hot spring geyser can be seen.

For a live camera view of the snow monkeys at Yudanaka Onsen, Jigokudani Yaen Koen please click here: Snow Monkey Live Camera

Home Stay In Rural Kyoto

For a true Japanese Experience, Japan Roads would like to suggest a home stay in Kameoka (rural Kyoto). This experience is included in our Rural Discovery Tour. This independant tour will guide you to a off-the-beaten-track part of Japan. The tour gives the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family in a traditional house. With the Rural Discovery Tour you will bring you to amazing landmarks in Kyoto, the Himeji castle.... but the main attraction of this tour is the home stay in Kameoka.

This rural home-stay will give you stories that you will remember long after your photos have faded. While talking with your hosts you will learn how Japanese live, and experience something beyond traditional sightseeing.

Fukiko will provide you a variety of experiences that only her can give. She will cook traditional Japanese dishes for you; using fresh ingredients from her organic garden. If you like; she can dress you in one of her beautiful kimonos, Fukiko likes Kimonos very much and owns a fantastic collection. You will also have a chance to meet a Maiko (a geisha in training). Fukiko will also tell you the fascinating story of her family and ancestors.

A stay with Fukiko will introduce you the Japanese traditions, the bravery of the Japanese people, the research of excellent... but you will also learn about yourself and how to enjoy life in a traditional Japanese way.

To learn about the 7 rules for happiness in the Japanese style, please see the video,

This video was produced by Susan Macaulay, Creator & Curator of AmazingWomenRock.com (Amazing Women Rock), when she visited Fukiko's guest house in 2008. The original post is here:

7 Rules for Happiness Japanese Style

She also made these videos about the trip:

Fukiko Makes Me Beautiful in a Kimono

Fukiko's Mother; Inside the World Of an Aspiring Geisha

We hope the above has piqued your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us.

Volunteer for Japan

On October 7, 2011, I joined a group of 41 volunteers to with the the clean up and reconstruction of Rikuzentakata-shi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. This is one of the coastal towns most severely hit by the March 11 tsunami.

Our group

 Yoko Matuura from WhyNot? JAPAN (http://www.whynotjapan.com/) took on the difficult task of organizing the volunteer trip. Thank you, Yoko! The initial plan was to go to Ishinomaki, but when Yoko called Volunteer Center (http://www.ngo-jvc.net/en/touhoku.html) she was told that they only needed volunteers that could drive/operate heavy machinery. Thankfully, she didn’t give up, and managed to find a Volunteer Center with staff who knew of a location where we could be of service.

The morning of October 8th we arrive at Volunteer Center where we changed clothes and got the necessary tools. Before heading out, the Center staff explained the risk and safety procedures to be followed. For many of us, myself included, it was the first time to do such work.

Mr. Sato from the village explained that we would spend 2 days cleaning up a field so that it could be used for farming during the next planting season. Saito is one the survivors and he really was special person, kind person and very friendly. I personally was afraid ask him any question about March 11th and the only thing he told me is kowakatta mada shinjirarenai!, which means “I was scared and still cannot believe what happened”. You could tell by his hard work and dedication that he would not rest until his village was back to the way it was before the tsunami. Please never give up Saito-san we are all with you!!!!

Mr Sato and Sawako

While in Rikuzentakata-shi we met Jamie El-Banna who has been working on the clean up and rebuilding efforts since June 2011. He has been living in a tent in Ishinomaki, where we were originally planning to volunteer. Jamie was very helpful and we cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work, Thank you, Jamie!!

Jamie El-Banna with us

As part of our volunteer service, we were asked to attend a festival at a local shrine that happens once every four years. During the special festival, men climb up a large ladder to battle with a makeshift dragon. It was truly inspiring to see the city coming together in celebration while they are still trying to heal from this year's tragedy.

Rikuzentakata Festival

This trip was wonderfully organized and I hope that I was able to help the people of Rikuzentakata even if it was only a little bit. It's been 6 months since the tsunami and earthquake now, but they could always use more help so please volunteer!

Marco Ferrari
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Autumn in Japan

Japanese cherry blossoms (Sakura) are a famous national celebration, and crowds from all around the world come every year to enjoy spring in Japan. But there is another natural event that worth the visit; the autumn leaves colors. Leaves turn to yellow, orange, red, purple, ruby, vermilion…giving a mystic atmosphere to some places. The Japanese summer is really hot and humid, and though Japanese enjoy the summer, I have a feeling that they are impatient for autumn to start and finally being able to enjoy the autumn colors and an outdoor activity without getting sunburn.

Today I would like to give some basic advice and recommendations on how to enjoy those autumn colors.

When to go to see the most beautiful autumn colors?

Because Japan stretches from north (Hokkaido) to south (Okinawa) the autumn actually happens at a different time. In Hokkaido the autumn might starts as early as September while in Okinawa there is no specific autumn due to the tropical weather. But in Kyushu the autumn starts only by the end of November.
Though nature is not an exact science, in the central part of Japan, the best time is November.

To know the progression of the autumn leaves, some websites publish very detailed reports:

Japan Guide – Autumn Color Report
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html
This website is in English and they update the color of the leaves in the most popular spots.

Yahoo Japan – Autumn Color Report
http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/
This one is in Japanese and seasonal (From September to December) but you don’t need to understand Japanese to actually find the information you are looking for. When the Autumn Report will be available, usually by the end of September, you will see a big red Maple leave, just click on it to see the Autumn Color Report. This is the most detailed report; every single spot in Japan is listed. The Maple leaf symbol beside the location selected will change from green to red; red being the best moment to go.

Where to go?

Kyoto is probably the most popular and crowded spot but still it worth the visit. During the second half of November, places such as Tofukuji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera will be surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage.

In Hokkaido, the Daisetesuzan National Park is the first place to have autumn colors every year. The mix of colors, between yellow and red in the middle of mountains or along rivers and lakes offers some particularly nice spots in early October.

The Fuji Five Lakes, with a view on the magnificent Mt Fuji, is one the most popular. In addition it is possible to find some quiet and not crowded places around the Mt Fuji. It is advised to go there in late October to enjoy the autumn colors.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route; in the Northern Japanese Alps is famous for the great amount of snow fall but also for its beautiful autumn colors. Because of its elevation range the autumn can be enjoyed from late September to early November.

The Miyajima Island is one of the three most scenic places in Japan, so anytime is good to visit this place, but the middle of November would be a great choice. Few autumn colors can be seen around the Miyajima Torii (gate) and the Itsukushima shrine; but in the Momijidani Park laterally “Maple valley” there are plenty.

My special recommendation;
The Mino Park, this park is located only 30 minutes from the Osaka city and is a small valley full of Maple trees. I went there last year, and sincerely it is beautiful. Walking in this forest of Maple trees is something that I enjoyed a lot, and I recommend this place that few foreigners know. Extra surprise, you might see some monkeys walking beside you.

Don’t forget, that every interesting place in Japan can become crowded very quickly, I suggest you to go to the above places as early as you can in the morning or late in the evening. Of course it is also better to avoid weekends. That way you will avoid making lines….and you will have a better light for your pictures.


Which tree to enjoy in autumn?

Of course the Maple tree (Momiji in Japanese) is the most beautiful tree in autumn. Maple trees are native of Japan; nowadays there are other a hundred of varieties. The shape and colors of their leaves can be very different from one another; thin, long, round, red, yellow… Cultivated ones, with the most shining colors can be seen in temples especially in Kyoto or in Japanese gardens.

Another famous tree in Japanese autumn is the Ginkgo (Icho in Japanese). This tree will not turn red but into a bright yellow. This is very common in the cities, along the streets and parks. I agree that the yellow of the Ginkgo is beautiful, but I would add that this tree produce some fruits that really stink, so take a deep breath before you go around one.


What to eat during the Japanese autumn?

Like every season autumn brings specific fruits or vegetables. Japanese have a passion for the Matsutake, this mushroom popular for its smell and flavor can be compare to the Truffle in Europe. If they are as good as expensive they must be delicious!

Chestnut (Kuri in Japanese) is a typical product to eat in autumn. Japanese chefs can cook almost anything based on Chestnut; soup, sauces, cakes, ice cream… Some Japanese farms will suggest you to pick up Chestnuts by yourself. Fruits always have a better taste if you can select them on your own directly on the tree!

Now if you go to Mino Park, you will have to try the Momiji Tempura (Fried Maple leaves). It is probably not the most tasty Japanese dish, but it’s interesting to know that we actually eat the leaves of a Maple tree.


Personally, I am so impatient to see the autumn coming.