Video introduction of "Omagari Fireworks" in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, Japan This time, we would like to introduce a video titled "[4K HDR] Omagari Fireworks Festival Offering Fireworks Suite "Pictures at an Exhibition" 900m Super Wide Starmine 2023" produced by "HANABI". This 5 minutes and 37 seconds video shows the Omagari Fireworks Festival in 2023. The powerful fireworks and music spreading across the night sky, the artistic fireworks set to the "Pictures at an Exhibition" suite, and the powerful wide starmine are breathtaking. Please take a look at the beautiful video first. What are the three major fireworks festivals in Japan? Photo：Omagari Fireworks It is said that there are more than 1,000 fireworks displays held throughout Japan. Among them, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata Prefecture, and the Omagari Fireworks Festival in Omagari in Daisen, Akita, in Japan's Tohoku region, are considered to be the Top 3 Fireworks Festivals in Japan. The official name of the Omagari Fireworks Festival is the "All Japan Fireworks Competition." It is held every year on the last Saturday in August. What is the highlight of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, the "Wide Starmine"? While many fireworks displays are held as local town revitalization events or as summer traditions, the Omagari Fireworks Festival is a competition in which pyrotechnicians from all over the country compete with each other. Therefore, pyrotechnicians carefully prepare for this event with passion and pride. The "Wide Starmine," a 500-meter-long firework that has become a specialty of the event every year, takes as long as a year to produce. Starmine" is a method of setting off a number of fireworks at once at different times, ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of shots. Wide Starmine" is a set of the above "Starmine" fireworks set off at equal intervals. All sets of fireworks can be set off simultaneously or in sequence to create a powerful and dynamic display. The History of the Omagari Fireworks Festival and What Makes It Unique Every year, many people visit the festival to watch the passionate competition between the best pyrotechnicians in Japan, and the 93rd event attracted approximately 750,000 spectators! The city is said to have been flooded with people. Another feature of the Omagari Fireworks Festival is that there is not only a nighttime fireworks display, but also a daytime fireworks display. The daytime fireworks, which are colorfully depicted in the bright sky using multicolored smoke, have been popular among fireworks connoisseurs for many years. Currently, daytime fireworks can only be seen at the Omagari Fireworks Festival. If you are planning to visit the festival, be sure to get there early to see the daytime fireworks as well. What are the dates, times, and bleacher seating for Omagari Fireworks 2024? Date and time: Saturday, August 31, 2024, daytime fireworks: 17:10~ / nighttime fireworks: 18:50~. Tickets for paid spectator seats will be sold directly at the Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as on the Internet. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please check the official website in advance before obtaining tickets. Access and Location of the Omagari Fireworks Festival The Omagari Fireworks Festival is held at the Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park in Daisen, Akita. Access to the venue is a 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station. On the day of the event, traffic will be regulated around the venue due to the large number of people expected to attend the event. Since public transportation is not available, the only way to get there is on foot. If you are coming from other prefectures, it's better to cross the prefectural border before noon. Summary of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, One of the Top Three Fireworks Festivals in Japan Photo：The Omagari Fireworks Festival Have you seen the video of the Omagari Fireworks? If you want to see the Omagari Fireworks Festival, where pyrotechnicians from all over Japan come to compete, be sure to make plans sooner rather than later! With fewer spectator seats available, seating competition is expected to increase. If you're coming from far away on a tour or trip, you'll need to make reservations for hotels and other facilities. The official website also says, "walking is unavoidable on the day of the event," so it's advisable to wear shoes that are easy to walk in and carry minimal luggage. It's said that people who see the Omagari Fireworks Festival often become repeat visitors. Create some lasting end-of-summer memories with this amazing fireworks show in Akita Prefecture! 　 Omagari Fireworks Festival is also held in spring and fall. Omagari's Fireworks -Spring Chapter The event was held on April 27, 2024 under the name of "New Fireworks Collection 2024: Fireworks of the World, Fireworks of Japan". The program includes opening fireworks, competition fireworks, interval fireworks, and finale fireworks, with approximately 8,000 shots. Omagari Fireworks -Autumn Chapter This festival was held on October 7, 2023 under the title of "Fireworks Art Festival. The program includes opening fireworks, presentation of works by local pyrotechnicians, Tsuchiura fireworks, fireworks theater "magic," and finale fireworks, with approximately 8,000 fireworks launched. If you travel to Akita Prefecture in the spring or fall, why not check out the schedule for the spring and fall chapters of "Omagari Fireworks" to see the fireworks? 【TripAdvisor】Omagari Fireworks Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022315-d10019456-Reviews-or10-Omagari_Fireworks-Daisen_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Introducing "Nouryomatsuri" (Summer Festivals) in Tokyo This video, titled "［4K］Tokyo summer, Bon odori, Tokyo Trip, Tokyo Travel, Tokyo tourism" (［4K］Tokyo summer 夏の東京•納涼祭（夏祭り） 東京観光 盆踊り Bon odori Tokyo Trip Tokyo Travel　Tokyo tourism) is a video about "Nouryoumatsuri" (Tokyo summer festival), produced by Discover Nippon. Japan is colored by the nature of the four seasons. Tokyo is the capital and has many popular sightseeing spots where the past and present intersect. In Japan, there is a tradition of enjoying the coolness of the summer months by making various efforts to avoid the hot weather. The gentle, cool sound of wind chimes and the sprinkling of water along roads and in gardens to relieve the heat have become an ancient Japanese tradition. This is one of those summer festivals that have been passed down throughout Tokyo, and we present it to you with high quality 4K video clips. There are many photogenic and Instagram-worthy spots, such as yukata-clad, colorful and spectacular fireworks displays, goldfish swimming gracefully at food stands, and rows of wind chimes. Nowadays, many foreign tourists come to Japan for these summer festivals, and this article and video will give you information about Japan's most popular summer festivals across the globe. Tokyo's summer festival "Jindaiji Ondo Matsuri (Hozuki Festival) Photo：Hozuki We'll start with "Jindaiji hozuki matsuri," introduced at 0:42 in the video. This festival is held at a Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City, Tokyo, where spirits are welcomed with lantern-like "hozuki" decorations. There are stalls such with wind chimes, ground cherries, ramune, dumplings and shaved ice on the approach to the temple, and you can see people wearing Yukata, enjoying themselves at the festival. The sound of the water flowing in the Chozusha provides a cooling effect in the hot Tokyo summer. The 2023 Jindaiji Ondo Festival was held for the first time in four years. Although no sales of hozuki were held, an Ondo Happy Gate made of beautiful orange hozuki was set up in front of the Jindaiji temple gate from July 13 to August 15. As of June 2024, the schedule and other details of the 2024 Jindaiji Ondo Festival have not been announced, so we will wait for an announcement from the Executive Committee. Asagaya Tanabata Festival, a summer festival in Tokyo 2024 Source :YouTube screenshot The Asagaya Tanabata Festival, which can be seen from 1:25 in the video. Colorful Tanabata decorations line the shopping street in front of Asagaya Station. The highlight of the Asagaya Tanabata Festival are the Tanabata decoration of deformed anime characters made with "Haribote" (paper mache)." You can also see characters such as Anpanman in the video from 1:51. We can't wait to see what kind of characters we can expect to see in 2024. Information on the 2024 event is as follows. Dates: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Monday, August 12, 2024 Location: Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street Access: 1 minute walk from JR Asagaya Station Tokyo Summer Festival "Asakusa Hozuki Market" 2024" Source :YouTube screenshot Next up is "Asakusa Hozuki-Ichi." This festival is held on July 9th and 10th on Asakusa Nakamise Street, and can be seen from 2:04 in the video. The solanaceae perennial "Hozuki" is written in Kanji as 鬼灯 (devil's lamp). Japan's "oni" (demons) are a scary image, but before Buddhism became popular among the common people, it was believed that human souls would leave their bodies and become oni. In other words, oni were a subject of worship as well as fear. It is said that when the idea of Shinto and Buddhist practices were established, hozuki, whose shape resembled a lantern, were used as a guidepost to guide the souls of ancestors who had turned into souls/oni. Based on the Buddhist belief that the spirits of the dead become Buddhas, Hozuki-ichi was established as a summer evening festival at Sensoji Temple. Many people wear yukata and enjoy shooting games and goldfish scooping, as well as yakisoba and takoyaki, staples of the festival. This "Hozuki-Ichi" has another special meaning as well. It is also known as the "46,000 days" If you visit Sensoji Temple on this day, you will be recognized by the Goddess Kannon for having accumulated 46,000 days of virtue. It's great to be able to gain virture while having fun. At Sensoji Temple, "yellow fuda" and "thunderbolt-removal fuda," which are prayer cards, can be awarded only during the two days of the Hozuki-Market. Information on the Asakusa Hozuki Market in 2024 is as follows. Date: Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10, 2024 Place: Precincts of Sensoji Temple Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station Tokyo Summer Festival "Edogawa-ku Goldfish Festival" 2024 Next we have the “Edogawa-ku Goldfish Matsuri” which can be seen from 3:05 in the video. At the Goldfish Festival held in July every year in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, where goldfish farming has been popular since the Meiji period (1868-1912), there's goldfish as far as the eye can see! Various types of goldfish will be on display and for sale, as well as a variety of breeding products, and there's also the very popular luxury goldfish scooping event. Information on the 53rd Edogawa Ward Specialty Goldfish Festival to be held in 2024 is as follows. Dates: July 20 (Sat.) and 21 (Sun.), 2024 Time: 10:00 - 17:00 *Close at 16:00 on the 21st Place: Gyofune Park, Edogawa Ward Tokyo Summer Festival "Yukata de Ginbura" 2024 Photo：A couple wearing Yukata The next introduction is “Yukatadeginbura.” It can be seen from 3:51 in the video. Put on a yukata and enjoy "Dai-Ginza Bon-Odori," and "Uchimizu" to help you cool down! There are kimono rental stores in Ginza where you can rent a complete set of yukata, so feel free to enjoy wearing a yukata. Information on the "Yukata de Ginbura" in 2024 is as follows. Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024 Please check the official website and SNS for updated details. Tokyo Summer Festival "Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival" 2024 At 4:27 of the video, you can see the Yin Matsuri of the "Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival". The main festival, held once every three years, includes the unveiling of the lion head and octagonal portable shrines and the boat-tingo, in which the portable shrines are further carried on boats. The three pairs of lion heads are carried by young men, and the day before the parade of the mikoshi, they go around the town to purify the mikoshi by purifying it of evil spirits. The octagonal mikoshi, designated as a folk tangible cultural property of Chuo City and rare in the Kanto region, also makes its rounds. The video shows the shrine parishioners carrying the mikoshi sprinkling water on it to cool off. Information on the "Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival" in 2024 is as follows. Dates: Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Location: Sumiyoshi Shrine and Tsukishima area Access: 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Tsukishima Station Bon Dance in Tokyo "Zojoji Temple, Jizo Son Bon Dance Festival" 2024 You can see Bon Odori from 7:06 in the video. Various summer festivals are held in various parts of Japan, and among them, Bon Odori is a very festive summer festival. In recent years, Bon Odori has attracted attention from overseas as a very unique event. Lively music and drums, as well as stalls and yukata, are the standard features of Bon Odori. People dressed in yukata and jinbei form a circle around a Yagura (tower) and dance happily with fans. This is an important part of the festival as you can enjoy the company of your ancestors that have returned to Obon. (It is a time when Buddhists remember people in their family who have died). "Tokyo Ondo" is the most popular Bon dance in Tokyo, but the choreography differs by region. It would be fun to learn how to dance all the Tokyo Ondos in the 23 wards and become a Tokyo Ondo Master. In addition to the Tokyo Ondo, Tokyo's Bon Dancing is also known for its unique theme songs. Songs from “Ikyyu San” based on the monk (Rinzai sect, Ikkyu Sojun) of the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573 AD), as well as world-renowned songs like Living on a Prayer by rock musician Bon Jovi, are used to create a unique experience. Bon Jovi even mentioned it on his twitter page and it was a hot topic for a minute. One of the characteristics of Bon Odori is that it is highly diverse, not bound by tradition. The Jizo Bon Dance Festival at Zojoji Temple is held in the immediate vicinity of Tokyo Tower, the symbol of Tokyo. Many windmills can be seen at the Jizo-san of Zojoji Temple. Dancing with windmills, which can be purchased at booths at the Bon Odori Festival, attached to the sashes of yukata (light cotton kimono) may be seen only at the Bon Odori Festival at Zojoji Temple. Information on the Jizo Bon Dance Festival to be held at Zojoji Temple in 2024 is as follows. Dates: Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, 2024 Time: 18:00 - 21:00 *Jizoson memorial service starts at 17:30 Place: Zojo-ji Temple, plaza in front of the Main Hall Access：10 min. walk from Hamamatsucho Sta. on JR line or Tokyo Monorail. *For details, please check the official website. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival" and "Itabashi Fireworks Festival" in Tokyo 2024 Photo：Fireworks The Sumida River in Tokyo Bay and the Jingu Shrine, which are crowded with people in yukata every year, are also popular places to visit in Tokyo. This can be seen at 9:35 in the video. Did you know that these fireworks have a spiritual meaning as well? The loud noise of fireworks is a deliberate design, and summer was a time when infections and food poisoning were more likely to occur In the Edo period (1603-1867), when medicine was not as advanced as it is today. The loud sound of fireworks was used to exorcise evil and bring good health. It is said that prayers were made at the beginning of the fireworks display. It is said that the origin of the ceremony comes from the practice of beating drums when paying a visit to a shrine, and the beating of drums at festivals and Bon Odori. Fireworks festivals are held all over the country, and many people enjoy the colorful fireworks in the summer's night sky. The following are the dates of two fireworks displays in Tokyo. Sumida River Fireworks Festival Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 19:00 Location: First site (Sakura Bridge downstream - Kototoi Bridge upstream), Second site (Komagata Bridge downstream - Stable Bridge upstream) Access：15 min. walk from Tobu Railway, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Asakusa Stn. at the 1st site, 5 min. walk from Tobu Railway, Tokyo), Toei Subway Asakusa Stn. or Toei Subway Kuramae Stn. at the 2nd site Itabashi Fireworks Festival Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 19:00 Place: Arakawa riverbed, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo Access: Toei Mita Line Takashimadaira Station/Nishidai Station/Hasune Station, approx. 20 min. walk from each station Approx. 20 min. walk from JR Saikyo Line Ukima Funawatari Sta. Summer Festival "Mitamatsuri" in Tokyo 2024 “Mitama Matsuri,” introduced at 12:04 in the video, is a festival held at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, to memorialize the souls of those lost in the war. It began in 1947. More than 30,000 large and small lanterns and Bonbori (paper lanterns) decorate the grounds of the temple, and the whole area is colored gold. Information on the Yasukuni Shrine Mimatama Festival in 2024 is as follows. Dates: Saturday, July 13 - Tuesday, July 16 Place: Yasukuni Shrine Access: Public transportation: 5 min. walk from Tokyo Metro Kudanshita Sta. Tokyo Summer Festival "Sumida River Touro Nagashi" 2024 The Japanese event "Touro Nagashi (floating lanterns or lantern floating down the Sumida River)," in which lanterns made of Japanese paper are floated down rivers and into the sea to mourn the souls of the deceased during the Obon festival, is held not only in Tokyo but also in many other places throughout Japan. Here is information on the Sumida River Toronagashi to be held in 2024. If you would like to experience the Toronagashi yourself, you can also purchase the lanterns. You can either purchase in advance online (1,720 yen *including postage) or at the Asakusa Tourist Federation office (2,000 yen *until 8/9). Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 Time：18:30（Ceremony, Nagashihajime）18:45-20:00（Lantern floating) Place: Azuma-bashi Water Terrace, Sumida River Summary of Summer Festivals and Noryosai in Tokyo As summer approaches, posters and illustrations of summer festivals are posted on the bulletin boards of shopping streets and stations, people are seen in yukata, and when you hear the sounds of the music and the shouts of the portable shrines and floats from the streets, you know that summer has finally arrived. Many festivals were introduced in this video, but don't forget to check online articles and magazines for the schedules of events, including times and locations, as Tokyo hosts many more popular summer festivals! Some of the other popular summer festivals and events in Tokyo are listed below. ・Asakusa Sansha Festival : Sensoji Temple in Taito Ward 　Date: Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 19, 2024 ・Iriya Asashio City : Iriya in Taito Ward 　Date: Saturday, July 6 - Monday, July 8, 2024 ・Shinjuku Acer Festival : Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 　Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 ・Hachioji Festival: Koshu Highway in Hachioji City 　Date: Date: Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 ・Azabu Juban Festival : Azabu Juban, Minato Ward 　Date: Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024 ・Koenji Awa Odori : Koenji Temple in Suginami Ward 　Date: Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024 ・Asakusa Samba Carnival : Asakusa International Street, Taito Ward 　Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 Enjoy the summer atmosphere of Tokyo in this high quality 4K video of Tokyo's Summer Festivals. Tokyo, a popular tourist spot where past and present intersect, has a ton of traditional festivals that have been passed down since the good old days of Japan!

Video introduction of how to cook eel at "Kawayo" eel restaurant in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. The video, taken at Kawatoyo, a Meiji style restaurant situated on the way to the Naritasan (Narita Mountain) Shinshoji Temple in Narita, Chiba, shows how the chefs prepare Japanese eel (Unagi) before cooking them. There is a common saying among eel restaurant chefs that gives some insight into how difficult mastering the techniques behind their job is, it goes: “Three years of skewering, eight years of cutting, and a lifetime of grilling.” In spite of the difficulty of this job, the chefs in the video make it look easy, and even enjoyable. In just two minutes, one can easily understand how skilled the chefs at Kawatoyo are. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read the article! Grilled Eel, Narita’s Specialty Photo：Eels When most people think of Narita they think of eel. And it's no surprise either. With its 60 eel restaurants Naritasan, Omotesando has become a popular attraction for both tourists and food lovers alike, and it is conveniently located just a 15 minute walk from the JR Narita Station. Kawatoyo is a well-established shop in Narita, serving grilled eel since 1910. Crowded even on weekdays, part of its popularity is due to the show offered by its chefs working in front of diners. This can be seen in the video as well The skillful maneuvering of tools and knives done on the restaurant's large wooden cutting board, catches the eyes of many tourists, who are impressed by the fascinating sight. Source :YouTube screenshot These are the steps to prepare the eel. Be sure to follow along with the video: 1. Nailing the eel to the board 2. Cutting it open with a knife 3. Gutting it 4. Boning it 5. Slicing it to proper size Because of how difficult it is to perform this procedure both quickly and accurately, apprentices are usually relegated to applying the skewers. Unlike other fish, eels must be killed just before preparing them as their flesh tends to spoil very quickly: so quickly that the speed at which the preparation work is done ends up influencing the taste of the final product. In addition to that, raw eel blood is toxic, and while cooked preparations are safe to eat, handling and preparing the raw product requires great care on the chefs’ part. Some Final Words on Narita Eel Photo：Eel bowl On a normal weekday, the chefs at Kawatoyo prepare a staggering 400 eels for their customers, and this number doubles to a whopping 800 on weekends and holidays. The taste of the grilled eels you can have in this wooden, old fashioned traditional Japanese shop is simply amazing. There are various eel recipes and serving styles in Japanese cuisine: be it rolls, unagi sushi, eel served in traditional wooden boxes or on top of rice bowls. Did you know that grilled eel cooking methods can vary from region to region in Japan? In the East, Kanto-style eels are sliced open from the back, then steamed and only later grilled, making for a richer, more plump texture, while in the West it is more common to have them Kansai-style, following a method that focuses on fragrance and crispness by grilling the eels on their belly directly over a flame. The best you can do is walk your way through Japan and find the style or unagi sauce you like the most. And don’t forget that eels this delicious can only be prepared by skilled, seasoned professionals: do not try this at home! ◆Kawatoyo Honten◆ 【Address】Nakamachi386, Narita, Chiba, Japan,　286-0027 【Access】 By Train　 11 minutes walking from JR Narita station 11 minutes walking from Keisei Narita station By Car: 8.3 km from Narita International Airport (about 20 minutes) 3 km from Aeon Mall Narita (about 10 minutes) 2.5 km from Mega Don Quixote (about 8 minutes) 【Open】10 am to 5 pm (last order) 【Closures】None (subject to change) 【Parking】None 【TEL】0476-22-2711 【Official Website】kawatoyohonten http://www.unagi-kawatoyo.com/foreign/index.html

Japan's Temple & Shrine Carpenters This video, titled "In Japan, Repairing Buildings Without a Single Nail," was uploaded by "Great Big Story." It introduces a traditional Japanese temple and shrine carpenter, called "Miyadaiku" (宮大工) in Japanese, from Kamakura (鎌倉). Japanese temple and shrine carpenters specialize in temples and shrines and construct/repair traditional buildings. Some of the craftsmen work on the construction and repair of historical buildings, such as Japan's national treasures and world heritage sites. Japan's temple and shrine carpenters must possess a high-level of skill and knowledge to repair traditional buildings. A building repaired by Japan's Miyadaiku carpenters allows the beautiful architecture of Japan to remain the work of art that it is. This article covers some of the amazing traditional techniques of Japan's temple and shrine carpenters and their journey to becoming full-fledged craftsmen. Kigumi - A Traditional Carpentry Technique Used by Japan's Miyadaiku Carpenters Photo：Kigumi, traditional Japanese architecture Some wooden architecture in Japan, including temples and shrines, is built by assembling wooden materials together as though it were one large 3d puzzle. This method is called the "Kigumi" method, meaning "wooden framework." This impressive craftsmanship can be seen from 0:21 in the video. The traditional skill of framing and jointing wood, characterized by very precise cutting and coupling of wood, requires countless hours of training and experience as a Miyadaiku carpenter. Traditional Japanese architecture is made possible thanks to the high-quality craftsmanship of Japan's temple and shrine carpenters. The Long Road to Becoming a Miyadaiku Carpenter Photo：A wooden shrine, traditional Japanese architecture Acquiring the skills of a Miyadaiku carpenter requires on-the-job training, so the first step is to become an apprentice at a workshop or construction firm and learn the repair processes and traditional methods used by observing the skills of a master Miyadaiku carpenter up close. The history of Miyadaiku carpenters dates back more than a thousand years. In the past, Japan's temple and shrine carpenters were referred to as "Wataridaiku," and they lived in areas with many shrines and temples, working from one location to the next. Miyadaiku carpenters also repair historic World Heritage buildings and prominent national treasures, such as the one's you'd find in Kyoto. Thus, Miyadaiku carpenters are required to have advanced knowledge in various fields, not just architecture, but religious studies as well. Summary of Japan's Traditional Miyadaiku Carpenters Photo：A wooden temple being built Miya-Daiku carpenters have been repairing Japan's temples and shrines since ancient times with their advanced skills that can be used to construct wooden buildings without the use of nails. This traditional Japanese culture is handed down from one generation of craftsmen to the next. It's no secret that all of Japan's beautiful temples and shrines look like the amazing works of art they art thanks to the amazing craftsmanship of Japan's Miyadaiku carpenters.

石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統「あばれ祭り」とは？ こちらの動画は「和倉温泉 多田屋 WAKURAONSEN TADAYA」が公開した石川県能登町宇出津に伝わる、「あばれ祭り」を紹介した「あばれ祭 - のとつづり」です。 あばれ祭りは350年以上の歴史がある日本の伝統行事で、無形民族文化財にも指定されています。 このお祭りは、キリコ祭りの先陣を切って行われる勇壮な祭りで、2日間に亘っておこなわれます。 1日目は約40基のキリコ山車が大松明（おおたいまつ）の火の粉を浴びながら無病息災を祈願し、御囃子や掛け声、太鼓に合わせて街を練り歩きます。 2日目には宮神輿が登場し、いやさか広場にキリコと神輿が集結しクライマックスを迎えます。 あばれ祭りという名前は宮神輿を水中や炎の中に投げ込んだり、地面に叩きつけるなどの過激なしきたりから由来しています。 祭りの期間は花火やライブ、屋台なども出て、能登の街はあばれ祭り一色になります。 石川県能登地方に伝わるキリコお祭りとイベント情報 あばれ祭りはキリコ祭りのオープニングを飾る祭りです。 キリコとは巨大な灯篭を模した山車のことで、キリコ吉祥文字と言われる地区ごとの願いや祈りを込めた文字を記し、御囃子や太鼓で祭囃子を鳴らしながら能登の街を練り歩きます。 キリコ祭りは石川県能登地方の住民にとって最も重要な夏祭りと言われていて、毎年祭りの時期には帰省し祭りに参加するしきたりなのだそうです。 特に宮神輿は一年を通じて石川県能登地方の祭りに参加し、貢献した担ぎ手だけが持つことを許されている特別な神輿です。 あばれ神輿の歴史と日本神話のつながり 江戸時代にかけて石川県周辺の能登地方は日本海に面した海上交通の要所でした。 加賀百万石と称された金沢を有し人の往来が絶えない豊かな地域でしたが、降水量が多くたびたび疫病の流行に悩まされていました。 そこで本格的に疫病が流行る前にキリコに魔を封じ、炎で清めたのがキリコ祭りの始まりと言われています。 昔から八坂神社では無病息災の祈祷が行われてきたのですが、肝心の宮神輿にまで悪鬼が取り付いてしまったので、神輿を乱舞させ地面に叩きつけ病魔ごと葬ったというのが神輿の扱いに関する由来です。 八坂神社の御祭祀、素戔嗚命（スサノオのミコト）は神仏習合により牛頭天王と同一格となり、京都八坂神社の祇園社信仰と結びつき、全国に広がりました。 素戔嗚命はヤマタノオロチを退治したことでも有名な日本神話を代表する神様で仏教では薬師如来が同格です。 このため、無病息災、悪鬼退散などのご利益があると言われています。 石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統「あばれ祭り」のまとめ 石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統奇祭「あばれ祭り」は1997年に「能登のキリコ祭り」として国から「無形民俗文化財」に指定され、その後2015年に文化庁から日本遺産の最初の18件の1つに選ばれました。 動画では2016年に行われた迫力ある祭りの模様を紹介しています。 来年はあなたも浴衣や、はっぴで石川県能登の「あばれ祭り」に足を運んでみませんか？ 日程やイベント情報、当日の駐車場情報は「能登町観光ガイド」でご確認ください。

The Giant Floats of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa: Video Introduction This video, titled "Seihakusai Festival – Dekayama Floats Parading Through Town｜2017 in 4K" (青柏祭 でか山が街を行く 2017 in 4K), was uploaded by "officeliquid." It's a powerful 4K video of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. At the Seihakusai Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the largest floats in Japan, referred to as "Dekayama," are pulled through the streets of the city. The sight of the Dekayama going from one alley to the next is an incredible sight. The shouting of the crowds and the gentle May breeze make it feel like the festival is taking place right before your eyes, something that can only be achieved with such high-definition video. Enjoy the 3-minute movie showing what it's like to travel to Noto during summer! About Ishikawa Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture is located approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Tokyo via bullet train. It's bordered by Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu Prefectures, as well as the sea. Bordering the sea, Ishikawa is known for its delicious seafood, and is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Kenrokuen Garden, one of the "Three Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan," and Kanazawa Castle, both of which are located in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa. In addition, it's home to unique cultures and traditional crafts, such as Kanazawa Lacquerware, and Kanazawa Gold Leaf. An Introduction to Festivals in Japan Japan is home to thousands of festivals each year. The Japanese word for festival is "matsuri" (祭り), which comes from the word "matsuru" (祭る, to deify, to enshrine). The reason Japan has so many festivals has to do with Japanese culture and religion. Japan is said to be home to 8 million gods, and practically every area in Japan has a shrine that worships a particular god. Because of this, many shrines also have their own annual festivals, with different meanings and origins. There are seasonal festivals to pray for good harvests, bon festivals to pray for the souls of the dead, and even dance festivals showcasing traditional dances of a particular regions. There is a seemingly endless list of festivals, many of which are held near shrines or temples, and which often have food stalls, music, etc., for the enjoyment of participants. Some of the most famous festivals in Japan are the Gion Festival of Kyoto, the Tanabata Festival of Sendai, and the Nebuta Festival of Aomori which features large, intricate floats. Summer is particularly known to have a lot of festivals, thanks to the warm weather, so be sure to keep an eye out for them if you're visiting Japan during this time of year! What Is the Seihakusai Festival? Unraveling the History and Origins of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! Photo：The Seihakusai Festival, Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is said to have been started as a national festival by Minamoto no Shitago in the Heian period (794-1185). Yoshimune, the third lord of the Noto Hatakeyama Clan, dedicated a float to the Seihakusai Festival, following the example of the yamaboko floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival, in an attempt to incorporate Kyoto culture into the festival, and this was the beginning of the Dekayama. The Seihakusai Festival got its name from the fact that the food offered to the gods (shinsen) was served on the young leaves of an oak tree which are called "seihaku" (青柏) in Japanese. It's said that when people went to Noto, they paid a visit to Otokonushi Shrine and offered seihaku to the gods. The Seihaku Festival is an annual spring festival held at Otokonushi Shrine. [Video] 0:22 - The Large Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival The Seihakusai Festival has a history of more than 1,000 years. In 1983, the Seihakusai Festival and its large floats were designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, and in 2016, the events with the floats were registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages as well. The Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival + The Dolls That Adorn Them "Dekayama" is the common name for the largest floats in Japan. The huge floats are 12 meters tall, weigh 12 tons, and have wheels which are 2 meters in diameter. They're pulled by people and are a powerful sight. However, the magnificence of Dekayama is not limited to their size. The stages and dolls depicting famous Kabuki scenes which decorate the front of the Dekayama are also a highlight of the festival. The stage is also decorated with a single young pine tree, which is used to pray for the gods' descent and for the eradication of disease and a prosperous life. The puppets/dolls displayed on the Dekayama's stages are called "Ningyomi" (人形見) and are unveiled at a designated "Ningyoyado" (doll inn) in each town on the evening of May 2, where they can be viewed by the general public. The Nigyomi dolls are a rare opportunity to see the Dekayama floats from up close. After the one-night exhibition, the newly created dolls go up on the Dekayama stages each year. The Dekayama are the stars of the show, giving a large-scale performance that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Noto Region. Tsujimawashi and Fireworks at the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the turning of the floats, which is called "tsujimawashi." To turn the floats, a special lever called an "Oteko," is wedged beneath the wheel to change the direction of the float. Seeing the tsujimawashi performed on the narrow streets of the city with an 8-meter-long lever is quite the show. Young men climb on top of the Oteko and use leverage to lift the front wheel and turn the floats. The scene of the dangerous rotation of the floats is a spectacular sight to behold. [Video] 2:35 - Young Men Riding on the Oteko as the Float Is Turned The powerful Tsujimawashi can be seen from the night of May 3 to the night of May 5 at various locations in the city center. Another highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the fireworks. The first shot at around 8:30 pm on May 3 is for Kajicho, the first town to pull out its floats. The second shot goes off at 1:00 am on May 4, signaling Fuchu to pull out its floats, and the last shot goes off at 8:00 am on May 4 for Uomachi. Unlike the other two towns, only Uomachi has two fireworks signals, one at 7:00 am and the other at 8:00 am. The time of the fireworks may change, and fireworks may not be displayed on rainy or cloudy days. Please check weather information, etc. in advance on the official websites. When will the 2024 Aokashi Festival be held? Where will it be held? The Aokashiwa Festival, held at the Daichishu Shrine in the center of downtown Nanao, is usually held from May 3 to 5. However, from 2020, due to the spread of the new coronavirus, only the Shinto ritual was held. After the end of the outbreak, in 2023, the Dekayama Matsuri was resumed for the first time in four years, and the festival was very lively. However, the Aokashiwa Festival in 2024 was cancelled due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake. We hope that the local people will return to their daily lives as soon as possible and that the Aokashiwa Festival will resume after reconstruction. The surrounding area will be very crowded during the festival. Traffic regulations will be enforced, so we recommend that you look up information in advance, including information on temporary parking lots, if you plan to visit the area by car. How to Participate in the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot In previous years, the Seihakusai Festival was open to public participation in the form of pullers. Unfortunately, this was not possible in 2022 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, with the national policy of wearing masks after March 13th being left to the discretion of individuals, it's possible that the event will be open for public participation once again. It's best to wait for an official announcement regarding whether pullers can participate in the event. During the Seihakusai Festival, many sightseeing events will be held in the region, so be sure to check them out as well. 3 Popular Japanese Festivals Celebrated in May Here are 3 more festivals that you could consider checking out if you're visiting Japan during May: Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto Aoi Matsuri is festival with origins dating back 1,500 years. The festival features a large procession of 600 people wearing traditional clothing of Heian Period court nobles. The procession, the main event of the festival, takes place on May 15. Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Sanja Matsuri is a festival held on the 3rd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in May. It's one of the most famous festivals in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million spectators each year. The festival is held at the popular Sensoji Temple in Asakusam Tokyo and consists of musical floats, geiko (apprentice geisha), dancers, etc. Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo Kanda Matsuri is held at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is one of the 3 major festivals of Tokyo. The festival's main event is a procession of around 500 people dressed in Heian Period attire that passes through Akihabara, the electronics capital of Japan. Summary of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is a spring festival that is regarded as one of the most representative festivals of the Noto Peninsula. The tradition of Hikiyama, which has been passed on since ancient times, is filled with the wishes of many people. Before the Dekayama parade, the biggest highlight of the festival, be sure to visit the Ningyoyado, where you can see the elaborate dolls and decorations up close every year. It's an awesome part of the Seihakusai Festival! Nanao, Ishikawa is one of the most accessible tourist destinations, being only about an hour away from Kanazawa, which has many tourist attractions, by train or car. We recommend visiting here for a relaxing trip to enjoy traditional events, the delicious cuisine of the Noto Peninsula, and a variety of tourist attractions!

Saikyo-ji Temple – A Heritage Site of Otsu, Shiga Founded in Japan's Asuka Period! This video, titled "[4K] Japanese Garden SAIKYO-JI / SHIGA" ([4K] 日本庭園　西教寺 / 滋賀　Japanese Garden SAIKYO-JI / SHIGA), was uploaded by "Yurara Sarara," a channel that introduces temples, Japanese gardens, and sightseeing/travel destinations in Kyoto to promote Japanese culture to people are the world. The video introduces Saikyo-ji, a temple in Otsu, Shiga. Saikyo-ji Temple, located in Otsu, Shiga, is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect of Buddhism, and is one of the temples in Otsu, Shiga, founded by Prince Shotoku in the Asuka Period (around 592-710 AD). The temple has a long history and is said to have been established as a temple associated with Mt. Hiei in the Heian and Kamakura periods. The the main hall, which is made entirely of zelkova, was donated by the Kishu Tokugawa family, and has gorgeous decorations from the early Edo period (~1603 to ~1700 AD). The main hall of Saikyo-ji Temple has also been designated as an Important Cultural Property. A Closer Look at the Breathtaking Precincts of Saikyo-ji Temple! Photo：Saikyo-ji Temple, Otsu, Shiga Saikyo-ji Temple was burned down by the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga in 1571, but was rebuilt by Akechi Mitsuhide. The present precincts of Saikyo-ji Temple consist of six branch temples on either side of the approach to the temple. After passing through the gate in front of the temple, historically used by imperial envoys, you'll see the hall of the founder of the sect on the left, and the main hall at the back of the precincts. The main hall and the guest hall are located in the center of the temple. The temple can be seen in detail from 1:00in the video. Feel the Healing Power of the Japanese Gardens at Saikyo-ji Temple Photo：Saikyo-ji Temple, Otsu, Shiga The gardens at Saikyo-ji Temple were designed by Kobori Enshu. There are four gardens at Saikyo-ji Temple: one located on the south side of the kuri (the kitchen of the temple), one on the west side of the Kyakuden (reception hall), one on the south side of the Shoin (study), and one on the north side of the Shoin. The Karesansui (dry landscape garden) in "Daihonbo Garden" on the south side of the kuri retains the atmosphere of a traditional tea garden. Also, on the west side of the Kyakuden, is Kyakuden Garden. The pond and fountain in Kyakuden Garden represent Lake Biwa. Furthermore, the natural slope created by the mountain behind Saikyo-ji Temple is well utilized to create a three-dimensional view. There are also azalea and satsuki azalea trimmings there, which give an indescribable three-dimensional feeling. To the north and south of the Shoin are Shoin Garden and Ura-shoin Garden. Shoin Garden, which can be seen at 3:23, was created during the Meiji Period (1868-1912 A.D.) by a group of stonemasons called "Ano-ushu. For this reason, it is also known as the Ano-ushu Garden. In addition, the Ura-shoin Garden provides a beautiful landscape where visitors can feel the ancient history of Japan. Saikyo-ji Temple - Area Information, Events, and Seasonal Attractions Photo：Wind chimes at Saikyoj-ji Temple, Otsu, Shiga In the summer, Saikyo-ji Temple holds an event with more than 700 glass wind chimes on display, creating beautiful sounds with the summer breeze. The purpose of wind chimes is to ward off evil spirits and ward off the heat by making noise. In the Edo period (1603-1868), these wind chimes were called "Kaze-taku," but they came to be called "Fu-rin" to make them more familiar with the common people. The appearance of the temple changes with the seasons, and in autumn, visitors can enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves. Recently, many tourists come to Saikyo-ji Temple for its three types of shuin stamps. In addition, Saikyo-ji Temple has a special shuin stamp to commemorate the broadcast of NHK's historical drama "Kirin ga Kuru" in 2020. The temple also has a special shuin stamp book finished in a simple yet beautiful indigo color, for just 1,250 yen. Furthermore, there is a youth hostel attached to the precincts of Saikyo-ji Temple, where visitors can also experience the vegetarian cuisine eaten by the monks in the dining room. Saikyo-ji Temple - Access and Information for Visitors to the Temple in Otsu, Shiga Saikyo-ji Temple is a roughly 25-minute walk from Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station. If you take the bus, it takes about 4 minutes to get there. By car, it takes about 10 minutes from the Shimosakamoto Interchange. Although it's a bit of a walk to the main hall, there's free parking available. The entrance fee is a reasonable 500 yen. Summary of Saikyo-ji Temple in Otsu, Shiga Photo：Saikyoj-ji Temple, Otsu, Shiga Being burned down by Oda Nobunaga, rebuilt by Akechi Mitsuhide, and having four beautiful gardens built on the temple grounds by Kobori Enshu, Saikyo-ji Temple has a long history. Enjoy the beauty of the divine Saikyo-ji Temple and its four sophisticated gardens in this 4.5-minute video. 【Official Website】Saikyo-ji Temple http://saikyoji.org/publics/index/19/ 【Tripadvisor】Saikyo-ji Temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298202-d1424442-Reviews-Saikyoji_Temple-Otsu_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Video introduction of Yamagata Castle in Yamagata City, a famous castle in Ou This video, titled "Yamagata Castle in YAMAGATA, JAPAN/The Top 100 Castles in Japan/No.10" (【山形／日本100名城】山形城 - Yamagata Castle in YAMAGATA, JAPAN/The Top 100 Castles in Japan/No.10 -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." It introduces Yamagata castle, one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. Yamagata Castle is located in Kajo, Yamagata, in the Tohoku region of Japan, and boasts the largest castle in Japan's Tohoku region. The famous Yamagata Castle, known for its absence of a castle tower, was originally built in 1356 by Shiba Kaneyori, the first generation of the Mogami clan who entered Yamagata as provincial governor. Shiba Kaneyori, also known as Mogami Kaneyori, was a military commander during Japan's Nanboku-cho period. The present castle was originally built by the 11th lords of the castle, the Mogami clan, and in 1622, Torii Tadamasa, who became the lord of the castle after the Mogami clan, built the outer citadel moats and, earthen walls, as well as the stone walls that remain today. Torii Tadamasa was a vassal of the Tokugawa family and a military commander and daimyo from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 AD) to the early Edo period (1603-1700 AD). In this video, you can see the beauty of Yamagata Castle, a national historic site, some wonderful music. We hope you enjoy it! Other Names of the Famous Yamagata Castle Yamagata Castle has been selected as one of the Top 100 Castles in Japan. Yamagata Castle is also known as "Kasumi Castle" (霞城) or "Kasumiga Castle" (霞ヶ城) in Japanese. According to locals the origin of this name is said to have come from the fact that the castle was obscured by haze during the Keicho Dewa Campaign, also known as the "Sekigahara of the north." The History of Yamagata Castle and the Mogami Clan Photo：A statue of Mogami Yoshiaki on horseback at Yamagata Castle Mogami Yoshiaki, the 11th lord of Yamagata Castle during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), was granted a fief of 570,000 koku and devoted himself to the development of Yamagata Castle and the castle grounds. Mogami Yoshiaki was a descendant of the first generation of the Mogami family, "Shiba Kaneyori," who built Yamagata Castle, and was the first lord of the Yamagata Domain. You can see the brave figure of Mogami Yoshiaki atop his horse at 2:52 in the video. During the reign of Mogami Yoshiaki, the castle was expanded, with the residences of high- and middle-class vassals located in the outer region of the castle, and the residences and temples of lower-class vassals outside the castle. This was the birth of Yamagata Castle, the largest castle in Japan's Tohoku region, and the original castle town. After the death of Mogami Yoshiaki, the Yamagata domain was ruled by Torii Tadamasa, and large-scale renovations began. Due to repeated changes in the lord of the castle, the Mogami clan, which boasted 570,000 koku in the Edo period, was reduced to 50,000 koku by the end of the Edo period, and the castle fell into disrepair as it became difficult to maintain. Yamagata Castle – An Everchanging National Historic Site Photo：Otemon Gate, Yamagata Castle The Honmaru (inner citadel) and Ninomaru (outer citadel) areas of the Yamagata Castle Ruins have been developed as an urban park, and together with part of the Sanomaru area, were designated as a national historic site as Kajo Park, in 1986. At Kajo Park, the Former Saiseikan Hospital Building, which can be seen at 3:27 in the video, is preserved as an Important Cultural Property, and there's also the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, the Yamagata Museum of Art, and the Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum. The Ninomaru East Gate, Koraimon Gate, Tower Gate, Northern Turret, Tsuzuki Yagura, Otebashi Bridge, and Honmaru Ichimonji Gate, which can be seen at 4:17 in the video, are said to be comparable to the gates of Edo Castle, and restoration work is still in progress. Yamagata Castle no longer appears as it once did, a pitiful ruin of a castle. Today, Yamagata Castle is known as a famous sightseeing spot for cherry blossoms, with the iconic Someiyoshino cherry trees in full bloom, and approximately 1,500 cherry trees illuminated during the cherry blossom viewing party held in spring. The castle was selected as one of the Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan and as one of the Top 100 Castles in Japan in 2006, and castle stamps are also available. Summary of the Famous Yamagata Castle Photo：Cherry blossoms at Kajo Park, Yamagata Castle, Yamagata The historic Yamagata Castle, which has been maintained over the years by the Mogami and Torii clans and the city of Yamagata, is a famous castle that has been loved and watched over by many people. The beautiful stonewalls and moats are surrounded by a rich natural environment. The ponds reflect nature's changing expressions like a mirror, attracting visitors. In the video, you can experience Yamagata Castle up close, where you can feel the beauty of Japan's four seasons firsthand. Discover the history of Japan with the video! ◆Yamagata Castle General Information◆ 【Address】1-7, Kajo-machi, Yamagata City, Yamagata 990-0826 Japan (Administration Office) 【Access】 By train: A 10-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station By Car: About 15 minutes from the Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway 【Parking】Free (230 parking spaces, including 5 handicap spaces and 5 bus spaces) 【Park Hours】5 AM – 10 PM (Apr. 1 – Oct. 31), 5:30 AM – 10 PM (Nov. 1 – Mar. 31) 【Admission Fee】Free 【Closures】None 【Official Website】National Historic Site: Yamagata Castle https://www.city.yamagata-yamagata.lg.jp/kakuka/machizukuri/koen/sogo/yamagatajo/en/ 【TripAdvisor】Yamagata Castle Ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023191-d1745658-Reviews-Yamagata_castle-Yamagata_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Video Introduction This video, titled "Japanese Cold Ramen Noodles HIYASHI CHUKA RECIPE," was uploaded by "TabiEats," a channel that introduces food from various countries and travel destinations. Shinichi and Satoshi introduce how to make the Japanese dish hayashi chuka, and the video has tons of comments saying how great the recipe is. Hiyashi chuka is a dish of chilled Chinese noodles in a Japanese-style recipe. It's a popular Japanese dish both in Japan and around the world. In the comments section of the video, people even mention that it's a great recipe if you can't find many Japanese-style ingredients at your local supermarket. If you're looking for a refreshing noodle dish to cool off this summer, be sure to give this recipe a try! A Classic Japanese Summertime Dish: The History of Hiyashi Chuka and More! Photo：Hiyashi Chuka Hiyashi chuka is a Japanese noodle dish served chilled and topped with vegetables, Japanese-style omelet, ham, and other ingredients. Despite using Chinese noodles, the dish originated in Japan. In Japan's Kansai region, it is popularly known as "rei-men" (冷麺, lit. 'chilled noodles'). There are several theories as to how hiyashi chuka came to be. One theory is that a Chinese restaurant in Sendai, Miyagi, invented the dish to boost summer sales. Another theory is that a Chinese restaurant in Kanda, Tokyo, was inspired by a Chinese noodle dish and combined it with Japanese zaru soba (cold soba noodles). Hiyashi chuka is now a popular summer dish in Japan. Many restaurants serve it as a limited-time summer menu item. If a restaurant in Japan has started selling hiyashi chuka, you'll know summer has arrived in Japan! Hiyashi chuka is perfect for the hot summer months because it's cool and goes down smooth, and vinegar is used to stimulate the appetite. In Japan, hiyashi chuka has become a popular dish and is now sold at convenience stores and supermarkets. A Simple, Basic Recipe for Hiyashi Chuka! Photo：Hiyashi Chuka Ingredients Ingredients for hiyashi chuka are generally cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), but ingredients vary from restaurant to restaurant and home to home. You can choose whatever ingredients you prefer. For noodles, use ramen noodles; it is important to cool them thoroughly after boiling so they don't continue to cook. For sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame sauce, and ponzu are commonly used. Recently, however, many different arrangements have been devised, and there's a wider variation in taste and appearance, from spicier flavors to recipes using different kinds of ingredients. Here, we'll go over the basic recipe for hiyashi chuka. [What to Prepare] (Noodle sauce) ・Soy sauce - 4 tbsp ・Sugar - 2½ tbsp ・Rice vinegar - 2 tbsp ・Water - 1 tbsp ・Sesame oil - 1 tbsp ・Grated ginger - 1/4 tsp (Ingredients) ・Eggs - 2 ・Sugar - 1 tbsp ・Salt - A dash ・Cucumber - 1/2 ・Tomato - 1/2 ・Ham - 3-4 slices （Noodles) ・Ramen noodles - 1 pack [Preparing Hiyashi Chuka] 1. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce, mix well, and refrigerate. 2. Add sugar and salt to beaten egg and fry thinly in a pan. 3. Thinly slice the cucumber, ham, and egg into thin strips. Cut the tomato into fourths. 4. Boil noodles until al dente or to your liking, then cool in ice water. Arrange the noodles on a plate, top with the ingredients, and pour the sauce over the noodles to complete the dish. You can see how the ingredients are cut in the video. [Video] 1:43 - Cutting ingredients into strips [How to Make Hiyashi Chuka Sauce] Mix the seasonings for the tare. The recipe for hiyashi chuka sauce is very simple! Simply mix the ingredients together. If you want to eat it chilled, make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Hiyashi Chuka - A Delicious Japanese Dish Using Chinese Noodles Photo：Hiyashi Chuka This is a nice and easy recipe for making hiyashi chuka chilled noodles. The appeal of hiyashi chuka is that you can easily change the flavor to your liking. You can also arrange it using your favorite ingredients and sauce, so we will introduce some simple ways to prepare it. ・Change the Ingredients You can use pork instead of ham, or a half-boiled egg instead of a thinly sliced omelet. You can also try using avocado or tuna. ・Add More flavors Using the same simple recipe above, add ground sesame, chili oil, mayonnaise, Japanese mustard, etc. for a different taste. ・Boil the Noodles Differently The way you boil the noodles changes how firm they are, so adjust the boiling time to suit your own preferences. ・Change the Sauce There are many different ways to make sauce for hiyashi chuka, but simply mixing the seasonings makes it easy to create a delicious sauce. When eating hiyashi chuka, ponzu or mentsuyu may be used as a base. Sesame sauce made with kneaded sesame is popular for its rich flavor. Summary of How to Make Hiyashi Chuka, a Japanese Chilled Noodle Dish In this article, we introduced a basic recipe video for hiyashi chuka, a chilled Chinese noodle dish made in Japan. The video shows exactly how to make the dish, so be sure to check it out. Sushi, ramen, tempura, sukiyaki, and other Japanese dishes are popular all around the world. Hiyashi chuka, a popular Japanese dish during the summer, can easily be made outside of Japan with a simple recipe. Beautifully arranged with a variety of colorful ingredients, hiyashi chuka is a delicious dish that looks great on Instagram. Be sure to look up hiyashi chuka to see some of the different ingredients and serving styles. Another appeal of hiyashi chuka is that you can change the flavor of the dish depending on the ingredients, sauce, and toppings. Why not make your own version of hiyashi chuka this summer and stay cool even in the summer heat?

World Karate Champion, Ayano Nakamura This video shows an interview with world champion Ayano Nakamura, about karate. Approved as an official game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, karate is very popular internationally as a form of self-defense, mental training, and sport. Have you hear of the movie Karate Kid? If you recall, the story is about a boy who practices karate, and through that he grows as a person. Three entries were made for the blockbuster, and it captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with its themes of martial arts and spirit. Currently, there are about 70 million karate practitioners worldwide. This interview with Ayano Nakamura, winner of the 2017 Karate World Championships, introduces what karate is and what makes it appealing. What is Karate? Photo：Karate Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using the hands and elbows for defense. Although there are various views on the origin of karate, it is rooted in an old Okinawan martial art called "te" (手, te) or "karate" (唐手, karate) which was popular among samurai in the Ryukyu Kingdom (present day Okinawa) as an art of self-defense. Later, it was blended with a Chinese martial art and the base for the karate we know today was formed. The martial art has adopted the three elements: spirit, technique, and physique. Karate has countless styles. The most famous ones are the four major styles of karate: Shotokan style, Goju style, Wado style, and Shito style) and the three major styles of Okinawan karate (Goju style, Uechi style, and Kobayashi style). Although the names of the kata (form of movement, posture, etc. in martial arts) are the same, each school has its own characteristics. At countless gyms and schools of karate throughout Japan, many people are practicing karate to learn about the Japanese spirit and manners as well. Two Types of Sports Karate: Kata and Kumite Sports karate has two types: kata and kumite. In kata, practitioners compete on precision and speed, while in kumite, practitioners compete on how precisely they can hit a certain body part of the opponent. Basic Kata of Karate Photo：Karate Ayano Nakamura mastered Shotokan style karate which has 25 types of kata. As the phrase goes "karate is not for attacking" every kata starts with a block instead of an attack. Trainees master basic kata such as punches, kicks, and blocks first, then move on to more complicated kata. Well-known kata are "Bassaidai," "Kankudai," "Enbi," and "Jion" etc. What Can You Learn From Karate? Learning techniques is of course important in karate. However, observing rules always comes first in the martial art. As "karate is not for attacking" implies, controlling your techniques is more important than anything else in karate. Summary of Karate Source :YouTube screenshot In this interview, Ayano Nakamura describes the traditional Japanese culture "Karate." She focuses more on the mental aspect of karate, manners, etc., rather than the aspect of karate as a martial art. Karate gives more importance what it means to be a fighter, such as making eye contact while talking and greeting. To be strong is one of the ultimate goals of martial arts. Ayano Nakamura hopes, however, that everyone develops a tender heart to care for others, and develops the courage to overcome obstacles through karate. In this video, Ayano Nakamura explains what makes karate attractive and demonstrates her karate techniques. Check out her sharp, impressive movements and powerful will!

The Traditional Carp Streamers of Kazo, Saitama The video "Kazo Carp Streamers [Saitama Prefectural Government Official Sightseeing Video]"（加須の手がき鯉のぼり【埼玉県公式観光動画】）” was created by “ChokotabiSaitama,” and it introduces viewers to the traditional hand-painted carp streamers of Kazo, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region. May 5th is Children's Day in Japan. People put up carp streamers to exorcise bad spirits and as a way to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Kazo is known as the No. 1 producer of the Japanese traditional carp streamers. It also creates the dynamic hand-painted carp streamer. Carp streamers have become a Kazo specialty that every Kazo citizen is proud of. This video will show you how these hand-painted carp streamers are made! You can also visit the factory and have a factory tour. The History of Kazo's Hand-Painted Carp Streamers Kazo carp streamers were originally created in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) as a side job for craftsmen who usually made lanterns and umbrellas. This traditional high quality handmade carp streamer gradually gained popularity and Kazo became the number 1 carp streamer town. Masaru Hashimoto, a traditional carp streamer craftsman from the long-established carp streamer studio, Hashimoto Yakichi Shop in Kazo City, has been producing carp streamers for a long time. Unfortunately, his store closed down in 2016 after 109 years of business. Kazo Carp Streamers: How They're Made Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Cutting and sewing (0:32) In order to make these hand-painted carp streamers, you start by cutting the fabric into a carp shape and sewing it together. 2. Memawashi (1:07) Draw eyes by using a special compass to draw circles. 3. Sujigaki (1:22) Draw scales one by one using lightly colored ink. 4. Usuzumi (1:30) Add color to the scales. Adding colors is the part that requires the most focus. 5 Kinbiki (1:49) Add the finishing touches with a specialized brush. As you can see in the video, the technique used to finish the painting process is very precise. The masculine expression of the carp and intricate scales are drawn with the precise technique of the craftsman. Gigantic Kazo Carp Streamers As Kazo is known as the No. 1 carp streamer producer in Japan, they also make the world biggest carp streamer. The jumbo carp streamer is 100 meters long! The jumbo carp streamer, which was made by Kazo citizens, appears at the Tone river riverbed every May, at the Kazo City Heiwa Festival (Jumbo Carp Streamer swim). Check out the event to see the jumbo carp stream swimming dynamically in the sky. You can also see the carp streamers made with precise hand-painting techniques. The main venue of the event is at Tonegawa Riverbed Park. 400 parking spaces are available, however, due to the popularity of the event, it will likely be pretty packed. Even though these carp streamers are not the biggest carp streamers in Japan, you can see the carp streamers swimming elegantly under the blue sky at 2:23. These elaborate carp streamers are made through a variety of manufacturing processes, and the video shows the traditional craftsmanship that has been handed down in Japan for centuries. Kazo Carp Streamer Summary Photo：Kazo carp streamers Kazo's hand-painted carp streamers are a very artistic and beautiful creation. Every carp streamer is unique because they are all individually hand made. You can see the traditional Japanese carp streamers every May in Japan. Please come see the carp streamers or try to put one up in your house on Children's Day!

Introducing a Lively Shichimi-Togarashi Vendor This video introduces a vendor selling a spice called "Shichimi Tougarashi" (七味唐がらし, a 7 flavored peppercorn blend), in Asakuksa, Tokyo. In this video, you can hear the sales pitch speeches of the peppercorn vendor at a booth during a festival. His light-hearted sales pitch while mixing the seven-flavored spice is sure to have both your eyes and mouth watering! Watch and Listen to the "Shichimi-Togarashi" Vendor! Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, you can watch the performance of the salesman at his food stall repeating his sales pitch while blending and selling his spices. The 7 different spices are layered side by side like a rainbow and blended beautifully- a process that gathers quite an audience. In the video, the male artisan repeats his sales pitch while blending the shichimi-togarashi, and the woman standing next to him swiftly wraps the merchandise to hand to the customers. Many tourists gather around the stall to catch a glimpse of the artisan’s amazing performance. In Japan, this type of sales pitch/vendor performance dates back to long ago. Summary of the Togarashi Salesman Did you enjoy the enchanting voice of the spice salesman? Shichimi-togarashi is an attractive addition to various Japanese dishes such as ochazuke (rice soaked with green tea, dashi, or hot water), eggs over rice, and tsukudani (seafood, meat or seaweed simmered in soy sauce and sugar). In addition to shichimi-togarashi being an everyday seasoning, it also makes for a great souvenir. If you haven't tried it before, be sure to pick up some shichimi-togarashi the next time you have the chance! If you watch this video after purchasing the product online, listening to the sales pitches might make you feel as if you bought it at an actual festival stall!

The Traditional Japanese Martial Art “Kendo” This video is "Best of Kendo~Awesome~" produced by "NAGASHI." Kendo is one of Japan's traditional martial arts. Many Japanese people know about the style of Kendo. What's so fascinating about this sport though? Kendo is a one-on-one competition where players wear a kendo uniform, armor, and use bamboo swords called "shinai." Kendo and other traditional Japanese martial arts are about valuing respect. Swords are of course weapons, but it is the human mind that controls them. Winning a match, according to the rules, means winning with the swordsmanship you've refined. The swordsman stay focused until after the match, when they've bowed to one another. This is standard Kendo etiquette. Kendo is said to be a martial art that begins and ends with a bow. The beauty of this Japanese culture may be one of the attractions of Kendo. In the video, you can see this etiquette from 0:05 and 5:57 in the second half. I hope that these videos will show the excellence of Kendo and the spirit, and harmony among Kendo fighters through their matches and practice, and at the same time, convey the beauty of Japanese martial arts as a whole. The History of Kendo Photo：Kendo Nowadays, the sport has federations all over the world, and not only schoolchildren's tournaments, inter-scholastic athletics competitions, and national championships, but matches are held all over the world. With the increase in the number of competitors, kendo's technical population has grown to about 1.7 million, but it was originally created to practice swordsmanship. It is a traditional martial art that inherited the soul of the samurai, which is said to have already existed in the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Kendo, as a competitive sport, had its own set of dan rankings and rules and instruction manuals from the Edo period (1603- 1868 AD). Gradually, the style came closer and closer to the style we have today. However, even now, having gone from martial arts to competition, it's practitioners still train their mind, body, and they still maintain proper etiquette. The Gear Required for Kendo Photo：Kendo "Men" The traditional Japanese martial art kendo requires a few pieces of gear. ・防具 Armor ・剣道着 Kendo uniform ・竹刀 Bamboo sword (sometimes wooden swords are used for training) ・小手 Kote(padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・面 Men(a face mask) ・垂れ Tare(waist protector) ・袴 Hakama(pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) You can purchase this gear at kendo specialty stores and kendo shops. For a moment, at 0:14 in the video, you can see the image of the camera attached inside a face mask. You can feel what Kendo is like in this scene. Japanese traditional martial art kendo rules Photo：Referee Kendo is a sport that trains the mind and body. The format of the matches are one-on-one individual matches, but there is also a team competition where 1 winner is crowned. A match in Kendo is between two players until two points are scored, or the time runs out. (One game = Three match) There are 3 valid targets to strike in order to score a point ・Men (the face mask) ・Kote(the padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・Do (the breastplate) Also, when it comes to matches for college students or older, two-sword style is also possible. It is rare in Japan, but is often seen in overseas kendo matches. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most popular, and said to be the most powerful swordsmen in the world, was also a master of the two swords. From 0:25, the video introduces a number of matches. Not only do bamboo swords clash, but sometimes competitors are violently struck, propelling them into the air. This is not unexpected however, as it is a combat sport. Summary of the Fascinating, Traditional Japanese Martial Art, Kendo The appeal of kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, lies in the intensity of the matches. The dignified movements of these swordsmen are the result of daily rigorous training. There are rankings called "dan" in Kendo, but in order to receive a ranking, you must go through a rigorous certification test to obtain the title. The dojo where swordsmen practice everyday is packed with the lives of the swordsmen. Kendo is also said to be a lifelong sport. Please enjoy the video of the Kendo matches, that transcend both age and gender. 【Official Website】All Japan Kendo Federation https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/

Video introduction of Doze-nabe (Dojo-nabe) at Tatsumiya (Tonan-ya), a famous restaurant in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Dojo loach hot pot, which is famous as a traditional Japanese old-town dish, comes into season from spring to summer. The area around Kaminari-mon Gate, in particular, is full of famous dojo-hot-pot restaurants and hot-pot pubs surrounding a sunken hearth with a downtown feel that is still very much alive today. This video introduces Tatsumi-Ya, a traditional restaurant in old town Asakusa that serves dojo loach hot pot, as well as the cooking process for this traditional Japanese cuisine. As a famous dojo-hot-pot restaurant, Tatsumi-Ya has been loved by intellectuals and sightseers for years. Just looking at the crunchy dojo loach karaage and dojo loach hot pot is enough to get your mouth watering. Watch this video to learn all you need to know about the delicious dojo loach hot pot! The Origin and History of Dojo Loach Hot Pot Source :This article Video When did people start eating dojo loach hot pot? Dojo loach, an exceptionally resilient river fish, was an important source of protein for local residents, referred to as "Edokko" (江戸っ子), in the town of Edo (Current day Tokyo) thanks to its well-developed waterways. There were many pilgrims around Sensoji Temple (浅草寺 Sensoji), the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the local people in Asakusa welcomed them with dojo loach dishes, using the dojo loach from the Sumida River (隅田川, Sumidagawa), formerly the Arakawa River (荒川, Arakawa). This is said to be the origin of dojo loach hot pot. In 1806, dojo loach hot pot started to be written "どぜう" (typically pronounced dozeu) instead of its original name "どじょう" (Both are pronounced "dojo"). The origin of this change is said to be Echigoya Sukeshichi (越後谷助七), the founder of Komagata Dojo (駒形どぜう), one of the most popular restaurants in Asakusa. When his restaurant burned down in the Great Fire of Edo, he thought a store name using four characters would bring ill fortune. Because of this, instead of four characters, he spelled his store name with three characters. The number "4" is pronounced "shi" in Japanese, and traditionally it is also connected with the word “death” (死) in Japanese, which is pronounced the same. The Menu and Recipe of Tatsumi-Ya Source :This article Video Dojo loach hot pot has three main cooking styles. Given the fact that it goes by 3 different names- dojo loach nabe, Edo-Nabe (江戸鍋), and Edomae-Nabe (江戸前鍋), we can tell that it was a very famous dish in the city of Edo. The first cooking style is called "Maru-Nabe" (丸鍋). This involves putting live dojo loach into a container of Japanese sake and covering it with a lid. When the dojo loach stop kicking, they are placed on a round iron plate with lots of green onions and eaten with seasonings, such as Japanese pepper and Shichimi-Togarashi (七味唐辛子), a chili pepper spice. In this video, you can watch the live dojo loach getting quieter and quieter in a container of Japanese sake around 1:53. Be sure to check it out! The second style of recipe is called "Nuki-Nabe"(ぬき鍋); a hot pot dish similar to sukiyaki. This method involves cutting the dojo loach open along the back, and cooking it with burdock roots. The third and most popular style of dojo loach hot-pot is called "Yanagawa-Nabe" (柳川鍋). This involves dropping eggs in Nuki-Nabe and stewing everything together. What these styles have in common is not just dojo loach; all of these methods involve stewing dojo loach with tofu and green onions. In the introductory video of Tatsumi-Ya’s dojo loach dishes, the chef shows how to cook dojo loach hot pot. You can see this at 14:52. You can also see people eating the cooked dojo loach hot pot with lots of chopped onions over fluffy eggs. It looks like it pairs nicely with white rice as well. In addition to the hot pot dishes, another famous dish is dojo loach karaage. This involves putting flour on live dojo loach and then deep-frying them. This can be seen at the beginning of the video. Tatsumi-Ya’s Dojo Loach Hot Pot: The Stamina-Boosting Dish to Beat the Heat! Dojo loach dishes in Asakusa are a common theme in the summer, but you're probably wondering why people would want to eat hot dojo loach dishes in the warmest season of the year. First, dojo loach is a stream fish, so it has a unique smell. To get rid of the smell, chefs often cook dojo loach with burdock roots. Since burdock roots are very hard, they must be stewed in a nabe pot to make them softer and easier to eat. Another reason for this comes from a traditional Japanese trick for staying cool in summer. After working up a sweat, the cool evening breeze allows us to cool our bodies. Around 18:09 in the video, you can see a piping hot dojo loach hot pot dish. Look at all the mouth watering goodness! Summary of Dojo Loach Hot Pot in Old Town Asakusa Source :This article Video Dojo loach dishes have been very popular among local people since the Edo period. This video shows how to cook dojo loach dishes by the chefs of Tatsumi-Ya in old-town Asakusa, Tokyo. Dishes like this are eaten less often these days, but if you're looking to boost your stamina to survive the hot summer in Japan, then you've got to try the dojo loach dishes at the famous Japanese restaurant "Tatsumi-Ya" in Asakusa! It’s also fun to watch the chef's amazing knife skills. Be sure to take a look at the video to see all the amazing dojo loach dishes! 【yelp】 TatsumiYa https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A4%E3%81%BF%E5%B1%8B-%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%BA%97-%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA?osq=%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A4%E3%81%BF%E5%B1%8B

The Ancient Japanese Martial Art - Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu This video, titled "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," was created by "bushinjuku." It's an introductory video of "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," a traditional Japanese martial art that involves wielding dual "kusarigama," a chain and sickle weapon with a metal weight attached to the end of the chain. The footage of the techniques, which require a combination of spirit, skill, and strong physique, is truly captivating. In this article, we'll introduce the origins and history behind the ancient Japanese martial art Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu. About Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu Source :YouTube screenshot Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu was developed as a way for peasants to protect themselves using a sickle and chain as they could not carry swords. Nowadays, you can learn how the sickle and chain would have been used as a weapon by watching demonstrations performed by Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu practitioners. You can watch a typical demonstration in this video from 0:13. The martial art is gaining huge popularity worldwide. Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu is a martial art in which the practitioner utilizes a dual sickle-and-chain to take down an opponent. A heavy weight is attached to the end of the chain which aids in attacking and defending against an enemy. You can see how this is used from 0:58 in the video. The weight at the end of the chain can also be used to disarm an opponent. You can see how this is done at 1:46 in the video. From 3:10, you can also watch footage of the weight being used to smash plant pots from a distance, something that requires great skill and technique. Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu is steadily gaining popularity, and as well as demonstrations like the one in the video, there are also Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu competitions and mixed style competitions with Kendo practitioners being held. The Origin and History of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu Source :YouTube screenshot Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu started as a form of self-defense, after that Ju-jitsu developed as a form of unarmed combat and following that, Kendo (a form of fencing with Japanese swords). Near the end of the Edo Period (1853-1868 AD) it was still a well-kept clan secret, with varying schools or styles (such as Otomeryu) only being passed down to other clan members. The Shinmen Nito Shinkage Ryu school (opened by Shinmen Bensuke) derived from a two-sword fighting style called Niten Ichi Ryu passed down by Miyamoto Musashi. By the time the third generation master Matsumura Yoshitaka appeared, the "Shinmen" part of the name had ceased to be used. Currently the fifth generation master Shimamura Shu passes down the ancient practice of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu through his training. He is based in the city of Kochi, in Kochi Prefecture . Summary of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu, a Traditional Japanese Martial Art The video "Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu," created by "bushinjuku," shows masters of the ancient martial art demonstrating a variety of techniques. The popularity of Japanese ninja and samurai has brought about a rise in the number of people overseas undertaking Japanese martial arts training such as Ju-jitsu, Kendo, and Karate to name just a few. There has also been an increase in the number of foreigners making visits to Japan to receive further training in the homeland of their martial art. The techniques performed in this video, which require a high level of skill and are the result of many years of training, are nothing short of impressive. This video is a must-watch for all Japanese martial arts fans! 【Official Website】Nihonkobudoukoukai, Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu http://www.nihonkobudokyoukai.org/martialarts/077/

The Popular Awa Odori Dance Festival of Tokushima This video, titled "AWA ODORI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - Festival (Awa Odori Dance Festival/Tokushima)" (AWA ODORI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （阿波踊り／徳島）), was uploaded by ANA Global Channel. It introduces the Awa Odori Dance Festival of Tokushima. Among the various festivals held in Japan throughout the year, Tokushima's Awa Odori Dance Festival is one of the most famous and popular festivals among Japanese people. In this article, we'll introduce the origins and history of the Awa Odori Dance Festival, as well as some nearby tourist attractions! The History of the Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Taiko drums at Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture The Awa Odori Dance Festival is a festival with a history dating back more than 400 years in Tokushima, which was once referred to as Awa Province. The festival's history dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868) when indigo merchants in the Awa Province enjoyed the entertainment of geisha. After the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the content of the dance became gradually more refined. If you want to learn more about the history of the Awa Odori Dance Festival, we recommend visiting Awaodori Kaikan, a museum in the center of Tokushima City. More About the Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture Bon dances and festivals are held in many parts of Japan during the Obon season. The Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima is one of the bon festival events, and is called "Awa no Bon Odori." It is held from August 12th to 15th every year. The scale of the event is so large that it is considered one of the three major Bon Dances in Japan and one of the three major festivals of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s major islands). More than 100,000 dancers participate in the Awa Odori Dance Festival, and over a million visitors come to the festival each year. From just the sheer number of visitors, it's easy to understand that it's a popular festival that represents Japanese culture. Feel the Heat of the Awa Odori Dance Festival! Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture As you can see at 8:26 in the video, the music of Tokushima's Awa Odori uses traditional Japanese instruments, such as drums, gongs, flutes, and shamisen. The people who join the dance wear kimono or yukata, braided hats, geta (wooden clogs) and carry lanterns. There are two types of dances, men's dance and women's dance, be sure to watch both as they're quite different. At the end of the festival, more than 1,000 people dance in unison, and the streets are filled with music and cheering. If you want to experience the power of the festival with a good view, we recommend purchasing bleacher seats, like the ones shown in the video. By joining the "Niwaka-ren" dance group on the day of the festival, you can have a blast dancing at the festival! This can be seen at 11:18 in the video. Summary of Tokushima's Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture The Awa Odori Dance Festival is a traditional festival that shows us the beauty of Japan through traditional performing arts. There's a saying in Japanese that goes “Odoru aho ni miru aho, onaji aho nara odoranya son son” (踊る阿呆にみる阿呆、同じ阿呆なら踊らにゃ損々), which roughly translates to "If the dancer is a fool, so too then is the spectator, so why not everybody dance?!" Joining in the Awa Odori Dance Festival will make for an unforgettable experience! 【Tripadvisor】Awa Odori https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298236-d10019439-Reviews-Awa_Odori-Tokushima_Tokushima_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

■Table of Contents Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction A Brief Introduction to Hachioji An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The History of the Hachioji Festival Dashi no Buttsuke The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures Min'yo Nagashi Food Stalls and Vendors at the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Fireworks Festival Hachioji Festival 2023 Event Information August 4, 2023 (Friday) August 5, 2023 (Saturday) August 6, 2023 (Sunday) Other Things to Do in Hachioji How to Get to Hachioji Hachioji Festival Summary Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Hachioji Festival Video Introduction" (八王子まつり紹介動画), was uploaded by "Hachioji Festival" (八王子まつり). The video introduces the Hachioji Festival, a famous summer festival in Hachioji, Tokyo, featuring 19 floats with elaborate carvings and gorgeous decorations parading along the Koshu Kaido, as well as an introduction to the floats and other attractions during the event in Japan's Kanto Region. Be sure to check out the video to see what the Hachioji Festival is like! A Brief Introduction to Hachioji Hachioji, located in western Tokyo, is the second largest city in the Tokyo Metropolis, with a population of approximately 580,000. The name of the city comes from the eight princes that are enshrined at Hachioji Temple, located at Hachioji Castle ('hachi' meaning 'eight,' and 'oji' meaning 'princes'). Hachioji was an important post town during the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) and as such, the historic Koshu Kaido (a highway used by merchants during the Edo Period) can befound running through the town. Hachioji is famous for its delicious Hachioji Ramen and the beautiful Mt. Takao, which is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts from all over Japan and even abroad. An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival Photo：Hachioji Festival, Hachioji, Tokyo How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The Hachioji Festival is usually held around Koshu Kaido Road and on Nishihoshasen You Road (西放射線ユーロード). The main venue is the stretch from JR Hachioji Station Intersection to Oiwake Intersection (追分交差点) on the Koshu Kaido. Hachioji Station is located in the center of Hachioji, making it a convenient place to visit for sightseeing. The Hachioji Festival is held annually around early August. The exact dates and times vary from year to year, so it's recommended that you check the official Hachioji Festival website or tourist information when you visit. The dates for the 2024 event are Friday, August 2, Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4. It can be difficult to find a parking spot during the Hachioji Festival, so we recommend using public transportation. The History of the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Festival is a famous festival of Hachioji, Tokyo. Formerly known as the Hachioji Citizens' Festival, Hachioji Festival is famous as a traditional event that preserves the history of Hachioji and as one of the best dashi (float) festivals in Japan's Kanto Region. The origins of the Hachioji Festival can be traced back to the Hachioji Citizens' Festival that began in 1961. At the time, the festival was held in Fujimori Park as a way for the citizens of Hachioji to cool off during the hot summer. Today, the festival is held on the Koshu Kaido, a historic highway, and has become a major summer event that attracts many people from both inside and outside of the city. The dashi (float) festival, which has been held since the Edo Period (1603-1868), is especially popular among people from downtown Hachioji. The festival at Taga Shrine is called Kami no Matsuri (upper festival), and the festival at Hachiman-Hachioji Shrine is called Shimo no Matsuri (lower festival). Photo：A lion dance and ibayashi, Hachioji Festival In addition to the parade of gorgeous floats, the Hachioji Festival is characterized by a variety of events, including a folk song parade, lion dances, and ibayashi (a type of noh performance accompanied by hayashi), an ice sculpture exhibition, the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, and a children's ondo performance. [Video] 5:55 - The Children's Ondo Performance [Video] 7:06 - Min'yo Nagashi [Video] 8:41 - A Lion Dance and Ibayashi Miyamikoshi Togyo is a portable shrine procession that takes place during the festival in which a huge portable shrine called Sengan Mikoshi is carried throughout the city. The shrine weighs approximately 3 tons and its an exciting event to watch. During the evening there are also dance performances by geisha and maiko from Hachioji. [Video] 6:22 - A Dance Performance by Geisha and Maiko [Video] 8:03 - The 3-ton Mikoshi (Portable Shrine) Dashi no Buttsuke – A Musical Showdown During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Dashi no Buttsuke, Hachioji Festival Among the many highlights of the Hachioji Festival, one of the most popular is the Dashi no Buttsuke, a competition of beautiful floats. Dashi (Japanese festival floats) are huge, decorated carts that are pulled or carried by hand during festivals. The floats, which survived even the fires of wat, have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by the city of Hachioji and are a reminder of the history and traditions of the festival. Dashi no Buttsuke, one of the most popular events during the festival, is a musical showdown between floats. Each float is from a different area, and when they pass by each other, they pull over to show their local pride through a musical duel. Each float plays their own hayashi (a type of Japanese festival music), but if they end up playing to the other's music, they lose the battle. When the floats appear on the streets of Hachioji, they are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere. The 19 floats parading through the streets are a sight you don't want to miss! The power of the floats and the traditional musical showdown between each of them is great for taking photos and videos to share on Instagram and other social networking sites. [Video] 8:51 - The Parade Floats [Video] 9:21 - A Musical Battle Between Floats Photo：Yokoyama 3-chome float, Hachioji Festival The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Here, we'll introduce the floats of 19 towns that participate in the Hachioji Festival. ●Motohongo's Float This is a style of float built based on carts used before 1978. [Video] 10:21 - Motohongo's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Yagi's Float This float features an eye-catching carving of a giant eagle and a karahafu, a unique type of architecture often seen in Japanese castles, temples, and shrines. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 10:55 - Yagi's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Hiyoshi's Float This is the first float of its kind in Hachioji. Note the male and female peacock carvings on the front karahafu. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 11:28 - Hiyoshimachi's float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Oiwake's Float A two-tiered float built in 1914. What makes this float unique is the carvings of dragons on the panels. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:08 - Oiwake-machi float ●Hachimankami's Float This float was built in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It's also called "Kurama no Dashi" (Float of Kurama) because it used to carry dolls of Kurama Tengu and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It was extensively renovated in 1915, and has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:40 - Hachimankami's Float The video introduces the features and highlights of all the floats in an easy-to-understand manner, so please be sure to check it out. [Video] 12:01 - Okadomachi's Float [Video] 12:34 - Sennincho 1-chome's Float [Video] 14:15 - Hiraoka's Float [Video] 14:47 - Hachimancho 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 15:53 - Oyokocho's Float [Video] 16:26 - Yokamachi 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 17:00 - Honmachi's Float [Video] 17:34 - Kamiyokamachi's Float [Video] 18:06 - Minamishincho's Float [Video] 18:39 - Yokoyama 3-chome's Float [Video] 19:12 - Nakacho's Float [Video] 19:44 - Misaki's Float [Video] 20:19 - Moto-Yokoyama's Float [Video] 20:51 - Minamicho's Float In 2017, a total of 19 floats from different town councils lined up to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary. The sight of the illuminated floats all lined up in a row was incredible! Photo：Hachioji Festival floats 'Sengan Mikoshi' – A Powerful Event During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Sengan Mikoshi, Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi refers to a massive portable shrine. The name "Sengan Mikoshi" comes from the fact that the shrine is said to weighs as much as 1,000 kan (1 kan = 3.75 kg) or 3.75 tons. ※"Sen" means "one thousand" in Japanese. The sight of everyone working together to carry the Sengan Mikoshi, said to be one of the heaviest portable shrines in Japan's Kanto region, along the historic Koshu Kaido, is a spectacle in itself. The Sengan Mikoshi procession is held on the last day of the Hachioji Festival. Many portable shrines, led by the Sengan Mikoshi, parade through the streets of Hachioji. The mikoshi carriers wear matching costumes and shout loudly to liven up the festival. The solemn appearance of the mikoshi, the vigorous bearers, and the crowds of spectators that fill the streets are overwhelming. The Sengan Mikoshi is one of the largest and heaviest portable shrines in Japan, and many people work together to carry it. When you visit the Hachioji Festival, try to get a close look at it! [Video] 7:44 - The Portable Shrine Procession Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures – Popular Events at the Hachioji Festival Photo：Taiko drums, Hachioji Festival Two of the most popular and noteworthy events of the Hachioji Festival are the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle is an event in which taiko teams from Japan's Kanto region compete against one another. The teams compete to see who has the best taiko playing technique and performances. Visitors can enjoy listening to Japanese drum performances of various styles and genres. The sound of the taiko drums echoes across the land, resembling the beating heart of the festival. The audience is intoxicated by the roaring sound of the taiko drums, the excitement of the festival, and the brilliant baton work of the drummers. Source :Hachioji Matsuri, Hachinavi The Ice Sculpture Exhibition displays beautiful sculptures made of ice, and ice sculpting demonstrations are also popular. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the intricate techniques and fantastic creations of the ice sculptors, who skillfully carve the ice into a variety of shapes and designs. The cool, sparkling ice sculptures are a work of art that can only be seen for a limited time during the hot summer months. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition have become popular elements that add to the charm of the Hachioji Festival. Visitors enjoy the festival even more as they lose themselves in the power and rhythm of the taiko drums and are captivated by the beauty of the ice sculptures. [Video] 6:08 - Ice Sculpture Exhibition [Video] 6:44 - Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Min'yo Nagashi – The Hachioji Festival's Guinness World Record Bon Dance Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival Min'yo Nagashi, which has been certified as a Guinness World Record, is one of the many attractions of the Hachioji Festival. During the event, some 4,000 dancers in yukata gather along the 1.8-km-long Koshu Kaido and dance in unison. In August 2016, this annual event of the Hachioji Festival challenged the Guinness World Records for the largest number of people performing a bon dance. In the intense heat, 2,013 people formed a line and danced without missing a beat, and the event was successfully certified as a Guinness World Record. Food Stalls, Night Stalls, and Streets Vendors at the Hachioji Festival Approximately 230 stalls will be set up along the 2 km stretch of the Koshu Kaido from the north exit of Hachioji Station to Oiwake Intersection. Please note that the main event will be held on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3, and no stalls will be set up around the north exit of Hachioji Station on Sunday, August 4. Stalls will be open from 12:00 to 21:00. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival, Another Popular Summer Event in Hachioji Photo：Hachioji Fireworks Festival Another popular summer event in Hachioji is the Hachioji Fireworks Festival. Every year, many spectators gather to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display that colors the summer night sky. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival will be held on July 27 (Sat.) in 2024. The venue is Fujimori Park. The night sky of Hachioji will be beautifully colored by approximately 3,500 fireworks of various types, including a rapid-firing series of starmines. What is the schedule for the three days of the Hachioji Festival in 2024? [Event Dates] August 2 (Fri.), 3 (Sat.) and 4 (Sun.), 2024 [Event Information] ■Every day during the event Period Photo：Ibayashi, Hachioji Festival ・Ibayashi performances Schedule: (Fri.) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, (Sat. & Sun.) 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Park Ichibangai Dori（パーク壱番街通り）, Ekimae Ginza Dori, opposite Textile Association（織物組合向い）, Joy 5th Avenue Dori, Kuwadou Terrace（桑都テラス）, Ekimae Terrace, opposite View Tower Hachioji ・Night stall Time: 12:00 - 21:00 Location：(Fri. and Sat.) Lower and Upper areas, (Sun.) Upper area only Photo：Hachioji Festival stall ・Night stalls Schedule: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm ■August 2, 2024 (Friday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :まえたけ's blog, Hachinavi ・Ice Sculpture Exhibition Schedule: 1:30 pm - 4:10 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Festival Eve Dance (Hachioji Geisha/Maiko) Schedule: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Nakamachi Park, Nishihoshasen You Road ■August 3, 2024 (Saturday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Photo：The Children's Ondo Performance, Hachioji Festival ・Children's Ondo Performance Schedule: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, Hachioji Festival ・Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Schedule: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival ・Min'yo Nagashi Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：A festival float procession, Hachioji Festival ・Float and portable shrine parade Schedule: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ■August 4, 2024 (Sunday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Lion Dance Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachinavi's 'Enjoy the last day of the 2018 Hachioji Festival! Introducing numerous photos of the festival!' ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Taga Shrine's portable shrine 'Sengan Mikoshi', Hachioji Festival ・Taga Shrine Sengan Mikoshi portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Hachiman Yakumo Shrine portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Upper ward area portable shrine parades Schedule: 6:10 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Festival float gathering, Hachioji Festival ・Upper ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:40 pm - Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float parades Schedule: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Other Things to Do in Hachioji There are a number of things to do in Hachioji besides the Hachioji Festival, and here we'll introduce a few. Enjoy the View From Mt. Takao Mt. Takao is a beautiful mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo. The mountain features 7 hiking trails, all of which offer different views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The night view from Mt. Takao is also superb, and from the southeast side of the mountain you can enjoy a view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. Additionally, there is a cable car on the mountain as well, so less experienced hikers can enjoy the mountain without having to strain themselves. You can hike up or down and take the cable car for the other half of the trip, or if you don't feel like hiking at all, you can take it both ways. Takao Beer Mount Takao Beer Mount is a popular summer event in Hachioji that also takes place on Mt. Takao. The event features an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet. There are Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes served at the buffet, as well as craft beer from four different breweries in Hachioji. If you're planning on hiking up Mt. Takao and want to check out Takao Beer Mount as well, we recommend taking Trail 1, as most of the course is paved and it has rest areas as well. Try the Famous Hachioji Ramen Hachioji Ramen is a light, gentle, soy sauce-based ramen with chopped onions and fat floating in the soup. Although it's simple to make, it has been featured on many TV stations in Japan and is now a popular ramen from Hachioji, Tokyo. What makes Hachioji Ramen different from other ramen is the way the fat in the soup perfectly balances out the unique spiciness of the onions and enhances their flavor. The most common toppings for Hachioji Ramen are chashu (char siu, braised pork), nori (dried seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots). There is an endless number of things to do in Hachioji besides the attractions listed above. You can enjoy Setsubun festivals in the spring or in the fall you can visit and view the beautiful autumn leaves. If you're looking for places to go in Tokyo, be sure to add Hachioji to your itinerary. How to Get to Hachioji If you're visiting Hachioji from Tokyo, it's incredibly simple. From Tokyo Station it's a straight shot to Hachioji Station via train. Take the JR Chuo Line rapid train bound for Otsuki and get off at Hachioji Station (1 hr.). Hachioji Festival Summary The Hachioji Festival is the largest festival in Hachioji. It's a festival that both children and adults can enjoy, with floats, dancing, musical performances, ice sculptures, and more. The Hachioji Festival is steeped in history and tradition, and in 2003 it was awarded the Grand Prize for Regional Traditional Performing Arts. The Hachioji Festival is so lively that it will help you forget the summer heat! 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Video introduction of “Yasaka Shrine's Okera Pilgrimage” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled "Yasaka Shrine "Okera Mairi" (December 31, 2021, Higashiyama, Kyoto)" (八坂神社「おけら詣り」（2021年12月31日　京都市東山区）), was uploaded by "Kyoto Shimbun" (京都新聞). The video introduces Okera Mairi, a New Year's Eve ritual performed by priests on a night with light snowfall. Be sure to check it out as you read along. Highlights, History, and Facts About Yasaka Shrine Photo：Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine is called "Gion-san" ("san" being an honorific title attached to names in Japanese to show respect) by the people of Kyoto. Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of all 2,300 shrines following the Gion faith in Japan. The shrine's deity is Susanoo no Mikoto, who is believed to be a god who purifies all manner of misfortune. Yasaka Shrine is home to many Important Cultural Properties, including the main shrine, which is also a National Treasure, and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The shrine is also famous for its beauty and is known as a power spot for love. The shrine also has a power spot for beauty called "Utsukushi-gozensha." The "biyou-sui" (美容水, "beauty water") next to the torii gate is also popular. Maiko and geiko from Gion, a temple town, as well as people in the beauty and hairdressing industry, and many women from all over the country visit this shrine with prayers of beauty. It's said a few drops on the skin is said to promote both beautiful skin and a beautiful, and it's so popular that visitors come regardless of the season. Yasaka Shrine is also said to be the largest power spot for love in Kyoto because Kushinadahime (Kushinadahime no Mikoto), a god of love, is enshrined together with Susanoo no Mikoto, the god of the shrine, and they are regarded as a god couple that gets along very well. The shrine is thought to grant good fortune. Okera Mairi – Event Hours and the Meaning Behind the Event Source :YouTube screenshot The Okera Mairi (おけら詣り) event of Yasaka Shrine, held on the night of December 31st (New Year's Eve), is a custom to welcome the New Year and is unique to Kyoto. Starting at 4:00 a.m. on the 28th, the rhizomes of atractylodes (朮, Okera in Japanese), which are believed to ward off bad luck, are placed in a lantern to make an "okera fire." At 7:00 p.m. on the 31st, the fire is transferred from the okera lanterns in the main shrine to the okera lanterns hanging in the precincts by the priests after the New Year's Eve ceremony. Be sure to watch the video to see what this looks like. [Video] 0:44 - Priests Solemnly Proceeding Through the Precincts of the Shrine as Snow Falls Atractylodes (Okera) is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect people from illness and misfortune because of its strong and distinctive smell. After the kitchounawa (lucky ropes) are lit using the fire from the okera lanterns, the ropes are whirled around to keep the fire burning until it is brought back home. [Video] 2:01 - Shrine Goers Lighting Their Lucky Ropes In the past, the okera fires were lit in front of the shrine and used as fuel for cooking New Year's food. Later, as lifestyles changed, it became common to display the rope in one's kitchen after the fire had gone out as a good-luck charm to pray for good health throughout the year. Other Events at Yasaka Shrine Photo：Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine, which usually attracts one million worshippers on the three days of the New Year, has other New Year's events in addition to the okera-mairi. The first ritual of the New Year, the Okera Festival will be held in the main hall of the shrine starting at 5:00 a.m. on January 1. In this ritual to pray for a safe and peaceful new year, dried atractylodes roots and special sticks are mixed together. After the sacred okera fires are lit, they are thrown down from the main shrine onto the stone pavement of the shrine grounds to purify it of pestilence and evil spirits. On January 3, from 9:00 a.m., the heads of the Kongo and Kanze schools of noh will perform a New Year's noh performance, a noh and shimai dance performance, followed at 1:00 p.m. by Karuta Hajime-shiki, a ceremony to start the New Year with a traditional card game called "Karuta." It's a great way to experience the New Year in Japan. Summary of Okera Mairi at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine is one of the most popular and crowded spots in Kyoto during the year-end and New Year holidays. Following the Okera Mairi on the night of New Year's Eve, Yasaka Shrine is filled with the excitement of people visiting the shrine for Hatsumode. During the Hatsumode period, many food stalls are set up on the shrine grounds and around the outer garden, creating a festival-like atmosphere. If you plan to visit the shrine to see the New Year rituals and festivities, we recommend that you allow plenty of time for your visit, as the shrine can be quite crowded. 【Official Website】Yasaka Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Yasaka Shrine

Traditional Japanese Performing Arts - Ningyo Joruri This video, titled "Tokushima's Wooden Ningyo Joruri Puppets｜Footprints of the Puppets "AWA DEKO" (人形浄瑠璃を支える徳島の木偶　Footprints of the Puppets “AWA DEKO”), was uploaded by Joruri Kaido (浄瑠璃街道). It introduces Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese culture. Ningyo Joruri is a type of puppet theater in which a story is performed by three puppeteers, a tayu (joruri narrator), and a shamisen player. In this article, we'll introduce the puppets behind Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art. The History of Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot Awa Ningyo Joruri is a traditional Japanese art form that has been handed down in Tokushima Prefecture for centuries. Ningyo Joruri, which originated in Osaka in the Edo Period (1603-1868) as a form of mass entertainment, is a composite art form in which the tayu, shamisen, and the puppets work together to create a wonderful story. In addition to being enjoyed as a form of mass entertainment, Ningyo Joruri is often performed with the same high artistic quality as bunraku, and performed as a Shinto ritual. The Artisans Behind Ningyo Joruri Puppets Source :YouTube screenshot The puppets used in Ningyo Joruri are called "deko," and most of the heads of deko are hand made by puppeteers in Awa. The construction of the wooden figurines is so elaborate that referring to them any differently would be to disrespect the craftsmanship of the artisans. Awa Deko are a larger variety of puppets used in Ningyo Joruri, so paulownia wood is used as a material to make them lighter. The puppets are designed to manipulate facial expressions and gestures through mechanisms inside their heads, and the craftsman's elaborate techniques are indispensable in creating each masterpiece. You can see how Yoichiro Amari, an Awa Ningyo Joruri Craftsman, creates the puppets at 1:04 in the video. The face is carefully carved out of paulownia wood with a carving knife, cut in two in front of the ears as seen at 2:02, and then mechanisms to control the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows are placed inside the hollowed-out head. Learn More About Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot In Tokushima Prefecture, there's "Matsushige-cho Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan, Ningyo Joruri Shibai Shiryokan," a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Japan’s Ningyo Joruri. At the museum, visitors can learn about the types of puppets, the materials used to make them, how they're made, the techniques used by the artisans, and the steps to completing one. The Tokushima Prefectural Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet Theater and Museum (徳島県立阿波十郎兵衛屋敷), where you can see Ningyo Joruri performances up close, is also a great place to visit. If you're looking to experience traditional Japanese culture, we highly recommend stopping by and checking out a performance. Summary of Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot The artisans who make the elaborate wooden puppets are essential to Ningyo Joruri, a traditional art form loved by many. We hope you enjoyed learning about the amazing culture of Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art that has been loved through the ages.

Grandma's Osechi-ryori: Video Introduction This video, titled "Grandma's Recipes｜Grandma Masami's Osechi" (Grandma's Recipes｜まさみおばあちゃんのおせち), was uploaded by "Grandma's Recipes." Osechi-ryori is a traditional Japanese dish eaten on New Year's in Japan. In Japan, people are so accustomed to Osechi-ryori that many people don't know about the meanings attached to the dish. In this article, we'll take a look at traditional Japanese Osechi-ryori through the recipes of Grandma Masami who has lived through 4 Japanese eras. Grandma Masami left her parents' house at the age of 8 and began working, and she is now 99 years old. In just half of her life, she endured many hardships, including two wars, the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Isewan Typhoon, the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Even so, she says with a smile how she lived an ordinary life. In this day and age when it's difficult to live an "ordinary life," these words must have a very significant meaning. The purpose of these videos is to learn recipes for happiness from energetic grandmothers over the age of 80 who have lived through turbulent lives. This video focuses on Osechi-ryori, a recipe for happiness handed down by a grandma in Nagano, Japan. The History of Osechi and Its Name Photo：Osechi-ryori Osechi-ryori was originally prepared as an offering to New Year's gods during seasonal festivals, such as Sechie (an official event held at the Japanese Imperial Court on national holidays) and Sekku. It is said that it was not until the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) that they began to be served in stacked boxes and prepared as New Year's dishes as they are in modern-day Japan. "Osechi" is written as either "お節" or "御節" in Japanese. This naming also comes from Sekku, and the common interpretation is that the meaning is an abbreviation of Sechie. Classic and Regional Recipes for Osechi-ryori Photo：Osechi-ryori, three side dishes Although there are regional differences in osechi-ryori recipes, the basic recipe consists of three celebratory dishes (three side dishes), nishime (simmered vegetables), sunomono (pickled or vinegared food), and yakimono (grilled food). These three dishes are commonly made across Japan with black soybeans and herring roe. However, there is a difference: in Japan's Kanto region they use gomame (dried young anchovies), while in the Kansai region they use tataki-gobou (burdock root seasoned with sesame). The most common style of osechi-ryori is to use a four-tiered box containing 20 to 30 different dishes. Some of the most popular classic dishes in osechi-ryori are datemaki (a rolled omelette mixed with fish paste), kinton (mashed sweet potatoes), kohaku namasu (thinly sliced carrots and daikon radish), kamaboko, grilled sea bream, teriyaki amberjack, simmered tiger prawns, boiled clam, kombu-maki (sliced dried herring or other fish wrapped in kombu seaweed and boiled), and chikuzenni. The use of such auspicious and high-quality ingredients as sea bream, amberjack, and prawns gives the dish a celebratory atmosphere on this special day. In recent years, ingredients for osechi-ryori can be found in supermarkets after Christmas. There are many items that are nearly fully prepared, so osechi-ryori are relatively convenient to eat nowadays. The Meanings Behind Osechi-ryori Photo：Osechi-ryori, kurikinton Here are some of the meanings and hopes attached to osechi-ryori. ●Kurikinton (chestnuts and mashed sweet potatoes) In addition to its gorgeous and beautiful golden appearance, chestnuts are said to bring good luck in victory and prosperity. ●Kuromame (black soybeans) This dish is to wish for good health and the power to work another year. ●Kazunoko (herring roe) This dish is associated with wishes for prosperity of one's children. This dish is a celebratory food, and is associated with fertility. Photo：Osechi-ryori, Kombu-maki ●Kombu-maki Kombu is associated with happiness and comfort in old age. Kombu-maki, a type of kelp roll, is also used as a symbol of union and contains wishes of prosperity for one's offspring. Grandma Masami's One-Person Osechi-ryori It is becoming more and more common to have osechi-ryori delivered on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day in Japan, rather than making them at home, through commercial or online delivery services. Osechi-ryori themselves are becoming more and more varied, with Chinese, French, and even children's osechi-ryori appearing at the end of the year, rather than being solely Japanese style. The focus of this video, Grandma Masami, is now 99 years old! She lives alone, but she makes her own osechi-ryori every year. Although it looks like a simple osechi for one person, the handmade miso soup made from dried sardines, walnut rice cakes, steamed rolls, kinpira, namasu, and nishime all look delicious. [Video] 5:00 - Making Burdock and Carrot Kinpira [Video] 7:14 - Making Steamed Rolls Soybeans – The Secret to a Long Life? Photo：Soybeans When Grandma Masami is asked about the secret to her long life, she explains how she was poor and worked hard, but ate a lot of soybeans and other legumes, saying that maybe this was the secret to her good health. When Grandma Masami is asked about the secret to her long life, she explains how she was poor and worked hard, but ate a lot of soybeans and other legumes, saying that maybe this was the secret to her good health. Soy sauce, miso, natto, tofu, okara (soy pulp), and soybean flour. We can see that soybeans are as important an ingredient in the Japanese diet as rice. It's also an essential ingredient for making osechi-ryori. Soybeans are said to be a "kanzen shokuzai" (完全食材, a food that contains all the nutrients necessary for humans to maintain good health) with a well-balanced combination of lecithin, dietary fiber, isoflavones, protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. It's no exaggeration to say that soybeans are the secret to the longevity of the Japanese people. Soybeans have played a prominent role in Japanese food and the health of the Japanese people since the Heian period nearly a thousand years ago. Summary of a Japanese Grandma's Osechi-ryori While gorgeous osechi-ryori are a feast for the eyes, simple and healthy homemade osechi-ryori like Grandma Masami's recipes are also good. Why not try making your own this winter?

Video introduction of “Mikane Shrine” in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan This video, titled "Mikane Shrine, Kyoto｜Kyoto Japan 4K Video FDR-AX100" (京都・御金神社 Kyoto Japan 4K 動画 FDR-AX100), was uploaded by "Kyoto 4K Videos｜KYOTO VIDEOS" (京都4K動画KYOTO VIDEOS). If you venture away from the office district of Karasuma-Oike Street (烏丸御池通り, Karasuma-Oike-dori) in Nakagyo, Kyoto, you'll come across a golden torii gate. This is Mikane Shrine, a hidden gem and famous power spot for receiving blessings of wealth in Kyoto. The shrine is illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that stands out from the rest of the city. The ginko-shaped ema plaques on the shrine grounds are filled with prayers asking for a winning lottery ticket. Check out the fantastic atmosphere of Mikane Shrine illuminated in the darkness in the video below. More About Mikane Shrine Photo：Mikane Shrine, Kyoto Mikane Shrine is written "御金神社" in Japanese. Mikane Shrine worships three deities: Kanayamahiko no Mikoto (a god of gold mines), Amaterasu, and Tsukiyomi no Mikoto. Originally a private shrine belonging to a residence, Mikane Shrine attracted many worshippers, and with the support of the neighborhood, the present shrine building was erected. The shrine was located near a street with many metal working craftsmen, and just like in Tokyo, ginza and kinza (gold and silver mint) were established by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Because of this, the shrine is believed to protect currency, such as gold, silver, and copper, as well as metals, jewelry, and minerals, and is said to bring various benefits related to money, such as economic fortune and success in business. The sacred ginkgo tree represents "prosperity and development" because it does not wither in any environment, and the leaves of the ginkgo tree represent "endless growth" because of their shape that spreads out in all directions. Furthermore, although it takes time for one gingko to bear fruit, once it does, it bears many fruits, so it is believed that this is true for the wishes the shrine grants as well. In addition, the leaves of the sacred gingko tree are distributed by the shrine to worshipers because of their golden color. Since the sacred tree is loved by many worshippers and is thought to bring them good luck, the shrine's ema plaques and amulets are also shaped like ginkgo leaves. Many visitors wash their money in the hand-washing basins at Mikane Shrine, but this is not a formal way of worship, rather a unique practice by visitors to the shrine. Therefore, it's important to keep in mind that the temizuya (chozuya) are originally for washing hands and mouths when visiting a shrine. Lucky Wallets and Golden-Leafed Seals at Mikane Shrine Photo：Mikane Shrine's ema plaques At Mikane Shrine, many people come to pray for economic prosperity, and there are a large number of money-related items available as souvenirs. Among them, the fuku-tsutsumi mamori (福包み守り, lit. "Lucky wrap charm"), commonly known as a "lucky wallet" is one of the most popular. It's made of yellow cloth, a good color for economic fortune, and each one is hand-stamped with gold leaf. Because they're made of cloth, they're less suited for everyday use, and better for storing important items such as bankbooks and lottery tickets. Since they are handmade in limited numbers, it's said to be good luck if you manage to get your hands on one. In addition to lucky wallets, shuin stamps are also popular at Mikane Shrine. The standard shuin stamps are also unique, featuring the kanji 金 (kin, "gold") in gold. However, the limited-quantity gold leaf shuin stamp features a ginkgo tree stamped in gold leaf, and those who are lucky enough to receive are said to be exceptionally lucky. The shuin stamps come as they are, and cannot be written in a special collection book. Praying for That New Year's Lottery Win? Check Out Mikane Shrine Photo：Japan's Jumbo Lottery Because Mikane Shrine is popular among locals as well as tourists, long lines form during the year-end and New Year's holidays. Especially during the New Year's holiday, it's likely to be at least an hour-long wait. We recommend visiting the shrine early in the morning or at night when there are fewer people. Mikane Shrine is illuminated and open all day long, but there are many private homes in the vicinity of the shrine. Please be sure to visit the shrine in a way that does not disturb the residents of the neighborhood. To get to Mikane Shrine, it's an approximately 5-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Line. As with other shrines, it's common practice to bow before the torii gate, wash your hands, and rinse out your mouth at the chozuya. The bell at Mikane Shrine is set up in such a way that it does not disturb the nearby residents. Even if the bell doesn't ring, do not forcefully try to make it do so. After the standard two bows and two claps to greet the deities of the shrine, make your wish and give a final bow. This way you can respect both the gods of the shrine and the nearby residents. Summary of Mikane Shrine, Kyoto Mikane Shrine has become famous as a spiritual power spot as well as a place to pray for wealth and fortune. The shrine, which has long been loved by locals and was built with their help, has now become a tourist attraction loved by both tourists and people from all over Japan. It's said that just by using the golden torii gate of Mikane Shrine as your lock screen image, it can bring economic fortune, and many people can be seen taking pictures in front of the golden torii gate. The golden torii gate is also popular on Instagram due to its flashy, photogenic appearance. If you visit Kyoto as a tourist, consider stopping by Mikane Shrine to pray for wealth! A quiet visit to the shrine may bring you good luck. Just remember to be considerate of the local residents. The gods may be moved by your prayers and make your wishes come true... ◆Mikane Shrine◆ 【Address】614 Oshinishitoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0042 【Shrine Office Hours】10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 【Parking】None 【Access】 Subway: A 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma-Oike Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, or Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line City Bus: A 5-minute walk from the Nijojo-mae (二条城前), Horikawa-Oike (堀川御池), and Shinmachi Oike (新町御池) bus stops 【TripAdvisor】Mikane Shrine

Video Introduction of "Omuroyama Yamayaki" in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture This video, titled "2018 4K Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning" (2018 4K大室山・山焼き), was uploaded by "ATELIER ROCKY KALEIDOSCOPES GALLERY." The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is an exciting event where an entire mountain is engulfed in flames. The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning, the symbol of Ito, Shizuoka, is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a traditional winter event that heralds the arrival of spring in Izu. Please take a look at the aerial footage of showing the magnificent Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning via drone. Mt. Omuro and the Popular Anime Movie 'Your Name' Photo：Mt. Omuro, Ito, Shizuoka Mt.Omuro is a dormant volcano sitting at an elevation of 580m in Ito, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region. At the top of the mountain is a 300-meter-wide, mortar-shaped crater left over from an eruption 4,000 years ago. Because of its unique shape, the mountain attracted a lot of attention among fans of the move Your Name, who speculated that it might have been the model for the mountain in Itomori, where Taki and Mitsuba, the main characters in the movie, met. Mt. Omuro Sengen Shrine is located halfway up the crater and is dedicated to the god of easy childbirth and matchmaking, and enshrines the Five Dhyani Buddhas. The entirety of Mt. Omuro is known as a power spot. Mt. Omuro is a popular tourist spot for climbers. For environmental conservation, climbers use the Mt. Omuro lift to climb to the top of the mountain. There is also a popular tour where you can walk around the mortar-shaped mountaintop while enjoying the spectacular view. You can also enjoy archery and delicious food on the summit as well, and there are also steamed buns with cherry blossom leaves being sold there, as well as a variety of other local specialties and souvenirs. Mt. Omuro is not only famous for its mountain burning, but is also known for its cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn, so you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's four seasons year-round. Why Is Mt. Omuro Burned? The History of the Fiery Tradition Photo：Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka The origin of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning dates back approximately 700 years. Initially, it was done for the purpose of improving the growth of high-quality thatch, which was essential for people's lives, and for the purpose of pest control. There are 2 types of thatch: Kogaya and Tawaragaya. Kogaya was used for thatched roofs, as fertilizer for growing wheat, and as feed for cows and horses. It is said that Tawaragaya was used to make charcoal bales for packing charcoal, as charcoal production thrived on Mt. Omuro. The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning has remained as a traditional event throughout its history, thanks to the efforts of the local people. In order to preserve the tradition of the mountain burning as a sightseeing event, as well as to pass on the skills of mountain burning, the local people formed the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning Preservation Society, which has continued to protect the event to this day while paying close attention to safety. Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning Festival 2023 Schedule Photo：Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is held on the second Sunday in February every year, and will be held with the same schedule this year. However, the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning may be postponed due to weather conditions on the day of the event for safety and other concerns. For safety reasons, the event is postponed on windy days as well, so please check the official Ito Tourist Association website before visiting for sightseeing purposes. The 2022 festival was postponed until March 13. The fires on Mt. Omuro are lit from 9:30 a.m. at the bowl and from 12:00 p.m. for the rest of the mountain. Since it's expected to be crowded on the day of the event, it's recommended that you get there early. Also, if you want to participate in the lighting of the whole mountain burning with torches, participants are chosen on a first come, first served basis every year. However, no dates, numbers or prices have been announced at this time. If you would like to participate, please check the information in advance. The Best Spots to Watch the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning! Photo：The Mt. Omuro lift, Ito, Shizuoka Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is a grand-scale event in which the entire mountain is engulfed in fire, so you can pretty much watch it from anywhere in the area. If you want to experience the flames up close, we recommend going near the Mt. Omuro lift. This is also the place where torches are lit for the all-mountain burning, so you can directly feel the heat and hot air from the burning mountain, making it a powerful spot. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning, we recommend Sakura no Sato. The parking lot is nearby, and it's only moderately crowded, so it's suitable for those who want to see the whole mountain. Also, if you have children with you, they may get bored while waiting for the mountain burning. In such a case, we recommend visiting Izu Shaboten Zoo. In the large park, you can enjoy not only the panoramic view of the mountain burning, but also 1,500 kinds of cacti, feeding animals, and petting capybaras. Your kids are sure to have a great time here! Summary of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning Mt. Omuro is a symbol of Izu, Ito, and Izu Kogen. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji that's great for taking photos. Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is a spring tradition known as one of the 8 Views of Ito. Ito Onsen is also nearby, so consider stopping by after watching the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning. We hope you enjoy this traditional event on the Izu Peninsula! 【Official Website】Mt. Omuro 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Omuro

Sendai Aoba Festival 2023" in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled "Sendai Sparrow Dance 2023 Sendai Aoba Festival SUZUME ODORI(sendai,Japan)" (仙台すずめ踊り 2023仙台・青葉まつり SUZUME ODORI(sendai,Japan)), was uploaded by "emeraldmiyagi II." The Sendai Aoba Festival of Sendai, Miyagi features a traditional dance called "Suzume Odori" (すずめ踊り, lit 'sparrow dance'), which has been handed for generations in Sendai. The dancers, with fans in hand, resemble cute sparrows. The dance is said to have originated as an improvised dance performed by masonry workers. This article introduces the history of Suzume Odori and its highlights. Be sure to check out the video to see what the lively Suzume Odori dance is like. What Is the Sendai Aoba Festival? The History of the Unique Japanese Festival Photo：Sendai Aoba Festival, Sendai, Miyagi The origins of the Sendai Aoba Festival, held every May, can be traced back to the Sendai Festival, a festival held at Sendai Toshogu Shrine by order of Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai Domain, in 1655. At the time, the festival featured a spectacular procession of floats. The last Yamaboko floats were made in 1897, but since 1956, Sendai Aoba Festival has been held under the sponsorship of the Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc. The current Sendai Aoba Festival was first held in 1985. The present Sendai Aoba Festival, which was continued as the first festival in 1985, was unfortunately canceled in the second and third years of the Showa era due to the spread of the new coronavirus. 2022 was held on a reduced scale, but 2023 is the first regular event in four years, and you can feel the joy and vitality of those who have been waiting for it from the video. [Video] 7:27 - Children Dancing Happily With Adults Sendai Aoba Festival – The Meaning of the Suzume Odori Dance, Clothing, and Characteristics of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The history of Suzume Odori dates back to 1603. It is said to have originated as an impromptu dance performed by masonry workers in front of Lord Date Masamune at a banquet that was held after the relocation of Sendai Castle. Because the dancers resembled sparrows, the dance was named "Suzume Odori," and Date Masamune's family crest was also bamboo and sparrow. It's recorded that "Suzume Odori" was danced at the Aoba Festival in 1885. However, due to a lack of successors, the dance ceased for a time in 1950. Later, with the aim of preserving the tradition as a local folk art, it was revived as Sendai Suzume Odori at the 3rd Sendai Aoba Festival in 1987. The current Sendai Aoba Festival is a two-day festival in which the Suzume Odori dance is performed on a grand scale. The clothing worn during Suzume Odori consists of women wearing their hair in buns with flower ornaments. Happi coats, etc., are worn over Koikuchi shirts with carp-like cuffs. In the video, many people can be seen wearing matching hachimaki headbands with patterns. In their hands, they hold fans with different colors on each side. The sight of a large number of people dancing together is spectacular, and is great for taking photos if you're a photographer or Instagrammer! [Video] 2:54 - Sendai sparrow dance with happi coat, thick shirt and zelkova trees The Suzume Odori dance is performed on Jozenji-dori, a street lined with zelkova trees, which can be seen from the beginning of the video, and the costumes of the dancers are particularly noteworthy. Things to Do at the Sendai Aoba Festival Photo：Suzume Odori at the Sendai Aoba Festival, Sendai, Miyagi The Sendai Aoba Festival is a two-day festival that includes "Yoimatsuri," and evening festival, and "Hon Matsuri," the festival on the main day of the event. During Yoi Matsuri, Suzume Odori is held after the opening ceremony, and during Hon Matsuri, another version of the dance is performed. On both days, a market will be set up in Kotodai Park and other areas, where visitors can experience the traditions, culture, and gourmet food associated with feudal lord Date Masamune. Tourists can also participate in the Suzume Odori dance as well. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can watch the Suzume Odori dance at Sendai Civic Square. [Video] 0:02 - Suzume Odori at Sendai Civic Square When is Sendai Aoba Festival in 2024 + How to Get to Sendai Aoba Festival Photo：Kotodaikoen Station, Sendai City Subway The 40th Sendai Aoba Festival in 2024 is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. To access the festival, visitors can walk from JR Sendai Station or Kotodaikoen Station, etc. If you are driving, parking is available at general pay parking lots. Please note that traffic regulations will be enforced around the venue during the event period. A Brief Introduction to Sendai Sendai is located approximately 1 hour north of Tokyo by bullet train. It's famous for its gyutan (thinly sliced beef tongue), Tanabata festival in August, and snacks made with zunda, a mashed paste made from boiled green soybeans. The city was founded in 1601 by Data Masamune, a legendary samurai and ruler of which a statue can be seen at Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle). May is the last month of spring in Japan, and as such, Sendai, much like Tokyo, will be getting warmer with each passing day. As such, we recommended bringing t shirts and shorts for the warmer days, as well as long-sleeve shirts, windbreakers, etc., for days when the temperature is a bit lower. Things to Do Near Sendai Aoba Festival Sendai Aoba Festival is held in close proximity to Sendai Station, and there are many things to do nearby. Here is a short list of things to do near the festival: Zuihoden Zuihoden is the mausoleum of the famous warrior and ruler, Date Masamune. It was built in 1636 by order of Date Masamune, who passed away at the age of 70. The mausoleum features gorgeous architecture and other members of the Date Clan are also entombed in nearby mausoleums on the premises. Hours: February 1 - November 30, 9:00 am - 4:50 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) December 1 - January 31, 9:00 am - 4:20 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm) Admission Fee: General admission: 570 yen, High school students: 410 yen, Elementary and middle school students: 210 yen (Discounts available for groups of 20 or more) Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, was built in 1601 by order of Date Masamune. Throughout the castle's life it was damaged by many earthquakes and other natural disasters, but was repaired each time. It was also involved the Boshin War, however, indirectly. Many of the former buildings were destroyed by a large fire in 1882 and later in 1945 during WWII. Despite being mostly ruins, there are many attractions to see here, including the gallant statue of Date Masamune on horseback. Hours: April - October: 9:00 am - 4:20 pm (Reception closes at 3:50 pm) November - March: 9:00 am - 3:40 pm (Reception closes at 3:10 pm) Admission Fee (Aoba Castle Museum): General admission: 700 yen, Middle and high school students: 500 yen, Elementary school students: 300 yen Sendai Morning Market A morning market offering a wide variety of fresh local specialties from Miyagi Prefecture. You can enjoy purchasing souvenirs here or trying a wide range of snacks. There are also restaurants where you can eat at as well. Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Admission Fee: Free Summary of the Sendai Aoba Festival This article introduced Suzume Odori, one of the main parts of the Sendai Aoba Festival. The dance, with its colorful fans, makes you want to start dancing yourself. Watching the dancing in the video, it's hard not to crack a smile. If you're planning to visit Miyagi Prefecture during the Sendai Aoba Festival, consider participating in the festival. Even if you just show up and watch, you're sure to have a great time!

Video introduction of the Mifune Festival at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "Hotaka Shrine, Ofune Matsuri" (穂高神社御船祭り), was uploaded by "Azumino TV" (あづみ野テレビ). Ofune Matsuri (festival) is held at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. The video shows how the entire community, from children to adults, work together during Ofune Matsuri. The massive floats crashing into one another is quite the contrast to the cute shrine maidens dancing at the beginning of the video! Be sure to check out the video to see what the festival is like before reading along! Ofune Matsuri, a Historic Festival Dating Back 1,500 Years Source :YouTube screenshot Ofune Matsuri, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture, is a festival held annually from September 26 to September 27 at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano. The origin of Ofune Matsuri dates back to the 6th century A.D. The festival celebrates the history of the migration and settlement of the Azumi people, the ancestors of both the seafaring tribes of Kyushu and the people living in present-day Azumino City. It's also said to be an event to mourn the death of Azumi no Hirafu, who is said to have died as a general in the Battle of Baekgang. A total of five floats are used during the festival, including six-meter-tall adult boats and slightly smaller children's boats. The floats are shaped like ships in reference to the migration of the seafaring people, and the floats are decorated with handmade Hotaka dolls depicting various aspects of history. [Video] 0:01 - Hotaka Dolls The floats carrying the Hotaka dolls, which have been passed down by the people of Azumino, are pulled through each town and then converge at Hotaka Shrine. The crowd goes wild as the two "adult" floats, clash violently with each other to the accompaniment of music performed by children from the community, making this one of the highlights of Ofune Matsuri. [Video] 0:37 - A Clash of Floats to the Sound of Music Deities and Other Information For Hotaka Shrine Photo：Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The deities enshrined at Hotaka Shrine are Watatsumi no Mikoto, the god of the sea; Hotakami no Mikoto, the ancestor of the Azumi people and son of Watatsumi no Mikoto; and Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu no Mikoto. The shrine is dedicated to several dignified deities and is believed to bring good fortune, business prosperity, traffic safety, success in academic studies, and marital bliss, and many good luck charms can be purchased at the shrine. Also, on the grounds of Hotaka Shrine is the largest stainless steel Dosojin (guardian deity of travelers) of health and longevity in Japan, which was constructed in 2013 to commemorate Nagano Prefecture's recognition as the prefecture with the longest life expectancy in Japan and is said to bring blessings of health and longevity and good luck in marriage. Shuin stamps are available at the main shrine of Hotaka Shrine from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. In addition, limited edition shuin stamps are distributed during New Year holidays, the Bokusho Festival, and the annual festival, so if you're collector, consider visiting the shrine during these times. If you visit the Mine-miya (shrine located on a peak), you can also receive a special shuin stamp. Tsukimairi is an occasion to express gratitude for a successful month and pray for blessings in the new month. The tsukimairi shuin stamp with beautiful seasonal designs of Hotaka Shrine changes its design each month. Seeing the different stamp designs will make you want to visit to collect them all! Explore Hotaka Shrine at Myojin Pond – A Power Spot Surrounded by Nature Photo：The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Myojin, an hour's walk from Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi Bridge) at Kamikochi. An inner shrine, "okumiya" in Japanese, is a shrine located at the top or middle of a mountain when a particular shrine has several smaller shrines. Myojin Pond near the shrine is said to be a sacred place where prayers for rain have been held since ancient times. On October 8 each year, a festival is held to pray for the safety of hikers and to express gratitude to the mountains by taking two boats around Myojin Pond. Myojin Pond does not freeze over in the winter due to springs and underground water. It is also called "Kagami-ike" (mirror pond) because of this, and its calm surface reflects the natural beauty of the area throughout the year. There is a 300 yen entrance fee to visit Myojin Pond. A Bamboo Lantern Festival, Wind Chime Festival, and Other Events at Hotaka Shrine Photo：The bamboo lantern festival at Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano In addition to Ofune Matsuri, Hotaka Shrine also hosts a variety of other seasonal events. Every year on a weekend in December, a lantern festival called "Kamiakari" is held for several weeks at night. Approximately 10,000 bamboo lanterns are lined up, creating a mysterious atmosphere in the shrine grounds. If you come with a candle lighter (utility lighter) by the designated time, you may be able to participate in the lighting ceremony. Azumino, Nagano is known as a summer resort in Japan. Every year in July and August, a wind chime festival is held at Hotaka Shrine. Wind chimes of various shapes and colors are decorated with strips of paper with wishes attached to them, and the cool sounds of the wind chimes are played under the eaves of the Kagura Hall (Shinto music and dancing hall) in front of the main shrine building. This Origin of Festivals in Japan Photo：People carrying a portable shrine at a festival The Japanese word "matsuri" (祭り), meaning "festival," comes from the word "matsuru" (祀る), which means "to give thanks to the gods." Festivals in Japan can be traced back to Japanese creation myths and Shinto gods, such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess. During the Heian Period (794-1185 AD), portable shrines became common in festivals, which allowed the gods to leave from the shrines and go into town where the people were. Today, there are many festivals throughout the year in Japan, including summer festivals full of fireworks and more. Things to Do Near Hotaka Shrine Photo：Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto, Nagano Hotaka Shrine is located just 30 minutes north of Matsumoto by train. There are a number of things to see and do in Matsumoto, so below we'll list a few. Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle is one of the 12 castles in Japan with an original castle keep. It's one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and has a striking appearance with black walls and roof tiles and is surrounded by a moat filled with koi. The inside of the castle is filled with guns and armor that would have been used by samurai during battles, and visitors can enjoy climbing the steep staircases, while looking out the loopholes for guns and arrows. Upon reaching the top of the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Matsumoto. Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) Closed: Year-end holidays (December 29-31) Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen ※Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto was established to collect, manage, and study ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints). If you're interested in Japanese art, the museum has a fine collection of pieces to explore. Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed: Mondays and year-end/New Years holidays ※If Monday is a holiday, the museum will be closed the following Tuesday Admission Fee: Adults: 1,000 yen, junior high/high school/university students: 500 yen, elementary school students and younger: free Kamikochi Kamikochi is a highland valley in Chubu Sangaku National Park that is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Japan. The Kamikochi area is surrounded by mountains and through it runs beautiful streams. There's also an abundance of wildlife in the lush forests in the area, and visitors can even see monkeys near the famous Kappa Bridge. The area is great for enjoying some light hiking and fresh air. To get to Kamikochi, it's recommended that you reserve a bus in advance, as it can often be crowded. Summary of Festivals at Hotaka Shrine Photo：Myojin Pond at the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The traditional culture inherited by the people of Azumino has a history and background that's so old that it's hard to imagine that it comes from Nagano Prefecture, which does not face the sea. In the video you can see the floats decorated with Hotaka dolls crashing into one another! if you decide to visit the festival, don't forget to take photos! Hotaka Shrine and Myojin Pond are easily accessible as well, so be sure to stop by when you come to see Ofune Matsuri, or visit the area on a trip. 【Official Website】Hotaka Shrine 【TripAdvisor】