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Opening the book "A History of Cats in Japan," one discovers that the bond between cats and the Japanese people is deeper than one might imagine. Cats have appeared in literature such as "The Tale of Genji" since the Heian Period, even enjoying the favor of emperors.
During the Warring States period, cats also became companions of military leaders. As we entered the Edo Period, cats appeared more frequently in ukiyo-e, literature, and the lives of common people.
Reading through the pages, one can see how cats transitioned from being precious pets to an indispensable part of Japanese culture.
In modern times, this "cat-loving culture" has developed new forms, the most interesting of which is the cat café. Japan's first cat café, "Neko no Jikan," opened in Osaka in 2004 and quickly gained popularity across the country.
For those living in apartments who cannot keep pets, cat cafés provide a space to get close to cats. Sipping coffee while watching cats sleep, stretch, or stroll by creates a leisurely atmosphere that naturally encourages one to slow down.
From ancient courts to Edo-period ukiyo-e, and now to today's cat cafés, the Japanese people's affection for cats spans over a thousand years. Times may change, but the place of cats in people's lives has never disappeared; rather, it continues in different forms to this day. Perhaps, this is what makes Japanese cat culture so enchanting.
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When it comes to "pigs," it's hard not to think of the stereotypes of being gluttonous, loving to roll in the mud, and being dirty and smelly. However, after visiting in person this time, I realized I had completely misunderstood them!
A few days ago, I visited Japan's first mini pig café, "mipig cafe," and as soon as I walked in, my heart melted.
The café follows a "pig first" principle, meaning you can't chase or pick them up; you can only quietly wait for a connection. I watched as the little pigs leisurely strolled around the space, finding their favorite corners to lie down and rest, and it was just too adorable.
Not long after I sat down, one little fellow climbed up onto my lap without hesitation and fell asleep contentedly!
Watching its little belly rise and fall with each breath made me hesitant to breathe too heavily, and I couldn't help but smile. In just an hour of interaction, I felt all the accumulated stress from daily life melt away thanks to these little cuties.
Lastly, a small reminder for friends planning to visit: to protect these adorable little pigs, the café has strict health protocols. If you are a visitor from a country affected by African swine fever, you won't be allowed in for the first two days after arriving in Japan. So, friends who want to have fun with the mini pigs should plan their visit for "after the third day of entry."
Although there's an extra procedure, knowing it's to protect their health gives me peace of mind.
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I heard that teamLab Borderless is a world without boundaries, but it wasn't until I stepped in personally that I truly understood what that meant. Here, it feels as if the entire reality is left behind, leaving only light, colors, and my present self.
The boundaries of this space are blurred; the light flows with my footsteps. There are no rules on how to view the exhibition; all you need to do is walk in, reach out to touch, and quietly feel.
At that moment, the message the exhibition wanted to convey suddenly became clear. It turns out that the observer is not just a bystander; they are part of the art itself, immersed in this world.
Standing alone in a space where blue light flows and flowers rain down, faint sounds echo in my ears. Delicate beams of light cascade down like waterfalls, and soft flowing light spreads at my feet, making me feel as if I reside in a quiet, mysterious forest.
The flowers beside me bloom with the light and wither with the wind, changing in an instant, so beautiful that I dare not blink.
Then I stepped into the pink mirrored space, where twinkling lights refract in countless reflections, creating an illusion of entering a parallel universe filled with stars. Every time I turn around, there's an unexpected surprise.
This is a space that is difficult to define, walking between reality and fantasy. Each step reshapes the artwork and quietly transforms my current state of mind.
As I left the museum and walked home, the flowing lights and floral whispers still flickered in my mind, leaving me wanting more.
I never expected that seemingly cold technology could be so gentle and soulful.
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Visiting Kotohira Town to worship at Kotohiragu Shrine, it is essential to not only challenge the classic 785 stone steps but also to arrange a leisurely afternoon tea break along the way.
About halfway up, around the 500th step, you will find Kamitsubaki Cafe, hidden within the dense forest. This place is a refined space produced by Shiseido Parlour.
As you step inside, large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the lush mountain scenery. Sitting by the window, you can enjoy the vibrant greenery while listening to the gentle breeze and birdsong, instantly escaping the daily hustle and bustle.
The seasonal dessert sundae in the cafe is a colorful and visually stunning creation that is hard to resist. The perfect blend of sweet and sour fruits with rich cream instantly soothes tired legs.
Additionally, you can enjoy Shiseido's famous "Beauty Princess" peach rose jelly drink here.
The pink bottle is quite eye-catching, filled with plenty of Nagano Prefecture peach puree and chunks. Each sip brings a rich peach aroma and elegant rose fragrance, infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid, making it both refreshing and nourishing—a dream product for girls.
Kamitsubaki is not just a perfect resting spot during your pilgrimage, but also a healing space embraced by nature.
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As summer arrives in Takamatsu, Kagawa, the most delightful sight is the vibrant sea of sunflowers blooming outside the restaurant window. The vast golden flowers sway in the breeze, and before even starting the meal, my heart is already healed by this summer-exclusive therapy.
Here, they specialize in handmade hamburgers baked in a 300℃ stone oven. Each serving is made fresh upon order, sealing in the juices at high temperatures before being gently reheated. When served, the outer layer has a charming, slightly charred aroma, while the inside remains full and juicy.
This time, I ordered the signature "Tomato Sauce Hamburger Steak," generously accompanied by a soft-boiled egg, seasonal warm vegetables like pumpkin, zucchini, and sweet potato on the hot plate, along with salad, hot soup, and bread, balancing satisfaction and nutritional value.
The rich, sweet-and-sour tomato sauce complements the thick, juicy meat patty perfectly. When I gently cut into the soft-boiled egg, the smooth egg yolk flows down, enveloping the meat patty and adding a layer of warmth and richness to the dish.
Outside, the golden sea of flowers flourishes in the summer heat, while in front of me is the steaming hot plate dish. There are no complicated or extravagant presentations, yet it offers the simplest and most comforting deliciousness.
If you have the chance to visit Kagawa, consider treating yourself to a leisurely lunch, savoring this exclusive taste of happiness in Takamatsu, surrounded by the forest and flower sea.
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Visiting Ichinomiya-ji in Kagawa Prefecture during the summer, aside from the usual pilgrimage, what I look forward to the most is the traditional summer event, the "Cucumber Blessing."
As I step into the quaint temple, the first thing that catches my eye is the neatly arranged boxes of vibrant green cucumbers. Each cucumber is tied with a wish paper bearing the names and ailments of the devotees, creating a scene that is both novel and filled with a sense of sacred ritual. People firmly believe that through the master's spiritual power, they can temporarily entrust their internal pains and misfortunes to the cucumbers.
Standing in front of the master's hall, I watch the devotees earnestly writing their wishes, with the rising incense and the deep, resonant chanting filling the air, even the summer cicadas seem to quiet down in this moment. The serene energy makes one naturally calm, and I silently pray for health and peace for myself and my family with my hands together.
After the ceremony, these cucumbers, which carry the ailments of many, will remain at the temple, where they will be collectively buried in the Cucumber Mound. As the cucumbers naturally decay in the soil, the tormenting pains and misfortunes will also fade away into the earth. This seemingly simple tradition is wrapped in the most sincere and profound hopes of people for their health.
For me, the Cucumber Blessing at Ichinomiya-ji is not just a special travel experience; it is a summer memory intertwined with the warm humanity and ancient beliefs of Shikoku.
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Ritsurin Park is the most representative scenic spot in Kagawa Prefecture and one of Japan's Special Places of Scenic Beauty, renowned for its expansive strolling garden. The park skillfully blends the natural landscape of Shiun Mountain with exquisite garden designs, showcasing different aspects in each season. No matter when you visit, you can appreciate the unique elegance of Japanese gardens.
As I stroll along the park's trails, I first ascend Mount Hira, where I can see Nanko, the lush green pine forests, and the distant Shiun Mountain all at once. The scenery before me resembles a slowly unfolding landscape painting, with a gentle breeze and shimmering water that invite you to slow down and savor this garden's beauty, shaped by the passage of time.
Next, I arrive at Kikugetsu-tei by the lakeside, where I order matcha and wagashi in the quaint and elegant tea room. Enjoying the garden view through the window while savoring the slightly bitter yet sweet matcha and delicate wagashi, time seems to slow down. There is no hurried itinerary, just the sounds of birds, a gentle breeze, and the pond water accompanying me, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the tranquil atmosphere.
What attracts people to Ritsurin Park is not only the meticulously crafted landscapes but also the serene ambiance that allows one to relax and quietly experience the changing seasons. Reflecting on the time spent enjoying tea and the scenery at Kikugetsu-tei still brings endless delight.
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When visiting Atami, if you can only choose one dessert to try, most people would likely recommend "Atami Pudding."
As you stroll along the Atami shopping street, you can see the charming shop inspired by vintage milk bottles from afar, with a neat display of various pudding flavors in the window. From classic plain to matcha, strawberry, and limited edition fruity flavors, it's hard to resist stopping to choose.
This time, I chose the classic plain pudding.
After opening the lid, I first drizzled the accompanying caramel sauce, and the rich aroma of eggs immediately filled the air.
The texture is creamy and smooth upon entry, with a simple flavor reminiscent of nostalgic Showa-era tastes; the caramel sauce adds just the right amount of slight bitterness and sweetness, enriching the overall experience. It seems simple, yet one can feel the shop's dedication to the ingredients and craftsmanship.
Sitting outside the shop, enjoying the pudding while feeling the sea breeze and the leisurely vacation atmosphere of Atami is particularly pleasant.
The cute hippo logo and retro packaging are also perfect for taking memorable photos, which is no wonder it has become one of Atami's most representative souvenirs.
If you have the chance to visit Atami, take a moment to slow down, savor a bottle of Atami Pudding, and experience the unique sweet charm of this hot spring town.
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In June, Kagawa Prefecture not only boasts the azure scenery of the Seto Inland Sea but also welcomes the blooming season of hydrangeas at Mt. Shiude in Mitoyo City. As you slowly ascend the winding mountain road, you can see blue, purple, and pink hydrangeas adorning both sides of the path, as if draping a soft colorful garment over early summer.
Upon reaching the observation deck at the summit, the breathtaking view unfolds before you. The islands of the Seto Inland Sea scatter across the horizon, appearing especially clear against the bright sky, while the blooming hydrangeas reflect the colors of the sea and sky, creating a unique and stunning landscape of Mt. Shiude. A gentle breeze passes through, causing the flowers to sway lightly, and the air is filled with the fresh scent unique to the rainy season, prompting you to slow down and savor the tranquility of nature.
Strolling along the pathways, you can frequently discover various species of hydrangeas competing for attention, attracting many photography enthusiasts to stop and capture the scene. Compared to the crowds during cherry blossom season, early summer at Mt. Shiude feels more leisurely and relaxed, allowing visitors to enjoy both the floral and coastal vistas at their own pace.
If you have the chance to visit Kagawa in June, consider planning a trip to Mt. Shiude. Surrounded by the vibrant hydrangeas and breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, experience the most charming essence of early summer in Japan.
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Speaking of Atami, besides the hot springs, there's now another must-visit reason—buying the "Youichian's Atami Butter An."
This shop's signature item is a round, fluffy cream-filled red bean bread, with a thin, airy crust. Inside, it contains homemade red bean paste, complemented by a layer of creamy frosting.
The bread is light and elastic, and the most surprising part is the cream—it doesn't have that overly sweet taste, instead offering a hint of saltiness that adds depth to the overall flavor.
When it comes to red bean paste, Japanese sweets can sometimes be overly sweet, but here, the sweetness is well-balanced, and you can actually taste the texture of the beans. Even someone like me, who usually doesn't have a particular fondness for red bean paste, found this bread irresistible.
At the checkout, I initially thought one or two would be enough, but after the first bite, my only reaction was: why didn't I buy more?
Next time I visit Atami, the first thing I'll probably do is rush here to stock up.
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