Tohoku 2018 Spring & Summer

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2018 Spring & Summer

SPECIAL EDITION

4TH Issue

Tohoku

MCI (P) 112/12/2015

Explore Japan’s Rich Heritage in Tohoku’s Six Prefectures and Niigata

For the love of cherry blossoms ― Sakura ―

People and places charmed by the beauty of Sakura

Summer Explorations and Adventures in Tohoku The Canal That Ensured the Future of Asaka

www.wattention.com/tohoku-special

Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization http://en.tohokukanko.jp

Discover Authentic Japan Located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Honshu island, Tohoku is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. Consisting of seven prefectures — Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata and Fukushima and Niigata —.

Despite progressive changes over the past centuries in Japan, Tohoku has retained a uniquely authentic feel by well preserving its traditional way of life and culture.

With a history that can be traced back to the 7th century, Tohoku is truly a hidden gem for those who appreciate a relaxed holiday in a pure and bucolic environment. Each attraction has a story to tell and every dish features a history to please the palate and the soul.

In Japan, the regional divisions or prefectures are called "Ken". This magazine uses the term "Ken" to refer to prefectures.

Contents WAttention Tohoku 2018 Spring, Summer 03-07 For the love of cherry blossoms ― Sakura ― 03-04 People and places charmed by the beauty of Sakura 05-06 Guardians of Hirosaki Sakura Trees 07 Sakura and spring flowers

08-12 Summer Explorations and Adventures in Tohoku

Rediscover the Charm of Niigata / Sasagawa Nagare at Murakami The fantastical land of Yokai / Explore the “Blue Caves” of the sea and mountains Walk the mountain path to enlightenment

13-14 The Canal That Ensured the Future of Asaka

Koriyama’s Path to Modernization and Economic Success

Publisher

Yasuko Suzuki / WAttention CO., Ltd

Associate Editor Yuka Suzuki

Editorial Team

Nancy Liu, Ellen Hwang, Cuauhtemoc Velazquez

Language Consultant Jaid Mathews

Graphic Designer Kenji Ishida

Photographers

Hisashi Mochizuki, Chris Mollison, Noboru Hanamura

WAttention CO., Ltd Kurashima Shibuya Bld. 2-3-8-401 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 150-0002 Phone: 03-6418-5701 (main) 03-6418-5828 (editorial) Fax: 03-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com HP: http://www.wattention.com

Visit the Website "Exploration to the Deep North of Japan"

http://deepnorthjapan.org/ English

5 Oga

Oga Peninsula Oga Peninsular Of Ogres and Onsens

Supported by

Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization http://en.tohokukanko.jp East Japan Railway Company http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ 01

Model tour

Seasonal Highlights of the Tohoku Region

Natural Blessings in the Sanriku Coast, Reviving from the Earthquake

Scenic Beauty of the Japan Sea Shorelines

Hands-on Experience of Nature and Culture

Time Travel to the Past

Gourmet’s Paradise Tohoku

view more

You can design a personalized Tohoku trip on deepnorthjapan. org. Cho os e from various spots and restaurants and the p ro g ra m w ill g e n e ra te yo u r personal itinerary with a useful map. For those who like specific recommendations, there are plenty of model courses from which to choose.

Cover Photo: The Torii gate at Kaiseizan Daijinguu Shrine (P14)

Nature History Culture Cuisine

Explore Japan’s Rich Heritage in Tohoku’s Six Prefectures and Niigata

In the cit y of Iwaizumi, in Iwate prefecture lies the mystical limestone cave Ryusendo. Formed over thousands of years, this cave is gaining a lot of attention as it is believed to be a spiritual “power ” spot that can help visitors improve their fortune in love.

For the love of cherry For the Japanese, spring is “the season of cherry blossoms”. This love for cherry blossoms, called sakura in Japanese, is forms part of the traditional Japanese culture.

This is especially true for the cold northern region of Japan known as Tohoku. Sakura hold a very special meaning to the people there. After a long winter trapped inside by mountains of snow, sakura signal the coming of spring. In the Tohoku region there are many famous cherry blossom trees and locations for O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing). This is because the people of Tohoku have a deep affection for sakura.

People and places charmed by the beauty of Sakura Samurai and Sakura Tsuruga-jo Castle (Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima)

On the grounds of the Tsuruga-jo Castle, the warriors lived their lives just like sakura as they fell gracefully one by one.

Sakura at the Tsuruga-jo Castle offer such splendour as the

The beauty of sakura is only for a fleeting moment. That beauty

rare “red tiled-roof ” made of sakura that can be enjoyed

quickly withers away, and the blossoms flutter gracefully down

during the afternoons, and the magical yozakura (nighttime

from above to scatter on the ground below. This “gracefulness”

cherry blossoms). As you find yourself surrounded by the

is also one reason why Japanese are so moved by sakura.

beauty of sakura, try to imagine the feelings of the samurai.

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a historical castle town known as “the place where the last of the samurai stood their ground.” At Tsurugajo Castle in 1868 the final bat tle bet ween the Tokugawa Shogunate’s army and the Meiji Restoration government forces was fought. This fight proved to be a major turning point in Japanese history. Aizu’s samurai fought gallantly, but they were unable to the equal the strength of the Meiji government’s forces. The time of the samurai came to an end. Tsuruga-jo Castle has been restored to look as it did many years ago, and became one of the most well known spots to view sakura in the

Hours: Open throughout the year (Castle tower: 8:30am - 5pm/last entry 4:30pm)

Tohoku region. The “graceful fall of the sakura” is a part of the

Admission: Free (Castle tower: 410yen/Adults, 150yen/Junior High & Elementary

spirit of bushido (the way of the warrior). Japanese warriors, or bushi, regarded living one’s life like the fleeting sakura was the most beautiful.

School Students) Access: 15min from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station ( JR Banetsu West Line) by bus.

Address: 1-1 Ote-machi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima URL: https://aizuwakamatsu.mylocal.jp/en_US/trip/spot-list/-/spotdetail/ spotinfo/1000000003/3999496

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blossoms The Hanami Onsen Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki (Aizuwakamastu, Fukushima)

-SAKURA-

桜

On the outskirts of the town of Aizuwakamatsu lies the hot springs of the Higashiyama Onsen village. These historically famous hot springs date back to the 8th century. During the Edo Period the village was lively with the warriors of the Aizu clan. With its elegant red tiled-roof Japanese-styled inns, even now traces of the area’s past are still alive and well. Built during the 6th year of the Meiji Period, the Mukaitaki Inn has a long history. It has even been recognised by the Japanese government for national historic and cultural significance due to the breathtaking view of sakura that can be enjoyed from its elaborately designed wooden Japanese-st yle guest rooms. The inn’s inclined courtyard with its gorgeous blooming sakura trees sits on the face of the mountain slope that the inn was built on The inn’s creative U-shaped design allows for the building and the garden to be enjoyed from many angles. When you walk along the corridors viewing the sakura you feel as if you have been magically carried away from the real world.

Access: 20min from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (JR Banetsu West Line) by bus Address: 200 Kawamukai, Higashiyama-machi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima URL: http://www.mukaitaki.jp/ (English)

Magnificent Rock-breaking Cherry Tree (Morioka, Iwate) Picture an Edohiganzakura sakura tree in full bloom growing out of the cracks of a 420-ton gigantic rock you'll have some idea of the this amazing sight is called “rock-breaking sakura.” The 360-year-old sakura is located at the site of Morioka District Court, which used to be the garden of the Kita family, one of the three families that ruled the Nanbu clan in the Edo period (around 1700s).

Without the help of heavy machinery, it remains a mystery as to how people moved the 420-ton rock in the past.

Rumors has it that a flash of lightning hit the rock one day, creating a crack.

A bird flew by, dropping sakura bud it was eating into the crack and the rest is history. Since Japanese people believe that lightning strikes are a sign of God's presence sakura is also a symbol of holiness and possibly because of this, never lost its life to a fire. Thanks to the care of gardeners, the sakura tree is now as healthy as ever and into petals of white and pink every spring.

The “rock breaking sakura tree” is a harmony of hardness and softness. The crack where the sakura tree grows spreads 0.08 mm each year, showing its vitality and energy. Though the sakura tree may seem fragile, it certainly is strong enough to break a stone.

Access: 5min from Morioka Station ( JR Tohoku Shinkansen) by bus to Chuodori Ichome stop Address: 9-1 Uchimaru, Morioka-shi, Iwate URL: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/ location_detail.php?lid=121 (English)

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Guardians of Hirosaki Sakura Trees Hirosaki Park

(Hirosaki, Aomori)

Built more than 400 years ago within today’s Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki Castle is a popular place for sakura blossom viewing. Every spring, the grandeur of the castle tower is accentuated by flurries of sakura petals blowing in the wind. From late April to early May, 2,600 sakura of different species, including Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura, come into full bloom and the path from the moat to the castle tower is bathed in a gradient of pink

Guardians of Sakura Trees Sakura in Hirosaki Park lies in its gorgeous volume as well as fragile quality.

Although most Somei Yoshino have a life span of less than 100 years, hundreds of sakura in Hirosaki Park have lived a lot longer than that, thanks to the sakuramori.

Sakuramori literally means "people who look after sakura" in Japanese. These gardeners are responsible for the wellbeing of sakura and they make a record of the blossom time every year. Although becoming a sakuramori doesn’t require a license, having an arborist certificate ensures that the trees can enjoy better care. Makiko Hashiba is one of the three sakuramoris in Hirosaki with an arborist certificate.

Hashiba was born and raised in Hirosaki and her special feelings for Hirosaki Castle motivated her to work as a sakuramori. When asked about the secret to growing sakura trees, the tree doctor said that Hirosaki style management is the key to the trees’ health and wellbeing.

Hiroski Style Management Provides Ultimate Pampering Hirosaki Style Management was first introduced in the 1960s. Hashiba said that the way sakuramoris take care of sakura trees originated from the way apple trees are grown in Hirosaki, the top producer of apples in Japan. To facilitate harvest, local farmers had apples grown from lower part of the trees. The technique is used on managing sakura today. Sakuramoris would first thin the branches (cut off the core in the middle so that buds would sprout from two sides) to allow new branches to grow. After pruning and fertilization, sakura flowers can then blossom from the lower part of the tree. This is why, compared to the average Somei Yoshino, each bud in Hirosaki Park can develop one to two more flowers.

Hirosaki sakuramoris believe that cutting out the rotten part of a sakura trees can give it a new life and enable new branches to grow. In Hirosaki Park, you might come across sakura that blossom despite a rotten main branch.

Sakura in Hirosaki Park are known for their showy, vibrant blooms. Visitors can get close to these beautiful flowers because blossoms and twigs also grow from the lower part of the old branch. Although many say that Sakura lack fragrance, Hashiba said that you can smell a light aroma if you get your nose close enough to the petals.

Flower Viewing Tradition in Hirosaki The locals like to eat crabs while viewing sakura. This is because sakura blossom season overlaps with the beginning of the crabbing season. Not only are togekurigani crabs delicious and sweet, they also come with rich, creamy eggs. Having crabs at a flower viewing event is a tradition in this area of Aomori. Don’t be surprised if you see locals eating a crab under sukura—this is the best way to enjoy life after all!

Closed: (Winter Closing) November 24th-March 31st Access: 30min walk from Hirosaki Station Address: 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori URL: http://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/

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Woodworks Made Out of Sakura Trees (Senboku, Akita) Known as the Little Kyoto of Michinoku, Kakunodate used to be a prosperous cit y ruled by the Satake-kita clan. The town, featuring well-preserved samurai housesand merchant mansions, always attracts a crowd in spring when the sakura trees come into full bloom. Weeping sakura trees with pink petals, along with black traditional houses in the background, is a beautiful sight to see.

Some of the oldest are over 300 years of age. These trees were originally imported from Kyoto. Three sakura tree saplings were included in the dowry of a princess from the imperial family.

K abazaiku, a traditional Japanese handicraf t of making accessories out of old sakura tree barks, also originated in Kakunodate. The 200-year-old tradition used to be a secondary vocation for lower rank samurais. Inro (a case for holding small objects, suspended from the sash worn around the waist) and cases for glasses and seal were made to out of barks to supplement income. Kabazaiku become Kakunodate’s representative handicraft after it was given as an imperial present from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period.

The handicraft stemming out of the sakura trees managed to give a new interpretation to the fleeting life of blossoms. Kabazaiku art is the perfect embodiment of sakura blossoms and samurai spirit.

Access: 20min walk from Kakunodate Station ( JR Akita Shinkansen) Address: Kakunodate-machi, Senboku-shi, Akita URL: http://kakunodate-kanko.jp/language/en/

Sakura Blossom Viewing Means Family Time Kitakami Tenshochi (Kitakami, Iwate) The Kitakami River is home to quite a few hundred-yearold Somei Yoshino sakura trees. A small hill called Jin-gaoka commands the view of a two kilometer lineup of sakura trees and is the best location for flower viewing. Established in the 1920s, Tenshochi Park was meant to be a place for locals to relax and enjoy life. A total of 150 species of sakura trees, including Somei Yoshino and Edohiganzakura, were planted in the park.

Although the park is less than one hundred years old, it is loved

by Japanese people for blooming sakura trees. Many come with their families every year for flower viewing and for the simple pleasure of being with their loved ones.

Besides walking under a tunnel of sakura trees, you can also cruise the river on a pleasure boat. Watch the carp-shaped s teamers s wim in the air as you lis ten to the boatman’s introduction of the place. Another option is the horse-driven carriage that stroll through the romantic avenue of sakura trees.

During the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival (mid April to early May), colorful carp-shaped streamers that pray for the health and future of children decorate the riverside, along with festive sakura blossoms.

Access: 15-20minute walk from Kitakami Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen) Address: 10 Jiwari, Tachibana, Kitakami-shi, Iwate URL: http://sakura.kitakami-kanko.jp/index.html ( Japanese)

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Sakura and spring flowers compete to be the most beautiful During the short spring of the Tohoku region, spring flowers race to catch up with the already blooming cherry blossoms. Once their petals begin to open they blossom all at once, giving the cherry blossoms a run for their money. This competitive display between the cherry blossoms and other flowers of spring is not to be missed.

Tulips and Sakura

The secluded mountainous Aizu area of Fukushima and

(Niigata) The Gosen Tulip Festival

Niigata, which overlooks the Sea of Japan, is connected by the Agano River. Once long ago, this river was busy

In Japan, the most popular spring

transporting goods and materials. Now, with attractions

f lowers af ter sakura are tulips.

like the Agano River Line Cruise, it has become a popular

Tulip bulbs were f ir s t made in

place of leisure. Nestled near by the river is the Sakihana

Japan in Niigata during the Taisho

Onsen, known for its mystical emerald green all natural

Period. Ever since then, Niigata

hot springs. Sakihana Onsen features a wood deck called

has become the biggest producer of tulips in the country. From the middle of April until the end of the month, the “Tulip Festival” is held in the city of Gosen. There, 1.5 million brightly blooming tulips create a breathtaking carpet of colours.

the Sakihana Kinasetei Kawadoko built right on the river O n e o f t h e 10 0 b e s t r a n k e d places to view cherry blossoms in Japan is Gosen’s Muramatsu Park. Yaezakura (double cherry b l o s s o m s) f ro m t h e p a r k a re carefully handpicked and used to make “Gosen Sakura” hand gel (1,500yen) and hand cream (2,000yen).

bed. There, under the Hanafubuki (shower of gently falling sakura), you can enjoy the Kasho bento (River-bed box lunch) as you look upon the splendour of the river.

Access: 5min from Sakihana Station ( JR Banetsu West Line) by car Address: Sadori, Gosen-shi, Niigata URL: https://enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/5354

Rapeseed flowers and Sakura

(Miyagi)

The Osaki Naruko Onsen Rapeseed Flower Festival Though it may not be a gorgeous flower, there is not another flower that suits the Japanese scenic countryside in spring like the rapeseed flower. When the vibrant yellow of the rapeseed flowers is added to the backdrop of the mountains with melting snow beneath the blue sky and the pink of the sakura, it paints a picture-perfect scene of spring in Japan.

Kawatabi Onsen is one of the hot springs located in Miyagi’s Narukoonsen-kyo. At the river bed near Kawatabi Onsen you can enjoy a beautiful display of rapeseed f lowers and sakura together. Here among the tranquil rural landscape, sit traditional wooden Japanesestyle inns. Also, every year near the end of April, the “Osaki NarukoAccess: 5min from Kawatabi-Onsen Station ( JR Rikuu East Line) by car

onsen Rapeseed Flower Festival ” is held just as the sakura and

Address: Naruko Onsen kyo-Kawatabi, Osaki-shi, Miyagi

rapeseed flowers begin blooming.

URL: http://en.naruko.gr.jp/

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Summer Explorations and Adventures in Tohoku

Tohoku’s six prefectures along with Niigata Prefecture are the ideal destinations to go for a taste of Japan’s well-preserved tradition, culture and mindboggling natural curiosities. Visit the area in person for an experience that is a step away from the ordinary. Join us on this journey to explore the finest attractions!

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Rediscover the Charm of Niigata Cycling through the City Visiting the Old Town City of Niigata is divided into two parts by Shinano River, the longest river in Japan. The district between Shinano River and Niigata Station is called the new town while the north side of the river is the old town.

For a grand view of both areas, it is recommended that you cycle on the Bandai Bridge, which serves to connect the two towns.

The traditional st yle shopping arcade called Honchoshimo Market, and the Furumachi entertainment district are two popular attractions in Niigata’s old town. Although Kyoto’s Gion and Tokyo’s Shimbashi are two prominent geisha districts, Furumachi is home to Niigata’s geigi, a local word for geisha. Furumachi still retains an atmosphere reminiscent of the a bygone era visitors can enjoy geigi shows in restaurants and hundred-year-old establishments. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of geigi strolling the streets.

Minatoinari Shrine houses the only rotating Komainu (Guardian dog) statues in Japan. In the past, women would pray to the komainu statues for rough weather so that ships could not leave port and their seafaring men could stay onshore longer. Today, both men and women pray for wellness by spinning the dog. Meanwhile, tying a hemp rope around the feet of the komaimu statues in Kotohira Shrine is said to help one get out of trouble, quit smoking and drinking, find true love and develop a successful business. If you have time, why not learn more about "Komainu culture" in Niigata.

Bandai Bridge Address: Kawabata-cho Shimookawamae-dori, Bandai-Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi Honchoshimo Market Address: 12 ban-cho/13 ban-cho Honcho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi Furumachi Area Address: 7-, 8-, and 9 Furumachi-dori and vicinity, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi URL: https://ssl.niigata-furumachi.jp/ ( Japanese) Minatoinari Shrine Address: 3482 Inari-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi Kotohira Shrine Address: 4579 Yoriai-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi URL: http://niigata-konpira.jp/ ( Japanese)

Sasagawa Nagare at Murakami Great View of Unique Rocks and Reefs Sasagawa Nagare(f low) is the coast to the nor th of Murakami-shi located about 65 km northeast of Niigata -shi. Designated as a national natural treasure and voted one of Japan’s top 100 sea views, it boasts a stunning view of rocks. Sasagawa Flow got its name from a village called Sasagawa along the river course.

The coast filled with these mysterious and naturally shaped works of art is the site of a legend involving a famous warrior named Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He is well-known by Japanese people as a tragic hero, who is said to have embarked on a boat here while fleeing the capital for the nor theast. Present-day visitors can also embark here on a cruise boat and enjoy the gentle sea breeze, appreciate the unique rock formations and experience seagull feeding. You can also get your hands on all kinds of mouthwatering sun/sea wind-dried fish products at stores located along the coast.

Sasagawa Nagare Access: 15min walk from Kuwagawa Station (Uetsu Main Line) Address: 975-44 Kuwagawa, Murakami-shi, Niigata URL: http://www.sasagawanagare.co.jp/ ( Japanese)

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Strolling through Gold Mines Gold Rush on Sado Island Sado Island is off the coast of Niiagata and it only takes 65 minutes by the jetfoil boat from Niigata Port to get to this island packed with natural treasures and limitless charm. Gold and silver was produced on the island as early as 11th century. Due to the discovery of gold and silver in Aikawa area in 1601, Sado Island flourished as a prosperous mining town. However, the mine was shut down in 1989 because of resource depletion.

Quite a few relics and mining facilities are open to the public today, one of which is Kitazawa Flotation Plant. It is known as East Asia’s first flotation plant.

The gigantic plant, which used the flotation method, is now covered in moss and vines. Although its glory has long faded, its charm and nostalgia remain unchanged.

“Doyu-no-warito,” a V-shaped mountain-top split resulting from opencast mining in the Edo period, serves as a symbol of Sado’s prime days. Without the help of modernday heavy machinery, workers had no choice but to dig by hand, making the sight even more impressive.

At Historic Site Sado Kinzan, visitors can walk through several mine tunnels dug by hand in the Edo period, such as the Sohdayu Tunnel. Life-size mannequins of Edo-era miners are there to greet you. While you're there, try a local specialty—ice cream with gold flakes—and immerse yourself in the best of Sado!

Kitazawa Floatation Plant Access: 50min from Ryotsu Port by car Address: 3-2 Aikawa Kitazawamachi, Sado-shi, Niigata URL: https://www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0091/ (English) Doyu-no-warito Access: 50min from Ryotsu Port by car Address: 1-1 Aikawa Ginzanmachi, Sado-shi, Niigata URL: https://www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0094/ (English) Historic Site Sado Kinzan Access: 60min from Ryotsu Port by car Address: 1305 Shimo Aikawa, Sado-shi, Niigata URL: http://www.sado-kinzan.com/en/ (English)

Sea Voyage on Tarai-bune An Inspiration for Ghibli’s Anime “Spirited Away” In the past 150 years, women on Sado Island followed the tradition of transforming their wash tubs (Tarai) into a small boat (Bune) to facilitate the collection of seaweed and shell fish on rocky shores . While the practice is still found on Ogi peninsula, also used for tourism purposes today. The tradition was made known to the world by a Ghibli anime called “Spirited Away,” in which the heroine took a ride on the round boat during her adventures.

You c an enjoy a tub boat ride from Ogikou, Yajima /Kyojima and Shukunegi. Although the boat ride from Yajima/Kyojima only takes you around the bay, there is a small red pedestrian bridge and a picturesque view worth seeing.

The boat driver rows gently, but it can take you a while to get used to the swaying movement to the point where you can just enjoy the ride and accompanying explanation. The boat has a glass bottom enabling you to look directly into the waters for fish and algae. Clear water, blue skies, green grass and shrubs and the red pedestrian bridge combine to form a beautiful landscape no visitors should miss. You can have a try at paddling yourself but it won’t be easy. Best leave the work to professionals and sit back and imagine yourself as the heroine in “Spirited Away”!

Yajima Taiken Koryukan Access: 70min from Ryotsu Port by car Address: 365-1 Ogi, Sado-shi, Niigata URL: https://www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0039/

Iwate, Land of Marvels

Folk Legends from Tono

The fantastical land of Yokai Welcome to Tono, home of the most Yokai in Japan Hop on a bicycle and see which ones you can find!

▲ Kappa Hunting License

Surrounded by 1000m high mountains, the village of Tono in Iwate is the ground zero for folklore about Yokai-banashi (haunting tales of spirits, demons and monsters). Even now, Tono is known as the “Village of Folklore” as its tales continue to be through the traditional art of Japanese storytelling called Kataribe. If you’re feeling brave and hunger for adventure then rent a bicycle in front of Tono Station and set off for “Tono’s Mysterious Spots” in search of Yokai. Maybe you’ll find some Yokai that are the ancestors of creatures that appear in anime and games like Pokémon.

Once you’ve got your rental bicycle from Tono Station head on over to a small river with a little shrine next to it called Kappa-buchi Pool. This is one of Tono’s most well-known “mystery spots” and home of Tono’s most famous water spirit Yokai, the Kappa. For just a couple of

Hayachine Shrine worships the god that is believed to reside within Mount Hayachine. Long ago the people of Tono gave thanks to the water that flowed from the mountain allowing them to farm.

They believed that when you died your spirit would go to the mountain. This mountain worship helped create the mysterious folklore in Tono.

hundred yen you can get a “Kappa Hunting License” issued by Tono Tourism Association (you can pick one up at the Tourism Information center in front of the station and Denshoen Park near the Kappa-buchi pool for 210yen). With the license you can set out to catch some Kappa in the village. If you’re lucky, you might just run into the famous Kappa hunter Haruo Unman at the pool. Mr. Unman says to hook a cucumber to the fishing line of a bamboo pole and cast it in a gentle current where a Kappa might be swimming pleasantly underneath.

He adds that the trick is to not let the whole cucumber go in the water. That said, even Mr. Unman has yet to catch a Kappa himself. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the first to snag one.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a Japanese scholar named Kunio Yanagita who specializes in native folklore published a collection of tales (Tono Monogatari) from the Tono area that have raditionally only been passed down orally. The popularity of that collection

The Magariya farmhouse in Denshoen Park enshrines 1,000 Oshira-sama deities (a guardian of the home).

shot Tono to fame. Tono is filled with so many magical locations that make you feel as if you’ve been transported to some strange parallel world. Denshoen Park and Tono Furusato Village are just two examples. At the park the oldest traditional L-shaped farmhouse, called a Nambu-magariya, has been reconstructed piece-by-piece giving a glimpse into what life was like for farmers of Tono long ago. With peaceful countryside that has gone untouched for hundreds of years and flat roads, Tono is perfect for tracking down Yokai.

Tono Access: 45-60min from Shin-Hanamaki Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen)

by JR Kamaishi Line to Tono Station URL: http://www.tonojikan.jp/Several_languages/english/english.html Bicycle rental: Prices start from around ¥500 for 2 hours

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Denshoen Park Hours: 9am-5pm Apr-Dec (Last admission at 4:30pm) 9am-4pm Jan-Feb (Last admission at 3:30pm) Admission: Adults 320yen, Children ages 7-18 220yen Access:25min from Tono Station (JR Kamaishi Line) by bicycle URL: http://www.tonojikan.jp/Several_languages/english/english.html

Over 200 years ago a large-scale famine took the lives of thousands people of Tono. 500 stone Buddhist images called Gohyaku-rakan were carved to bring comfort to the souls of those who perished.

Bicycle rental: Prices start from around ¥500 for 2 hours

Explore the “Blue Caves” of the sea and mountains Let friendly fisherman guide you to the “Blue Cave” on the Sappa Boat Cruise Jodogahama is the most spectacular place along the Rikuchu-kaigan Coast of Iwate’s Miyakoshi. In Japanese Jodo means “Paradise”. With the striking contrast of the lush blue sea against the beauty of the sharp jagged pale rhyolite rocks, it’s no wonder this place has been given the name of the Buddhist “Paradise”. Within the sea and the rocks this paradise hides a mystical place. The Blue Cave offers an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. (See P2) To get there you’ll need to strap on a helmet, a lifejacket and take a little ride on a small fishing boat called the Sappa boat. As you make your way over high waves, you’ll come to a small opening between rugged cliffs and slowly enter. It’s a thrilling experience. When you look back at the small narrow opening in the cliffs that you just bent your body to squeeze through, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking emerald green and cobalt blue colors of the crystal-clear blue water. On top of that, you’ll be greeted by your own reflection dancing on the water’s surface.

Fares: 1,500yen per person for 20min Sappa Boat Cruise (Jodogahama Marinehouse) *No reservations, boats may also not be able to leave port due to weather conditions Access: 15min from Miyako Station (JR Yamada Line/ Sanriku Railway) by bus, 5min walk from the Jodogahama Visitor Center URL: http://j-marine.com/sappa/index.html (Japanese)

The shimmering “Dragon Blue” underground lakes of Ryusendo According to legend, the limestone cave is believed to have originated in ancient times when a large dragon burst out from Mount Iwayama, shattering the mountain as it ascended to the heavens. The dragon left a massive hole in the earth which began to gush with water. With a depth of 35m, the underground lake was named “Dragon Blue” for its beautiful sparkling crystal-clear blue water. Of the cave’s 3,600m (2.2 mile) length, 700m (half a mile) is available to explore. The temperature inside the cave throughout the year is about 10 to 11ºC (50 to 52ºF), so even in summer you’ll need a jacket.

Hours: 8:30am-6pm May-Sep, 8:30am-5pm Oct-Apr, Open year round Access: 2-hr 10min from Morioka Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen) by the JR Tohoku “Morioka-Iwaizumi ( Ryusendo )” Line bus Admission: Adults (High School students & above) 1,000yen, Children (Elementary & Junior High School students) 500yen

Walk the mountain path to enlightenment (Yamagata) Experience the ancient shamanistic practices of Yamabushi spiritual training Yamagata has one of Japan’s most well-known sacred places for mountain worship, the Dewa Sanzan or the “Three Mountains of Dewa”. This ancient shamanistic training practiced by Buddhist monks is called Yamabushi. So, what do you say to a lit tle pilgrimage of spiritual enlightenment?

It’s sure to be a different experience than sightseeing by bus or car. The easiest route is the Mount Haguro Pilgrimage route beginning from the Zuishinmon gate leading up to the mountain summit. The climb is 1.7km (1 mile) and should take you about 90 minutes to reach the top. This particular pilgrimage dates back to the Edo period. Along your way you will come across the famous Mount Haguro Goju-no-to (f ive-stor y pagoda).

The Michelin Green Guide Japan gave this scenic path its top honor of three stars. As you climb the 2,446 steps to spiritual discovery, taking in the beauty of rows of magnificent cedar trees which are between 350-500 years old, it’s easy to see why this area is regarded so highly.

Climbing Mount Haguro Access: 50min from Tsuruoka Station (JR Uetsu Line) by bus bound for Haguro -sancho (Summit of Mount Haguro) URL: http://experiencetsuruoka.com/

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The Canal That Ensured Koriyama’s Path to Modernization and Economic Success Koriyama, the economic centre of Fukushima ken, is surrounded by abundant nature, including steep mountain ranges and the deep blue Lake Inawashiro. Stroll through Kaiseizan Park’s lanes of blooming, pink cherry blossoms or unwind in the hot springs of Bandai – Atami to give your skin a regenerative boost. Pay a visit to Kaiseikan to catch up on the town’s history and learn about the area’s development as well as lifestyles from earlier days. Follow us to explore the unique beauty of Koriyama, where past and present coexist in perfect harmony!

Asaka Canal - Gateway to a New Future After the Meiji Restoration started in 1868, Koriyama evolved into a wealthy city with the introduction of a new project to improve the region's infrastructure: “Asaka Land Development and Asaka Canal Works,” introduced in 1873 by regional merchants and the area's local government.

In the following year, Kaiseikan (the district ’s office building) was completed, with one part acting as headquarters for the project’s planning. It features western architec tural elements which had not been introduced to any other Japanese regional area before.

Nowadays, Kaiseikan and its surroundings are open for visitors to learn about the development of the area.

Af ter a journey throughout the Tohoku area in 1876, the former

▲ Lake Inawashiro - Juryokkyo Sluice Gate

Minister of Interior, Toshimichi Okubo, saw the potential of land development. He proposed the incorporation of the impoverished samurai warrior class into the Asaka Land Development Project. Due to the recent Meiji reforms, samurai were not needed anymore and had been replaced with a national army similar to those in Western countries. Through Okubo’s ef for ts, about 500 former samurai families from all over Japan gathered in Koriyama and started to work hand-in-hand with the local community towards modernization in November 1879.

The most challenging part was the construction of a 585-metre long tunnel cutting through the Ou Mountain Range. The latest technologies

▲ Kaiseikan

such as dynamite, steam pumps and cement were used and the project was a great success. After three years of hard work, the approx. 130-kilometre long Asaka Canal was completed.

Due to the land development, agriculture e x panded rapidl y and impor t ant new industrial oppor tunities such as hydroelectricity became possible. ◀︎ Asaka Canal Hayama Waterfall located in Hayama Park. Built 1882 in commemoration of the successful completion of the Asaka Canal.

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▲ Kaiseizan Park

the Future of Asaka (Koriyama, Fukushima)

▲ Kaiseizan Park

Blooming Relicts of the Past

▲ Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine, located next to Kaiseizan Park, is also called "O-Ise-sama of Tohoku," since it enshrines the deities of the Ise Grand Shrine from afar.

3,900 cherry trees planted by the pioneers of the time hem the banks of the pond at Kaiseizan Park, which was used to irrigate the area. Old someiyoshino and yamazakura cherry trees on the embankments around the park evoke the remarkable development of the entire Asaka area.

Hana-mamori - Lucky charms showing a flower typical for each month ▶︎

Unwind at Bandai–Atami Hot Spring Town Beside its economic development, Koriyama is also famous for its hot spring (onsen) town, Bandai–Atami. Built around 8 0 0 year s ago in t he center of F uk ushima Pre fe c t ure, the Gohyaku River f lowing through the area provides an abundance of clear and fresh water from Lake Inawashiro.

According to a legend dating back to the Kamakura era (1185 – 1333), Hagi-hime, a princess from Kyoto, made her way to the northeast area of Japan following a divine message to receive treatment for an incurable illness. It is said that af ter the

▲ The ryokan´s traditional Japanese garden with water flowing from Lake Inawashiro

princess took a bath in the 500th river she crossed, she fully recovered. Since then, this hot spring town has been especially popular among women, due to its storied beauty effects. The clear and velvety smooth water is also believed to heal cuts and burns. Twenty-four different ryokan (traditional hotels) welcome you at Bandai-Atami Hot Spring Town to make your stay an unforgettable experience!

Sweet Local Treat Beside its cultural aspects, Koriyama is also famous for its delicious sweet treat called Cream Box. This thick-sliced piece of bread with white, milk-flavored cream on top can be found in most of the local bakeries. It’s a must-try!

▲ Cream Box Papier mache box for your Cream Box ▶︎

Lake Inawashiro Access: Area around Inawashiro Station ( JR Ban-etsu-West Line) Kaiseikan Hours: 10am – 5pm (last admission 4:30pm) Closed: Mon Admission: Adults 200yen, High School and University students 100yen Access: 3min walk from Kaiseikan bus stop Address: 3-3-7 Kaisei, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima Hayama Park Access: 20min walk from Kōriyama Station ( JR Ban-etsu-West Line) Address: 1-347 Hayama, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima Asaka Historical Museum Hours: 10am – 5pm (last admission 4:30pm) Closed: Mon Admission: Adults 300yen, High School and University students 200yen, Elementary and Junior High School students 100yen Access: 15min by Fukushima Kotsu Bus (bus stop Nr. 11) from Kōriyama Station ( JR Ban-etsu-West Line), get off at Asaka-Koko.

Address: 5-25-63 Kaisei, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima Kaiseizan Park Hours: 9am-6pm Admission: Free Access: 10min by Fukushima-Kotsu bus from Kōriyama Station ( JR Ban-etsuWest Line) until Koriyama Shiyakusho bus stop Address: 1-5 Kaisei, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima Shikisai Ichiriki Ryokan (Bandai – Atami Hot Springs) Access: 5min walk from Bandaiatami Station ( JR Ban-etsu-West Line) Address: 4-161 Atami, Atami-machi, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima

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Start your journey from these 16 locations to experience unspoiled nature, time-honoured culture and century old traditon of Japan.

Japan Heritage

Hokkaido

a Tsuruga-jo b Higashiyama Onsen c Rock-breaking sakura d Hirosaki-jo e Kakunodate f Kitakamitenshochi g Gosen h Naruko Onsen

Oirase Keiryu

1. Hirosaki: 30 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Shin-Aomori Station by Tsugaru Limited Express See → P5

Aomori Airport

d

Sirakami Sanchi

1

6 10

Morioka Stn.

l

7

8

n m c

Matsushima

9

Ichinoseki Stn.

12

h

Tsuruoka Stn.

Murakami Stn.

i

Yamagata Stn.

16

g

Niigata Stn.

14

Sendai Airport

a b

Bus Tokyo Stn.

For more amazing photos and articles check out

7. Kamaishi / Tono: 90 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen ShinHanamaki Station to Kamaishi Station by Local Line / 60 minutes from Shin-Hanamaki Station to Tono Station by Local Line. See → P1, 11-12

Ugo-Honjo Station by Local Line

11. Sakata / Tsuruoka / Dewasanzan: 1 hour 50 minutes

from Joetsu Shinkasen Niigata Station to Tsuruoka Station by Local Line. /35minutes fromTsuruoka Station to Sakata Station

by Local Line. /50minutes from Tsuruoka Station to Dewasanzan (Hagurosan) by bus. See → P12

o

Iwate

Local Line Tohoku Main Line Tsugaru Limited Express

Shinkansen Morrioka Station to Kakunodate Station or Lake Tazawa Station by Akita Shinkansen See → P6

10. Chokai: 45 minutes from Akita Shinkansen Akita Station to

Aomori

Shinkansen

6. Kakunodate / Lake Tazawa: 50 minutes from Tohoku

Station to Kesennuma Station by Local Line

Zao

Koriyama Stn.

Niigata Sado Sasagawa-nagare Tono Jyoudogahama Ryousendo Koriyama

Hadachi Station by Local Line

Station to Hiraizumi Station by Tohoku Main Line See → P6

Sendai Stn.

i j k l m n o

5. Oga: 60 minutes from Akita Shinkansen Akita Station to

9. Kesennuma: 80 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Ichinoseki

Fukushima Stn.

15

See → P4

8. Hiraizumi: 8 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Ichinoseki

Furukawa Stn.

13

k

Ura-Bandai

Station to Appi-Kogen Station, 1 hour 10 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Morioka Station to the top of Hachimantai by bus

4

f

11

3. Shirakami Sanchi: 2 hours 40 minutes from JR Hirosaki Station by JR Gono Line.

Kakunodate Stn. Shin-Hanamaki Stn.

Mt. Chokai

Tohoku Shinkansen Shin-Aomori Station by JR bus or 2 hours 15minutes from Hachinohe Station by JR bus

4. Hachimantai: 60 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Morioka

Hachinohe Stn.

5 Akita Stn.

Koiwai Farm

2

e OGA Peninsula

2. Hakkoda / Lake Towada / Oirase: 2hours 15 minutes from

Shin-Aomori Stn.

Hirosaki Stn.

3

j

http://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/nihon_ isan/pdf/nihon_isan_pamphlet_english.pdf

Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Stn.

Miyagi Akita Yamagata Fukushima Niigata Tokyo

12. Naruko: 50+ minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Furukawa Station to Naruko-Onsen Station by Local Line See → P7

13. Sendai / Matsushima: 90 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Sendai Station to Matsushima Station by Local Line

14. Zao / Yamadera: 40 minutes from Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen by bus

15. Aizu / Kitakata / Bandai / Ouchi-juku: 65 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Koriyama Station to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station by Local Line See → P3, 4, 13-14

16. Niigata / Murakami: 60 minutes from Joetsu Shinkansen Niigata Station by JR Uetsu Line See → P7-10

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The information above is current as of June 2017.