暦 Koyomi 9th September
こ よ み を 楽し む
IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS
C h o y o n o S e k k u 重陽の節供
text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇
The “yang” of the “yin-yang” concept is thought to become too strong and hence inauspicious on dates which are odd-numbered in both day and month. The sekku, or seasonal festival, became an event to counter this threat. Within these days, September 9 th is known as the Choyo no Sekku as it is the day when the number strongest in “yang” is doubled. It has long been believed that when the power of the nature becomes too overbearing, the life of mankind is endangered. In order to avert that danger and pray for a long in water or sake and drunk for its blood-
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cleansing properties. In a time when most illnesses were thought to be caused by impurities in the blood, the chrysanthemum was a type of precious kampo medicine One of the rituals carried out during the Choyo no Sekku is to place a wad of silk on top
wipe one’s body to cleanse oneself. The folksong, “Kikudoji”, used frequently in noh performances, is inspired by the eternal spirit of the chrysanthemum when it bursts into full bloom. In fact, during the Heian era, ladies from the nobility would wipe
their faces and bodies with chrysanthemum dew in the hopes of staying young. For the peasants, it was a day to enjoy the chestnut. We now know the chestnut as being a health food rich in vitamin C, and well-balanced in terms of protein and fat. People in the past knew this from experience and eating this in the hopes of longevity on day of the Choyo is a festival tradition that cannot be missed.
Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical Currently teaches at Tama Art University.
Old temple surrounded by green mountains!
Zao Ropeway and beautiful yellow and red autumn foliage
Scarecrow Festival at Kaminoyama City
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Amber’s
Sakura blossoms at the Kaminoyama Castle
Yamagata
Travelogue You might have never heard of Yamagata, however Japanese often associate the name with stunning panoramic views of nature, relaxing hot spring baths and sweet, juicy fruits. Located in the Tohoku region on Honshu, Yamagata faces the Sea of Japan on the west side and borders Miyagi Prefecture to the east, with the Zao Mountain Range being its major scenic attraction. 6
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The mineral rich water at Zao Crater Lake changes colour depending on the weather
Ningen shogi is a festival where Japanese chess is played with human pieces
Enjoy fruit picking in the summer
Marked by a complex of volcanic mountains, Yamagata boasts unparalleled natural hot springs and is known as the “Kingdom of Onsen.” Mogami River runs through the prefecture from south to north, nurturing the region to produce top quality cherries, pears and many other agricultural products. For those interested in Japanese literature, you might want to look up Matsuo Basho’s “Okuno-hosomichi,” or The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The greatest poet of the Edo period (1603-1868) was so inspired by the beauty of Yamagata that he dedicated the famous haiku “ah this silence / sinking into the rocks / voice of cicada” to this place. Visiting Yamagata was a dream come true for our editor Amber. After spending days touring around and enjoying the great nature of Yamagata, she is thrilled to share with you her findings and some secret spots to play, eat and discover.
Shinjo Station
Yamagata Prefecture Tokyo
Tendo Station Yamagata Station
Access Yamagata City Tokyo Yamagata Station 2 hours and 40 minutes by Yamagata Shinkansen
Kaminoyama Onsen Station
Wakamatsu Kannon Yamadera
Zao Onsen
Yamagata Shinkansen
Kaminoyama City Tokyo Kaminoyama Onsen Station 2 hours and 30 minutes by Yamagata Shinkansen
Tendo City Tokyo Tendo Station 2 hours and 50 minutes by Yamagata Shinkansen
*Trains arrive at different times; please check train schedules online for more information.
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Captivating Scenery Characterised by long snowy winters and majestic mountains, the Zao area is full of mesmerising scenes of nature and relaxing hot springs. Besides appreciating the awe-evoking craftsmanship of nature, Amber also took the time to interview locals to get the story behind each attractions.
Weirdest Snowscape
Zao Snow Monsters
▲ Get up close and personal with Zao Snow Monsters
Zao Ropeway gives you a magnificent view of the so-called Juhyo, or fir trees heavily coated with snow. The ride takes you from Zao-Sanroku Station at the foot of the mountain, via the plateau, all the way to Zao-Sancho Station for a spectacular panorama. These Snow Monsters are grotesquely shaped by the velocity of the northwest winter Siberian monsoon. Mid-January to late February is the best time to come and see for yourself the weirdest snow fantasy in Yamagata.
Tips from Amber Snowboard among the Natural Wonders!
▲ Visit the Jizo Statue at Zao Sancho Station to get rid of misfortune and obtain blessings
It was an amazing experience to snowboard and ski among the legendary Snow Monsters. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the unique scenery as you embark on a lifetime adventure on the snow.
Fantasy World
Romantic Illumination and Snowmobile See the ghostly trees illuminated in magnificent colours every night during the peak season. The stark contrast of brilliant white, mystic black and rainbow colours create a fantasy world you do not want to miss. At Juhyo Kogen Station, hop on the snow tractor which is equipped with heating to experience the spectacle at minus 10 degrees Celsius. Zao Ropeway Address: 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata Access: 45 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station
Spring of Beauty
Zao Onsen
Boasting a history of 1,900 years, Zao Onsen is said to boost blood circulation and cure all sorts of ailments including heart problems, digestive disorders and skin conditions. The strong acidic water also contains minerals that make the skin soft, smooth and beautiful. The Zao outdoor bath, which is only open from late April to mid-November, can accommodate as many as 200 people and is an exclusive enjoyment for non-winter visitors. Dairotenburo Hours: 6pm - 7pm Fee: Adult ¥470、Child ¥260
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Send yourself a postcard with a local motif to remind yourself of travel memories！
Tips from Amber There are three public baths on Zao Onsen Street and all it takes is 200 yen for a unique bathing experience.
Energise Your Body and Soul Power spots are found all over Japan, mostly in the form of mountains, temples and shrines. Yamagata is home to a couple of these sites and spiritual destinations believed to heal and energise people who visit them. Follow Amber as she uncovers the mysteries hidden in the sanctuaries!
Inspiration to Poets
Yamadera Temple
Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Yamadera Temple Station
Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple, colloquially known as Yamadera, has a history of more than 1,100 years. The site features 30 Buddhist halls, among which Konpon-chodo is the most popular. The hall, located at the foot of the mountain, worships the Buddha of healing and medicine, and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. Journey up to the top to explore Godaido, which yields a splendid view of the city and the mountain valley. Matsuo Basho, a famous haiku poet in the Edo period, was so inspired that he dedicated a poem to the place.
Looking for Your Better Half?
Wakamatsu Kannon Wakamatsu Temple is 15 minutes by taxi from Tendo City of Yamagata and it is one of the most famous temples for matchmaking in Japan. Rumour has it that holding the hands of the temple master can help one find the ideal marriage partner. If you want to shake hands with the temple master, one month’s reservation in advance is required. You can also attend a blessing ceremony, which is held on the first Sunday of each month from April to October (reservation not required).
Sign up for a hand shaking session with the temple master
Tips from Amber Yamadera Specialty Power konnyaku, which is made out of yam starch, is said to give you energy to climb up the stairs leading to Yamadera.
Wakamatsu Kannon Address: 2205-1 Ohazayamamoto, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Sign up for a hand shaking session: www.wakamatu-kannon.jp/contact.html Access: 15 minutes by taxi from JR Tendo Station
Tips from Amber When will my true love come? The temple master gives each person a score after shaking hands with them. The higher the score, the faster one will encounter his or her soulmate. The temple master told Amber that her Mr. Right will appear within half a year—this is definitely something to look forward to!
Ring the Wakamatsu Kannon bell three times with your partner for a happy marriage. If you’re single, ring the bell to find your other half!
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Go Local
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The best way to understand Yamagata is to mingle with the local people, take part in a traditional festival and make a souvenir to take home. Live a day in the life of Yamagatans!
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Old Tradition
Kasedori Festival
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The Kasedori Festival, or Straw Bird Festival, has taken place in the Kaminoyama City of Yamagata Prefecture since the Edo Period. The winter festival features participants wearing straw coats and shouting “take care with fire, prosperous business.” They also make bird sounds in a dance procession that starts from the Kaminoyama Castle and tours around the city. Locals would throw freezing cold water at the participants to pray for good harvest and prosperity. Interested in dressing up as a Kasedori? Application is open to public every November.
Tips from Amber Kasedori Facts A The straw coat weighs as much as 12 kilograms when soaked in water. B Festival-goers wrap their heads with a new towel or handkerchief to pray for harvest, prosperity and fire safety. C Pull a straw from the costume and tie it around your daughter’s hair so that she will be a beauty when she grows up.
Drench the birdy creatures with buckets of ice cold water. Be careful as they can also get you wet too! Kids dressed up in Kasedori costumes selling cute souvenirs
Kasedori Festival
The straw shoes are all handmade by the local people.
Time: Opening ceremony is held on February 11 at the Kaminoyama Castle Access: 12 minutes walk from Yamagata Shinkansen Kaminoyama Onsen Station Sign up website: http://kaminoyama-spa.com
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Experience the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the Kasedori Festival
Make Your Own Chess Piece
Shogi
Tendo City of Yamagata Prefecture is known for the production of shogi, or Japanese chess pieces. Back in the Edo Period, the feudal lord encouraged peasants to make wooden chess pieces for a living, and thus the tradition was born. Make a reservation for a 30-minute chess painting session and design one that complements your personality. This is also a nice way to make your own souvenir! Shogikomatokokesi-no-mise Eishundo Address: 1-3-28 Kamatahoncho, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Tendo Station Hours: 8pm - 5pm
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Keep vibrant memories of your trip by making your own chess piece
Fresh is Best
Cherry Picking Yamagata is blessed with rich soil, good water and a climate that is ideal for growing a variety of fruits, including adorable cherries. Their ruby red colour and tangy taste are just irresistible! The best season for cherry picking is early summer, from June to July, so be sure to plan in advance for a special holiday in cherry farms. Yamagata Tourism Information: http://yamagatakanko.com/log/?l=272481
Yummy Yamagata
Must-eat Gourmet Treat
It is well-known that Yamagata accounts for 70 percent of Japan’s cherry and pear production. What you might not know is that the prefecture also ranked first in the nation’s consumption of ramen and konnyaku, a traditional Japanese food rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. Here are some gourmet food found nowhere else.
Tips from Amber
Simple yet Authentic
Itasoba and Ramen
Yamagata People Love Ramen It is said that Yamagata has the highest population of ramen lovers in Japan. Probably because of the cold winters, the prefecture has a myriad of ramen joints, each specialising in something different. Aside from the “Torichuka,” there is also the chicken innards ramen and Cantonese style barbecued chicken ramen.
Located in Tendo City of Yamagata Prefecture, Suishakisoba has over a hundred years of history. The restaurant specialises in handmade soba, or thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, served in customised wooden boxes. One of the most celebrated dishes here is the “Torichuka,” a hearty bowl of ramen noodles cooked in thick chicken bone broth, bonito essence and soba sauce. The freshly made noodles are not only loved by locals but by people that come into town for vacation. Suishakisoba Address: 1-3-26 Kamatahoncho, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Tendo Station Hours: 11am - 11pm
The noodles are freshly made every day so they retain a chewy, tender texture.
▼ Milk cake (Oshidori Milk Cake)
Cherry of My Eye
Sweet Cherries
Made with quality milk and rich in texture, the cake has won the heart of Yamagata citizens for years. This is not to be missed when visiting Yamagata.
Yamagata Prefecture grows many types of cherries, but the most popular is called “Sato-nishiki.” The breed is excellent in quality and has a refreshingly sweet taste that will make you want more after the first try! If you happen to visit during off seasons, pick up some cherry-inspired candies or cherry flavoured delicacies for indulgence.
Cherry jelly (Sakuranbo Kirara) The jelly contains a whole cherry in the centre, which is gratifying to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Best served chilled.
Creativity Gone Wild
Konnyaku Dishes
Appetisers made with konnyaku and different food ingredients
Come and have a taste of the original konnyaku sweets at the café.
Located at Kaminoyama Onsen Station, Tanno Konnyaku Banjo is a long established restaurant that specialises in konnyaku cuisine. To make delicious konnyaku, the restaurant owner goes through the effort of pumping calcium-rich, alkaline water from underground almost every day. The most recommended dish is the kaiseki-ryori, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner with konnyaku being the main feature. Don’t worry about putting on extra weight because the jelly is extremely low in calories and high in fiber.
Tips from Amber What does konnyaku look like? You might have seen konnyaku at supermarkets but have you seen raw konnyaku before? Konnayku is a potato-like vegetable that can be highly toxic if not processed properly. Professionals eliminate the poisonous substances by washing and grinding repeatedly.
Tanno Konnayku Banjo Address: 608-1 Minazawa Suwa-mae, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture Hours: 11pm - 5pm (restaurant), 9pm - 4pm (café), closed on January 1st and every Tuesday
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FUKUOK A
Rediscover the Charm of Fukuoka
Best hidden secrets of sightseeing spots and local gourmet food What comes to your mind when you hear Fukuoka? Tonkotsu ramen? The deity of knowledge at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine? Or the local favourite mentaiko? Well, if your answers are more or less what have been stated above, then it's time to follow WAttention’s editor and discover the charm of Fukuoka that only locals will know!
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If this is your first visit to Fukuoka, the tour bus is an efficient way to see the city's major sightseeing spots. Besides the excellent view, there is also a multi-language tour guide device.
FUKUOKA
OPEN TOP BUS Catch all of Fukuoka's top sights Stop
In the past, the area where samurais used to live was called Fukuoka while the area concentrated with merchants was known as Hakata. During the Meiji Restoration, all administrative zones were merged as Fukuoka City while the newly operating railway station was named Hakata Station.
Historical site of warlords and strategists This castle is where the feudal lord Kuroda, used to reside (interested readers can refer to 2014 NHK historical drama Gunshi Kanbei). Now the area is not only a popular spot for recreation and sports but also famous for sakura viewing in spring.
FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS Fee: ¥1,540 (3 different routes available, including 1-day city bus pass) Point of purchase: Fukuoka Town Council 1F ticket booth (next to Tenjin Station) Website: www.fukuokaopentopbus.jp/ (Japanese only)
o Lin Kuk way Sub
THINGS TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE
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ACROS Fukuoka
Full Full Tenjin Bread Factory
Tenjin Central Park
Ticket booth
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The gateway to Fukuoka
Fukuoka Castle & Ohori Park:
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Tenjin Station
Hakata Station:
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Full Full Tenjin Bread Factory: Mentaiko baguette Check out this best-selling French baguette loaded with creamy mentaiko butter cream. So sinful yet irresistible!
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Kushida Shrine:
The guardian shrine of Fukuoka During the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held every July, the most exciting time comes when the parade floats race in the precinct of Kushida Shrine. There is also a permanent parade float on display here so you can have a glimpse of the festival any time you visit.
ACROS Fukuoka: free observation deck Ascend the stairways amidst the lush greenery to the free observation deck that is approximately 14 floors above ground. In fact, not many locals have tried out this unique city "mountain climbing" experience!
FUKUOKA YAHUOKU! DOME
o! G o! Gks! Haw
A true baseball experience Pay a visit to the dome during the regular season from April to October and experience the national pastime of Japan. Highlights of viewing a match not only includes the players and enthusiastic fans, but also vendors who carry beer kegs on their back! If you happen to come on a day without a game, you can also sign up for a tour of the Fukuoka Dome and visit the bullpen, players' locker rooms, and even the pressroom. The tour includes a visit to OH Sadaharu Baseball Museum where you can view the exciting life of the world's homerun record holder. After that, proceed to the baseball experience zone to try your skills at pitching and hitting.
Knowledgeable staff will guide yo u thro ugh the to ur.
Website: www.softbankhawks. co.jp/global/english/index.php For more information, refer to the English website.
FUKUOKA YAHUOKU! DOME
Try the local specialty, burdock root tempura. Kashiwa Rice: the best pairing dish of Hakata Udon. This is a Hakata-style chicken rice that is added with burdock root and red carrot slices.
OH Sadaharu Baseball Museum
Baseball experience zone
Cheers!!
Hakata Udon More than just ramen It has been said that Japanese udon originated from Hakata, Fukuoka. Compared to the chewy al dente texture of average udon, Hakata udon noodles are softer and easier to digest. This quality is said to have been developed to fill up the bellies of merchants, who hardly had time to sit down for a proper meal. Located next to the Kushida Shrine is an udon restaurant called Hakata Akachokobe. It sells udon by day and transforms into an izayaka by night. Its unique method of pairing old-school homemade whole wheat udon with its special in-house broth concoction will definitely make anyone fall in love with it instantly. Website: http://www.akachokobe.com/ (Japanese only)
Get HIGH without being drunk Yatai is just like the typical street stall that everyone is familiar with. However, as Fukuoka's yatai places emphasis on ambience and side dishes, you need to be cautious of budget if you are looking for something more substantial. With the seats arranged in a U-shaped manner, you can get up close with the chef-owner and strike up conversations naturally while tucking into hearty bites. This is a very rare, localised experience even if you do not understand Japanese. Most yatai stalls in Fukuoka are concentrated in the Tenjin and Nakasu area. Each stall exudes its own charm and character but common signature items include ramen, gyoza, grilled skewers, oden, etc. Do not know which yatai to choose? Head to the Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center in Tenjin or Hakata to get some advice and purchase a Yatai Meal Ticket. Website: http://npoidea.com/yataichiket/ (Japanese only)
Hakata Akachokobe’s exterior Zubora Udon: udon noodles served in a traditional hot water kettle and consumed with natto sauce.
Fukuoka Yatai
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Fukuoka Strawberry Amaou
FRUIT
果実
The name "Amaou" comes from the first letter of the Japanese words for "Red", "Round", "Big", and "Sweet". The secret to why these strawberries are so red, plump, sweet and juicy lies with the bees. The pollination by bees helps to grow these delicious strawberries, which are said to be commonly used in cakes during the Christmas season.
Fukuoka Figs Known as "Toyomitsu Hime", the figs from Kurume City in Fukuoka are juicy, sweet and packed with nutrients. Although you cannot bring home fresh figs, you can still get some dried figs or fig jam for your friends and family back home.
VEG 野菜
Hakata Shungiku Also known as Chrystanthemum leaves or tonghao in Chinese, these edible greens that are grown organically have no bitterness and are hand packed by the obasan (aunties). No wonder that even Tokyo's famous shabushabu restaurant Asakusa Imahan is a regular customer of Hakata Shungiku!
A Taste of
Fukuoka Flavours Savour the best of Fukuoka through fresh local produce
ITOSHIMA:
Fukuoka's treasure cove of food ingredients Located within a 40-minute drive to the west of Fukuoka City is Itoshima City. Previously known as Itokoku in historical literatures, Itoshima is now a major agricultural and fishery town of Fukuoka.
Hakata Bay
Fukuoka City Itoshima
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Itosaisai:
Made in Itoshima Run by Itoshima Japan Agriculture ( JA), Itosaisai is a supermarket that is based on the concept of local sourcing and retail. It sells vegetable, seafood and dairy goods produced by local farmers. All agricultural goods are labeled with the name of the producer. Even if they belong to the same citrus family, the appearance and flavour will vary depending on the cultivation method of farmers. It's one kind of shopping experience that you will not find in usual franchised supermarkets. Address: 567 Hatae, Itoshima, Fukuoka Website: www.ja-itoshima.or.jp/itosaisai/ ( Japanese only)
SAKE 酒
Japanese Sake One should never miss a sip of sake produced by a local brewery. Try "Kuni-no-Kotobuki" from Meno Brewery and various Junmai Daiginjo (pure rice wine) from Kitaya Brewery.
JAPAN Bijin A type of gingerflavoured umeshu which is well-loved by Japanese beauties.
Hakata Tsubomina While we usually consume fully-grown vegetables, Tsubomina is eaten for their sprouts. With a harvest period that stretches only a month in the entire year, Tsubomina is considered scarce yet highly nutritious. Be it used for simple stir-fry or tempura, the vegetable stays crisp and sweet.
Shōchū Gecchu and Kochu no Tamayura are distilled liquor made with sweet potato. Ladies are highly recommended to try the Yuzuflavoured Yuzu Komachi.
Yamegarita SEASONING
調味料
A citrus vinegar whose main ingredient is citrus juice from Yame City in Fukuoka. It matches very well with meats and seafood.
A perfect match!
YUZSCO Yuzu-flavoured chili sauce, also known as the Yuzu version of TABASCO.
Ito Aguri: Where history meets creativity
This 150-year-old building has been renovated into a multipurpose space that contains a garden, restaurant, café and retail shop for agricultural goods. Acting as a bridge between local farmers and consumers, this place provides a nostalgic environment to enjoy a healthy meal consisting of three dishes and one soup. Savour the natural taste as no artificial flavouring is added and only pesticide-free vegetables are used. Address: 882 Kawatsuki, Itoshima, Fukuoka
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Hokkaido Scenic Autumn Route! Asahiyama Zoo
Sounkyo Mt. Taisetsu Asahikawa Airport Mt. Tokachi
Niseko Onsen Lake Toya
Sapporo Airport Mt. Usu
FURANO
Shin- Chitose Airport
Noboribetsu Onsen
by C ar
by Train
Recommended JR Hokkaido L'EX. L'EX. Hokuto / L'EX.Super Hokuto Sapporo - Hakodate L'EX. Okhotsk Sapporo - Abashiri L'EX Super Kamui Sapporo - Asahikawa
Day 1 Shin-Chitose Airport Lake Toya / stay
L'EX Hokuto
By Rail & Car
5days 4nights Hokkaido, Japan's second largest island, is also referred to as the "The Big Land in the North" by the locals. Blessed with picturesque nature and bounty from the sea and land, it is a favorite getaway destination for the Japanese and tourists alike. WAttention flew in to Sapporo and did a 5D4N rail and rental car tour through the big land. Follow our trip and train details here!
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1 day
Day 2 Drive to Niseko
Sapporo / stay
Day 3 L'EX Okhotsk Kamikawa Sounkyo Onsen / stay
Kurodate
Day 4 Leave Kamikawa L'EX Okhotsk Asahikawa Drive to Biei Furano / stay
Day 5 Rokugou and Furano Drive to Asahikawa L'EX Super Kamui Sapporo
2 day Drive from Lake Toya to Niseko During a scenic 2-hour drive from Lake Toya to the ski resort of Niseko, we can see Mt Yotei, otherwise fondly referred to as the Mt Fuji of Hokkaido, which is best viewed from Niseko. There is Niseko Prativo, a semi-buffet style restaurant that boasts a salad bar serving
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Lake Toya Onsen Lake Toya is one of the biggest lakes in Japan and is a popular onsen resort. It offers views of Mt Yotei, which is fondly known as Hokkaido's Mt. Fuji for its symmetry. Fireworks are held every night on the lake in front of the various hotels lining the lake. In fact, Lake Toya has the longest running fireworks festival, running from April to October. Mt Usu Ropeway Just a 15-min car ride from Lake Toya is the 733-m high Mt. Usu, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. It erupted four times in the past century, and Mt Usu is a result of one of the eruptions. The G8 Summit was held near here in 2008.
vegetables grown in Hokkaido, and milk from the next-door awardwinning dairy farm. The milk pudding, cheesecake and yogurt drink here were also divine! From the restaurant you can get a view of Mt Yotei as well.
3 day
Bear Park And Ice Pavilion Bears roam freely on some mountains in Hokkaido, but you don't have to head to the deep forests to see one. In fact, you can see 12 huge bears at the Asahikawa Bear Park at the Daisetsu Mori-no-Garden and watch how they try to charm you for cookies (provided by the park). After that, find out why the bears decide to hibernate in the Hokkaido winters by entering the Ice Pavilion, literally the coolest entertainment place in Japan with temperatures going below minus degrees Celsius. Around 15 minutes by car from the station.
Ginga Waterfall And Ryusei Waterfall
Just two-minute drive from the ropeway are two waterfalls around 80m high, with water that comes from melted mountain snow. Ginga (silver river) is meant to be a "female" waterfall for the way it falls in several strands and Ryusei (meteor) is thought to be a "male" waterfall for its powerful straight stream. Kurodake Ropeway Mt. Kurodake is the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan National Park at 1,984m and is easily accessible by ropeway which leads to the 5th Station halfway up to the peak. From there, one can take a chairlift further up to the 7th Station. The view of the carpet of autumn foliage on the dramatic mountain ranges is simply stunning.
4 day
Biei, Land of Rolling Hills And Famous Trees Biei's rolling hills and fields of patchwork colors (depending on the crop of the season) makes it a picturesque place to drive through and almost transports you to an English or European countryside. Some of its famous trees include the Ken and Mary Tree, a poplar tree that became popular after it was used as a location for a Nissan Skyline commercial in the early 1970s, and the Parent and Child Trees, though the "child" tree in the middle was recently blown away by strong winds, leaving the parents behind (bottom right of the photo below).
Sounkyo Onsen What better way to end the day than to soak in an outdoor hot spring, with autumn foliage and the background soundtrack of the gushing river?
5 day
Furano Marche Furano is well-loved for its wine and cheese. Just a 10-minute drive from the Furano Prince Hotel is the Furano Marche, where you can find a vast array of Furano fresh produce, such as the various types of potatoes (fresh or boiled and flavored with butter and vacuum packed), souvenirs, food as well as handicraft.
Ninguru Terrace At Furano Prince Hotel
Aoike (Blue Pond) The Blue Pond, around 20-minute drive from the Biei Station. This pond is naturally blue due to the natural minerals dissolved in the water. It is actually part of an erosion control system to prevent damage to Biei in the event of an eruption by Mount Tokachidake nearby.
Ninguru Terrace is a quaint little village of boutique shops housed in cottages, and makes for a particularly pleasant stroll when colored by autumn foliage or covered in snow. Enjoy the scent of the surrounding pine trees as well for a truly sensory walk.
Wine, Cheese And Dessert Within close driving distance is the Chateau Furano, Furano cheese factory and Campana della Vigna Rokkatei. Furano wine and pure grape juice are a must-try at Chateau Furano. At Furano cheese factory, savor five kinds of cheese such as wine flavored cheese and squid ink cheese. Don’t forget to bring home Rokkatei’s confectionery, a popular choice for souvenirs.
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Travel Canon vol. 03 ｜山寺｜山形県
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Yamadera, Yamagata Prefecture Known officially as Risshakuji Temple, this outpost of Tendai Buddhism requires one to climb more than 1,000 steps to reach. The natural beauty of the place inspired Matsuo Basho’s famous haiku — Calm and serene. The sound of a cicada. Penetrates the rock.
Photographer: Shaun Tan Chun Weng (Singapore) Country: Yamadera, Yamagata Prefecture Camera Model: EOS 1D X Lens: EF35mm f/1.4L II USM