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In Ha rmony w it h t he Sea sons Joushi (3rd of March) tex t & coor dination / R ie ko Ido, p hoto/ Hajime Wata na b e 文とスタイリング＝井戸理恵子、 写真＝渡邉肇
こ よ み し む
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楽
上巳の節供は一般的に女の子の行事。 白酒と共にこの時期旬の蛤のお吸い 物が振る舞われます。蛤の貝の片方 は他の貝とは合わないことから良縁 を意味する縁起ものとされ、この節供 によく食されるようになりました。
There are five days across the year called “Sekku/Sechiku”. Each announces the change of the season in the traditional Japanese calendar. One of these is “Momo no Sekku (Girl’s Day)”. It is also called “Joushi” which is the Chinese name for this day. It is said that this event was first celebrated by aristocrats during the Heian period (8th Century). It began as a poetry reading festival to banish bad luck and dirt, then at some point, paper dolls were introduced, on which participants would write down their own bad luck, then place on the river or
を
上巳（三月三日）
J o u s h i i s w i d e l y r e g a rd e d as Girl’s Day. T he event is celebrated with Shiro Sake (milk y rice wine) and bowls of clam broth. Clams were thought to be a symbol of luck in marriage for girls, as one half of a clam shell will only match perfectly with its other half, and no other.
in the sea as a symbol of cleansing and a prayer for health and prosperity. This gradually began to be celebrated as Girl’s Day, probably because of the presence of the dolls. The cherry blossom look-alike peach blossoms are widely associated with this event. The name “Momo” means peach. It is said that peaches in Chinese medicine have the power to cure a chill and help restore youth to women. 日本には節供が 5 回あり、そのひとつが桃の節供で
す。この時期は「蛇が脱皮をし、地上に出る季節」で
あるため、中国に倣って「上巳（じょうし）の節供」と
呼ぶこともあります。起源は平安時代より前とされ、 貴族が「曲水の宴」という和歌遊びをしながら祓いや
禊をするものでした。これが紙の人形を川や海に流
すことで「無病息災」を願う庶民の行事として定着、 女の子の誕生と成長を祝う行事へと変化していきま
した。
Rieko Ido Conducting research into Japanese customs and knowledge from ancient times, and applying technical analysis of these findings to modern lifestyle. Kokugakuin University graduate. Teaches at Tama Art University.
井戸理恵子 國學院大學卒業。日本古来の知見を工学的に検証し次 世代に繋がる「技術」を模索、現代の衣食住を発展させ る提案をしている。多摩美術大学非常勤講師。
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千葉県
3Chiba places to visit
Prefecture
Writer: Eefee www.fb.com/eefee www.fb.com/Travelwitheyes
Travelling to Chiba during winter was an amazing experience. Between enjoying sweet strawberries, fresh sashimi and taking in breath-taking scenery, I could not help but fall in love with Chiba even more.
Naritasan 成田山新勝寺 Shinshoji Temple A spectacular historical site that is not to be missed.
Choshi 銚子漁港 Fishing Port
This historical temple is over 1000 years old and has many of its structures designated as Japan National Important Cultural Properties, such as this 3-storied 25 meter pagoda. Be sure to also take a stroll through the garden behind the temple, where you can enjoy sakura in spring and orange leaves in autumn. Do not forget Naritasan’s Omotesando – a lively street that links to the temple and is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops selling traditional crafts. Access: Take the JR line or Keisei line from the Narita Airport Terminal 2 station, stop at Narita Station and walk for about 10 minutes. You will see Naritasan Shinshoji Temple on your left. Address: 1 Narita, Chiba Prefecture 286-0023, Japan URL: www.naritasan.or.jp
The biggest and sweetest strawberries I have ever tasted!
Naritasan Garden - Sakura in spring
(Above) Fishermen transporting fishes to truck
An abundance of seafood fresh from the sea!
Access: Take Kawaguchi port center bound bus from Choshi Station and get off at the last stop (about 20 minutes) Address: 2 Chome-6385-267 Kawaguchicho, Choshi, Chiba Prefecture 288-0001, Japan URL: www.wosse21.net
Located at the easternmost point of the Kanto region and surrounded by the sea, Choshi city is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood. It is easy to get mesmerised and lose track of time as you enjoy the beautiful sights while fishermen work under the clear blue skies. Next to the port is Wosse21, a direct sales centre where you can purchase the freshly caught fish. My lunch at one of the nearby restaurants was absolutely delicious!
～
ぇ
ぇ
ぇ
め
マザー牧場
Mother Farm
The most famous ‘entertainment farms’ in the Kanto region!
If you want to enjoy a wholesome farm experience with the whole family, then Mother Farm is a great place to visit. Spread across a 250,000 sq ft of land and has lots of activities to enjoy like cow milking, pig races and the Agrodome sheep show. Look forward to strawberry pickings from January to mid-May, and blueberry pickings from end July to August. Access: JR line, Tokyo Station to Kimitsu Station and take a free Shuttle Bus from Kimitsu Station to Mother Farm Address: 940-3 Tagura Futtsu Chiba Prefecture, Japan URL: www.motherfarm.co.jp/en/
One can also enjoy the seasonal flower fields, such as Rape Seed Flowers (right) in the spring and Salvia in autumn.
Mother farm seasonal flowers and fruits picking:
Enjoy some freshly made milk soft cream while visiting the farm.
⃝ Tomato picking (early December to late May) ⃝ Narcissus flower season (late December to mid-February) ⃝ Strawberry picking (mid-January – late May) --- Must go*** ⃝ Kanto's Largest rape flower season (mid-February – mid-April) --- Must go*** ⃝ Kanto's Largest blueberry picking (late July to late August) ---Must go*** ⃝ Salvia flower season (early August to October) ⃝ Yellow cosmos flower season (mid-August to mid-September) ⃝ Sweet potato gathering (mid-September to early November) ⃝ Kiwi picking (early to late November)
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TOHOKU
TOHOKU:
Akita
The mystical northern land of Sakura!
Aomori
Yamagata
Iwate Miyagi Fukushima
Tohoku, which refers to the six prefectures in the Northeastern region of Japan, has long been associated with sakura. Explore the castles and temples while being mesmerized by the natural beauty of the region. Let us take a look at some highlights: Iwate
The impressive Sakura scenery in Hachimantai City
Akita
Kakunodate Town – a beautiful nostalgic scene With many historic architecture, the town of Kakunodate in the east of Akita is one of the most frequently visited tourist spots in Tohoku. Enjoy a stroll along the Hinokinai River, lined with shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossoms) with their unique curtain-like droop. The contrast between these petals and the centuries-old wooden walls gives one a feeling of nostalgia, as if it were left in the past. Enjoy the Kakunodate Sakura Festival from April 20 until May 5. First Bloom: 16 April Full Bloom: 21 April Spot information: Akita Prefecture, approx. 3 hours and 45 mins by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/akita/kakunodate.html
It may come as a surprise to one when visiting Tohoku, as snow is still present during spring. In fact, from the hill on which the imposing stand-alone sakura tree “Inai no Ipponzakura” is located (above), you can enjoy a magnificent landscape of the white-peaked mountains in the background. The snow often gets extremely heavy during winter, which results in it being sliced through to form unique ‘walls’ along the Hachimantai Aspite Line. First Bloom: 18 April Full Bloom: 24 April Spot information: Iwate Prefecture, approx. 2 hours and 20 mins by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Hachimantai Aspite Line URL: www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=108 Inai no Ipponzakura URL: www.hachimantaishi-bunka.net/archives/276 (Japanese)
Yamagata
Ancient hot spring Atsumi Onsen With a total of nine hot spring facilities, public baths, feet soaking spots and long-established ryokans, Atsumi Onsen is not only a major hot spring town in Tohoku, but also one of the oldest boasting a history of 1300 years. The sakura, which were planted in 1951 to celebrate a new start after the war, are one of the main attractions here today, as the spring blossoms can be enjoyed while soaking your feet in the hot spring! First Bloom: 15 April Full Bloom: 19 April Spot information: Yamagata Prefecture, approx. 2 hours and 30-min by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: http://en.yamagata-info.com/onsen/atumi/
Miyagi
The historical shrine of Sendai Toshogu The Toshogu Shrine in Sendai – built by the Date clan to enshrine the late shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1654 – is a historical site harkening from the seventeenth century. At the entrance you will find a staircase that leads to an imposing sight of shrines surrounded by massive trees. In spring, the sakura will fully bloom just after the torii (entrance gate), creating an extremely photogenic sight. First Bloom: 10 April Full Bloom: 15 April Spot information: Miyagi Prefecture, approx. 1 hour and 37 mins by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: http://en.yamagata-info.com/onsen/atumi/
Fukushima
Hanamiyama Park: A canvas of colors Hanamiyama Park – which literally means ‘flower viewing mountain’ – features a slope with an incredible variety of spring colors. Most of the trees and plants were originally planted by farmers from the rural neighborhood. This privately owned site started receiving attention from nature enthusiasts and was opened to the public in 1959. It is now a unique o-hanami spot that features a spectrum of blossoms in a myriad of gorgeous colors. First Bloom: 8 April Full Bloom: 12 April Spot information: Fukushima Prefecture, approx. 1 hour and 20mins by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/topic. html?id=40&category=4
Aomori
Magnificent sights at Hirosaki Castle This four-hundred-year-old castle is surrounded by approximately two thousand sakura trees of more than fifty varieties. During the Hirosaki Sakura Festival from April 23 to May 6, everything will be illuminated in a grand spectacle until 10pm. The dense “sakura tunnel” at the western moat is a sight to behold and going for a row once the blossoms begin to scatter is worth experiencing! First Bloom: 23 April Full Bloom: 27 April Sport Information: Aomori Prefecture, approx. 3 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/ regional/aomori/hirosaki.html
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TOHOKU
The hidden Green Paradise of Tohoku Even after Tohoku’s sakura have gone with the wind, the luminous flora that follows is a treat for the eyes and solace for any tired soul. Enjoy history together with the fresh air at these gorgeous green landscapes. Oirase mountain stream in Aomori prefecture
Oirase Stream and Lake Towada in Aomori
The treasures of Iwate
Gorgeous discoveries at Geibikei Gorge
Behold the breathtaking waterfalls! The Oirase mountain stream that goes on for 14 km is also known as “Waterfall Road” due to its countless breathtaking waterfall sites. The hiking course leads you to Towada - a grand blue lake surrounded by a bright emerald mountain landscape. Feel at one with history at the Towada Shrine, built in the ninth century, and pay your respects to the gods of the Towada stream!
Lake Towada
Spot Information: Aomori Prefecture, approx. 3 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo URL: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ location/spot/natuscen/oirasestream.html
The Geibikei – a 2 km gorge formed by the Satetsu River – bursts with fresh new greenery along its soaring cliffs during late spring, which makes for a stunning frame.
Geibikei Gorge in Iwate prefecture
Take the 90-minute boat trip to enjoy roaring waterfalls, sharp cliffs and limestone caves along this picturesque gorge as you interact with the local boatmen who might share some stories along the way!
Chusonji
Unmatched, classic beauty of Hiraizumi Located on a mountain surrounded by 3 rivers, Hiraizumi was the base of a noble clan in the twelfth century, and is a former capital that once rivalled Kyoto in terms of size and splendor. Best experienced in spring with its fresh greenery in full force, several temples and sites here were designated as World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2011. One of these temples, Chusonji, is completely covered in gold leaves, impressing even Marco Polo when he visited Japan during his travels. Spot Information: Iwate Prefecture, approx. 2 hours and 20-min by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo
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Geibikei Gorge URL: www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=119 Hiraizumi World Heritage URL: http://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/heritage/
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Writer’s profi le: Yuki - WAttention marketing executive from Kumamoto City. She misses taking drives to Mt. Aso and enjoying the hot springs; especially during the warm weather.
JPN 47
- Kumamoto From Tokyo Kumagawa Rafting - one of the three fast flowing streams in Japan.
Airplane: 1hr 40min From Osaka Airplane: 1hr From Fukuoka Shinkansen: 40min
Fukuoka
Tokyo
Kumamoto Castle – magnificent and historical!
Tsuetate Hot Spring – Boy’s day festival in May
Osaka
Kumamoto Dengaku (traditional style fried beancard, veg, fresh fish) – delicious!
Shirakawa Riverhead Sakura-No-Baba JOSAIEN – an Edo-period styled complex!
water gushes out every minute from this spring Photos by Yuki
KUMAMOTO – LAND OF UNTOUCHED BEAUTY!
I
f you are looking for a holiday that is relaxing, yet exciting at the same time, why not head down to Kumamoto? Being from there myself, there are a number of good reasons to visit this beautiful place. When it comes to natural sights, Kumamoto will leave you spoilt for choice! Mount Aso is a must visit for fans of natural sights; I highly recommend coming around May, when it is lush, brilliant green. I personally have gone around Mt. Aso often to enjoy the fresh produce of vegetables, fruits, beef and even the soft cream made there. The nearby town is quiet, yet bustling, with many artist who have opened fashionable and delightful cafes, galleries and restaurants! Aside from the national parks, the surrounding area is also host to many
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other activities such as paragliding (my favorite!), fruit pickings, and the famous Kurokawa hot springs! The Amakusa islands south of Kumamoto are also a beautiful sight to behold. I’d recommend the Dolphin watching tours there, which are always enjoyable. When you’re hungry, lots of affordable, fresh kaisen-don are available. We can’t talk about Kumamoto without of course, mentioning Kumamoto castle! Regarded as the symbol of Kumamoto city, the castle is a magnificent sight with impressive walls and elaborate structure. If you visit around late March to mid-April, you can see it against the backdrop of Sakura – which is incredible! There are countless other things to experience in Kumamoto – you have to come and see it for yourself!
KUMAMOTO’S FOOD
Kaisen Don– Fresh seafood around Amakusa
Kumamoto Ramen – Tonkotsu topped with garlic. It’s Kumamoto style!!
Japanese Recipes for Your Daily Meals
HOME TREATS なすとピーマンの味噌炒め
Fried Eggplant & Capsicum with miso
Do you love Japanese food? Here are some popular home recipes that will never fail to delight family and friends.
[Cooking] 1. Start by removing the seeds from the peppers then slice into thin strips. Cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soak in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes to clean away any dirt particles. Cut the sliced pork ribs into size that are easy to eat.
2. Before cooking, prepare the seasoning. Add the miso paste, sugar and mirin into a bowl, and mix them together.
With a full and hearty miso-flavour, this dish is best served with white rice. When paired together with pork ribs, this dish is a staple of most Japanese households!
3. Put some oil into a frying pan and heat it up under a medium flame. Begin by lightly cooking both sides of each piece of pork rib, and then adding the eggplant. Stir fry the eggplant, periodically to ensure that it is evenly cooked, and add the peppers once the eggplants’ surface begins to change in color.
Ingredients 2 pax ▪Japanese eggplants
3 pieces (about 300g)
▪Japanese peppers (piiman) 3 pieces ▪Sliced Pork ribs
approx. 50g
▪Vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons
▪Dark-brown miso paste
2 Tablespoons
▪Sugar
2 Tablespoons
▪Mirin or Japanese Sake
1 ½ Tablespoons
▪Shoyu
approx. 1 teaspoon
Recipe and Photos by
4. Once the peppers are cooked, add in the miso mixture and mix together for 3-4 minutes under a low flame. Add in the shoyu and salt for additional flavor to finish the dish.
- www.sirogohan.com -
Tadasuke Tomita His passion for cooking is so great that he quit his job at a big company to study at a culinary school, and became an apprentice at an authentic high end Japanese restaurant. Currently, he is working with a product development department of a Japanese processed food maker, while managing a personal website introducing traditional Japanese home cooking recipes. As his other hobby is photography, all the photos on his website are his own works.
Cooking tips
to add in oil, it’s normal to want As eggplant cooks easily the king coo en wh , e. However as much of it as possibl tter spla up end ld in the pan cou pork ribs, excessive oil and oil, l ima min k ribs first with ing. Try cooking the por plant. ceeding to cook the egg pro en wh re only adding mo
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