WAttention LA Vol. 29 by WAttention

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TA K E FREE

Spring 2019 VOL.29

Discover

NIIGATA - Let’s go! -

Tohoku’s

SUMMER Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

暦 Koyomi 5th May

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

Ta n g o n o S e k k u 端午の節供

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

One of the Gosekku, or five seasonal festivals featured in the Chinese lunar calendar of the Tang Dynast y, is the Tango no Sekku, now known as “Children’s Day ”. On this day, samurai helmets or warrior figurines, as well as carp streamers are displayed in celebration and hope for the robust grow th of children, in particular boys. Originally a day for “herb har vesting”, this has become a part of Japan’s seasonal landscapes. Vitalizing herbs are picked on this day to mark the change in the seasons. According to the lunar calendar, May is known as the Month of the Horse. This is also the start of the rainy season,

when cold rainfall cools the body and is the cause of long illnesses. During this time, ancestors chose Tango no Sekku, the day charged with the most energ y to head to the mountains to pick herbs. The women would pick the herbs while the men would hunt for deer and take their horns which are prized for their medicinal value. The origin for this custom is ancient, with records harking back to the year 611 when the Empress went to har vest herbs at Nara and used these to warm her body. This was done by boiling the herbs to drink or inhaling the fragrance of the herbs. Clothes were infused with the fragrance of herbs and herb sachets were also carried around.

Tango no Sekku evolved into a day to pray for the healthy development of boys from the Tokugawa era. The custom of displaying warrior figurines stemmed from the name of the Iris flower – believed to improve blood circulation and help to ward away evil spirits – that sounds like the respectful term for warrior, to reflect this auspicious propert y.

Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on ﬁndings to apply them to modern lifestyles. Currently teaches at Tama Art University.

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VOL.29

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SUMMER FUN IN NORTHERN JAPAN 03 06

In Harmony with the Seasons

Feature 1

Discover Niigata, Let’s go! – A plethora of winter activities for all!

Publisher

JAPANESE PRODUCTS PRODUCE, INC. 1405 Marcekina Ave. #104, Torrance, CA 90501 TEL: 310-782-8279 Email:info@washockusa.com

Editor in Chief Naohisa Nakada

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Feature 2

Tohoku’s Summer – Heroes and heroines behind the festivals – Aomori’s Oriase Mountain Stream: A magical world of tiny creatures awaits

Paul Choi Y.Hirane / Kazuyo Saeki / Chie Nantani

Contents provided by WAttention Co., Ltd Yasuko Suzuki

Editorial & Design

WAttention Editorial Team Japan & Singapore

Partners

WAttention Co., Ltd

Why “WAttention”? WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（和）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! 世界中の人々に「和」（WA）に注目（Attention）してほしいという願いを込めて WA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

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Awashima Hachimanbana Observatory

DISCOVER

NIIGATA

Awashima Diving Experience

�険の�まり

L e t ’s g o

Nagaoka Festival \ Provided by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation

Shinano River rafting \ Provided by Tokamachi Tourist Association

Located in the center of Japan’s Honshu Island, Niigata is packed

How to get to Niigata Prefecture：

Niigata Airport

From Tokyo ─

and home to the world-famous

The easiest way to get to Niigata is to hop on a Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. This route only takes 100 minutes and is covered by the JR East Pass. Once you purchase the ﬂexible 5-day JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area), you have a 14-day period to use it.

Koshihikari rice. With its vibrant,

Niigata oﬃcial website: http://enjoyniigata.com/en/index.html

with natural, historical and cultural wonders. It is best known as Japan’s premiere rice-cultivation area

Murakami· Shibata area

Sado Airport

fascinating landscape and favorable

Sado area

Niigata Station

Tsubame-Sanjo Station

Nagaoka · Kashiwazaki area

Nagaoka Station

Yahiko· Sanjo area

climate, Niigata is the place to be if you’re looking to enjoy abundant

Urasa Station

nature and outdoor activities!

Joetsumyoko Station EchigoYuzawa Station

Itoigawa Station Hokuriku Shinkansen Line

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Myoko · Joetsu area

Niigata · Aga area

GALA Yuzawa Station

Niigata Prefecture Map

Yuzawa · Uonuma area

Joetsu Shinkansen Line

\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Uonuma City/

JR Tadami Line

Crossing a Dreamy Sanctuary

This line passes connects Niigata and Fukushima through the secluded mountainous areas of Tohoku. Its mystic atmosphere has attracted countless train and photography enthusiasts. As the train passes through Uonuma City, keep a look out for the Koshihikari rice ﬁelds and Abukumagawa Dam in the valleys. *Trains are no longer operating between Tadami and AizuKawaguchi stations. Visitors can take a shuttle bus instead. The stops between Koide Station and Oshirakawa Station are within Niigata Prefecture. The JR Tadami Line also stops at Aizu-Wakamatsu. Web: www.iine-uonuma.jp/see/tadamisen.html (Japanese)

Excite your Five Senses onboard this Sightseeing Train

Be captivated by the Scenic Landscapes of Niigata

Selected works from a photography contest held in Uonuma City

Behold a Cascading Sea of Clouds

Selected works from a photography contest held in Uonuma City

\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Uonuma City/

Shioritoge Unkai Begin your hiking trail at Shioritoge leading to Mt. Echigo-Komagatake, one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. Stop by the observation deck along highway 532 in the early mornings to catch a breathtaking view. —On good days, you will see a vista of cascading clouds rolling over the rugged mountains when you look towards Ginzandaira and Oku-tadami. *Toge means the highest point of a mountain trail Web: www.iine-uonuma.jp/ (Japanese)

\Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/

Setsugekka This cardinal red train not only showcases a panoramic view of Niigata’s countryside, but also the prefecture’s proud craftsmanship. Boasting “all made in NIIGATA,” passengers can appreciate the artistry of this locallymade train, and taste the nutritious ﬂavors of local produce onboard. Enjoy all of Niigata’s charms fully by booking a ride!

Recommended viewing points of Lake Okutadami

Mountain Trail Mt. EchigoKomagatake

Web: www.echigotokimeki.co.jp/ setsugekka/index.html (Japanese) *Reservation required, only via phone call.

Ginzandaira Oze

Lake Okutadami

\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/

Onsen-exclusive Local Cuisine \Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/

Red Yakisoba Don’t be fooled by the red color of Akakura Onsen’s specialty yakisoba noodles. Though they look spicy, the noodles get their hue from fresh vegetables, not red chili. A deﬁnite musttry for hungry visitors of Myoko City! About 10 restaurants within Akakura Onsen serve this dish. Web: www.myoko.tv/shopping/1422.html (Japanese)

Hoshitoge Rice Terraces From being featured in Tenchijin, a famous historical drama in Japan, the photogenic Hoshitoge Rice Terrace in the mountains of Niigata rose to fame. During spring and autumn, visitors are treated to a gorgeous view of the rural landscape with glistening rice ﬁelds and misty forests. If you are lucky, you might even catch a sighting of unkai rolling over the rice ﬁelds in the early mornings.

The Ultimate Countryside Experience

*A sea of clouds or unkai is formed only under certain weather conditions during spring and autumn mornings. Access: 20-minute drive from Matsudai Station by Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line Web: www.tokamachishikankou.jp/en/nature

Image provided by Tokamachi Tourist Association Matsudai Branch

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Thundering Waterfalls rumbling like Earthquakes \Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/

Naena Waterfalls Famous for its thunderous roars of water crashing down from a 180-foot-tall basalt cliﬀ, the Naena Waterfall has been nicknamed “Earthquake Falls.” This natural wonder is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 greatest waterfalls. On a sunny day, you may get to see an arching rainbow reaching out through sprays of cool water. Access: 15-minute drive from Myoko Kogen Station on the Echigo-tokimeki Tetsudo Web: myokotourism.com/naena-falls/

A Treasure Trove of Natural Wonders in the City

\Niigata•Aga, Niigata City/

Fukushimagata Lagoon

Fjord-like Steep Cliffs \Sado•Sado City/

Home to more than 220 species of wild birds and 350 ﬂora, this extensive wetland is the largest in Niigata Prefecture. During spring, rapeseed ﬂowers are in full bloom. In summer, the makhana–a species of water lily–steals the spotlight by decorating the lagoon with vivid greens. Escape the busy city with a trip down here!

Senkakuwan Bay Known for its meandering gorges and steep cliffs, Sotokaifu-kaigan in Sado is surrounded by stunning tower cliffs reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. Admire the amazing view from above or hop on a cruise to get a closer look at the magnificent structures. A glass panel at the base of the boat also allows visitors to while also appreciate the underwater beauty.

Access: 30-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Toyosaka Station on JR Hakushinsen Web: www.pavc.ne.jp/~hishikui/ index-e.html

Access: 60-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or 1-minute walk from Senkakuwan Ageshima Park (Kaifu Line) bus stop Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0144/

\Niigata•Aga, Niigata City/

Niigata Tare Katsu Don

A Local Favorite of Niigata

Unlike the typical Katsu Don—which uses egg as a topping, this local delight includes fried pork cutlets dipped in a special sauce before being placed on warm fluffy rice. This dish first appeared during the early Showa period at a western restaurant, and has remained popular ever since. The sweet soy sauce is absolutely tantalizing! Many restaurants in the Niigata Prefecture have this dish on their menu. Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/12370 (Japanese)

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\Sado•Sado City/

Onogame Dubbed as the secret garden of Sado, Onogame is a 548-foot-high rock formation located on the northern coast of Sotokaifu-kaigan. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, the picturesque landscape receives many visitors. During summer, bright, yellow licorice ﬂowers carpet the area providing a beautiful contrast against the blue sky and green grass. Access: 60-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or 1-minute walk from Onogame ( Uchi Kaifu Line) bus stop Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0133/

Take a ride on the Longest River in Japan \Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/

Shinano River Rafting Sign up for an unforgettable rafting adventure full of thrills, big splashes and thrilling bumps along the longest river in Japan! The river ﬂows through Tokamachi City before feeding into the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture. While you are here, make sure to take a good dip in the river too! Event period: Mid Apr to late Oct Fee: 6,000 JPY (Elementary school students), 8,000JPY (Middle school students and above) Address: 4197 Miyanaka, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Web: www.tokamachishikankou.jp/sports/outdoor/rafting/ (Japanese)

Traditional Japanese River Fishing

Image provided by Tokamachi Tourist Association

\Niigata•Aga, Agamachi/

Mikawa Yanaba Try catching a meal with your bare hands using yana (やな, fish trap), a traditional Japanese fishing platform made of method which comprises bamboo reeds that are laid across a river. Observe how small fishes swim through the gaps, while bigger ones get caught in between the crevices. Grill the fish right away and taste the freshness of Niigata instantly!

Explore the diﬀerent charms of Niigata

A Peak into a Copper Artisan’s Studio

Event period: Aug to Early Nov Access: 7-minute bus ride from Mikawa Station on JR Banetsusai Line Address: 2598 Ikazawa, Higashikanbaragun Agamachi Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/10202 (Japanese)

\Yahiko•Sanjo, Tsubame City/

Gyokusendo

Outdoor Seaside Activities in Niigata \Murakami•Shibata Awashimaura Village/

Awashima With a small population of less than 400 people, Awashima is an island touted as a natural oceanic paradise, oﬀering not just incredibly fresh seafood, but also various fun activities like ﬁshing, water sports, cycling and bird watching. If you are looking for the perfect summer getaway, look no further! Access: Take a boat from Iwafune Port to Awashima Port (55-minute ride on high-speed catamaran Awaline and 90-minute by boat) Web: awa-isle.jp/ (Japanese)

Well-known for its metal-processing industry, Tsubame City is the birthplace to Gyokusendo, a major copper craftsmanship studio with over 200 years of history. Get a glimpse of how professionals work there, as artists tirelessly hammer and shape copper into elegant cups, vases and kettles—all by hand. Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, Closed on Sun & PH Factory tour: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3:10pm Access: 3-minute walk from Tsubame Station on Yahiko Line or 5-minute drive from Tsubame Sanjo Station Web: www.gyokusendo.com/en/

\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/

Soba served in a Traditional Wooden Dish When in Niigata, you cannot aﬀord to miss the chance to savor one their local delicacies — Hegisoba. Served on a wooden dish, the noodles are sectioned into bite-sized portions. Hegisoba has a smoother and ﬁrmer texture compared to ordinary soba. Many restaurants in Tokamachi City have this dish on their menu. Web: enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/ page/detail/5243

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Tsumari in Bloom by Yayoi Kusama ( Japan) Photographed byOsamu Nakamura

Festival: Culture, Art and Tradition in the Rural Landscapes of Niigata

Reverse City by Pascale Marthine Tayou (Cameroon / Belgium) Photographed by Osamu Nakamura

\Yuzawa•Uonuma Tokamachi City, Tsunanmachi/

Make it a point to catch this triennial showcase of colourful artwork inspired by nature and the local culture that blends its displays into the landscape. Witness how innovative these artists can be — see how cleverly the art pieces are incorporated into the local scenery!

Incorporating Art into the Countryside

Web: www.echigo-tsumari.jp/eng/about/

\Nagaoka•Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka City/

Koshinoyuki With a history of 230 years of making traditional Japanese sweets , Koshinoyuki Honpo Yamatoya Honten’s delicious treats do not disappoint. The incredibly soft Koshinoyuki is made from locally-produced sticky rice powder and wasabon sugar from Shikoku. The sweets were once a delicacy saved only for feudal lords in the past, but now they are a common gift for special occasions.

Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art by Seizo Tashima ( Japan) Photographed by Takenori Miyamoto + Hiromi Seno

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Koshinoyuki Honpo Yamatoya Honten Hours: 9am-5:30pm Access: 15-minute walk from Nagaoka Station on JR Joetsu Line, Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line Address: 3-3 Yanagaharamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture Web: www.koshinoyuki-yamatoya.co.jp/index.html (Japanese)

Kiss & Goodbye (Doichi station) by Jimmy Liao (Taiwan) Photographed by Gentaro Ishizuka

Echigo Tsumari Art Festival

The Top Three Traditional Sweets of Japan

Nagaoka Festival \ Provided by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation

Spectacular Fireworks Lighting up the Night \Nagaoka•Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka City/

Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival Ranked as one of Japan’s top three ﬁreworks displays, the Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival launches about 20,000 ﬁreworks over a two-day period. The beautiful sparks light up the night sky, completely transforming the city’s atmosphere. During this time, locals also mourn for the deceased, thus making it a more meaningful event. Event period: 2-3 Aug every year (Nagaoka Peace Festival falls on 1 Aug) Access: 30-minute walk from Nagaoka Station on JR Joetsu Line, Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line Web: nagaokamatsuri.com/ (Japanese)

\Murakami•Shibata, Shibata City/

Goldfish Floats Parade Exclusively During Summer

Castle Town Shibata Festival For over 280 years, the Goldfish Float parade has been one of the most important summer events in Shibata City. Join the festivities as children pull goldfish floats and men jovially march the daiwa (台輪 , portable shrine) around the town on the last day of the festival. Event period: Mid to late Aug Web: shibata-info.jp/archives/3311 (Japanese)

\Murakami•Shibata, Sekikawa Village/

Echigosekikawa Great Serpent Festival Since 1988, it has been a customary practice for the locals to parade through the town with a locally-made, 262-foot-long, bamboo straw serpent weighing over 2 tons to warn others against the dangers of ﬂood waters. On this occasion, about 500 residents gather together to carry the snake before coiling it up at the village oﬃce.

An Enormous Straw Snake Slithering through the Town

Event period: Late Aug Hours: [snake parade] 9.30am-12pm [fukumaki] see the snake coil up after the parade at Sekikawa Village Oﬃce Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/2222 (Japanese only)

\Murakami•Shibata, Shibata City/

Poppoyaki

Mouth-watering Street Food

A hundred years ago, the locals created Poppoyaki by mixing brown sugar with ﬂour on a stick. Served only during festivals, it got its name from the popping noises during the baking process. The sweet fragrance paired with the chewy texture makes it irresistible! Can only be eaten during festive event of Shibata city and other nearby cities Web: niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/12373 (Japanese)

Heroes and heroines Miyagi

宮城

Japan is a country filled with spectacular festivals, many of which have been around for hundreds of years. Thanks to those who manage to put it together, we are able to enjoy these amazing festivals unfold before our eyes. Read on to learn about behind-the-scene heroes whose stories are as intriguing and fascinating as the festivals itselves.

Sendai’s Tanabata Festival: Wonders of traditional Japanese paper-making by shopkeepers Sendai’s Tanabata Festival is touted as one of the three major summer festivals in the Tohoku region, Held in Sendai from August 6 to 8, the lavish event draws over 2 million spectators each year. Local businesses in major shopping arcades would decorate t heir shop f ront s by hanging colour f ul paper decorations, including 5-metre-long gorgeous streamers on bamboo poles. The sound of Japanese paper streamers flying in the wind, along with the noise of crowds, constitutes a unique tanabata melody you can only hear in Sendai. The impact of economic development on culture preservation The Tanabata Festival has been one of the biggest annual events since Sendai’s first feudal lord Date Masamune (1567-1636) ruled the region. The Tanabata Festival spirit is very much alive in today’s Sendai, thanks to the hard work of the locals. T h e 19 3 0 s w a s a p e r i o d o f e c o n o m i c grow th for Japan and high-rise buildings were being built in metropolitan areas all over the countr y, including Sendai. Ms. Yamamura Ranko, a senior staﬀ at Narumiya K a m i s h o j i ’ s ( P a p e r Tr a d i n g C o m p a n y ) Tanabat a Sec tion with more than three decades of experience at making tanabata decorations, shared with us about how her team manages to transform tradition into a spectacular event. One of the unwritten rules about opening up a store in Sendai’s shopping arcade is active participation in the Tanabata Festival. “All of the Tanabata Festival decorations were handmade by each store in the early days,” 14

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said Yamamura. “But some shop owners from outside the region did not know how to make them so they asked us to do it for them. Most shops decided to outsource the job to us afterwards.” Today, half of the Sendai Tanabata Festival decorations are made by Yamamura and her team. Seven types of must-have auspicious ornaments Instead of using plastic ornaments, all of Sendai’s Tanabata Festival decorations made with Japanese paper dyed using a century-old technique called yuzen. The seven essential decorations include fukinagashi (colourful streamers), orizuru (cranes symbolizing longevity), tanzaku (rectangular strips of paper which people write their wishes on), kamigoromo (paper kimono symbolizing the removal of ill fortune and improvement on sewing skills), toami (cast nets representing harvest), kuzukago (waste baskets showing the importance of staying neat and tidy) and kinchaku (drawstring purses representing frugality and simplicity). When making decorations for the Tanabata Festival, each artisan focuses on a single task, be it dyeing paper, making the frame or doing paper cutting. Hundreds of artisans work in harmony and around-the-clock to make wonders. Preparation starts as early as winter. Embodying the spirit of Date Masamune, Sendai’s Tanabata Festival is not only a splendid annual festival but a part of life for locals.

Sendai’s Tanabata Festival Event period: August 6-8 every year URL: www.sendaitanabata.com/en

behind the festivals

A omor i

青森

Aomori’s Nebuta Festival: Passionate haneto dancers give the performance of a lifetime Aomori is known for holding the Nebuta Festival from August 2 to 7 ever y year. About 3 million tourists from home and abroad flock into the prefecture to see massive Nebuta lantern floats depicting historical moments or mythical figures. Although the creativity and craftsmanship that go into every detail never fail to wow the audience, another highlight of the event is the haneto dancers. Wearing decorated straw hats, these dancers bring the par t y to life by jumping, s t amping and singing “rassera! rassera! ”, calling visitors and customers to watch or join. Haneto’s role in Amori Nebuta Festival It is said that the gigantic lantern we see in today’s Nebuta Festival can be traced back to the miniature lanterns released into rivers during the Tanabata Festival. Haneto dancers who lead the float procession and the musical ensemble that comes after the floats are also impor tant contributors. It ’s wor th noting that not all the Nebuta Festivals in Aomori feature haneto dancers, whose costume also display regional characteristics. In the earlier days, all the dancers were men. To impersonate women, they had to colour their nose white, wear decorated straw hats. Today ’s t ypical haneto costume is consists of a decorated straw hat called hanagasa, white split-toe socks, straw sandals, white yukata top, colourful belts and petticoat, and a either bell on the waist. You can also put on this outfi t and join the haneto dancers. As many as 2,000 haneto dancers were said to dance around each lantern float in the past.

Mr. Haneto invites you to the dance ﬂoor Winner of the 2018 Mr. Haneto Contest, Shinji Sakurada said that his role is to bring the party to life and get as many people onto the dance floor as possible. For Sakurada, haneto is an inseparable part of childhood and when the music of the Aomori Nebuta Festival starts to play, no one can resist the temptation of dancing. Long , freezing winter months are always followed by a blooming spring and ﬂourishing summer. Summer festivals are a time to release one’s hibernating energy and inner drive.

The Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE

Aomori’s Nebuta Festival Event period: August 2 to 7 every year URL: www.nebuta.or.jp (Japanese)

A facility that introduces the history and charms of Nebuta. Four full-sized floats are on display, the actual ones used in the festival. Here, you can also experience a “Haneto” - try dancing to the Hayashi music or playing the taiko drums.

Hours: 9am - 7pm (May-Aug), 9am - 6pm (Sep-Apr) Access: 3-min walk from Aomori Station on JR Ou Line and JR Tsugaru Line URL: www.nebuta.jp/warasse/foreign/english.html WAttention Los Angles |

Aomori is located in the northern-most part of Honshu island and its vast land area is divided into three major regions: Tsugaru, which neighbours the Sea of Japan; Hakkoda a n d To wa d a , w h i c h f a ce M u t s u B ay ; a n d Shimokita, which adjoins the Pacific Ocean. Oirase Keiryu (Mountain Stream) flows through Towada - Hachimantai National Park and is located in the Towada area. Lake Towada is a 200,000-year-old crater lake on the border between Aomori-ken and Akita-ken.

Discover the micro-world of mosses using a magnifier If you are not into any of the above activities, why not try the moss walk, a growing outdoor activity in Japan? Moss is a plant that thrives in damp conditions and some varieties can even stand full sunlight, making them a favourite decoration for Japanese gardens. Vivid green moss can be spotted on tree barks and stones along the Oirase Mountain Stream.

Enjoy Oirase the way you like Oirase Stream, with an overall length of about 14 kilometres, is the only river that flows from it. The trekking course starts from the upper stream Nenokuchi and ends at Yakeyama, and every spot along the way has its own special offering. Some of the most celebrated sightseeing attractions include Choshi-otaki Falls, Shiraito Falls, Kumoi Current, Ashura Current and the impressive view of mountains when approaching Yakeyama. You can also start from downstream and work your way up, enjoying the magnificent splashes of water colliding against large stones and warm rays of glittering sunshine beaming over green leaves. Oirase’s multifaceted charm can be appreciated through walking, cycling or driving. Oirase is also home to many wildlife animals like nihon kamoshika (a Japanese goat-antelope), fox and bear. Bird-watching is also a popular outdoor activity in spring.

Lake Towada

Choshi-otaki Falls

The best season to go for a moss walk is from spring to autumn. In our humble opinion, moss’ beauty is best viewed on a summer’s day, especially when the sky clears up after rain. Through a magnifying glass, you are able to watch how these little creatures (less than 10 centimetre tall) slowly stretch their bodies after absorbing water and minerals. The vitality, diversity and intelligence of moss are absolutely astounding and will have you hooked at first sight.

Shirogane Current

Ashura Current

Nenokuchi

Choshi-Otaki

Ashura-no -Nagare

Kumoi-no-Nagare Kumoi-no-Taki

Makadoiwa

Lake Towada 16

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Kumoi Falls

Enjoy your stay with the Oirase Mountain Stream To explore and understand better about Oirase Mountain Stream, Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel that sits next to it, is able to assist you in many ways. The hotel offers a wide range of activities and exquisite facilities to suit all tastes. At the outdoor hot spring, guests are pampered with a first-class view of the stream. Guests will be offered early morning walks with free coffee. Talks on Oirase are held every day by passionate guides. For those who love moss, those who love sleeping in a moss-themed room, eating moss meals and ice cream this is definitely a bucket-list experience. You can also take a mossball making workshop here. Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel Access: A free shuttle is available at Aomori Airport, JR Aomori Station and Hachinohe Station (reservation required) Address: Tochikubo 231, Okuse, Towada-shi, Aomori-ken URL: www.oirase-keiryuu.jp/en/ Mossball workshop

When accompanied by a nature guide, the 500 metre distance from Kumoi Falls to Shirogane Current is transformed into a 2-hour adventure into the micro-world of moss. The purpose of viewing so many sights during tours, including the moss walk, is to immerse everyone in Oirase’s splendid nature. Oirase Stream Museum also offers bike rental and moss-ball making lessons. If your hotel doesn’t provide such activities, do drop by the museum and ask the staff for interesting ways to discover Oirase. Oirase Stream Museum Hours: 9am-4:30pm Access: 3-min walk from Yakeyama Bus Stop (if using JR Tohoku bus) or Oirase Mountain Museum Stop (if using Towada Kanko Dentetsu Bus) Address: Tochikubo 183, Okuse, Towada-shi, Aomori-ken URL: www.oirase.or.jp/keiryu/keiryu.htm (Japanese)

Shirakami-Sanchi (Aomori & Akita-ken) Once you trek through the immense World Heritage Site forest of Siebold’s beech trees, hauntingly beautiful blue lakes and waterfalls await you. Sirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center www.experience-shirakami.com

Oirase Stream Museum

Urabandai Highlands (Fukushima-ken) When Mt. Bandai erupted in 1888, the highlands became littered with lakes and marshes. The area has many trekking courses and is well-known for river trekking and canoeing. Urabandai Tourism www.urabandai-inf.com/?page_id=25649

Shimeikei Ishigedo Yakeyama

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