WAttention Singapore Vol. 53

Singapore Edition

Tokyo - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

Dec 19-Jan 20 VOL.53 MCI(P) 123/04/2019

Yamagata

come wel

ようこそ！山形へ

Your new winter adventure starts at

Explore the

Seibu Line take a train journey of discovery!

Short trip from Tokyo

Travel Miura & Misaki with Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket

From Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace Have a run around the Heart of Tokyo

Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

Do you want to eat tasty Japanese food in Singapore? Get your hair cut by Japanese stylists? Are you a fan of Japan and Japanese culture? JAPAN by WAttention is the newest addition to the Plus! app, bringing you the latest information on Japan and recommendations for local shops and events. The app also contains a wealth of Plus! exclusive events and promotions.

How to use the app?

1. Select “JAPAN by WAttention” under “Categories” on the main page.

Look out for a red box that represents JAPAN

2. Click “Get Now” when you’ve found what you’re looking for.

There are plenty of digital vouchers too!

SEIBU RAILWAY

3. Save the deals you like in your app.

Find the store information you would like to visit effortlessly

Don’t miss out on seasonal promotions and events

Do remember to check back regularly for information on events

Yamgata Prefecture

JOINING US THIS MONTH Many more coming soon!

暦 Koyomi December

師走

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

A Garden’s Carol 祝いの庭

folding screens “A Garden’s Carol”

ALLAN WEST Born in 1962 in the US, Allan West settled in Tokyo and eventually graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from Tokyo University of the Arts. You can visit his open studio in Yanaka, Tokyo. www.allanwest.jp text & artwork / Allan West, cordination / Mariko Takahashi, photo / Keiji Okazaki

I thought it would be an interesting challenge to paint a painting that would evoke both my childhood Christmas and a Japanese New Year. I wanted it to be equally holy and celebratory by combining elements and impressions that feature in both holiday observances.

I thought of the plants and flowers which we associate with the two holidays, and realized that there is an interesting botanical overlap. Holly is a part of Christmas traditions, and I remembered how as a kid I enjoyed cutting holly boughs from the tree in the back yard and hung them over doors, the fireplace mantel and other places around the house. It was our way of welcoming in the guardians; fairies we were sure lived in the back woods. In Japan, Holly is believed to ward away bad influences, and so a holly leaf and a protective sardine’s head are stuck on a stick over doors and windows facing North, the demonic entry point.

Included in the painting are three other red berried plants used to welcome a fortuitous year; Nandina symbolizes changes for the good. Senryo, or sarcandra plant symbolizes good fortune and Ardisia tell us that happiness is on its way.

Just as a child we banged on pot bottoms and made cymbals of pan lids to make a noise to drive the devil away from the new year, I hear the sound of pure vibration as the temple bells next door resonate through my studio at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The deep bellow crosses the neighborhood’s roofs, penetrating the cold night sky, ringing 108 times; a benediction for each fault and pettiness we put behind us with the old year.

WAttention Singapore |

3

Ushering our long-awaited th

10 Year Anniversary

Irresistible to sushi lovers, this well-loved restaurant uses only the best Koshihikari rice from Niigata, natural sea salt, premium-grade seaweed and fresh seafood air-flown 2 to 3 times weekly from Japan. Celebrating its 10 th anniversary in Singapore real soon, feast on Tomi Sushiʼs Special Nigiri Sushi, featuring Ootoro, Chuutoro and a whole decadent piece of Anago!

Katong V

Tommy’s Sake Bar

Millenia Walk

Cuppage Terrace

Novena Square

Reservation for “Year-end” & “New Year” parties are available at Tomi Sushi. *Booking the entire restaurant for private events/parties are also possible, feel free to consult with our staff for more information.

Millenia Walk

Katong V

Novena Square (Velocity)

#02-12/13, 9 Raffles Boulevard 6238-1123 11.45am-2.30pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 5.45pm-9.30pm (L.O. 9.15pm)

#02-14/15/16, 30 East Coast Road 6348-7897 11.45am-2.30pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 5.45pm-9.30pm (L.O. 9.15pm)

#02-76/77, 238 Thomson Road 6255-2355 11.45am-2.30pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 5.45pm-9.30pm (L.O. 9.15pm)

www.tomisushi.asia

Tomisushi Echigotei Cuppage Terrace 35 Cuppage Road 6333-4633 4pm-11.30pm (L.O. 11.15pm)

Tommy’s Sake Bar Frasers Tower #01-09, 182 Cecil Street 6203-5457 Mon - Sat 11.45am-2.30pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 5.45pm-9.30pm (L.O. 9.15pm) Closed on Sun & PH

*Some products are subject to change and may not be available due to seasonal and stock availability.

All prices are subject to service charge and government tax.

VOL.53

SPECIAL FEATURES

EXPLORE NEW GROUNDS, TRAIN TRAVELING & HISTORIC LANDMARK SIGHTSEEING まだ見ぬ風景を求め、日帰り電車旅、歴史の交差点 SPECIAL FEATURE

08

Yamagata Passionate & heart-warming locals that brighten the trip to the snowy white land

Publisher

Yasuko Suzuki WAon Pte Ltd 2A/2B Craig Road Singapore 089662 Tel: (65) 6324-2127 E-mail: singapore@wattention.com

Editor in Chief Toru Hagi

Advertising Sales

14

16

Explore the Seibu Line

Hiroshi Kuramoto / Eri Hashimoto Veronica Ong / Mayuko Miyata / Misaki Ichimiya

Take a train journey of discovery

Tamie Hirano / Jodie Sun

Travel Miura & Misaki with Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket

19

From Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace - The History of the Heart of Tokyo - Start your day off right with the Imperial Palace Run

02

Japan by WAttention

03

In Harmony with the Seasons

07

WAt’S New? ~ Japan Edition ~

12

WA Seh – The Really Useful Japan Travel Guide Vol. 16

13

JPN47 Vol. 31 – Uda City, Nara

24

Another 3HR Trip - Kagurazaka & Kudanshita

26

The Lasting Flavour of Edo’s Culinary Culture

30

Event & Information

31

NHK World-Japan Video on Demand Review

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! *Prices reflected in the magazine are exclusive of GST *All restaurants featured reserve the right to alter their respective promotional periods and prices

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。

Editorial Team Design Team

Steffi Kasimo / Chew Yan Qiao (Tokyo) *Support from Japan Editorial & Design Team

Photographer

Keiji Okazaki, Tomoyo Nozawa

Partners WAttention Co., Ltd

Cover Photo Main: Yamadera, Yamgata Prefecture 本誌に関する日本国内でのお問い合わせ先 和テンション株式会社 Tel: +81 3-6418-5701 Fax: +81 3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

Prices printed are indicative only.

WAttention is a publication of WAon Pte Ltd. All articles published are in good faith and based on bonafide information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law. The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. The opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

This publication and the name are owned solely by WAon Pte Ltd, 2A/2B Craig Road, (S)089662. Email: singapore@wattention.com.

WAttention is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Singapore. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

Paper from Responsible Forests All colour separation and printing by NPE PRINT COMMUNICATIONS PTE LTD Licence No. L008/12/2018 39 & 41 Kallang Place, Singapore 339169 Distributor: DJ Express Services

WAttention Singapore |

5

6

| WAttention Singapore

アテンション！新登場

Japan Edition:

WAt’S

Year End & New Year Activities

Tokyo International Forum / Chiyoda City / Tokyo

J-CULTURE FEST

2 & 3 Jan 2020

Experience Japanese culture while ushering in the first New Year of the Reiwa Era. “J-CULTURE FEST”, a New Yearthemed extravaganza, has been well-received since its inception in 2017. In 2020, it will be held from 2 & 3 January at the Tokyo International Forum building, inviting all to experience Japanese culture and celebrate the first New Year of the Reiwa Era. The performance lineup not only musicals adapted from the Japanese poetry collection “Manyoshu”, but also items by famous Kyogen masters celebrating Edo in Spring, as well as various stage performances that integrate both traditional and modern culture. Also, each guest will be served with sake in a wooden sake cup with an original zodiac design.

Additionally, there will be a number of handicraft workshops to allow guests have the opportunity to experience the charm of Tokyo’s traditional crafts.

Machida City / Tokyo

Snoopy Museum Tokyo Making its long awaited comeback on 14 December!

To the dismay of many Snoopy fans, the Snoopy Museum located in Roppongi closed down last year. However, in response to fans’ ardent wishes, the museum will reopen on 14 December 2019 in GRANDBERRY PARK, Minami-Machida. In addition to displaying the author’s copy of the manuscript, the new Snoopy museum is also expected to hold handicraft workshops each day, allowing visitors to enjoy Snoopy through DIY experiences. Snoopy fans should definitely not miss the souvenir shop “BROWN’S STORE”, which sells original merchandise; and “PEANUTS Cafe”, which serves food based on the PEANUTS comic. j-cf.jp/2020/

snoopymuseum.tokyo

Gamagori City / Aichi Prefecture

Luminous Winter Laguna 2 Nov 2019 ~ 31 Mar 2020 Feast of Lights Illuminating the frosty night sky

Yufutsu District / Hokkaido

ICE VILLAGE

10 Dec 2019 ~ 14 Mar 2020

Enter the mystical snow world of Hoshino Resort TOMAMU featuring an ice crystal park

Laguna Ten Bosch, located in Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture, is a multipurpose commercial facility that combines theme parks, shopping centers and spa facilities. From 2nd November, 2019, to 31st March, 2020, “Luminous Winter Laguna - Feast of Lights” will be held, featuring a total of 6 illuminations including the first screening of water light-up “Frozen Ocean” and light display “Terrace of Light”. Aside from these, you can also look forward to a 360-degree 3D light projection show, as well as the water surface projection show “Aqua” which is designed to match the aquatic theme; and a hair-raising projection show utilizing both real cars and lighting effects. lagunatenbosch.co.jp/event/winter/index.html ( Japanese)

“ICE VILLAGE”, Hoshino Resort TOMAMU ’s winter-only extravaganza, continues to evolve each year. This year, for the first time, there will be an ice crystal park, featuring crystal-clear ice sculptures with the towering white birch forest as backdrop. In this ethereal atmosphere, feast on a variety of food and drink options such as desserts and coffee. With the surrounding temperature at a freezing -30 degrees, try ice cream that is stir-fried on an ice plate or freshly-baked bread that has its flavour locked in by the cold air as it emerges from the oven! If you want to experience this wondrous world of ice and snow, why not visit “ICE VILLAGE” between 10 December 2019 and 14 March 2020! snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/en/ WAttention Singapore |

7

Yamagata 白銀の耕作地で、地元の人々の熱い想いに触れる旅 ― 山形

KAsedori

Passionate & heart-warming locals that brighten the trip to the snowy white land

Kaminoyama City

\ 加勢鳥 /

Yamagata, one of the six prefectures , is located at the southern part of the Tohoku region, northeast of Japan. This prefecture which resembles the shape of a man’s face is most popular for its wintry and snowy landscape. Surely you have heard of Zao, famous for its ski, hot spring resort and snow monster. But is it more than just skiing? Interact with the cordial and warm locals

Yamagata prefecture

and grab the chance to learn more about the local culture and customs. In winter, there is an abundance of places, events and activities that everyone can explore. Take this opportunity to increase your itinerary spectrum and see what Yamagata can

Shonai Airport

Sakata City

Tsurugawa City

Obanazawa City

[Plane]From Tokyo Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport

Editor’s Pick

Yamagata Airport

One can opt for a connecting flight or a short one hour direct domestic flight that flies daily from Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport. *For a more cost effective and time saving flight, one can go for using Japan Airlines (JAL) as Yamagata Airport is managed by them, with easy domestic transfer at Haneda Airport.

Tendo City

[Train]From Tokyo

Yamagata official website yamagatakanko.com

Yamagata City

Shirataka Town

Nanyo City

The Yamagata Shinkansen connect Tokyo to Yamagata. *You can try the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) Free Area flexible fiveday pass for easy access.

Kaminoyama City

Takahata Town Iide Town

Yonezawa City

Kyoto

8

festival

One of Yamagata’s most notable ritual events – Kasedori Festival. This event takes place in front of Kaminoyama Castle where participants wear straw coats to represent a “bird“, a messenger from the spirit of God, and dances around the fire pit, crying out “Kaah, Kaah, Kaah”. They then parade down to the city where locals and travellers can enjoy splashing buckets of “good will” water to these emissaries of god. This ritual symbolises fire prevention, good harvest and prosperous business.

Kasedori Festival at Kaminoyama Castle

offer you during your next winter trip.

Ways to Yamagata Prefecture： Currently, there are no direct flights from Changi International Airport to Yamagata Airport. But you have transportation options

EVENT

| WAttention Singapore

Sendai

Tokyo Osaka

Event period: 11 Feb annually Event venue: From Kaminoyama Castle to the streets of Kaminoyama City (the parade will mainly cover the central town area and traverse the onsen streets) Access: A 12-min walk from Kaminoyama Onsen Station (JR Yamagata Shinkansen) Website: kaminoyama-spa.com/tourism/event/ (Japanese)

Spot a loose strand of straw on a Kasedori participants and pull it out. It is said to be a lucky charm

Experience \ 体験は第一歩 /

Snow

kumano \ 熊野大社 / taisha

\ どんでん平スノーパーク / FUN

activities

Iide Town

From riding the snowmobile & snow banana rides to playing with snow and sliding down a huge snow slide in the open ground, this snow park is a place to fill up with some exciting yuletide-snow experiences. During summer, this place turns into Tohoku’s biggest lily flower park, becoming a blooming beauty along the lush greenery. The park is available all year round.

Snow Park Donden Operation period: mid-Jan to early Mar, Weekend and holiday only (*Weekdays are possible with reservation) Hours: 10am - 4pm Fee: ¥500 adult (Junior high school students and above) ¥300 child (3 years old to elementary school students); 2-hour pass: ¥2,000 adult, ¥1,500 child Access: 40-min car ride from Yonezawa Station, 30-min car ride from Akayu Station Website: yamagatakanko.com/spotdetail/?data_id=10522 (Japanese)

Toko sake \ 酒造資料館 東光の酒蔵 /

Yonezawa City

There is nothing better than experiencing first-hand at events, cultural and outdoor activities and places where the locals go to. Take this first step to know Yamagata and learn more from these definite eye-openers!

Nanyo City

This more than 400-year-old Sake brewery has the biggest sake museum in Tohoku. It gives you a tour on how sake is being produced. Even the newly ascended Emperor Naruhito and the Empress have visited them. A sake retail shop is adjacent to the museum, so once finished touring, head down for some rare label sake tasting and shop for good sake as souvenirs.

\ 舞娘茶屋 相馬楼 /

shrine

Known as the Ise Shrine of Tohoku and a prefecturaldesignated important cultural asset with a history of 1,200 years, Kumano Taisha Shrine is known as the shrine that worships the god of matchmaking. If in luck, one can also observe a series of sacred dance called Daidaikagura (太々 神楽) which is directly passed down from the Ise Grand Shine at the main shrine. These dances are one of the oldest and most sacred in Japan, and only Ise Grand Shrine and Kumano Taisha Shrine are allowed to perform.

Kumano Taisha Shrine Access: 5min car ride from Akayu Station using JR Ou Main Line Website: kumano-taisha.or.jp (Japanese)

Once known as Soma-ya, Somaro is recognized as an important cultural asset served as an entertainment hub during the Edo Period. This place is known for its dance performances by Sakata Maiko (trainee Geisha), stunning artwork by famed artist Takehisa Yumeji along with its beautiful architecture. Enjoy the local delicacies of Yamagata with a private performance by the maiko.

Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm L.O. 4.30pm (Closed on Wed, Obon & year end holidays) Fee: Adult ¥1,000, University/Highschool/Middle school student ¥500, free entry for elementary school students and under (check website for extra fee for private Maiko performances and lunch) Access: a 2hr train ride from Inaho Express train at Niigata Station to Sakata Station and 6-min car ride from Sakata Station Website: somaro.net/englishhome

takahata \ 高畠ワイナリー /

Unagi Bento (Grilled Eel Bento)

Maiko Chaya Somaro / Yumeji Takehisa Museum

Takahata Town

The museum holds a wide collection of tsubo (壺 , baskets that stores sake)

ENJOY

maiko teahouse

TRADITIONAL

TOUR & TASTING

brewery

SOMARO Sakata City

LOCAL WINE

winery

Welcoming its 30 th anniversary next year together with the 2020 Olympics, they are one of the oldest wineries around Yamagata producing one of the finest Japanese wines with Delaware grapes that are grown locally. They also have a shopping corner where you can sample wine, buy their flagship series, other wines and plenty of snacks that pair well with wine.

Takahata Winery & Winery Shop

Brewing Museum Toko Brewery & Brewery Outlet Hours: 9am – 4.30pm (Closed on 31 Dec and 1 Jan) Fee: ¥310 Adult, ¥210 Junior high and high school students, ¥150 elementary school students Access: 6 min drive from Yamagata Shinkasen Yonazawa Station Website: sake-toko.co.jp/en/

One of Toko’s top three highly acclaimed sake, Toko Junmaidaiginjo Yuki Megami (東光 純米大吟醸 雪女神)

Uesugi snow Yonezawa City

\ 上杉雪灯篭まつり /

Hours: Daily Apr to Nov 9am-5pm Dec to Mar 10am - 4.30pm (Closed on every Wed from Jan to Mar and year end holidays 31 Dec to 2 Jan) Fee: Free enterance Access: 10-min walk from JR Ou Main Line or Yamagata Shinakansen Takatsuki Station. 15-min drive from Yonezawa Station and Akayu Station Website: takahata-winery.jp (Japanese)

Strawberry

EVENT

Shirataka Town

lantern festival

Known to be one of the biggest snow festivals in Japan, taking place in Yonezawa City of Yamagata.

With around 1,300 snow lanterns lit up within the park and ruins of an old castle in the backdrop, the night becomes a charming and aesthetically beautiful place to enjoy the night scene. Attractive events and exhibitions are also held in the area.

Remember to grab some delicious street food from the yatai (street stall, 屋台) available in the middle of the area to enjoy the festival vibe.

Travellers visiting the winery in February will also get to see Keiou Sakura (啓翁桜),a species that only blooms during winter.

SEASONAL ACTIVITY

picking

\ 山形県白鷹産直市場 どりいむ農園 /

Event period: 2nd weekend of Feb annually Event venue: Uesugi-jinja Shrine and Matsugasaki Park Access: 9-min shuttle bus ride is available on the actual day at ¥200.

Website: yukidourou. yonezawa-matsuri.jp (Japanese)

Strawberry season is usually from January to early May in Japan and many places provide an all-you-can-eat strawberry treat at a reasonable price. Dream Noen Plantation lets one enjoy a unique strawberry breed, mouikko (もういっこ, just one more) within the warm farm house. An important tip: the smaller and redder the strawberries are, the sweeter and juicier it is.

Strawberry picking at Dream Noen Plantation Operation period: Mar - May Hours: every Sat & Sun 1.30pm - 2pm (30 mins) *Phone reservation is necessary Website: doriimu.jp/com.html (Japanese)

WAttention Singapore |

9

Must go places \ 王道観光 /

Yama dera

\ 山寺 /

SCENIC BEAUTY Yamagata City

temple

While known by its misnomer, as the `Yamadera` Temple, its real name is the `Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple`, and is renowned as a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site. Climbing up the stone steps during the winter is just a little challenge to achieve in order to reach “that“ breath-taking scenery. What awaits on top is the notable Kaizan-do Hall (left image) and Godai-do Hall (centre image). Both give an impeccable view of the mountain area. A climb that you will surely not regret.

ginzan Obanazawa City

Yamagata is a prefecture filled with natural landscape that form like an artwork and old streets lined with unique and traditional architecture

\ 銀山温泉 /

FAMOUS

onsen street

This onsen street is filled with three to four stories of traditional Japanese inn that are built during the Taisho and early Showa period. Also, aligning the lane side by side is the famous Ginzan river and the westernesque gas lamps that light up the street in the night. Equally mesmerizing is how it illuminates the entire area - of reflections amidst the white snow, giving the atmosphere a photogenic touch, and a sense of nostalgia.

No wonder every year many fly in to catch a glimpse of its enchanting beauty.

FLOWER \ フラワー長井線 /

NOSTALGIC

nagai line

Enjoying the picturesque nature while riding on the train is now a new trend in Japan.

Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line has a total of 17 stops starting from Akayu Station(first) to Arato Station(last) that last roughly around 54 to 65 minutes. Be sure to look out for the 6th and 12th station as both were approved as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Agency for Cultural Affairs. As the white silvery canvas passes by, one can lost track of time while riding the train. Remember to keep the train ticket as a souvenir too.

Hours: Daily Apr to Nov 9.30am - 4pm Dec to Mar 10am - 3.30pm (Closed on Wed) Fee: ¥300 (high school students and above), ¥200 (Junior high student) and ¥100 (from 4 years to elementary school students) Access: 7 min walk from Yamadera Station by JR Senzan Line to the entrance of the mountain Website: yamaderakankou.com

onogawa \ 小野川温泉 /

RETRO

onsen street

Yonezawa City

Exploring the town on foot will feel like you had travelled back to the olden days of Japan because of the old-fashioned setting. The town even built some Kamakura (huts made of snow, かまくら ), where people can order food from nearby eateries and get to enjoy it within the snow hut. The best combination is to have a hot bowl of ramen while huddled under the shelter of a Kamakura in the cold.

Website: flower-liner.jp/en/ Onogawa Onsen Street Access: 26 min bus ride from Yonezawa Ekimae Bus Stop in front of Yonezawa Station Website: onogawa.jp (Japanese)

While visiting Onogawa onsen street, you can stay for a night at the hot spring inn, Azumasou. Enjoy the traditional ryokan (japanese hotels) with the snowy mountains as backdrop, private onsen to relax and delicious local cuisine like Yamagata wagyu to indulge in.

Ginzan Onsen Street Access: 35 min ride

by Hanagasa bus from Oshida Station via JR Yamagata Line or Yamagata Shinkansen Website: ginzanonsen.jp (Japanese)

Have a bowl of hot tasty NAMEKO chicken SOBA (¥1,200) from Takimikan(そば処滝見館) to warm yourself in the cold weather.

Soba restaurant Takimikan Hours: Daily 11am - 4pm (L.O. 3.30pm) (Closed on every Thus) Website: takimikan.jp/en/ publics/index/19/

10

| WAttention Singapore

The train provides charter services and you can book cabins for meetings and private parties for just ¥60,000

Onokawa Onsen, Famous Hot Springs Inn, Azumasou Website: azumasou.com/en/

Hospitality \ 宿泊と食 − おもてなしの宝庫 /

Accommodation and food are key factors that are deeply intertwined and connected to omotenashi (hospitality). Without both, one’s stay will not feel complete.

takinami Nanyo City

\ 山形座 瀧波 /

takinoyu Tendo City

\ ほほえみの宿 滝の湯 /

PRESTIGIOUS

hotel TAKINOYU Japan Onsen Ryokan Access: 7 min drive from Tendo Station Website: ryokan-onsen.com

This ryokan has uniquely combined traditional Japanese style with western style, giving their guest a familiar yet a new kind of excitement. its rooms are also done is a mixed style will tatami flooring and beddings. With the theme of “Smile“, even if they cannot speak any foreign language, the staffs will still do their best to serve with their heart. They use locally farmed ingredients supplied by their organic vegetable farm, making their meals healthier and enjoyable.

YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI Access: 5 min drive from Akayu Station Website: takinami.co.jp/english/

irori

LOCAL

minshuku

Suiden

Iide Town

Minshuku stay is probably one of the best ways to truly experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and meet local families. At Irori Minshuku, not only do they serve you good and hearty meals, but you can also enjoy illumination at night using the snow walls covered around the house. Absolutely a unique way of enjoying your stay in Yamagata.

Access: 55-min car ride from JR Yonezawa Station Price: 1 Night 2 meals, ¥6,800 Website: iikanjini.com/en/

\ ショウナイホテル スイデンテラス /

Tsuruoka City

terrace NEW

A hotel that stands within a plain field that seeks to promote a modest beauty surrounded by nature.

One can enjoy an exquisite view of nature and its aesthetics beyond its glasses; Facilities like spa and fitness corner, a restaurant, speciality Yamagata and Shonai shops, library and a conference room are within the amenity. Truly an all-in-one experience that one cannot miss.

hotel

Takinami Hotel sets a notion itself by combining existing Japanese traditional wooden architecture that was built more than 350 years ago with modern style wooden furniture and flooring around the hotel. One can also find private onsen bathtub which uses either hollowed out stones from Zao or Japanese cypress wooden bathtub in each room, connected directly from the hot spring source. Lead by their head chef, Takinami’s dishes have uniquely combined Yamagata’s sansai (山菜, mountain vegetable) with fresh ingredients delivered from mountain, sea and fields, sharpening your senses and optimising the taste of the season. You will be intoxicated by the richness and fullness of the meal.

\ 農家民宿 いろり /

IRORI MINSHUKU

DISTINGUISHED

konnyaku Kaminoyama City

\ こんにゃく番所 /

bansho

Konnyaku (konjac) is a dish representative of Yamagata. This long-established restaurant that specialises and is a forerunner of konnyaku cuisine takes its dishes to a whole new level by serving in a traditional multi-course Japanese meal.

It is versatile and presented in various forms such as sashimi, soba, croquette, and many more. The owner believes that konnyaku has infinite possibilities and strives to share this creative way of eating to the world.

Konnyaku Bansho

SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE Access: 10-min car ride from JR Tsuruoka Station Website: suiden-terrasse.yamagata-design.com

LOCAL DELICACY

Hours: Daily 11am - 4pm (dining) 8.30am - 5pm (shopping) Access: 15-min frive from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station Website: tannokonnyaku.co.jp (Japanese)

WA Seh :

T h e Re ally Use f ul Japan T ravel Guide

Vol.

16

2017 4:47:30 PM

’ T i s a s e a so n t o b e j o l ly a n d m e r ry !

Ever wonder which spots are perfect for dashing-in to dive for that perfect snow angel? Head towards the Tohoku Region and into the snowy Yamagata Prefecture for tons of chilly & thawy goodness Onsens, Skis, Festivals, and many more!

T h e vast T o h o ku R e gi o n a n d it s Win t er Wonderland!

The Tohoku Area (North East Area) of Japan is a region abundant in nature spots and a panorama that changes along with the season - including when Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, and Fukushima is blanketed in immaculate white during the winter. Common winter activities include skiing in the slopes of Fukushima, sledding with Akita Dogs, play along snow-related festivities at Aomori, revel on the powdery-white rugged formations of Iwata’s coastline, and working up your appetite for Miyagi’s sumptuous winter (seafood) dishes.

During the Yule season, the region becomes home to the snow monsters of Yamagata Prefecture, also, known for its bountiful fruit harvests. A frosted Mogami River transverses the region and is boarded by the Zao Mountain Range - a spectacular sight to behold especially this frosty season!

ba

su

tei

BUS STOP

Ya m ag at a n d a be ! M ak e h e ar t war m i n g i n t e ract i o n s w i t h t h e se Ya m ag at a-be n p h rase s!

Yamagata-ben (Dialect)

Standard Japanese

English

おはようさま (Ohayosama!)

おはようございます (Ohayogozaimasu)

Good Morning!

おばんです (Obandesu)

こんばんは (Konbanwa)

Good Evening！

おしょうしな (Oshoushina)

ありがとうございます (Arigato gozaimasu)

Thank You

さすかえなえ (Sasukaenae)

大丈夫・気にしてない (Daijyobu/ Kinishitenai)

You’re welcome/ It’s alright/

んだべ (~ndabe)

Don’t worry about it.

∼だね (~dane?)

Right? Isn’t it?

ほんて？ (Honte?)

ほんとう？ (Honto?)

んだ (n da)

そうです (So desu)

んね (n ne)

ないです (Nai desu)

あべ／いぐべ (Abe/Igube)

行こう／行こうか (ikou/ikou ka)

どさいぐなやっす？ (Dosaigunayasu?)

どこに行くのですか？ (Doko ni ikun desuka?)

Really?

Yes/ That’s right.

No/ Not really.

Let’s Go! / Shall we go?

Where are we going?

Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com & www.freepik.com

You are

WANTED! Yes, you!

We are looking for talented sales executives, passionate writers and creative designers.

PS: We have lots of Japanese snacks in the office.

Send your resumé to

singapore@wattention.com

12

| WAttention Singapore

MP 03:74:4 710

奈宇 良陀 県市

VOL.31 | SIGHT-SEEING

Writer’s profile: Chisato Maeda – Japanese tour guide. Loves food and wild plants. Learning local

EXPLORE JAPAN’S PREFECTURE

knowledge of food preservation from the villagers,

UDA CITY NARA

she started the “Village to Table” project in Nara.

Experience at a soy sauce brewery Kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped with persimmon leaves

Yamanobe no michi, the oldest ancient trail

Foxtail millet “awa” cultivation

Natural plant dyeing atelier in Asuka village

Rice terrace in Asuka village

Craftsman making cedar barrel for brewing sake and soy sauce

Learn how to make konjac, yam jelly

NARA – EXPLORE ANOTHER JAPAN, WHERE GENERATIONS HAVE LIVED Nara is known as a tourist destination for deer

blossoms. Also well-known is its abundance for

spotting and paying homage to the Great Buddha, but

flora; it is a birthplace of Japan’s forestry,

it’s more than these. An ancient capital of Japan and

especially to Yoshino cedar cultivars. As such, this

actually - a home to Japan’s culture with abundant

cedar is noted as a well known timber brand.

natural resources and rich food production sites.

The skill to produce wooden barrel for brewing Taking a 30-minute train ride from Nara Station

is now disappearing

, but still, there are many

to its south, Yamanobe ancient trail will lead you

traditional sake and soy sauce factories using

to an off-the-beaten path, which connects the

wooden barrels in Nara

town from village to village - where you will find

the fermentation process and the culture around it.

the countryside life-style of the villagers

. It’s a nice place to learn on

京都府

Osaka Prefecture 大阪県

Kansai International Airport

Tennoji Station Haibara Station

Uda City 宇陀市

関西国際空港

. While

strolling around, you can also taste different farm

In rural areas, ancient crops known-to-be

products along the trail, such as the persimmon

forgotten are preserved

leaf sushi

you may also learn how to do food preservation

, sansai (wild vegetables), and

hoshigaki (dried fruits) hanging from farmhouses.

, and on these sites

. I recommend you to stay overnight at Nara to explore its unknown side, and away from the

.

unforgettable memory!

You can experience home-style cooking, plant , and experience farm-stay in the village.

I hope this serves as a food for thought for your next plan to visit Nara. I’m sure all the local

Yoshino Mountain is famous for its cherry

Nara Prefecture 奈良県

crowded tourist places; surely, it will be an

Further south, Asuka village boasts its rice terrace landscape unchanged from the past dyeing

Kyoto Prefecture

people in Nara will warmly welcome you!

Kansai Airport Tennoji Station Haruka Shinkansen (one way) 35min ¥2,700 (S$33.99~) Tennoji Station Haibara Station JR Kishu Express (one way) 1 hour ¥900 (S$11.99~)

Tokyo Nara

WAttention Singapore |

13

Explore the Seibu Line take a train journey of discovery!

Aside from enjoying the bustling city atmosphere of Metropolitan Tokyo, did you know that its suburbs also house several tourist attractions worth visiting?

The SEIBU 1 Day Pass or the SEIBU 1 Day Pass+Nagatoro are discount tickets that Seibu Railway offers, which will allow you unlimited rides on Seibu trains to visit the various attractions along the Seibu Line. Discover attractions such as the nostalgic Kawagoe, the natural beauty of Chichibu, or the Scandinavian fairytale theme park in Hanno!

Scan QR code to bookmark this article

Don’t miss out Sweet Potato Snack!

"Imo Koi" is one of the popular sweet potato snacks from Kawagoe. Wrapped within the mochi skin is filled with chunky red bean and sweet potato paste, so you can enjoy two different flavors at the same time. Also, don’t forget to try the purple sweet potato flavored ice cream, which is also another popular treat!

Kashou Umon - Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) store Hours: 9am-6pm Address: 15-13 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture Website: imokoi.com ( Japanese)

Must try Sweet Potato Kaiseki cuisine!

The mini kaiseki cuisine here utilizes sweet potatoes in everything from appetizers to desserts. If you want to taste sweet potatoes cooked in various ways, this is the place to visit!

Cafe TOROCCO Hours: 10am-5pm (Lunch: 11.45am-3pm) Address: 7-1 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture Website: www.touho-yamawa.co.jp/en-us/

14

| WAttention Singapore

Stroll down old streets of Kawagoe and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere Kawagoe is also known as Koedo for its old storehouses and nostalgic townscape, remnants of the Edo and Meiji periods. Stepping into the city allows you to feel the blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture, a reminder of how times have changed. Spend a relaxing day in Kawagoe and enjoy the historical spots scattered around the city.

The former merchant town comprises of 20 storehouses left over from the Edo period. Today, these warehouses have been transformed into restaurants and specialty stores, attracting tourists who want to experience a little bit of Edo. Among them, the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), is particularly well-known. Even today, the bells ring four times a day, reminded us of days bygone in the merchant town.

Access: 12-min walk from HonKawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, or take the CO-EDO Loop Bus and alight at Kura-noMachi Stop and walk for 3 minutes.

Website: www.koedo.or.jp/foreign/ english/

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park

Step into a Scandinavian fairytale world in Hanno!

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park, located within Hanno City, has an ethereal atmosphere and scenery straight out of a Scandinavian fairytale world. Both young and old alike can enjoy spending a leisurely time in this park while interacting with nature.

Hours: (Weekdays) 9am-5pm, (Weekends & holidays*) 9am-9pm *Night illumination after sunset Fee: Free entry Access: About 3km away from Hannō Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line by car, 20-min walk from Motokaji Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Address: 893-1 Azu, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture Website: www.city.hanno.lg.jp/akebono_en.html

©Moomin Characters™

Located on the shores of Lake Miyazawa in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, the MOOMINVALLEY PARK is the first theme park in Asia to recreate the fantasy world of the Moomins. The Moomins’ house and bathhouse featured in the series has been faithfully reproduced in the park. There are also a variety of facilities that will enable you to enjoy the charm of the Moomins.

Furthermore, the theme park’s souvenir shop boasts the largest collection of Moomin

Metsä Village

merchandise in the world, while the park restaurant serves cute Moomin-themed dishes. A feast for both the heart and mind soul indeed!

Access: 13-min bus ride from Hannō Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Get off at Metsä Stop.

Address:Metsä 327-6 Miyazawa, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture Website: metsa-hanno.com/eng/ MOOMINVALLEY PARK Hours: 10am-8pm Fee: Free for children under 3 years old, ¥1,000 for children over 4 years old to elementary school age, ¥1,500 for junior high school students and above (* A separate fee is required for attractions)

Metsä Village, located within the theme park, recreates the unique atmosphere of a Scandinavian lakeside forest.

Quaint shops selling colorful household items, specialty stores selling local Saitama delicacies and a variety of restaurants contribute to the elegant resort feel of this area.

Metsä Village Hours: 10am-9pm (The Market Hall operates until 8pm) Entry is free.

Luxurious accommodations at an affordable price The Seibu Railway Group’s Prince Hotels ©Moomin Characters™ and Resorts headquarters is in Tokyo and located throughout Japan, providing luxurious accommodations to tourists at an affordable price.

Kawagoe Prince Hotel is directly connected to the HonKawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, making it easy to access. The hotel also offers a MOOMINVALLEY PARK official hotel stay plan, that includes accommodation in a special Moomin Room in addition to park tickets with guaranteed admission, and original merchandise. What a deal!

Test your limits in Chichibu’s natural surroundings

A range of value-added tickets to choose from

In Chichibu, there is a custom of pickling pork in miso to preserve it. Gradually, this evolved to become the miso-pickled pork of today, which is eaten with piping hot rice as the dish “Butamiso Don”. Aside from this, there is also another B-grade delicacy in the area known as “Chichibu Waraji Katsudon”. It was so named because the pork cutlet is as huge as a straw sandal (Waraji). Try eating two pieces of these pork cutlets dipped in special sauce, together with white rice to savor the symphony of tastes in your mouth. Having a hard time deciding which to get? Rest assured, there are shops that serve “Double-don” combining both Waraji Katsudon and Butamiso-don, giving you two irresistible choices in one bowl. Make some delicious memories of Chichibu.

Do

*food shown below are sold separately in different store

ub

SEIBU 1Day Pass / SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro This Seibu Railway one-day ticket allows you unlimited rides on the Seibu Line, enabling you a richer experience of the scenery and culture along the line. It connects you directly to Kawagoe and Chichibu, which are well-known sightseeing spots in the suburbs, and even allows you to visit Nagatoro. The best choice for foreign tourists visiting Japan!

SEIBU 1Day Pass (1-day pass) Fee: ¥1,000 SEIBU 1Day Pass (1-day pass) + Nagatoro Fee: ¥1,500 * Children’s tickets cost half the price of an adult ticket Website: www.seiburailway.jp/railways/tourist/english/ ticket/daypass.html MOOMINVALLEY PARK Ticket & Travel Pass This value-for-money ticket comprises of 3 items: a Seibu Railway 1-day free ticket, a round-trip bus ticket from Hanno/Higashi-Hanno Station to MOOMINVALLEY PARK, and a park admission ticket. The ticket itself has a special design that makes a wonderful trip souvenir.

l

do n

Wa r

aji

But

K

am

i

n

don

- do

su

so

at

Chichibu Geo Gravity Park Access: 10-min walk from Mitsumineguchi Station on the Chichibu Railway.

Address: 730-4 Arakawaniegawa, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture Website: gravitypark.jp *Early booking is required

Website: www.princehotels.com/kawagoe/

Chichibu’s culinary delights

e-

An 80-minute train ride from Tokyo will take you to Chichibu, where nature is abundant. This is the perfect place if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get in touch with nature. For the courageous, we recommend the thrilling “Chichibu Geo Gravity Park” situated in the Arakawa River area. Challenge yourself with the “Canyon Walk” suspension bridge that makes use of the height differentials in the Arakawa Gorge, and the exhilarating zip line “Canyon Fly”. You will love it.

Fee: Adult ¥2,700 Child ¥1,600 Website: www.seiburailway.jp/railways/tourist/english/ ticket/metsa.html

WAttention Singapore |

15

Short trip from Tokyo

Travel Miura & Misaki with

Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket ~Fre sh tuna cui sine, beau ti ful scenery & sea sona l Kawazu Cherry Blo ssom s~ If you’re a seasoned traveler to Japan who loves nature and good food, why not take a trip to the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula - Miura & Misaki? Feast on a smorgasbord of tuna dishes at Misaki Port while admiring the beautiful coastline. What’s more, for a short time each spring, the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and rape blossoms form a brilliantly coloured treat for the eyes! Follow WAttention’s editor’s footsteps for a whole bunch of tips and tricks to make the most out of your Japan trip without breaking the bank!

Urari Marché

About an hour’s journey by train from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo is Misaki Port in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Known for its tuna, Misaki Port overlooks Jogashima Island, which is located on the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula. Thanks to Jogashima Island serving as a natural breakwater, Misaki Port is blessed with a rich variety of seafood, and the sheer volume of its tuna catch is considered rare even within Japan. No trip here is complete without sampling at least a few tuna dishes.

If you want to travel and sample gastronomic delights without worrying your wallet, Keikyu Railway’s Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket is the value ticket for you. Take a short trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city with this value ticket, which in addition to a round-trip ticket for the Keikyu Line and a Keikyu Bus Free Ticket, also includes a “Maguro Selection Meal Ticket” that allows you to choose one of the tuna dishes offered by 32 different restaurants, and a “Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket”. The latter enables you to pick either an experience or a souvenir from one of the many participating store and facilities.

16

| WAttention Singapore

Maguro-don set at Jogashima-Shibukitei

Choose your favorite tuna dishes

Misakikan Main Store also operates Japanese-style ryokans

There are tons of discounted train tickets in Japan, but those that include meal vouchers are few and far between. Value ticket “Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket”’s greatest selling point is the Maguro Selection Meal Ticket, which allows you to sample a variety of tuna dishes from sashimi to rice bowls, from the 32 participating local restaurants. For example, Kaiwaya, near Miura Kaigan Station, serves up a hearty Maguro with local sashimi mix don and a Shonan Kamaage Shirasu Soba set with tuna delicacies included, for a taste of the sea.

Other stores have their own unique characteristics too. Misakikan Main Store, near Misaki Port, is a well-established shop with more than hundred years of history which operates a Japanese-style

Maguro with local sashimi mix don and Shonan Kama-age Shirasu Soba set

ryokan as well. If you are visiting Jogashima Island, then why not also try Jogashima-Shibukitei’s Maguro set? A combination of deliciousness, a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji from inside the restaurant, and a friendly owner, all contribute to an unforgettable mealtime experience.

If feasting on tuna still cannot satisfy you, then it might be a good idea to take a trip to the wholesale center “URARI Marché” nearby Misaki Port. There, from seafood to vegetables and even bread, a variety of delicious food awaits you. Enjoy fresh seafood on the spot or pick up a souvenir or two at this huge market.

Explore the hidden natural beauty of Jogashima

Jogashima is located on the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula. One way to get there is to take the Keikyu Open Top Bus and enjoy the scenery while the guide introduces the sights along the way. If you have time after reaching Jogashima, why not take a hike to explore the natural beauty of the island? Umanose-Domon, a stunning work of nature produced by millennia of wave erosion, will surely have you in awe of its beauty. Jogashima Park is a habitat for Japanese cormorants too. From the observation deck, you can see not only these birds in their natural surroundings, but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea. In early spring or early summer, the narcissus and hydrangeas that bloom in the park are also worth making a trip to see.

Sengakuji

Keikyu-Main Line

Slowly savor the beautiful scenery of Joga shima!

Shinagawa

Keikyu-Kurihama Line

Keikyu-Airport Line

Keikyu Kamata

Keikyu-Daishi Line

Haneda Airport

Keikyu-Zushi Line Keikyu Kawasaki

Kojimashinden

Yokohama

Umanose-Domon - created by the power of nature

Kamiooka

Tokyo Bay Kanazawa-bunko Kanazawa-hakkei

Shinzushi

Yokosuka-chuo Horinouchi Uraga Keikyu Kurihama

Tsukuihama Miurakaigan Misakiguchi

Scan QR code for online version

Look out from the Umiu observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view

Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms - a sight only for early spring You can admire the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms that start flowering in February every year, along the Miura coastline. The rows of pastel pink Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms and sunny yellow rape blossoms stretch along the 1km stretch of road from Miurakaigan Station to Komatsuike Park, forming a stunning spring tableau. At night, when lit up, the area takes on an otherworldly charm. To get a classic shot of a train speeding by with the Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms and rape blossoms in the background is not hard either! Just make sure you get the timing right, and you’ll have a lovely picture of this classic spring scene to be proud of!

URARI Marché Jogashima Ohashi Bridge

Misaki Port

Jogashima Hiking Trail

Jogashima Island

Umiu Observation Umanose-Domon Deck Jogashima Park

Things to take note of when using the

Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket • Includes Keikyu Line round trip ticket and Keikyu Bus Free ticket, Maguro Selection Meal Ticket and Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket. *Maguro Selection Meal Ticket and Leisure Facility Use or Souvenir Ticket are valid for only one time at participating stores and facilities.

• Can be purchased at stations along the Keikyu Line (excluding Sengakuji Station and Misakiguchi Station) • Valid only on the day of purchase • Ticket prices vary depending on the boarding station • You can get off at any station along the Keikyu Line but traveling back and forth are not allowed.

Website: haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ticket/ discount/maguro-day.html A different side of Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms in the rain

You can take photos of Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms together with passing trains.

WAttention Singapore |

17

Bringing the best of Japan to the world Tokyo Edition

Los Angeles Edition

Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

FREE

Singapore Edition

Tokyo - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

Autumn 2019 VOL.33

Your guide to the best of Tokyo

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

TA K E FREE

Autumn 2019 VOL.31

Oct-Nov 2019 VOL.52

Sports Special

Exciting Huge Sports Events are Brewing in Tokyo

Culture Special

Flourishing Japanese Theater from Edo to The Modern Era

Another 3hr Trip

MCI(P) 123/04/2019

Explore the Unique Variety of

Niigata

Around Tokyo in 180 Minutes

The Untouched Soul of Shitamachi

Short Trip from Tokyo

Misaki Port & Jogashima

Love Japan? Follow

Shibamata & the towns of Tokyo that keep the old norms alive Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

Los Angeles

Tokyo

2011.05 launched

食べる・飲む・遊ぶ・楽し む 新潟を再発見

2012.03 launched

Rediscover

Niigata

~ The impeccable~

Édition Française

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

Australia Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - LA - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico

TA K E FREE

Spring 2019 VOL.10

Été 2019 VOL.14

Ene/Feb/Mar 2017

VOL.5

SPECIAL FEATURE

Explorez la variété unique de NIIGATA ~La Mer du Japon, sa culture culinaire et sa nature~

Special collaboration

RAMEN REVOLUTION

WAttention

Singapore

Where Edo M e e t s To k y o

2010.03 launched

SPECIAL FEATURE

SUIGIAN Quand Edo rencontre Tokyo

Love Japan? Follow

Takashimaya Singapore

JAPAN Food Matsuri Returns

with

WAGYU

Beef

WAttention

SPECIAL FEATURE

Itinéraire en voiture "HORYU-JI:NARA" Cafe Shukra

Destacado

Entrevista con Mio Otashiro de la Embajada del Japón en México El gobierno de Japón entrega reconocimiento al Luchador Mexicano Mil Máscaras All Nippon Airways (ANA) comienza su vuelo diario México-Tokio

MYSTERIOUS TOKYO

Gastronomía

EXPLORE THE UNIQUE VARIETY OF

B order ing t he super nat ural wor ld

Ingredientes y Platillos de Temporada Pioneros de la Cocina Japonesa en México: Chef Takeji Murakami

NIIGATA

Cultura y Viajes

Reseña de libros de Autores Japoneses Primavera en Japón: árboles SAKURA en flor Calendario de Eventos Futuros

The Sea of Japan, savory food culture and nature

Aimez-vous le Japon? Suivez-nous

Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

2013.07 launched

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Mexico - Australia

ISSUU.com/WAttention

Sydney

Paris

Indonesia Edition

WAttention

TA K E FREE

Mexico

2015.11 launched

2017.05 launched

Malaysia Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

Thailand Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

Autumn 2019 VOL.30

Autumn 2019 VOL.15

TA K E FREE

Hong Kong Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

สิงหาคม - ตุลาคม

水戲庵

เที่ยวสุดคุมกับ

Hakone Kamakura Pass

Tokyo Love Japan? Follow

Indonesia Malaysia 2014.08 launched

คนหาเสนหของอะคิตะ

่ น รักญีป ุ่ หรือเปล่า ? ติดตามได้ที่

WAttention

2011.03 launched

不可思議的日本

ดื่มดํ่าความงาม ของใบไมเปลี่ยนสี

喜歡日本嗎？立即線上搜尋

WAttention

WAttention

2013.02 launched

2014.06 launched

Check out our respective countries’ FB pages!

WAttention 挖！日本

WAttention Hong Kong

WAttention Thailand นานา เจแปน

不可思議的日本 喜歡日本嗎？立即線上搜尋

Thailand Hong Kong

Like and follow us on

WAttention Tokyo

よう に い こ そ！ がた へ

W h e r e E d o M e e t s To k y o

of

รสชาติวัฒนธรรมอาหาร

28

Aug 2019

吃喝玩樂 發現新潟

Only in Ohara, Kyoto

T he wild side WAttention

江戶與東京的交匯

Niigata

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - L.A - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

ISSUE

Rediscover Niigata The Spectacular Temple

Paspma lain

Taiwan Edition

Autumn 2019 VOL.21

VOL.7 Issue 25 ISSN 2539-620X

Love Japan? Follow

TA K E FREE

歡迎自由索取

Autumn 2019

PP18029/03/2013 (033318)

WAttention Los Angeles

WAttention

Taiwan

What is WAttention?

WAttention is a name created by combining “ 和 ” (WA) - meaning all things Japanese - with “attention”, referring to our mission to bring attention to the best of Japan.

“Wa” also bears the connotation of “linking”, which is what WAttention aims to do as a bridge linking Japan and the world.

We are the largest-circulating free magazine to introduce Japan’s unique culture as it is and tourism sights as they are to readers all over the world, in either English or the local language.

2012.10 launched

Check out our website at

www.wattention.com

From Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace

– The History of the Heart of Tokyo

13

12

D 14

11 10

9

8 7 A

B

5

4

6

C

15

3 2

16

A

s Japan enters into a new era and welcomes a new emperor, the grounds around the Tokyo Imperial Palace will become much busier. That’s because for the foreseeable future Emperor Naruhito will be “commuting” to what should be his official residence as he and his father continue to swap residences, a process that’ll most likely take years.

This will surely result in more traffic and an uptick in security around the center of Japan’s capital. But that’s hardly news.

It’s actually how the area has been for the better part of its history.

Today the Tokyo Imperial Palace, known as Kokyo in Japanese, is a large estate in the Chiyoda-ku where the Japanese Emperor

1

lives, performs his duties, and welcomes foreign dignitaries. It contains official residences, museums, administrative offices, and spacious gardens—only a small part of which are opened to the public except on special occasions like the emperor’s birthday. Despite its importance and a connection to one of the oldest royal families on the planet, most of the Imperial Palace is brand-new, going back no further than half a century to when it was on the remains of what was once Edo Castle.

In the Edo shogunate(1603-1868) 1 Main Gate 2 Nijubashi Bridge 3 Fushimi Yagura (Turret) 4 SakashItamon Gate 5 Fujimi Yagura (Turret) 6 Kikyomon Gate 7 Hasuike-bori Moat 8 Fujimi Tamon 9 Nagayamon Gate 10 Shimo-dokan-nori Moat 11 Nishihanebashimon Gate 12 Inui-bori Moat 13 Inuimon Gate 14 Hanzo-bori Moat 15 Hanzomon Gate 16 Sakurada-bori Moat After the Meiji period (1868-) A Imperial Palace B Gosho (present emperor’s private palace) C Kyuchu Sanden (three shrines for all the past Emperors) D Fukiage Omiya Gosho (private palace of late Emperor Showa)

WAttention Singapore |

19

G

reat feudal lords have been occupying the area of what is today central Tokyo since at least the 12 th century when Edo Shigetsugu built his residence there. The Edo family was eventually wiped out, but their legacy lived on for centuries in the form of Edo Castle. Initially called Chiyoda Castle, the grand fortress was built on the site of Shigetsugu’s residence in 1457 by the engineering monk Dokan Ota. However, it wasn’t until Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa moved the center of his administration to Edo during the early 17 th century that the castle became a city within a city.

A total of 40,000 people worked on turning Edo Castle into the largest fortification of its time. By the time the construction was completed in 1636, Edo Castle had a perimeter of about 16 km, was surrounded by 12m-tall walls, had 20m-tall ramparts, and housed nearly 150,000 people, a number of palaces, shrines, and military installations. Most of the building materials and the workforce were supplied by feudal lords showing their support for the Tokugawa clan. The richest were expected to supply the castle with gigantic granite stones transported from far-away lands while everyone else provided the men for digging moats and reclaiming lands around the fortification, which slowly started to become an extension of the castle.

People gathered to accompany a daimyo’s (feudal lord’s) procession outside of the main gate of the former Edo Castle (The Sakashitamon Gate)

Daimyo's (feudal lord's) procession in front of the Kikyomon Gate

The Kikyo Yagura (Turret) of Edo Castle is seen from outside

20

| WAttention Singapore

From Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace – The History of the Heart of Tokyo

Nijubashi Bridge connects the main gate of the Imperial Palace

D

uring the 19 th century Meiji Restoration, Japan’s shogunate was abolished and the emperor was returned to power. To symbolize this, in 1868 the emperor left Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and moved to Edo Castle, which back then was also known as Tokei Castle and later on as the Imperial Castle. After a series of fires to the castle palaces in the late 1800s, the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and WWII bombings, soon almost nothing remained of the original structure. So, in 1968 the Imperial Palace that we know today was constructed basically from nothing using modern technology.

BYLINE: Cezary Jan Strusiewicz

For more in depth infomation, scan QR code

Veiw of the Nijubashi Bridge from the modernized street in Meiji period WAttention Singapore |

21

Start your day off right with the Imperial Palace Run From professional athletes to casual sports enthusiasts, people love jogging around the Imperial Palace. The path around the palace is regarded by joggers as the place to run and is known as kokyo-ran, or the “Imperial Palace Run.” The Imperial Palace was originally the castle of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period, which then placed a moat around the castle. The 5km path along the moat is not broken up by any stoplights, making it a great place for joggers to run without interruptions.

What really makes the Imperial Palace Run so remarkable is all the wonderful sights you can see. There is greenery, the modern architecture of the city, historical buildings, and famous landmarks; such as the Kokyogaien National Gardens, the Nippon Budokan, The National Theatre, the National Diet Building, Sakuradamon, and the business district stretching from Yurakucho to Marunouchi leading to the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building. Must-see places in Tokyo are everywhere you look, and then there is the area around the moat as well.

Many people jog before work

Sakuradamon Gate

Another great aspect of the Imperial Palace Run is the ransute, or “running stations.” Running stations are facilities found throughout the path offering a wide range of services, such as showers, lockers, and rentals for jogging wear and running shoes. You can just show up and still find everything you need for a good jog.

For example, just a 3-minute walk from the Hanzomon Station is the “JOGLIS” running station. With a spot right in front of the Imperial Palace, it boasts the largest number of lockers and showers of any station, with plenty of supplies and gear for rent. There is even a cafe space to relax in after you finish exercising. This makes JOGLIS the perfect facility for tourists to use when enjoying the Imperial Palace Run.

JOGLIS

22

| WAttention Singapore

Going for a lap on the Imperial Palace Run when you visit Tokyo is a great way to enjoy the city, just make sure you follow this one rule – all joggers should run counter-clockwise along the path. It is also good to keep in mind that the path around the palace is not a designated jogging course.

Its primary function is for walking, with weekends being crowded with locals and tourists, so be courteous to others as you get your workout.

Unveiling the New National Stadium for TOKYO 2020 On November 2019, construction of the New National Stadium will be complete. This will be the main stadium for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, holding the opening and closing ceremonies and matches for events like Track & Field. With innovative designs from the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the former stadium is being rebuilt to host Tokyo’s second Summer Olympics Games.

The New National Stadium has been generating buzz over its audacious wooden construction, using wood from all over Japan. Like viewing temples, shrines, or other Japanese wooden architecture, the stadium conjures up a sense of calm and balance with its surroundings. Inside the stadium, the visual theme for the seating area is “rays of sunlight trickling down through the leaves of a forest,” with a gradation of five earthy colors. To reduce construction costs, there will be no air conditioning for the seating areas, but large-scale eaves will be installed above to shade and draw in wind to cool audiences.

The circumference of the moat of the Imperial Palace

Nippon Budokan

Chiyoda City Tourist Information

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

The New Japan National Stadium AD_OMOTENASHI_RUNNING_TKY33.pdf 1 2019/08/14 Scheduled for completion in November 2019.16:30:38 Site Area: Approx.

113,000m2, Building Area: Approx. 72,400m2, Total Floor Area: Approx.

194,000m2, Height: Approx. 47.4m

Imperial Palace Running Tour

Chidorigafuchi Hanzomon St.

C

Imperial Palace

M

Y

JOGLIS

Tokyo St.

CM

MY

National Theatre

Sakuradamon Gate

OMOTENASHI runners will guide you on the Imperial Palace running tour!

CY

CMY

K

National Diet Building

OMOTENASHI Runner Associa�on www.kokyorun-navi.com

+813-3222-5543

WAttention Singapore |

23

3KAGURAZAKA 神楽坂

HR ANOTHER

TRIP

Around Tokyo in 180 minutes

九段下 KUDANSHITA

Although Kagurazaka is close to Tokyo’s entertainment district, Shinjuku, it has a character all of its own. As a prominent hanamachi (geisha district) that thrived from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the Showa Period (1926-1989), Kagurazaka is wellknown for its refined, nostalgic atmosphere. Venture inside the cobbled alleys and you will discover tons of historic geisha houses and sophisticated shops that embody the Japanese aesthetic sense and precise craftsmanship. We also recommend to take a walk to Kudanshita through Mejiro Dori from Kagurazaka-Iidabashi.

神楽坂茶寮本店

Kagurazaka Saryo Honten Tucked away in a quiet alley in the heart of Kaguarazaka, this retro cafe fits perfectly into Kagurazaka’s nostalgic atmosphere.

Built in a typical Japanese wooden machiya house, one is enveloped by the warmth and comfort created by its wooden decor as they step in. The shop serves a wide variety of Japanese sweets, with the matcha chocolate hot pot and tea-flavored sundae being the most recommended menu items.

牛込見附・牛込橋

神楽坂 清水

Ushigome Mitsuke & Ushigomebashi Bridge

Kagurazaka Shimizu If you’re looking for premium Japanese cuisine without a hefty price tag, Kagurazaka Shimizu is the place to go. Located close by Kagurazaka’s Geisha Shindo, this old geisha lodging now serves authentic kappo cuisine.

Kappo, which literally means “to cut and to cook,” is a word for Japanese style multi-course meals. Embellished with nostalgic décor from the Taisho period (1912-1926), the restaurant makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. The menu consists of carefully selected, fresh, seasonal ingredients that are amazingly delicious and pleasing to the eye. Soak in the vintage atmosphere as you enjoy every bite of the feast!

The traditional Japanese cuisine

Kagurazaka Shimizu Open 17:30 Close 23:00

5-37 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo, 162-0825, Japan

24

| WAttention Singapore

81-03-5261-2002

info@kagurazaka-shimizu.jp

Sotobori Park ends at the West Exit of JR Iidabashi Station, but this marks the entrance into the Ushigome neighborhood.

During the Edo period, Ushigome Mitsuke used to be one of the roads approaching the gate of the Edo Castle. For security reasons, guardhouses were set up to check on pedestrians crossing the Ushigomebashi Bridge. The other side of the bridge used to be a samurai residence area, can you imagine that?

外濠公園

Sotobori Park Sotobori is the remains of the outer moat of the Edo Castle. Commissioned

by Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty in 1636 as the final construction of the castle. The historic moat is now transformed into a scenic park with a 2 km walking path between JR Yotsuya Station and JR Iidabashi Station. Known for its display of vivid shades of green all year round. A popular spot during the flower viewing season that is not to be missed.

ai L in

e

ne

o Toz

あおもり北彩館

Aomori Hokusaikan

Na ro

e

et M

in oL

yo

ch ku ra

Li

e

L in

JR

Ch

uo

JR

So

bu

ne

Yu

ai

Lin To e k

z To

ro

ro

et

et

M

M

yo

yo

To k

k To

m

bo

UshigomeKagurazaka Station

AREA MAP

Iidabashi Station

ku

To e

L in

e

iO

ed

o

Metr

Li

Tok y o Kagurazaka Station

Scan the QR code for more information about the featured places in Kagurazaka & Kudanshita.

Kudanshita Station L ine juk u Shin Toei t ro e M o Tok y mon L ine o Hanz

Experience the charm of Japan without leaving Tokyo by visiting antenna shops, shops created by prefectural governments to promote local food and crafts. Located in the vicinity of Kagurazaka, Aomori Hokusaikan is the place to sample Aomori’s mouth-watering delicacies and stock up on genuine handicrafts made by traditional artisans. As Aomori is Japan’s top apple-producing prefecture, you can also indulge in the mellow sweetness of 100% natural apple juice.

東京大神宮

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in 1880 to worship Amaterasu, a deity related to the divine origin of the emperor, and other deities enshrined in the Ise Jingu Shrine. Tokyo Daijigu Shrine functions as a yohaiden, or hall for worship from afar in Japanese, for pilgrims who were not able to travel all the way to Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture. As the shrine is the first in Japan to hold a Shinto wedding ceremony, it is especially popular among women wishing to get married. 築土神社

Tsukudo Shrine Walk in the direction of Nigohanzaka from Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and you will come across a rare sight: a western architecture with a cross on it. Built in 1937 as the first seminary for Tokyo Lutheran Center Church, the building’s significance lies in that it is the only western chapel in Japan before World War II. From here, it might be a little bit difficult to spot Tsukudo Shrine, whose entrance is located next to a modern building called Kudan Airex Building. Tucked away from the bustles of the city, the shrine is as cozy as a secret garden. However, as the head of Taira-no-Masakado, a samurai who died in a battle in the Heian period (7941185), is enshrined here, the shrine has quite a few ghost stories to share.

H a n d m a de p i e c e s o f c u l t u r e , encapsu lating the spirit of wabi -sabi

Ja p a n e s e Po t t e ry Sh o p YOULUCK

This Japanese pottery shop features amazing handmade items fired in traditional kilns, available especially in Kagurazaka, an area steeped in classic Japanese atmosphere. These ceramic souvenirs will be your best memories from Japan!

2F, 2-10 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0825, Japan 81-(0)3-6228-1178 uluck.jp/en/ @kagurazakauluck

WAttention Singapore |

25

The Lasting Flavour of Edo’s As one of the most enticing cities for foodies around the world,

The BIG 4

A Sense of Japanese History and

Japan is known for its many delicious foods, and the four main Edo cuisines that have delighted the taste buds of Tokyoites for centuries are soba & unagi and tempura & sushi.

Soba

Soba-kiri: Edo’s first culinary hit

Of the top four culinary superstars which emerged during Japan’s Edo period, soba was the first to grace the table.

Soba is actually the Japanese word for buckwheat, the main ingredient of the popular noodle. Buckwheat grain was introduced into the Japanese diet as early as the Muromachi era (1336 – 1573) in porridge form, however soba-kiri — as noodles made from buckwheat were called — did not start filling mouths until the Edo period. Soba-kiri’s influence was so potent that many traditions revolving around the noodles are still practiced today, including the New Year’s Eve special Toshikoshi-soba. Another carryover from the era when soba ruled the restaurant scene is the sound made by blusterous slurping of noodles by the typically quiet Japanese. In fact, slurping is considered to be the best way to savor the flavor of the traditional Japanese meal, so there’s no need to shy away from noisily gobbling them down.

26

| WAttention Singapore

蕎麦 Where to slurp down great tasting soba:

Kanda Yabu-soba As it celebrates its 140 th anniversary next year, Kanda Yabu-soba continues to serve high-quality buckwheat noodles to hard workers in downtown Tokyo, just as it has since the 1880’s when local craftsmen and laborers’ patronage brought the legendary soba restaurant such great success.

Katsushika Hokusai “Mugei Taishoku”

Culinary Culture Tokyo serves up plenty of delectable dishes.

Culture in Every Bite Unagi

Japanese grilled eel and the history of Kabayaki

Seafood has always been a staple of the Japanese diet thanks to the bountiful ocean that surrounds the island country, and unagi (eel) is no exception. Unagi harvested from freshwater is prepared in a traditional style known as kabayaki which has its roots reaching back all the way to the Genroku period (1688 – 1704). Contrary to the Kansai region’s method, which first slices open the belly of the unagi, in Edo, the process begins by splitting down the back and laying it flat. Skillfully halving the eel this way not only gives it that iconic Japanese look, but it also helps with the cooking process and keeps all that delicious sweet sauce perfectly in place as the light, fluffy slices are skewered, broiled, steamed, flavored, and then finally grilled and flavored again.

Utagawa Hiroshige 1820s

鰻 Where to capture the sweet flavor of Edo-style grill:

Izuei As the oldest eel restaurant in Ueno, Izuei has earned its reputation over the years as being one of the best places to enjoy the taste and aroma of delicious kabayaki and other eel cuisine.

Katsushika Hokusai “Big Eel” 1838

Izuei never uses sugar to create that famous sweet flavor of kabayaki, and instead uses mirin made from the fermentation process of rice to sweeten its sauce. The result is a light, authentically flavored eel dish that looks just as incredible as it tastes.

*There are various theories.

WAttention Singapore |

27

Tempura

Japan’s deep-fried delight

Few food symbols are as iconic as the golden, crispy batter-covered shrimp tempura. The Japanese kanji “tem” in “tempura” uses the character for “heaven”, and the addition of this traditional cuisine to the Japanese menu was certainly a godsend. The heavenly deep-fried seafood ascended along with soba and kabayaki, but the cooking oils used in the deep-frying process meant they had to be cooked and sold in stalls outside due to restrictions from the fire-conscious Shogunate. However, that didn’t stop merchants from setting up shop in crowded squares like Nihonbashi-minamizume to meet the demands of hungry Japanese customers.

In fact, the many tempura stalls mingling with other shops within these Edo period food courts led to anumber of great new ideas and pairings like tempura-soba.

28

| WAttention Singapore

麸 天 羅 Where to sink your teeth into crispy-crunchy deep-fried tempura:

Tempura Sansada Have a delicious tempura meal with a side of history and culture right next the famous Asakusa Sensoji Temple. Since opening in 1837, Tempura Sansada has been frying up delicious treats for over 180 years, making it the oldest tempura restaurant in Japan.

Tsukioka Honen “Mumaso” 1888

Sushi

The evolution of sushi

No conversation about Japanese food can go without mentioning sushi. The popularity of this particular seafood dish has made waves around the world.

As mainstream as sushi is within the global vernacular, you would expect it to be the most consistent throughout the years. However, unlike tempura, which has largely stayed the same, the method of eating raw fish has evolved with each generation starting from the Nara period 1,300 years ago. It may surprise many to learn that “sushi” actually refers to fermented food, not raw fish. There are a number of labels used to describe the different kinds of sushi throughout the years. Nigiri-zushi as we know it today, pink slices of raw fish resting gently on a bed of rice, did not even begin to appear until the 18th century. Before that, raw fish was persevered through fermentation using salt and rice for about a year and was called nare-zushi. *Zushi is the Rendaku pronunciation form of Sushi.

鮨 Where to get your hands on fresh Edomae-zushi:

Kudanshita Sushimasa

Utagawa Kuniyoshi “Takeout Sushi Suggesting Ataka” 1844

Satisfy your appetite for traditional Edomae-zushi at the elegant Sushimasa in Kudanshita. Unlike many typical modern sushi establishments, which prefer a sweeter taste, Sushimasa preserves the flavorfully salty taste of classic Edo sushi rice with its special balance of sugar and salt. Of course, flavor comes from more than just the sum of its ingredients, and here you see how the chef crafts his dishes right at the bar of this cozy Edo-style restaurant.

*There are various theories.

WAttention Singapore |

29

EVENT & INFORMATION | NOV 2019 - JAN 2020

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN JAPAN & SINGAPORE

Japan SG: 23 - 24 Nov 2019 Experience Aomori’s Festivities for 2 Days!

Parade along with the majestic floats and or dance with the Haneto dancers at the Nebuta Matsuri where one goes hand-inhand with frolicking around! The event furnished allows everyone to traditional Aomori's summer scene and experience.

Join the excitement along with the lively event mascot, try on a yukatas similar to the Haneto dancers, or try your luck at scooping some goldfish!

10am-9pm | Guoco Tower Floor B2 Atrium

JAPAN 14 Dec-13 Jan NAGOYA MEETS NEW HISTORY by 1→10 In commemoration of its 2nd founding anniversary, Positive Dream Parsons presents Autumn Festival 2019 “Mai”. Providing an astounding view to the neighbouring Osaka Castke, the Landmark Square Osaka will provide a veer into Japanese culture with taikos, shamisens, various DJs, along with renowned street food such as Osaka-n yakisobas (fried noodles).

6pm-8.30pm Nagoya Castle, Nagoya City yakai.nagoyatv.com/

30

| WAttention Singapore

4 Nov-31 Dec Osaka・Festival of Lights 2019 Head towards the Kansai Region for “Osaka Hikari Kyoen 2019”(Festival of Lights in Osaka) for an assortment of colors, cuisine, culture, crafts, and collaborations! With its [Midosuji Illumination] and [Osaka Hikari Renaissance] as main features, every nook and corner in Osaka will be shrouded in a wintry wonderland. Enjoy various programs such as the Nakanoshima Smile Art project, Osaka City Hall Orchestra Performances, Symphonies, Art of Light ~Projection Mapping~ and many more.

6pm-9pm Various Locations - Osaka City hikari-kyoen.com

1 Nov-31 Dec SHIBUKARU-SAI 2019~ TATAIMA! SHIBUYA~ Shibukaru-sai launched off at its debut stage in PARCO Shibuya (2011) and has garnered attention and collaborations from creators - arts, fashion, music, and performance arts alike. This cultural event sets off with streets of Shibuya as its performance stage; a festival that began and grew in Shibuya, and aims to express its themes .

Enjoy works from young creators and how they see an ever-changing Shibuya through their eyes!

11am-9pm Various locations - Shibuya shibukaru.com

Reviewer

Yonghui NHK WORLD-JAPAN offers free-to-view programs that introduce lesser known sights in Japan as well as informative educational shows. Aside from English, a total of 17 other languages are available, making the programs accessible to people from all around the world.

J-Trip Plan

Relentless traveller and avid taster of food. Loves new experiences and exploring off the beaten path.

Fire and furry – Japan’s diverse and unique experiences

A Stunning Volcano Close Up & Akita Dogs Duration: 28 mins

Being perched on the Ring of Fire, Japan is home to many volcanoes. But while visitors usually flock to Hakone because it’s near Tokyo, the south of Japan is actually where it’s at. The host introduced the Unzen volcanic geopark in Kyushu, where she tried a “foot steamer” using steam from underground geothermal activity and munched on onsen eggs, which have a unique flavour from being cooked by volcanic steam.The culture of Sakurajima island in Kagoshima in particular has been heavily influenced by its proximity to an active volcano. I couldn’t believe that falling volcanic ash is as common as rain there, as the volcano still emits plumes of ash and smoke every day.

Mofu-mofu with adorable Akita in the north and enjoy natural hot springs in the south

Watch this episode now!

Available till 23 Sep 2020

Visitors can tour the island by my favourite way, kayaking. Around the perimeter of the island, you can see cooled down lava structures and even floating rocks made of magma. What’s more, you can relish in the warm water heated by magma deep underground just by digging a hole at one of the island’s black sand beaches. If you’d rather relax in the water, there’s also a special spot where a hydrothermal vent has created a natural hot spring. The hosts also introduced the north of Japan, where the indigenous Akita dog breed is carefully cultivated. We all know the famous Hachiko story, but few know that Hachiko and his owner were from Odate. I’d especially love to visit Odate station as it now has 2 fluffy Akita dogs as honorary station masters, and visitors can pet them to their heart’s content.

Wild Hokkaido!

Enjoy Japow: Tomamu Duration: 15 mins

Tomamu: Not all powder is created equal I’ve never been skiing, but even I know that Hokkaido is famous for its powdery snow. With prime skiing season just around the corner, ski enthusiasts would be glad to know that a premier ski resort is accessible just 2 hours’ from New Chitose airport. The slopes in Tomamu ski resort have dry powdery snow, which are well-maintained due to consistently low temperatures. Stretching across 2 mountains, Tomamu has enough slopes for all level types, with the longest course being up to 4.2km long. A ski tour of the neighbouring Mt Karifuridake by snow tractor is available, where experienced guides will bring visitors to pristine slopes for their personal enjoyment. Complete novices like me can also enjoy Cloud Walk for a view of white forests and the Hidaka mountain range, and even an Ice Village with its own bookstore, bar and skating rink. With a variety of experiences available, Tomamu is the perfect wintery escape.

Shred through Japan’s pristine powdery slopes in Tomamu, just outside Sapporo

Watch this episode now!

Available till 1 Sep 2020

NHK WORLD-JAPAN is the international service of Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK. Get the latest news and updates from Japan on TV, via our free App or on our website.

TV

Singtel: Ch 157 StarHub: Ch 812

APP

PC App Store

Google Play

WAttention Singapore |

31