WAttention Australia Vol.08

Australia Edition

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TA K E FREE Autumn 2019 VOL.08

IBARAKI A Land of Charm

THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima

Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

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Why “WAttention”?

VOL.08

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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In Harmony with the Seasons

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IBARAKI: A Land of Charm The Japan beyond Hiroshima Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Publisher

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Editorial & Design WAttention Editorial Team Japan & Singapore

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Cover Photo

Top: Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine, Ibaraki Bottom left to right: Matsue Castle (Shimane), Kurashiki (Okayama) & Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima) 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

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暦 Koyomi End March to

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

Early April

Che r r y Blossom Vie wing お花見

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

In Japan, there are not only four seasons, but 24 solar terms within the seasons.

Just around the Seimei solar term, or when the sakura starts to bloom, is when the whole of Japanese societ y seems to spring forth to a new start. As both the new school term and new work year starts from April, ceremonies that mark the end of one chapter and the start of the next such as graduation and matriculation are held in March and April respectively.

It is said that cherr y blossom viewing used to be a sign of respect and prayer for ancestors. Through this prayer for ancestors, a line is drawn between past and present, and one can stride forth into the future. This is a way of parting with one’s past and taking a first step into a new future.

best hopes for these employees of f to a new start in their lives. While the form is dif ferent, the spirit remains the same as times past.

Up till today, many Japanese corporations welcome their new employees at cherr y blossom viewing parties, as a ceremony conveying their

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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A quiet prefecture with abundant nature, Ibaraki has incredibly well-preserved historical landmarks to distinguish it from neighboring prefectures. Peaceful streets conceal the diligent activity of craftsmen at the heart of this picturesque prefecture; the smoky air filled with the distant sounds of banging hammers from artists hard at work.

Ibaraki a Land of Charm

Explore the easily accessible Japanese prefecture of Ibaraki, a beautiful land full of history and nature.

Signpost in the starting point of the Tsukuba-michi Road. ▶ It’s about 4km (2.5 mile) stretch to Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine.

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Lake Kasumigaura

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Statue of the last Shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa and his father Nariaki Tokugawa: Kairakuen Garden

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Alluring Traditional Crafts and the Learning Spirit of the Last Samurai Yuki/Kasama/Mito At Fukuda Pottery Works in Kasama you can try your hand at creating the beautiful pottery that made the city famous and learn the importance of a true craftsman’s patience from Katsuyuki Fukuda, a sixth-generation master of the art. You can find out even more about Kasama’s popular traditional craft through a hands-on experience at Craft Hills Kasama.

Watch as messy lumps of clay transform into one-of-a-kind creations through entertaining classes led by expert artists.

When in Kasama, one shouldn’t miss the Kasama Inari Jinja, one of the top 3 Inari shrines in Japan and dating back to 651.

Some of the key features are its many stone fox sculptures and the beautiful, purple, 400-year-old twin wisteria trees which bloom in early May. Persistence and devotion are apparent in all the impeccable traditional handmade crafts that come from Ibaraki, like the modest-yet-elegant silk called Yuki-Tsumugi, carefully made in the historic town of Yuki. Tsumugi-no-Yakata offers a hands-on experience, so you can learn about the traditional weaving and dying techniques the people of Yuki used centuries before. The spirit of old Yuki is woven deep into the city as the traditional Edo period streets act like thread linking the past and the present. As you pass by the Buyu Sake Brewery and other surviving misegura from the early 17th century, it ’s easy to imagine what the lively streets of Yuki were like years ago.

Ibaraki’s disciplined culture of hard work and the samurai spirit also extend to academics. Mornings in the prefecture’s capital, Mito, are alive with eager students rushing to school ready to learn — a tradition lingering from the renowned Kodokan, Japan’s largest Han (Domain) school. These Edo institutions were established to educate the children of powerful feudal lords and their retainers. From its founding in 1841 by Nariaki

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Tokugawa (9 th Lord of Mito), until 1872, just after the Meiji Restoration, young nobles and samurai, among who Nariaki’s son and later the last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, studied medicine, mathematics, martial arts, and more. This important Cultural Proper t y is now a tes t ament to the ac ademic endeavors of these last samurai and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the commander and hence the top samurai. The ruins of the old town’s historic castle, gardens, and residences — many still bearing the famous Tokugawa triple-hollyhock family crest — inspire a deeper exploration into Japan’s exciting history.

Just as important as hard work is relaxation. That is why Nariaki Tokugawa also established the historic Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three garden landscapes, in Mito. Out of admiration for the utility of the fruit, he planted many plum trees on the premises. Now it is home to nearly 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties. To celebrate the blossoms, the annual Mito Plum Festival is held from mid-February to early March.

The best place to view the breathtaking landscape is from the stunning Kobuntei, one of Nariaki Tokugawa’s residences.

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Fukuda Pottery Works

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Buyu Sake Brewery

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Tsumugi-no-Yakata

Kairakuen Garden/Kobuntei

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Kodokan

Kimuraya-Honten This long history store now run by its sixth owner, puts Mito’s numerous plum trees to good use by creating delightful artisan desserts like Mito-no-ume, which are almost too adorable to eat. The sweet plum flavor is simply irresistible. Nariaki Tokugawa would be proud.

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7 Tanukian Tsutaya With over 142 years perfecting its craft, this restaurant creates delicious Soba Inari — sweet deep-fried tofu wrapped around Japanese noodles.

This delicacy is closely connected to Inari shrines and its fox messengers, as there is a belief that they love eating deep-fried tofu.

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Modern Technology and Japanese Nature in Ibaraki Tsukuba Science City/Mt. Tsukuba/Kasumigaura On the more modern side of Ibaraki, the studious city of Tsukuba has become influential in the world of science and technology. Like the young samurai before them at Kodokan, the children of Ibaraki are hungry for knowledge, and the Tsukuba Expo Center provides a fun place to learn through its dazzling planetarium, full-scale 50-meter-tall (164 ft) model rocket, and various exciting hands-on exhibits.

Though the world is separated by many countries and cultures, the pursuit of science seems to always bring people together. That is especially true for the Japanese space program which contributed greatly to the International Space Station with the addition of the Japanese Experiment Module, the largest single component of the ISS. At Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA) in Tsukuba, models of the satellites, modules, asteroid explorers, and rockets being used to launch Japan into the future are on full display. Reignite your passion for science and exploration as you learn about space at JAXA. Back on Earth, among the flat farmlands and grand lakes of Ibaraki, rugged mountains also found their place — the most notable being Mt . Tsukuba nick named “ Shiho ” or “ Pur ple Peak ” for i t s color f ul transformations in the morning and evening. The sacred mountain covered in v ibrant fores t s is Ibaraki ’s top location for hiking and relaxation. Many natural hot springs ONSEN bubbling up around Mt. Tsukuba welcome climbers after an active day of sightseeing.

Amidst such awe-inspiring nature, Ibaraki overflows with spirituality.

Today Jap ane s e p e ople s t ill make t he pilg r image up t he ancient Tsukuba-michi road to one of the Kanto region’s most famous shrines, Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine, to visit the cultural site and the mountain’s many sacred power spots like the impressive “Osugi”, an enormous, centuries-old cedar tree. The mountainside shrine highlights the age-old culture of Ibaraki with its various religious structures decorated with intricate wood carvings. There are also shrines located of Mt. Tsukuba’s two peaks, Nantaisan and Nyotaisan, which reach up to 877 meters (2,877 ft). Both are accessible by cable car and ropeway to hikers who want to experience Ibaraki’s nature and look out over the city below.

Ibaraki promotes its luscious greenery and landscapes by making it a central part of many fun-filled activities. At Forest Adventure Tsukuba, test your balance and bravery by climbing around their thrilling courses among the leaves. Great attention is put into cultivating a beautiful natural environment to maximize the experience throughout Japan’s changing seasons. You can also appreciate Ibaraki’s natural scenery while getting some great exercise by renting a bicycle and riding along the Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road. These former railroad tracks now take cyclists on a journey around Lake Kasumigaura, Japan’s second largest lake, and the surrounding area through grassy fields, shaded tunnels of leafy trees, old Edo towns, and more.

As one of Japan’s most important bread-baskets, Ibaraki is a fantastic place to pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Fukuda Green Farm is full of juicy produce, such as pears and persimmons, ready to be gathered and eaten among friends and family. Moreover, Kasumigaura area is the best of blueberry production in Japan. Thanks to Ibaraki’s fer tile farmland, the prefecture has gained a reputation for having delicious food. You can easily find tast y, fresh-from-the-oven bread f ro m l o c a l b a ke r ie s like M o r ge n in Ts uk ub a , a to w n f a m o u s f o r mouth-watering bread and pastries. For meat-lovers, Hitachi gyu’s high grade beef is tender and rich in fl avor.

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Tsukuba Expo Center

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Onsen in Mt. Tsukuba area

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Forest Adventure Tsukuba

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The top of Mt. Tsukuba

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Superb Ocean Views

And More

Ibaraki’s eastern coast is lined with fantastic ocean views from beautiful beaches like Oarai which is mostly known for its iconic seaside Shinto shrine.

The powerful silhouetted structure against the horizon creates spectacular sunrise views. On the coast, there is also the stunning hexagonal observation building Izura Rokkakudo designed by legendary architect Tenshin Okakura who founded the Japan Art Institute and Tokyo Fine Arts School and wrote “The Book of Tea” published in the USA, like it was pulled directly from an old Japanese painting, Izura Rokkakudo quietly looks out over the ocean from the cliffs of northern Ibaraki as powerful waves crash against the rocks.

Ibaraki is proud of its cultural heritage and incredible nature sprawling across the whole prefecture, and there is a lot to love. Witness the dreamlike ocean views of Oarai lsosaki-jinja Shrine as waves from the Pacific Ocean crash into the Shinto Gate of the Seashore God, “Kamiiso-no-torii”, spraying a cool, refreshing mist into the air. Take a relaxing hike through the mountains under the crimson autumn leaves to thundering waterfalls and stunning panoramic views.

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Seasonal Festivities Watch the seasons come to life in spring, summer, and fall as colorful flowers bloom across Ibaraki.

One of the 34 most beautiful places in all of Japan, according to CNN, Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki offers a number of outdoor activities among the unique pom-pom-like kochia plants. In addition, Suigo Itako presents Japanese culture through traditional dances and various festivals in early summer.

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to visit...

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Superb Mountain Views

From the seaside to the mountaintops and the fertile farmland in between, Ibaraki off ers a number of attractive sites and activities without the massive lines and crowds. It is also conveniently located near Narita International Airport making it a great first destination after arriving. In Ibaraki, there are a variety of ways to experience the beauty and culture of Japan for all kinds of people from all over the world.

Listed as one of the 3 most famous waterfalls in Japan, the multi-layered cascade of thundering water at Fukuroda Falls does not disappoint. Witness its beauty year-round as the seasons change. For more excitement, you can take a thrilling dive right into Ibaraki’s beautiful mountain scenery from one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan, Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, 375 meters (1,230 ft) above the gorge.

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IBARAKI sense: a place to touch Ibaraki in Tokyo IBAR AKI sense is a shop that gathers the best that the prefecture has to offer all in one place in the luxurious Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. Even the design of the shop reflects the charm of Ibaraki through their use of materials, like warm natural wood and stone found in the region, and each corner represents a unique region of the rich Ibaraki prefecture.

Explore Japanese Shrines As the largest and oldest Shinto shrine in the Kanto region, Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, located in the center of Kashima city holds a lot of history and cultural significance.

Even the Imperial Envoys have come to Kashima over the years to visit. This shrine dedicated to the deity of martial arts holds Japan’s oldest and largest straight sword.

1 Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine

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6 Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge 7 Bungee Jump at the Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge

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Hours: Shop & Cafe/ 10:30am - 8pm, Restaurant/ 11am - 11pm (- 9pm Sun & Holiday) Address: 1-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Access: 6-min from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro) on foot or 3-min from Yurakucho Station (JR) on foot

IBARAKI NAVI Ibaraki Prefectural Tourism & Local Products Association

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THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima: Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Hiroshima reminds us of the horror of war, but also of the hope of peace, rebirth and rebuilding. Moreover, Hiroshima and the surrounding areas like Okayama, Hyogo and Shimane prefecture have to offer so much more than that. History and culture have their roots in ancient times, with sacred shrines being places of worship for more than a millennium and some medieval castles still standing strong.

HIROSHIMA – OF PEACE AND HOPE Hiroshima City today feels like the embodiment of calm. A central spot in the city is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, an architectural masterpiece by Kenzo Tange, and the stark and haunting Genbaku Dome, the only structure left standing after the atomic bomb.

Both are there to symbolize war and destruction, as well as peace and rebuilding. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park's solemn silence is often broken by the sounds of the Peace Bell that anyone can ring. In summer, the lotus flowers in the park bloom.

In fact, the whole city of Hiroshima has been steeped in hope of peace, as expressed through the many symbols of harmony in the area. However, you may not realize their significance if you don’t know the history. One such example is the Mitaki temple and its

Stairways to heavenly views : Hiroshima

O n e M o re

Just a step from Hiroshima, the scenic and serene town of Onomichi overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, with great views from its many slopes and stairways. Onomichi can be a pilgrimage for both temple-lovers and film buffs, since it has many wellpreserved temples and it has been the backdrop for over 43 Japanese movies. Furthermore, many writers have stayed and written here. 60min by train from Hiroshima 10

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16-century pagoda which is actually a donation from Wakayama Prefecture. Today, this temple is one of the most scenic spiritual spots in Hiroshima. The rest of Japan and the world helped Hiroshima with various donations, even with trees for replanting, so you might be passing an old tree that is actually a 60-yearold gesture of the world’s solidarity.

In 19 4 6 , from the scorched ear th in Hiroshima , oleanders bloomed and camphor trees sprouted branches. This resilient city itself blossomed as a symbol of peace.

Ste p

TWO IMPORTANT SHRINES WORTHY OF WORSHIP

Japan Sea

Matsue Castle Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

Hyogo Iwami Ginzan ken Okayama ken Shimane ken Himeji Castle Hiroshima ken Okayama Kurashiki Castle Itsukushima Onomichi Shrine Seto Inland Sea

Itsukushima Shrine: Hiroshima The Floating Shrine A giant red Torii gate that appears to be floating near the sacred island of Miyajima is one of the most iconic views of Japan. In fact, the whole Itsukushima shrine complex is built on pillars to seem as if it was floating during high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nearly a millennium and a half old, and Miyajima island itself has been worshiped as a deity, so no wonder this place has a solemn and almost ethereal atmosphere. Believe it or not, no births or deaths are permitted on the holy island and there have been none for almost 2 centuries!

Inside the Itsukushima shrine complex, the Main Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto god. Another attraction is the Noh theater stage, the only one built on water. Noh is the oldest surviving form of theater in the world and even today, there are performances in Itsukushima shrine in a few times in a year.

Approaching Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine by first passing under the vermilion floating Torii is how the earliest worshipers would have reached the sacred site, and today you can still follow in their wake on a short boat ride. While there, take time to explore the many corridors and corners of the shrine complex that have been built over the years, as the shrine and its devotees grew and grew.

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine: Shimane Where Gods Meet Izumo Taisha is one of the most venerated shinto shrines in Japan - magnificent, imposing and long-standing. It is one of the oldest shrines and currently the tallest Shinto place of worship. There are even legends that in the past it used to be double the size! For all these superlatives and much more, the Izumo Taisha alone is worth the visit to Shimane prefecture, just a couple of hours from Hiroshima.

Fall for sacred dances

Undeniably the oldest in Japan, this outstanding shrine is at least 13 centuries old, according to ancient records, and possibly even older. Renovated roughly every 60 years as is tradition, the Izumo Taisha rests among the tranquility of nature, itself worshiping nature and borrowing a lot from it – from its timber to the massive shimenawa straw ropes. The serenity is occasionally pierced by solemn drums and flutes – an atmosphere befitting the sacredness of the shrine that plays a central role in Japan's creation myth.

Be sure to visit Izumo Taisha, the meeting place of all the kami (gods) once a year, according to Shinto myths. A month of gods, and a month without gods in the rest of Japan. And a shrine worth a visit in any month of the year.

Iwami Ginzan (Ancient Silver Mine) – in Shimane Now a UNESCO World Herit age site, this mine was an important producer of high-quality silver for four centuries.

Tucked away in lush greenery, it has coexisted with nature because ever since it was opened, people have taken great care to preserve the forest around it. You can explore the mining tunnels inside and the mining ep O ne M or e St towns that sprang up around it.

70min by bus from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

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THREE CASTLES (WHITE, BLACK AND GREEN) THE CROW, THE HERON AND THE TEA LEAF

The Black Elegance of Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden The black Okayama castle, nicknamed Ujo or 'Crow Castle', rises behind Korakuen Garden, one of the top three most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. The Crow Castle’s elegant, black walls ornamented with gold were reconstructed in 1966 after the structure was burned to the ground during WWII. However, two watch towers have survived in their original form which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. After marveling at this classic castle from the outside, you can enter and study the many exhibitions of historical artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as making traditional Bizen pottery and dressing up as a feudal lord or princess.

Climbing to the top of the castle rewards you with a commanding view of Okayama.

Come and see the black Crow Castle and immerse yourself in its history!

When you’re finished exploring the castle, be sure to spend some time strolling through the 300-year-old Korakuen Garden. The grounds feature a number of scenic spots and tranquil teahouses where you can relax and soak in the views.

The White Heron Beauty: Himeji Castle in Hyogo Perched atop a hill, this White Heron castle has been nicknamed so because of its blinding white exterior. One of only 12 original castles across Japan whose main keep have avoided destruction, Himeji castle has had a number of close calls.

In the Meiji period, when symbols of feudal Japan were being destroyed, Himeji castle was sold and slated for a demolition that never happened; in WW2 a bomb falling nearby failed to explode, and it withstood the Hanshin earthquake of 1995.

The white Beauty is surrounded by lush nature that changes with the seasons.

Initially constructed to hamper approaching enemies, the complex keep gives you time to enjoy the wonderful views as you wander towards the castle. The 4 centuries old Himeji castle is now UNESCO World Heritage site, a national treasure and considered the most well-preserved castle in Japan. It’s no wonder it is also the most visited castle in Japan.

The Green Legacy of Matsue Castle in Shimane Another original castle left in Japan, Matsue castle and the small castle town of the same name are gems of unbroken history. The castle is surrounded by water-filled moats and intertwining canals. In fact, the whole city of Matsue borders lake Shinji, Nakaumi Lagoon and the Sea of Japan, hence earning the nicknames “City of Water” and “Venice of Japan”.

With names like that, blue might be the first color you imagine when trying to picture Matsue Castle in your mind. However, the main color associated with this castle is actually green. Matsue is one of the top three major Japanese centers for tea ceremony and traditional sweets, along with Kyoto and Kanazawa. The little town consumes 5 times more green tea than the national average and they have been promoting tea culture for more then four centuries. The streets are dotted with traditional tea-houses, while the Matsue Castle itself is where the annual Grand Tea Ceremony is hosted.

Enjoy their unique Fumai-style tea ceremony and take a serene gentle boat ride, to truly experience the City of Water and Green Tea.

Kurashiki – Preserved Historical Charm :Okayama Willow trees and white-walled warehouses line the Kurashiki River in the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical area. This town has frozen in time the charm of Edo, Meiji and Taisho periods, retaining its authentic architecture. Kurashiki is home to many museums, one of the most renowned being Ohara Museum of Art. A popular activity is taking a scenic boat ride down the river. 20min by train from Okayama 12

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O ne M or e St

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Specialties of this Area

Both the sea and the land here yield delicious food, exper tly enhanced by unique local recipes. Learn what to eat and even how to make it! Try your hand at traditions that were perfected early in Japan’s history by devoted craftsmen.

Food

Activity

Oysters: Hiroshima

Fruit Picking: Okayama

The people of Hiroshima have been perfecting oyster

Forget "farm to table", picking fruit and eating it on

farming since about 450 years ago. And today they

the spot is as fresh as it gets. Due to its mild climate,

continue the tradition by producing about two third all

Okayama is home to high quality fragrant fruits like

of Japan's oysters. This popular seafood can be enjoyed

peaches, pears, strawberries and grapes, earning the

raw and variety of flavors on Hiroshima Oyster Road – a

nickname "Fruit Kingdom". There are various fruit

string of shops on the coast of Seto Inland Sea.

picking tours to "pick" from, depending on the season.

Bara-Zushi (Scattered Sushi): Okayama

Shimanami Kaido Cycling : Hiroshima

Bara-zushi literally means “scattered sushi” and it is

T he Shimanami K aido is a scenic c ycling rou te

an Okayama specialty that can be described as “sushi

connecting Shikoku and Honshu islands, two of the

salad”. Various fish and vegetables are mixed with

four main Japanese islands. Along the route there are

rice to make a colorful and hearty dish. Bara-zushi is

charming villages and several impressive bridges, so

popular at festivals and celebrations.

you can take your time and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Izumo Soba Noodle: Shimane The Izumo buckwheat flour noodles are among the top 3 best soba noodles in Japan. Here, they are eaten in the “warigo” style which is a stack of three lunch boxes with soup poured over the noodles instead of having to dip them.

A “best of the best” sake: Himeji Being the birthplace of "Yamada Nishiki", the best sake rice, Harima is a thriving sake-making town. In this area you can visit breweries and taste fresh sake.

Zen experience at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple: Himeji This temple appeared in the movie “The Last Samurai”, but it has been always a famous spiritual spot. One of the 33 stops on the Kannon pilgrimage in Saikoku, the Shoshazan Engyoji Temple is over a millennium old.

Here, you can do a temple-stay, have a zen-meditation lesson or try copying Buddhist sutras.

“Yamada Nishiki” grown in Hyogo prefecture, where

Adachi Museum of Art: The best Japanese Garden: Shimane

the best Yamada Nishiki comes from.

The Adachi Museum of Art houses a complex of six

The “best of the best” sake would be sake made from

exquisite Japanese gardens with tea houses. From a dry

Traditional Crafts

landscape garden and moss garden, to a pond garden and waterfall, these scenes are so breathtakingly beautiful that they have been called “living Japanese painting”.

Japanese White Leather Craft: Himeji Japanese white leather craft is a traditional products w ith a long in his tor y in Himeji. Bec ause of it s

from Shin-Osaka Station

light weight and durability, it used to be applied to

To Himeji Station

Japanese armor. Today, however, this handmade

To Okayama Station

specialty of Himeji made by graining, embossing and

To Hiroshima Station 1hr 30 min 50 min To Izumo Airport (Shimane)

painting is mostly used in decorative products.

from Tokyo Station

29 min

To Himeji Station

45 min

Shinkansen

Sekishu Washi Paper Making: Shimane Sekishu Washi is a special type of handmade Japanese paper from Western Shimane. The millennium-and-ahalf-old traditional method of creating this craft has been perfectly preserved, and it has been declared

Himeji

3hr 10 min

To Hiroshima Station 3hr 56 min 1hr 25 min To Izumo Airport (Shimane) Airplane

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Okayama Hiroshima Shimane

3hr 03 min

To Okayama Station

ht tps: // w w w.okayama - japan.jp/en / ht tp: // v isithiroshima.net / ht tp: // w w w.kankou -shimane.com /en /

an Intangible Cultural Property.

Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword : Okayama One of the most famous sword-forging towns, Osafune, houses a Japanese sword museum with many katanas on display, as well as seasonal exhibitions that combine swords with anime and games. You can also observe the sword-making process as the masters hammer the heated blades.

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