WAttention Malaysia Vol. 28

Malaysia Edition

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

TA K E FREE

Spring 2019 VOL.28

PP18029/03/2013 (033318)

THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima:

Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Springtime adventure in

Hokkaido

Kyoto’s

Incredible Hidden Gem Places

Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

Photography Tips

Tips to light up your

Night Photography Meet the Canon EOS R camera that comes built with a revolutionary mount system for high-performance capture and a full-frame 30.3-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Made to deliver stunning photos and videos in different environments, the amazing RF mount combines speed, durability and flexibility for perfection in every shot.

Chase the light wherever you go The lack of light is a huge challenge of night photography; simply keep an eye out for interesting light sources including neon lights from signs, streetlamps, which you can use to your advantage.

Use the right lens For night photography, you may want to try using a wide-angle lens that captures more of the scene so the image looks more dynamic. Using a mount adapter, try out the EF35mm f/1.4L II USM lens as it is a prime lens with a large aperture which allows more light to enter. Don’t forget to use a lens hood as this can help to reduce the amount of lens flare from outside your frame.

Turn it up with props Experiment with shiny surfaces that help to reflect surrounding light; try placing the item in various angles to achieve the best effect on your subject’s face. Make use of the EOS R’s Vari-angle LCD monitor so shooting from different angles becomes way easier too!

Keep things stable with a tripod Looking to snap a shot of stars in the night sky? Besides finding a spot far from light pollution, a sturdy, well-built

Photo by Joseph Mak

tripod is your best friend. This helps to keep your camera steady during the long exposure time needed to capture a sharp, clean image.

Practice, practice and practice Simply head out and have tons of fun experimenting with your

Adapted from Canon Snapshot, your one-stop photography portal snapshot.canon-asia.com/ Photos taken using Canon EOS R

camera! Play around with composition, try different angles and keep a lookout for unusual sources of light to complement your subject.

暦 Koyomi 17 APR ~ 5 MAY

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

春土用

Har u no Doyo

Tr a d i t i o n a l D a y s o f S p r i n g

Tea and sweets made of ingredients that moisturize the skin and quench thirst—perfect for Haru no Doyo. 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

Doyo days occur four times a year and refers to the 18 days before a season changes. In springtime, people are believed susceptible to colds during the doyo period, with liver functions weakening and unbalanced conditions in both mind and body, based on the belief that the God of the earth gains power and takes as he 4

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pleases from the pleasant weather.

People used to believe that the deity stayed near the kitchen stove, and that it would be angered by unnecessary flashes of sharp objects and prompt body chills and ill health.

So the wisdom of the people of days past teaches us not to become careless before

the coming of summer, regardless of how warm the weather may be, and to keep the body warm and to replenish it with fluids.

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.

VOL.28

START YOUR SPRING JOURNEY IN JAPAN 04

In Harmony with the Seasons

06

The Japan Beyond Hiroshima Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

11

Jumpstart your spectacular springtime adventure in Hokkaido by resort-hopping in Sapporo!

Publisher

Shuji Ozawa FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd 100.02.043, 129 Offices, Block J, Jaya One. No.72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia Tel: +603 9544 3938 E-mail: yasui@flp-yomiko.com

Editor in Chief Kunio Yasui

Japan & Singapore Editorial Team Naoki Kiyota / Chew Yan Qiao Yuka Suzuki / Kenji Ishida

Photographer

Hajime Watanabe

Partners 14

Kyoto’s Incredible Hidden Gem Places on the edges of Kyoto

16

NHK World JAPAN video on demand review

WAttention Co., Ltd, WAon Pte Ltd

Cover Photo Advertising inquiry in Malaysia

Aim Nat ................. Graphic Designer Alden Chong ........ Graphic Designer Ken Chin ................ Co-ordinator

Japan Representive

Tel: +81-3-6418-5701 Fax: +81-3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

On my watchlist

WAttention is a publication of FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd. 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 FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 100.02.043, 129 Offices, Block J, Jaya One., No.72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia, e-mail: yasui@flp-yomiko.com WAttention is published quarterly and distributed throughout Malaysia.

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THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima: Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Hiroshima serves as a reminder of the horror of war, but more than anything, it is a symbol 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.

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-year-old gesture of the world’s solidarity.

In 1946, from the scorched earth in Hiroshima, oleanders bloomed and camphor trees sprouted branches. This resilient city itself blossomed as a symbol of peace.

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 realise 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 well-preserved 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 6

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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 thousand 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 two centuries!

Inside the Itsukushima shrine complex, the Main Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto god. Another attraction is the Noh theatre stage, the only one built on water. Noh is the oldest surviving form of theatre 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 continued to grow.

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 Heritage 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 towns that sprang up around it. ep O ne M or e St 70min by bus from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine WAttention Los Angles |

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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 400-year-old Himeji castle is now UNESCO World Heritage site, a national treasure and considered the most wellpreserved 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 colour you imagine when trying to picture Matsue Castle in your mind. However, the main colour associated with this castle is actually green. Matsue is one of the top three major Japanese centres 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

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ep

Specialties of this Area

Both the sea and the land here yield delicious food, expertly 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 farming since about 450 years ago. And today they continue the tradition by producing about two third all of Japan's oysters. This popular seafood can be enjoyed raw and variety of flavours on Hiroshima Oyster Road – a string of shops on the coast of Seto Inland Sea.

Forget "farm to table", picking fruit and eating it on the spot is as fresh as it gets. Due to its mild climate, Okayama is home to high quality fragrant fruits like peaches, pears, strawberries and grapes, earning the nickname "Fruit Kingdom". There are various fruit picking tours to "pick" from, depending on the season.

Bara-Zushi (Scattered Sushi): Okayama Bara-zushi literally means “scattered sushi” and it is an Okayama specialty that can be described as “sushi salad”. Various fish and vegetables are mixed with rice to make a colourful and hearty dish. Bara-zushi is popular at festivals and celebrations.

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.

The “best of the best” sake would be sake made from “Yamada Nishiki” grown in Hyogo prefecture, where the best Yamada Nishiki comes from.

Traditional Crafts Japanese White Leather Craft: Himeji Japanese white leather craft is a traditional products with a long in history in Himeji. Because of its light weight and durability, it used to be applied to Japanese armor. Today, however, this handmade specialty of Himeji made by graining, embossing and painting is mostly used in decorative products.

Shimanami Kaido Cycling : Hiroshima The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycling route connecting Shikoku and Honshu islands, two of the four main Japanese islands. Along the route there are charming villages and several impressive bridges, so you can take your time and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

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.

Adachi Museum of Art: The best Japanese Garden: Shimane The Adachi Museum of Art houses a complex of six exquisite Japanese gardens with tea houses. From a dry 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”. from Shin-Osaka Station

from Tokyo Station

To Himeji Station

To Himeji Station

To Okayama Station To Hiroshima Station

45 min 1hr 30 min

To Izumo Airport (Shimane)

3hr 03 min

To Okayama Station To Hiroshima Station

3hr 10 min 3hr 56 min

50 min To Izumo Airport (Shimane) Shinkansen

Sekishu Washi Paper Making: Shimane Sekishu Washi is a special type of handmade Japanese paper from Western Shimane. The thousand-yearold traditional method of creating this craft has been perfectly preserved, and it has been declared an Intangible Cultural Property.

29 min

1hr 25 min

Airplane

Himeji

www.himeji-kanko.jp.e.adl.hp.transer.com/

Okayama

www.okayama-japan.jp/en/

Hiroshima

visithiroshima.net/

Shimane

www.kankou-shimane.com/en/

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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Tax Free

1

2

Happy Coupon

Get your tax-free procedure done at any of the 37 tax-

Scan this QR code for a

free counters, open from 10am to 8pm daily. Simply

5% discount coupon

flash your passport and receipt to receive your tax refund, valid for same-day purchases only.

*Applies to selected items only.

AEON Hokkaido

Your one-stop department store! treats t e e o y sw okkaid

From seasonal foods to local delights, healthcare and beauty products, AEON Hokkaido offers a wide selection to fit your every need.

Must-tr EON H from A

Asahi Perfect Collagen 3,218 yen

Meiji Amino Collagen 2,550 yen

KitKat 300 yen

SENKA face wash 537 yen

Pure Gummy 118 yen

od l o G ea d

3

Saviour the flavours of Hokkaido at the various restaurants and food court.

Free Wi-Fi

od l o G ea d

4

40 stores

all over Hokkaido

Wi-Fi connection is available at 12 branches of AEON Hokkaido

Check our website for more info

http://welcome-aeon-hokkaido.jp/en/

Jump start your

spectacular springtime adventure

Hokkaido by resort-hopping in Sapporo! in

Revel in scenic sights and indulge in exhilarating activities

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Kiroro Resort

Niseko Ski Resort

Rusutsu Resort

Lake Shikotsu

Sapporo City

Northern Horse Park

New Chitose Airport

Worried about the harsh temperatures of winter

the powdery snow remains even as temperatures

but still want to soak in the sights of snowy

start to climb. With spring approaching,

landscapes in beautiful Hokkaido? If you time it

attractions and local businesses begin readying

just right, you could be the lucky person enjoying

their venues for the new season, so it crucial to

fun-filled snow activities in a milder, more

check every establishment’s operating hours.

comfortable climate. As Japan’s northernmost

Check out our list of the best places to get your fill

prefecture sheds its icy coat in mid-April, much of

of both winter and spring!

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Day trip ノーザンホースパーク

Northern Horse Park Unbridled joy and scenic parklands await you here A 50-hectare-large horse-themed nature park located a short 15 minutes away from New Chitose Airport, you can pick from activities such as horse riding, snowmobile and horse sleighing while the young ones can enjoy petting the horses or be entertained by the enchanting “Happy Pony Show”.

114-7 Misawa, Tomakomai-shi, Hokkaido 059-1361 +81-144-58-2116 northern-horsepark.jp/ language/eng/

札幌国際スキー場

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Your all-in-one holiday wonderland Easily accessible from the heart of Sapporo City, skiers of all levels including beginners can look forward to plenty of powder snow and a mix of different terrains to keep things interesting. The resort also has a brand new “snow escalator” built especially to help learners move up and down the slope with ease.

キロロリゾート

Kiroro Resort Endless amounts of fun in the sun With 22 runs, this well-established resort is a powder paradise for skiers and an activities heaven for families and young adults. For those who prefer something less strenuous, there are activities such as snow segway, snow banana boat and snow forest tours, while kids can spend time in the snow park that features sledding and tubing. An indoor facility with different games are also available for all ages.

支笏湖

Lake Shikotsu Treat yourself to an unforgettable view of Mt. Eniwa

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1 & 7 respec k websitse c he p da te se c u Plea official for

128-1 AzaTokiwa, Akaigawamura, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido 046-0593 +81-135-34-7118 kiroro.co.jp

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1 Apr ’ Mid

The resort also offers two Marriott brand hotels, Sheraton Hokkaido and The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido.

Besides picturesque views of the surrounding area, foodies can also look forward to seasonal seafood delights served at Kiroro’s restaurants, including herring, amaebi (甘エビ, spot prawns) and many more.

One of the most prominent geographic features within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this caldera lake is surrounded by mountains that reflect upon its waters on clear days. Come spring 2019, the area will host the 43 th Lake Shikotsu Opening Festival, during which restaurants, sightseeing ferries and hot springs will offer special discounts to visitors!

Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido 066-0281 1000sai-chitose.or.jp/en/course/course02.html 12

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Guests staying at the resort can venture out to the nearby Otaru Port City and bask in the romantic atmosphere or shop to their heart’s content.

ri ob o r Ko i n n f o T h e t w ill r u r ting a eveneek s s t 3w ’19

pr 13 A

Jozankei 937, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 061-2301 +81-11-598-4511 sapporo-kokusai.jp/en

Unwind in the soothing waters of Jozankei Onsen and starting mid-April, catch sight of around 400 vibrant koinobori (鯉のぼり, carp streamers) hung up decoratively around the hot spring town.

ルスツリゾート

Rusutsu Resort Bask in the arms of the great outdoors Spread over three mountains, this award-winning resort has 37 courses, including tree skiing, suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. As spring approaches, guests can look forward to kicking it outdoors with activities such as nature tours, canoeing, and even fishing starting from mid spring 2019!

13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711 +81-136-46-3111 hokkaido-rusutsu. com/en-gb

rt Re s o u t su until s u R n op e w ill

Mid 19 Apr ’

This family friendly resort comes complete with an antique merry-go-round, a wave pool, a games arcade and even a kid’s snow park where young ones can try snow tubing!

Two days one night ニセコ リゾート エリア

Niseko Resort Area Japan’s favourite all-season mountain resort Renowned for its quality powder snow and world-class facilities, the ski town is roughly divided into six areas and is the ideal choice for skiers looking to challenge their limits.

Slated to stay open until early May, visitors can also try rafting when the snow begins melting at the end of the ski season.

Voted one of the top 10 resorts in the world in 2018 by Forbe’s Travelers, Niseko also provides breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei, a stratovolcano that bears a striking resemblance to Mt. Fuji.

now ko S Ni s e r t w ill Re s o until n op e 19

y’ 6 Ma

Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1592 +81-136-44-2211 niseko.ne.jp/en WAttention Los Angles |

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Reviewer

YW Lam

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 eight other languages are available, making the programs accessible to people from all around the world.

TOKYO EYE 2020

The Imperial Palace and More Duration: 28 mins

Currently based in the Golden State of California, YW holds a double degree in Journalism and Public Relations and has been active as an editor/copywriter for three years. Her favourite destinations in Japan include Hakodate (Hokkaido), Kobe (Hyogo) and Kamikochi (Nagano).

Explore the striking grounds of Japan’s impressive Imperial Palace TOKYO EYE 2020 showcases multiple facades of the world’s most exciting metropolis.

Set to host the 2020 Olympics, the program introduces the freshest trends, events and hidden attractions of Tokyo.

Kicking off with a short introduction to the geographical aspects of the Imperial Palace, we also learn some historical facts about the place. Home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress, we’re brought on a special guided tour of the grounds that are not usually open to the public, and I was thrilled to be able to check out these private areas without having to leave my room.

Besides getting to see plenty of beautiful structures, some of which have been standing since the Edo period, the program picks up on interesting facts to share with the audience, something I found highly enjoyable. For those of you who wind up joining the actual tour when in Japan, remember to keep an eye out for the Kyuden, a modern complex used for receiving state guests and holding official state ceremonies!

Take in the awe-inspiring sight of Tokyo’s cityscape from within the peaceful gardens.

Open to the public during spring, Inui Street is lined with 31 kinds of gorgeous cherry blossom trees.

Try the Original Imperial Hotel Chaliapin Steak, made for Russian opera singer Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin in 1934.

Watch this episode now!

Available till 28 November 2019

Having strolled around the grounds during my first trip to Tokyo more than ten years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see that not much had changed — the well-paved paths are still a favourite for joggers, while scenic views of the palace gardens and landscape against the backdrop of skyscrapers remains as photogenic as ever.

After visiting the Imperial Palace, the focus shifts to Hibiya, known to be one of the first areas in Japan to modernize. Despite passing by the area many times in the past, I had no idea that it was home to Japan’s very first Western-style hotel. As with many of the VOD programs I’ve watched, my favourite segment was on food; at the hotel’s restaurant La Brasserie, you can tuck into dishes created for the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and other famous persons.

With the limelight shining on Emperor Akihito in the news recently, it seems probable that more tourists will flock to the Imperial Palace and its surrounding areas to learn more about the nation and its culture. The next time you’re there, don’t forget to have a look around the spots seen in this episode of TOKYO EYE!

What’s your connection Muslim Life in Japan Duration: 10 mins

A big step towards creating a Muslim-friendly environment As Japan continues its visitorship streak with a record high number in 2018, the nation also welcomes an increasing number of Muslim tourists. Our host, who hails from Indonesia, offers us deeper insights into some of the difficulties Muslims face when traveling and some of the places that provide Muslim-friendly food and services.

In a heartwarming segment, I was touched to learn from ramen store owner Dainari Goka that he began researching and making halal food so that Muslim customers would not feel left out during meals. As someone who grew up in an inclusive, multi-racial society, it was also gratifying to find out that Japan was strengthening its understanding of the culture and finding ways to create a Muslim-friendly life. Watch to see what recommended apps are available for Muslim visitors!

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Slurp up delicious Halal ramen in Sano City!

Watch this episode now!

Available till 25 November 2019 For more information, go to

NHK WORLD-JAPAN is the international broadcasting service of Japan’s public broadcasting organization, NHK. It aims to establish wider global recognition and will continue to provide trustworthy news coverage and programming from a Japanese perspective. What’s more, multilingual programs are available too.

unifi tv:Ch 643

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