Yearly Archive 2016

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Oct 27, 2016

Kobe Animal Kingdom

photo-main_03

For anyone who likes birds, plants and animals, but really isn’t into the whole dirty and bug infested wilderness thing, there are a variety of places in Japan where you can take in “the nature” without lathering up in DEET and lugging a sleeping bag around with you.  If you are in Kobe, that option is Kobe Animal Kingdom.  Originally created by Japanese botanist and collector Kamo Mototeru, who is well known around Kobe as that “weird guy who likes birds” (total fabrication), the business was sold a few years ago to a larger company which has improved the attraction a great deal.  Purportedly, they still have a bit of improvement to go to make the enclosures and living spaces better for the adorable little animals, but that is par for the course in Japan.

Located on Port Island within a 16,000 square meter greenhouse, the park offers a surprisingly wide assortment of exotic birds, flowers, and plants, many of which you are able to experience up close, even touching or feeding them in some cases.  From meerkats to Capybaras and Patagonian mara, to an assortment of owls including that Northern white-faced owl we know and love, back again to Two-toed slothes and Southern tamanduas, and then a weird turn into tortoise like the Aldabra giant tortoises this place may not have it all, but it has a lot.

But wait… there’s MORE!  Not willing to relegate themselves to the unusual and interesting, they also have a large collection of the more pedestrian house pet types of animals, such as American short hair cats and pekinese dogs… why?  Well if you have to ask you have obviously never spent much time with a Chinchilla; have you… (stares disapprovingly).

Anyway, this all weather attraction is great fun for the whole family, and while not particularly time intensive, it is ALSO located very near to a variety of Kobe’s other most famous attractions, helpfully listed for you on the website… as if they somehow knew you needed just a touch more convincing…but they were be wrong… as EVERYONE knows, the Binturong they care for alone is all the incentive anyone could need (stares expectantly, waiting for agreement).


Kobe Animal Kingdom

7-1-9, Minatojimaminamimachi, Chuo-ku Kobe-shi, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan (map link)
078-302-8899
www.kobe-oukoku.com

Image by Kobe Animal Kingdom, www.kobe-oukoku.com

ByJustin Hanus
Oct 25, 2016

Shorter Days + Cooler Weather = Momijigari

momiji

There is only a relatively small band of latitudes across planet earth where the chlorophyll in the leaves of deciduous trees breaks down when the daylight shortens in the fall and the natural colors of red and orange and yellow remain. Japan is one of the fortunate places in that band. The natural phenomenon has spawned a tradition in the country of “leaf peepers” banding together to visit the most scenic locations. It even has its own name – momijigari, roughly translating to “hunting red maple leaves.”

Japan is a country blanketed in trees. Nearly three-quarters of the landscape is considered forested which creates plenty of opportunities for momijigari in the mountains but there is also an abundance of nature’s eye candy in and around the cities where trees are treasured pieces of the landscape. The show begins in September in the northern islands and spreads southward into the lower elevations with the drooping temperatures; leaves around Kobe remain radiant into December.

Japan also has scores of botanical gardens and arboretums that attract the leaf hunters. Maple trees have traditionally been favorite plantings in Japanese gardens and shrines. Ginkgos, ichos in Japanese, are also widely see in ornamental gardens and their brilliant yellow foliage is a standout in Kobe area traditional gardens.

The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden

The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden was established in 1940 as part of a plan to honor 2600 years since Emperor Jimmu ascended to the throne. The goal was to “provide views of seasonal deciduous trees and flowers” for the people of Kobe, courtesy of the city. Since that time, some 1,200 different trees and shrubs have been planted from around the world, roughly arranged in the park according to their country of origin. The arboretum spreads across 142.6 hectares in the shadow of Mount Rokko making it one of the largest “tree museums” in Japan.

In November the Kobe City Botanical Garden is given over to the World Forest Maple Leaf Tour. Three trails meander through the forests offering anything from a casual stroll to a spirited hillside climb where your purchase is views all the way to the sea. No matter what your hiking plan, all paths must eventually lead to Hase-Ike Pond located near the center of the arboretum. Here branches of spreading maples bend over the surface of the water coloring the surface in deep reds and oranges.

Offering Mother Nature a Helping Hand

Not content to leave the color spectaculars to Mother Nature, The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden’s underground tunnel, usually given over to green leaves, is instead enlivened by an illuminated autumnal display and out on the grounds the natural tunnels of Japanese maples are lit up after 4:30 p.m. 4:30 is normally the hour of last entrance at the Kobe City Botanical Garden but during the World Forest Maple Leaf Tour the last entry is pushed back to 6.00 p.m. to enjoy the illumated leaves.

The park is open every day during November and an entrance fee is charged. There are guided tours available and a quiz rally for showing off your knowledge of kouyou, autumn leaves.


Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden

651-1242 Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Kita Ward, 山田町上谷上長尾1−2
078-591-0253
www.kobe-park.or.jp (JP)

By Parksj-musashi (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

ByJustin Hanus
Oct 24, 2016

It’s Fall in Japan; Time to get Nutty about Chestnuts

japanese_chestnut

For many folks autumn in Japan means chestnuts. Asia is known as both the largest producer and the largest consumer of chestnuts in the world. Scientists studying the remains of ancient hillside villages in Japan have documented the use of nuts as food sources as far back as 9,000 years. One of the attractions of chestnuts is that they can be consumed with little preparation, once the prickly husks are dealt with. The husks can be burned to roast the nuts inside or, more commonly, chestnuts are boiled or roasted over a fire.

Many chestnut trees can still be found in the wild but many more have been cultivated in Japan over thousands of years. In Osaka Prefecture the go-to chestnut is the Ginyose variety, also known as tanba chestnuts. The trees are native to the Nose area in the northwest section of the prefecture. There are several farms in the area where families go to gather the delicious nuts off the ground. At Mizukoshi Chestnut Farm, the Ginyose chestnuts begin ripening in mid-September and continue through the season. For a small price (typically 1,500 yen), amateur harvesters can gather up about one kilogram of chestnuts to bring home.

Mizukoshi Chestnut Farm

104 Katayama Nose-chō, Toyono-gun, Ōsaka-fu 563-0354 (map link)
TEL : 072-734-0863
Mizukoshi Chestnut Farm (JP)

More Farms, More Chestnuts

Other farms offer different varieties of chestnuts which ripen at different times during the fall months. The orchards at Shionoyu Hot Spring feature the fruit of the Waseguri that are ready in September and the late-ripening Shimokatsugi that drop nuts in late October. Shionoyu also grows Ginyose trees on its terraced slopes. And of course, a soothing hot spring bath after a day of harvesting is a special treat.

The restaurant Nishikitei also owns five hills of chestnut orchards which is open for public gathering. The Kurisuen Chestnut Farm Nishikitei specializes in Ginyose chestnuts and visitors can indulge in chestnut-augmented dishes with sticky rice in addition to carting home bags of chestnuts. If you have never considered gathering chestnuts before, in Japan it is not an autumn indulgence that can be undertaken on a whim – most of the area’s chestnut farms require reservations before you pick so phone ahead for full information.

Kurisuen Chestnut Farm Nishikitei

55 Kurusu, Nose-chō, Toyono-gun, Ōsaka-fu 563-0351  (map link)
TEL : 072-734-0028
Kurisuen Chestnut Farm Nishikitei (JP)

One Last Chance to Party in the Streets

And if you are out gathering chestnuts it means that Shinno-sai is not far away. Shinno-sai is the last festival of the year in Osaka and others know the celebration by its nearly literal name – Tome-no-matsuri, or “The Stop Festival.” The party takes place in Osaka’s “medicine quarter” on the grounds of Sukunahikona Shrine. These were the stomping grounds of the Shinto deity of medicine Doshomachi and was the place in the early 1700s were dozens of brokers of medicinal potions were permitted to operate. Today the Doshomachi Pharmaceutical and Historical Museum explains these traditional herbs, roots and barks that once dominated life in Japan.

These days those practitioners of so-called modern medicine still come to the shrine in Medicine-town to offer up prayers for health and prosperity. The street festival is held in relatively tight quarters but there are typical large helpings of Japanese food and culture. The dates for the last big blow-out in the city are November 22-23 and the festival is free to all.

Sukunahikona Shrine

Japan, 〒541-0045 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ku, Doshōmachi, 2 Chome 1−8 (map link)
sinnosan.jp
+81 6-6231-6958

By Ant3202 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

ByJustin Hanus
Oct 24, 2016

If It is Important in Japan There’s a Mascot

Umimaru Mascot

In their original incarnation, mascots were intended to provide luck; and so you found them most often with military units, sports teams and schools. More recently mascots have been created to generate money but in Japan mascot mania goes far beyond even commercial motivation. There are mascots oozing civic pride for prefectures. There are mascots for education. There are mascots for social causes. Even some prisons in Japan have developed oversized puppets on their behalf.

Anthropologists will point to a culture steeped in ancient polytheism as a source for the Japanese love of non-human characters. People wind up embodying these furry creatures with all sorts of religious or cultural meanings and developing sentimental attachments. And just about every institution in Japan has taken notice.

Where Did All These Mascots Come From?

Tracing the history of these spokescreatures takes one back to the 1990s and a fuzzy brown rectangle with stubby arms and legs named Domokun. Domokun was created by public broadcaster NHK and his rectangular sawtooth mouth sort of looks like a television. The character first went on the air in a stop-motion sketch in 1998 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of NHK’s first satellite transmission. There followed an entire series of sketches and a backstory was created for Domokun. Additional characters joined in its adventures and companies soon jumped in on the mascot’s popularity.

In 2007 Hikonyan was developed to promote the 400th anniversary of the construction of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture. Despite already being a designated national treasure and one of only 12 extant Japanese castles, Hikonyan was credited with giving a significant bump to tourism and generating big merchandise sales. Commercial companies, corporations and civic organizations literally went to the drawing board.

Literally hundreds of mascots have invaded Japan since, occupying a spectrum from cute to creepy. There is no tried and true formula for what mascot will capture the public fancy. The giant of all mascots has been Kumamon, an ursine creature who shills for Kumamoto prefecture. Kumamon has become a national celebrity, taking up promotional duties far beyond his home territory. Since there is no trademark charges for using Kumamon, he pops up everywhere selling products and the Bank of Japan estimates he has pulled in over ¥120 billion in revenue.

Be Like Kumamon

Kumamon‘s success has not gone unnoticed in Japanese government circles. Osaka developed so many themed mascots that officials had to enact mascot population control. From a crowded line-up of some 45 mascots Moppi, a bird-like character, emerged as the city’s “core mascot.” Osaka has a point – mascots have become so ubiquitous in Japan that is impossible to identify what group is being represented when one is spotted on the street.

Even government crack-downs do not discourage the breeding of mascots in Japan. Consider the Yuru-chara Grand Prix, an event started in 2010 and now held each year in which the public can vote for its favorite mascot (Kumamon won in 2011). The first year there were 169 entrants; last year the number of costumed characters reached 1,727. Not surprisingly several world records for mascot gatherings have been broken at the Grand Prix.

By Yasuyuki HIRATA (Umimaru, mascot of Japan Coast Guard) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

ByJade Brischke
Oct 21, 2016

Hungry in Hiroshima?

yataiFeeling hungry? Well look no further than the annual Hiroshima Food Festival. It’s held every year in October and with hundreds of yatai, or stalls, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Located in both Chuo-koen (Central Park) and the Hiroshima Castle grounds in downtown Hiroshima it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and to try not only some of the local food but food from all over Japan and abroad.

All of the food is either reasonably priced or super cheap and last year a friend and I managed to find a Japanese-style curry for only 100 yen. The portion was more than generous and even though it was cooked by school students it was higher quality stuff than I’ve tasted in some restaurants. I will definitely be paying them another visit this year if they’re there.

Of course, there’s also the usual festival food: fried chicken, fried potato and being Hiroshima, fried oysters. If you like it fried… you will be in Fried Heaven. Fried… you got it!  For the meat lovers there is a more than enough to satisfy your Cave-Man cravings and if beer is also your thing, there’s plenty to wash it down with. There’s also kakigori (かき氷) or shaved ice still available at this time of year even though it’s usually a summer staple.

Now speaking of the weather, although autumn weather is typically cool in the mornings and in the evenings, during the middle of the day it can get very hot and I would strongly advise you to take a hat or umbrella, especially if you have little ones.

As an avid food lover and Hiroshima Food Festival fan, I have two main pieces of advice for first-timers to the event:

Firstly, when you arrive, walk around to check out prices before making a purchase. Although most are fairly similar, there are some major differences in beer prices and you can save up to 200 yen per beer depending on where you get yours.

Secondly, take loose change and make sure it’s easily accessible in either your pocket or a backpack. Make sure too that you are able to eat and hold onto it. Although there is seating available in Chuo-koen, there isn’t any designated place around Hiroshima Castle. Instead, you will find people just sit down along the edge of the path to eat their snacks before moving on. Not only are you able to rest your legs, it’s a nice way to people-watch at the same time.

If you want to make a day of it, there are events held around the castle too. Last year there was the local samurai re-enactment troop and for a little extra you could get your photo taken with them. On the Saturday night there will be kagura performances on the stage at Hiroshima Castle at 10.30-11.10 and 5pm – 8pm respectively.

For a fun way to spend a day or even the whole weekend, Hiroshima Food Festival is the place to be. It opens at 10am and since there’s no entry fee, you only pay for what you eat and drink. That for me is the best part of all! Eat, drink and be merry! Where will you be on the 29 and 30 October? I know where I’ll be!

Hiroshima Food Festival 2016

29 and 30 October, 2016

Hiroshima Castle

21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken 730-0011
rijo-castle.jp
+81 82-221-7512

ByRay Proper
Oct 21, 2016

Nagoya Players Theater: Jukebox Paradise

Jukebox Paradise

Set in a teen malt shop in Hilo, Hawaii during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, Phil and his younger brother, Stevie, encounter a new world where dreams of love and rock and roll stardom are possible . . . for a price.  As Stevie struggles to make his dreams come true, Phil discovers love with the mysterious girl from the jukebox.  How much is Stevie willing to pay for his chance at stardom and how much is Phil willing to risk for love?

Jukebox Paradise Tickets

Tickets online here (JP only) http://ticket.pia.jp…
or contact the Nagoya Players www.nagoyaplayers.org/events

Saturday November 26 – 13:00 & 18:00
Sunday November 27 – 13:00 & 18:00
Saturday, December – 13:00 & 18:00
Sunday December 4 – 13:00 & 17:00

(doors open 30 minutes before showtime)


NP_profile_logoThe Nagoya Players

The Nagoya Players is an English-language, not-for-profit, community theatre group based in central Japan. The group has been staging a wide variety of plays every year since 1975. Members come from many countries and are of all ages.

New members are always welcome! Whether you want to act, direct, design scenery, sound, lighting, props, costumes, make up etc. etc. etc… come and join the fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ByBert Wishart
Oct 20, 2016

Family Fun in Tokyo at Yomiuri Land Amusement Park

screen-shot-2016-10-11-at-12-28-08While the sprawling Disney resort is the most famous amusement park in the Tokyo area it is by no means the only one. Just thirty minutes outside of central Tokyo you can also find Yomiuri Land. While not as immense as its neighbor Disney, but Yomiuri Land is still an excellent day out, particularly if you have children and find the two hour waits at Disney’s park more tiresome than suspense-building.

Run by the Yomiuri Group (the parent company of both the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper and the all-conquering Yomiuri Giants baseball team) Yomiuri Land has been entertaining the Tokyo thrill-seeking population, young and old, since 1964 and is still one of the largest amusement parks in the area.

Yomiuri Land’s Attractions

Yomiuri Land boasts over 43 attractions that can be enjoyed by families of all ages. Below is a list of some of the more popular rides.

  • Bandit – Yomiuri Land’s most popular ride. With a top speed of 110 km/h it was the world’s fastest when it was built in 1988 and flies deep through the surrounding woodland.
  • Ferris Wheel – On a good day, from this immense ferris wheel sitting atop of Tama Hill, 16o metres high, you can see views of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. It is particularly beautiful when lit up at night and is considered the symbol of the amusement park.
  • Bungee Jump – Not for the faint hearted, at 22m high – or seven stories – this bungee jump is the real deal. It’s the only experience of its kind in Tokyo, and can be enjoyed by adventurous types as young as twelve. Rather them than I…
  • MOMOnGA Roller Coaster – The first standing roller coaster in Japan, the MOMOnGA ride takes in a fall of 25 meters from the top of the loop to the bottom. Hold on to your lunch!
  • Laser Athletic – Temple of the Sun – This laser based obstacle course comes with three challenges – from beginner to expert. See if you can complete all three.

Yomiuri land for kids

Yomiuri land is particularly accessible for kids, young and old, with plenty for all ages to get involved in. In particular the Goodjoba (good job) area is well worth checking out. With an educational and vocational slant on the day trip experience, Goodjoba takes your children through four different vocational areas.

At the Nissan Car Factory you can build and then test drive your own car, and in the Fashion Factory ride on the Spin Runway, an indoor rollercoaster that shows you the world of fashion. For interactive challenge games there is the Bungu Factory which looks at campus life, and finally there is the Nissin Food Factory which includes a ride where your children can discover what it would be like to to become a portion of Nissin UFO Yakisoba. For some reason.

Yomiuri Land Seasonal Attractions

Autumn to winter – At this time of year, perhaps one of the greatest draws to the park is the nighttime illuminations. From October 14, 2016 to February 19, 2017 the park will be aglow with the various stunning “Jewellumination” light displays set to music.

Spring – As the park is based within a forest, the spring sees a beautiful array of cherry blossoms. In fact, the Bandit rollercoaster that flies through this wooded area is billed as the world’s quickest cherry blossom viewing experience.

Summer – Pool WAI at Yomiuri Land has a whopping five pools and three water slides, including the rubber ring ride ‘The Giant Sky River’ that stands at 25m high and runs for 386m. If that is a touch too thrilling for your disposition you can play it safe in the Anpanman pool.

Yomiuri Land Access

Ticket prices

screen-shot-2016-10-11-at-12-19-54

Website – www.yomiuriland.com

Getting there

The closest train station to Yomiuri Land is Keioyomiuri Land Station on the Keiō Sagamihara Line. From the station, you can either walk the 1.2 miles uphill or take the five minute Gondola Sky Shuttle for ¥300 (one way) to reach the park entrance.

 Yomiuri Land

206-8725 Tokyo, Inagi, Yanokuchi, 4015−1 (map link)
044-966-1111
By Mark Guthrie

Image – http://www.yomiuriland.com/attraction/ – Screen grab. Modified

ByBert Wishart
Oct 20, 2016

Lake Biwa – Take a Day trip, or Longer, to Japan’s Great Lake

chikubu

Lake Biwa (琵琶湖 or Biwa-ko) in Shiga Prefecture is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, and thanks to it being located just northeast of the former capital city of Kyoto, it is steeped in mystery, wonder, and is full of wonderful things to see and do. Named for its resemblance the lute-like musical instrument ‘biwa‘, it has long been a popular holiday and day trip destination for Japanese. Below are just a few things to see when isiting this beautiful region

Hikone Castle

hikone-castleHikone Castle is one of only 12 Japanese castles still with its original keep, and one of only four designated as a National Treasure (the highest designation for cultural properties in Japan); as such it is one of the main draws to the Lake Biwa area. Built in 1603, following the Battle of Sekigahara, it was saved from the great dismantling of Japanese castles during the Meiji era by the Emperor Meiji himself, who visiting the rejion fell in love with its beauty.

Today most of the building has remained intact exhibiting many interesting architectural structures including a structures that can be easily destroyed for protection in case of an attack upon the keep. There are also several turrets which can be seen from inside as well as a large bell that is still rung several times every day to tell the time.

Nagahama

nagahamaAnother castle town with a long history, Nagahama was once home to the famed military General Toyotomo Hideyoshi, and one of the city’s attractions is a recreation of the castle from which he built his illustrious career.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries the city grew as a post town, and in 1900 a bank, which incorporated both Western and Japanese architectural features, was built. Its plastered walls were painted black and it soon became known as the “Black Wall Bank”. It still stands today, and the area in which it is preserved remains as Black Wall (Kurokabe) Square, a delightful sightseeing area.

Within this area you can find, not only buildings that illustrate the historical importance of the area, but also many great handicrafts stores – particularly glass blowing – at which you can make your own for a fee. There are also some lovely temples – Daitsuji in particular – and if you like beer, the local brew, Nagahama Roman Brewery, is pretty decent.

Boat Trip

lake-boat-sPerhaps you didn’t come all that way to Lake Biwa to spend all your time on shore like a landlubber. If that is the case, a particularly beautiful way to spend your time in the area is on one of the many boat cruises around the lake. Probably the most popular is the ‘Michigan’, a paddle steamer on which you can spend a whole day soaking in the sights – if not the water – of Lake Biwa. (The website can be found here, though bear in mind this is not an endorsement by JIS, it’s just for information purposes.)

From the ship windows and decks you can enjoy the beautiful lakeside vistas and the mountains to the west, stopping off at Okishima, the largest of all the islands on Lake Biwa; Chikubushima, with its rich religious history and beautiful views; and the beautiful Takeshima, an island that appears to change shape depending on the angle from which it is viewed. In addition, there is a commentary provided while on board as well as a yoshibue flute concert.

Chikubushima Island

chikubusIf there is one problem with the boat day trips, it’s that you may not have all the time you like to enjoy the Chikubushima island. At just 2km of coastline it may not seem worthwhile heading out into the centre of the lake just to see it, but it is in fact one of the must see spots in the area.

A half hour ferry trip from Nagahama, as a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site the island is an absolute treasure trove for those who love nature as well as gorgeous shrines and temples. In the southern part of the island you can find Tsukubusuma Shrine, said to have been established in 420. Once there you can purchase two small clay discs on which you should write your name and wish, and then attempt to hurl them through a torii gate below (as you do so, try to ignore the hundreds of other such, poorly cast discs that litter the area as evidence of the task’s difficulty).

Another important place of worship is Hōgon-ji, Shingon temple said to date from 724 with a striking three tiered pagoda that ranks with the Enoshima Shrine and the Itsukushima Shrine as one of Japan’s Three Great Benzaiten Shrines.

Bike Ride

lake-bikeIf the above excursions seem like, well, not enough of an excursion for you, a great experience – if you are relatively fit and have a little bit more time – is to cycle around the lake. With a circumference of around 230km, Biwa-ko is quite a ride, but it is also a staggeringly beautiful one – perhaps one of the great rides of Japan.

Whether you ride counter-clockwise (keeping the lake on your left at all times) or clockwise (making the most of the prevailing winds) there is plenty to see along your route. Whether it is taking in the stunning view from the top of the Rainbow Bridge, wandering around Ishiyama Temple where Murasaki Shikibu is thought to have begun writing The Tale of Genji, or enjoying the beaches of Makino, there are plenty of stops along the way. In fact, if you have a few days, you can even stop at any of the cities mentioned above.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d417069.24493268563!2d135.78878447922068!3d35.247461013412156!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x60010acfc4ac3edb%3A0xee09cf98c31a940f!2sLake+Biwa!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1476318052134&w=650&h=200]

 

Mark Guthrie


Image: flickr.com – by collideous – CC 2.0 – Modified
Image: flickr.com – DSCF0035.JPG by Hideki Yoshida – CC 2.0 – Modified
Image: flickr.com – Nagahama by go.biwako – CC 2.0 – Modified
Image: flickr.com –瀬田川リバークルーズ(なぎさ公園付近) by 淳平 筈井 – CC 2.0 – Modified
Image: flickr.com –Chikubu Island (Chikubushima) by go.biwako  – CC 2.0 – Modified
Image: flickr.com – by collideous – CC 2.0 – Modified

ByJade Brischke
Oct 20, 2016

Hiroshima From a New Perspective: The Orizuru Tower

orizurutowerTokyo has Tokyo Tower and the popular Skytree, Osaka has the Umeda Sky Building but what about Hiroshima? Say hello to the newly opened Orizuru Tower!

Owned by Hiroshima Mazda Co., the main attraction of the 13-story building is the observation deck at the top. Refurbished and redesigned by the Hiroshima-based architect, Hiroshi Sambuichi, the Tower and deck offers views not only of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park below, but also the mountains surrounding Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima. It’s a nice place to go for a date and when I visited in the late afternoon, the sunset was spectacular.

It’s location right on the edge of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park has been somewhat controversial as both the local residents and commercial developers of the city struggle to maintain the balance between the sacred area and the desire for yet another tourist attraction which will bring revenue.

Orizuru Tower opened to the public back on July 11, 2016 but the official opening was only a few weeks ago on the weekend of September 23rd, 24th and 25th. At this time it was open for free and more than a few locals turned out to take advantage of the deal. The lines were long and some people waited for up to five hours.

I must admit I was a little miffed because I had paid the usual and very hefty 1700 yen to go in mid July. At that price it has been mainly overseas tourists who have been visiting, as more than a few people (both Japanese and expats) I’ve spoken to, have simply refused to pay that amount of money. Children are not much cheaper unfortunately with 12-17 years paying 900 yen, 6-11 years paying 700 yen and 4-5 years paying 500 yen respectively. For a family outing it makes it an expensive one and with little kids and not much of interest for them, I would suggest going elsewhere.

hiroshima_orizuru_tower_2016-1006-1-1For an additional fee of 500 yen if you purchase your tickets on the first floor, or 600 yen if you wait until the 12th or 13th floor, you also make a paper crane from specially designed paper. The staff are happy to assist you and when you’ve finished your creation, you can drop it into the 50m tall ‘Orizuru Wall,’ which can be seen from the outside. I was already broke from the 1700 yen entrance fee and have made my fair share of cranes with Japanese students in the Peace Memorial Park so I didn’t opt for this.

If you don’t feel like paying anything at all, you are welcome to visit the first floor for free and this is where you can wander around browsing a selection of local products. There’s also Akushu Café where you can sit down and enjoy a drink or small meal either inside or out on the terrace. Takeaway versions are also available.

All in all, although the view is nice, there are other views that are cheaper or even free in Japan. I guess if you live here you can go once and say that you’ve been, but if I was simply visiting Hiroshima, I don’t think I would pay to go.

For more information on Orizuru Tower, check out their website, www.orizurutower.jp which is available in Japanese, English and French.

Orizuru Tower

〒730-0051 Hiroshima-ken, Hiroshima-shi, Naka-ku, Ōtemachi, 1 Chome−2−1 (map link)
www.orizurutower.jp
+81 82-569-6200

Photo by Jade Brischke

Photo By: Taisyo [CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

ByBert Wishart
Oct 17, 2016

Family Fun at Little World Museum of Man

little-worldHave you ever wanted to take the kids to Italy for the day? How about showing them the cultures of France, Germany or Korea? While, thanks to technology, the world is getting smaller, it could be argued that living in Japan it is difficult to show our young families the world beyond these shores. This is perhaps the reasoning behind the Little World Museum of Man, an amusement park in Inuyama, Aichi that looks beyond the borders and across the seas to the great wide world out there.

What is Little World Museum of Man?

At Little World Museum of Man (リトルワールド or ‘ritoruwārudo’), the world truly is your oyster. Along a two and a half kilometer (about 1.5 miles) walk you get to experience interesting cultures and exciting peculiarities from all around the world. From India to Peru, from Taiwan to Italy, there is barely a part of the globe that is not represented in this fun open air museum of an amusement park.

Along the path you will find a collection of unique regional villages featuring over 30 authentically recreated houses, buildings and cultural structures, many of which have been relocated from their original sites around the globe, shipped to Inuyama, and expertly recreated here. Particularly impressive are the Nepalese Buddhist Monastery, the mud huts of the Burkino Faso Kassena compound, and the German Bayern village.

What to do at Little World Museum of Man

As extraordinary as viewing these buildings is, there is much more to the park than a two and a half kilometer wander through the architecture. In fact there is plenty of interactive entertainment to take part in.

Many ‘countries’ have their own regional restaurants, folk craft souvenir shops, and attractions. This means that you can taste Turkish treats, indulge in Italian edibles, or gorge on German goodies; or you can even dress up in the local costume of some of the most sartorially interesting nations on Earth.

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Of course, this being a Japanese amusement park there are also plenty of souvenir shops to pick up trinkets on your way round, and as a way of keeping younger children interested (and perhaps out of the gift shops) you can take your Little World ‘Passport’ everywhere you travel, and if you collect enough stamps you may be in for a small prize at the end of your trip.

If all the traveling by foot is too much for you, you can always take the Little World Bus around the course, getting on or off at any stop you wish, and if you are too tired, why not sit down in front of the stage area and watch an ever changing line up of performers from all over the world playing music, performing dances and acrobatics.

Details

  • Websitewww.littleworld.jp
  • Admission: Adults 1,700 JPY; Seniors 1,300 JPY; High school and foreign students 1,100 JPY; Junior high and elementary school students 700 JPY; Children (3+) 300JPY
  • Getting there: You can get to Inuyama from Nagoya by Meitetsu train (approximately 30min).From there you can take a Gifu Community bus heading for Little World (approximately 20min)
  • 〒484-0005 Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama, Imai, Narisawa 90−48 (map link)
  • +81 (0)568-62-5611

Image – via Facebook – Modified Image http://www.littleworld.jp/english/exhibition/lw_en_map.pdf – Modified