JNTO FamTrip 2015: Iya Valley & Tokushima

In late September and early October, Unique Japan Tours joined a familiarization trip organised by the Japan National Tourist Organisation. The purpose of these trips is to introduce new, unique places in Japan to promote trips there. The familiarization trip (or "famtrip") we joined took us from Okayama and Kurashiki, down into Tokushima, to Shodoshima and finally to Himeji.

Of course, we knew most of these places already, and we've sent many of our clients to these places to. But we always want to learn more, look deeper and see what's new and exciting. Over the next few blog posts, we're going to explore the areas we visited, introduce them to you, and share some of our pictures.

Today is part two, where we’ll talk about the Iya Valley and Tokushima.

JNTO FamTrip 2015: Okayama & Kurashiki

In late September and early October, Unique Japan Tours joined a familiarization trip organised by the Japan National Tourist Organisation. The purpose of these trips is to introduce new, unique places in Japan to promote trips there. The familiarization trip (or "famtrip") we joined took us from Okayama and Kurashiki, down into Tokushima, to Shodoshima and finally to Himeji.

Of course, we knew most of these places already, and we've sent many of our clients to these places to. But we always want to learn more, look deeper and see what's new and exciting. Over the next few blog posts, we're going to explore the areas we visited, introduce them to you, and share some of our pictures.

First up, Okayama and Kurashiki.

Festivals of Japan - The Takayama Festival

In our last blog post we talked about Takayama, one of our favourite cities in Japan. Located high in the Hida Mountains, its home to one of Japan’s most popular festivals. The Takayama Festival actually refers to two festivals, the Takayama Spring Festial, or Sanno-sama Festival, and the Takayama Autumn Festival, or Hachiman Festival. Though separated by 6 months, the events that happen during the festivals are remarkably similar. Keep reading for more!

The Takayama Festival Floats are testaments to the craftsmen of Takayama
Source: Flickr

Cities of Japan - Takayama

Unique Japan Tours loves Takayama. It's a beautiful city, located high in the Hida mountains (hence why it's sometimes called Hida-Takayama). After the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, Takayama is a welcome reprieve. A merchant city famed for it's timber and carpenters, the city thrived under the direct control of the Shogun during the feudal period of Japan's history. But what is it like now?

The beautiful streets of Takayamal
Source: JNTO

Cities of Japan - Matsue City

Matsue is the capital of Shimane prefecture, located in the south western Honshu, the main island of Japan. Matsue sits on the banks of the Ohashi River, which connects the lakes of Lake Shinji and Nakaumi. Matsue is home to one of the 12 original castles in Japan, having survived wars, fires and earthquakes. The castle was completed in 1611 and renovated in the 1950s. There is a small museum dedicated to the Irish author Lafcadio Hearn, who lived in Matsue for a year, located in his former residence. Hearn was the first Western author to write books about Japan, including Japanese ghost stories, and there is a small museum next to the house dedicated to him and his works.

The Lafcadio Hearn Residence in Matsue City.
Source: JNTO

Gardens of Japan - Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is a magnificent garden located in Kanazawa. Renowned throughout Japan as one of the country’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen means “Garden Combining Six Features”, referring to the spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, broad views and abundant water throughout the garden.

Kanazawa: 2015 Holiday Hotspot

     You may have seen Kanazawa was selected by the Guardian newspaper as one of their Holiday Hotspots for 2015. Kanazawa features on several of our tours, both small group and self-guided, and is a favourite destination among everyone here in the UJT offices. Today we're going to dig a little deeper in Kanazawa and discover this beautiful city.

Japan Discovered Cherry Blossom 

Tour Feedback from Tour Leader

by

Yuki Ito

"We finished the April Japan Discovered tour a few weeks ago. Each participant had his/her own highlights of the tour, but the group was able to particularly enjoy 2 seasonal highlights — cherry blossoms and Takayama Spring Festival.

We were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto and Nara with cherry blossoms in full bloom! From the time of ancient period, Japanese were fascinated with their beauty, and various forms of arts were created surrounding the motif. Cherry blossoms have symbolic meanings in Japanese culture as well. They endure cold winter, bloom as if they celebrate their lives, and fall gracefully. People in Japan have seen the grace of life in the phenomenon. Historical heritages in Kyoto and Nara with cherry blossoms are what many Japanese long to see, and we were able to have the special experience. It was truly beautiful and breathtaking! 

 We were also very lucky to spend the 2 days in Takayama during Takayama Spring Festival! Takayama Spring Festival, the festival for the local guardian deity called “Sanno-sama,” is designated as one of 3 major beautiful festivals and tangible folklore cultural assets by Japanese government along with Takayama Autumn Festival. The history of this festival goes back to the late 16th to early 17th century, and the festival attracts many visitors from all over Japan and overseas even today. With our local guide, we explored the town in the festive mood. One of the main attractions of the festival was yatai, 12 festival floats. 

  They were a collection of Japanese traditional craftsmanship with their delicate adornments such as intricate wooden structures, exquisite carvings, drapes, metal ornaments etc. In the evening, those yatai were lit up with lanterns and made their rounds through the town, which was spectacular! On the second day of the festival, we saw Gojunko Procession. 

It was headed by lion-dance performers to purify the path. Several hundred locals in ceremonial dresses followed, walked through the town performing festival tunes and escorted the Mikoshi portable shrine where Sanno, the deity, was believed to ride. Karakuri marionette performances were also dedicated to the deity at a plaza. Maneuvering the marionettes required complicated skills and long-term training, and the performance was absolutely gorgeous! 

Besides these seasonal highlights, we enjoyed exposure to diverse aspects of scenery and culture in Japan— from ancient to the contemporary and from rural to urban (for details, please check out the tour itinerary!) Indeed, a participant of this tour said in the end, “It has been a pleasure. I loved the varieties of what I was able to see and experience through the tour. I did not want to miss any of it!” Japan presents different beauty and has interesting cultural events in each season. Please come and enjoy what Japan can offer!

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