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5 reasons to go River Trekking in Tadami Town

1. Safely explore the river and forest with a local guide! The river and trail are unmarked, but luckily there are local guides that are affordable and available to guide you! Even if you don’t speak Japanese, guides can help you through the trail with gestures and a little bit of English. Hiring a local guide is a really great way to support the community and meet some of the interesting people that live in this area. 2. Experience the Japanese tradition of forest bathing or forest therapy. The vibrant greenery, relaxing sounds of the river, and immersion and nature are sure to relax you. 3. You can see unique plants and fungi!  The forests and mountains of Tadami Town are home to an extremely diverse population of plants, animals and fungi. Some of the unique mushrooms are yet to be fully documented and studied so it is not uncommon for research group to visit this beautifully biodiverse environment!  4. Search for traces of the past…  On the trees you can find some graffiti from former students of the Mori no Bunko Fuzawa forest school who carved their names into the trees! Now those kids are a lot older, and the letters have been stretched out as the trees have grown. It’s fun to search the trees for these carvings. Even if you can't spot them yourself, your guide will be sure to point the carvings out to you! 5. Enjoy local produce cooled in the river! There are some natural pockets in the stone waterfall and river bed that are perfect for cooling a drink or snack. So, bring some local fruits or vegetables and let them cool while you take pictures, then enjoy a refreshing treat. We ate some locally grown tomatoes, they were so sweet and delicious!  You can experience river trekking by contacting the Mori no Bunko Fuzawa by phone(Japanese only) or email(Any language via Google Translate).

5 reasons to go River Trekking in Tadami Town
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2023 Winter Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times

During the first months of the year, Fukushima prefecture becomes enlivened with colorful festivals and traditional events. Craft displays in Iwaki, snow festivals in Tadami and Ouchi-juku, and one of Japan’s most famous daruma markets in Shirakawa, to name a few, are excellent ways to experience the true folk of Fukushima! Here are the dates and times for some of the winter festivals taking place in Fukushima prefecture in 2023: Tadami Snow Festival (只見雪まつり) The Tadami Snow Festival is scheduled this year after a three-year hiatus. Place: In front of Tadami Station, Tadami Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 968-0421 Date: Festival eve celebration: February 10 (Friday) February 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday), 2023 Time: All day during the weekend, evening on Friday More information here. Ouchi-juku Snow Festival (大内宿雪まつり) Ouchi-juku’s Snow Festival features traditional Japanese performances, an incredible firework show, and a town that feels like it still exists in the Edo Period, illuminated solely by the light of lanterns made of snow. Place: Ouchi-juku (Yamamoto, Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 969-5207) Time: Varies depending on the event (see event website for details) Date: February 5 (Sunday) to February 11 (Saturday) More information here. Higashiyama Onsen Candle Festival (雪見ろうそく) Every evening from Christmas until around the end of February (depending on the amount of snow), Higashiyama Onsen town is filled with the lights of candles. Place: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu-Wakamatsu City (map) Date: From December 17, 2022 (Saturday) until February 28, 2023 (Tuesday) Time: In December and January: from 16:30 to 18:00. In February: From 17:00 to 18:30. Aizu Painted Candle Festival (会津絵ろうそくまつり) Aizu Painted Candle Festival is when Oyakuen Garden really comes into its element, as the garden becomes 1 of 2 main stages during the 2 day festival period. The other stage is at Tsuruagajo Castle. Oyakuen Garden often hosts live performances of traditional Japanese music during the evening during the festival. Tens of thousands of candles illuminate the castle and the garden over the 2 day festival period, creating absolutely stunning scenes as the sun sets. Place: Tsurugajo Castle and Oyakuen Garden Date: February 10 (Friday) and 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 17:30 until 20:30 More information here.   Shirakawa Daruma Market (白河だるま市) 700 stalls selling daruma standing along a 1.5km long street in central Shirakawa City during the Shirakawa Daruma Market. There are 18 different varieties of daruma to choose from, all looking for a loving home and an owner to give them a goal or wish to look after!   Place: The main street in front of Shirakawa Station that runs parallel to the train line. Date: February 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: Not specified. More information here. Iwaki Tsurushi-bina Matsuri (いわきつるしびな祭り) This festival was started in recent years as a way of celebrating the Nakanosaku district of Iwaki City, and rejuvenating the area. During the festival, hundreds of decorative items hand-made by local people from chirimen fabric – the fabric used to create kimonos – are displayed and sold over a period of two days. Place: Nakanosaku, Iwaki City (Map) Date: From January 28 (Saturday) to February 5 (Sunday), 2023. Time: From 10:00 to 16:00. More information here. Nanokado Hadaka Mairi Festival (七日堂裸詣り) During this traditional event - which draws many tourists every year - local men clad in loincloths make the challenging climb to the top of Enzoji Temple, in the hopes of ensuring happiness and protection from disease in the year to come. This event is celebrated every year on January 7th. It was already held in 2023. Place: Enzoji Temple, Jikemachi-ko 176, Yanaizu Town, Kawanuma District, Fukushima Pref. 969-7201 Date: January 7 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 20:00. More information here.

2023 Winter Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times
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2023 Summer Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times

Firework displays, people dressed in yukatas, and delicious street food are some of the typical elements of Japanese summer festivals. During the warmer months of the year, Fukushima prefecture hosts a wide range of events, from festivals of great historical significance to events for fun. These are some summer festivals to look forward to in 2023 (please note that events are subject to change/cancellation):Soma Nomaoi Festival (Minamisoma City)Possibly one of the most anticipated events in Fukushima, this horse-centric festival held yearly in the city of Minamisoma, in the coastal area, has roots in samurai practices reaching back over 1,000 years ago. Read more about the Soma Nomaoi festival here. In Japanese: 相馬野馬追 Place: Hibarigahara Festival Site, Hashimoto-cho 4-13-27, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Pref. 975-0051 View directions Date: July 29 (Sat.), 30 (Sun.) and 31 (Mon.), 2023 Time: The festival has several events, each occurring at different times. Check the official website for details, and check our blog post for a detailed explanation of the flow of the festival. Tickets/Cost: Advance tickets (online): 800 yen. Same-day tickets (on site): 1,000 yen.Fukushima Waraji Festival (Fukushima City)Image courtesy of the Fukushima Waraji Festival Executive Committee (画像提供　福島わらじまつり実行委員会) In this unique festival, dozens of people parade a huge straw sandal through the streets of Fukushima City. There are dance performances and music, as well as different festivities for visitors to enjoy. In Japanese: わらじ祭り Place: Route 13 in Central Fukushima City (5 min walk from JR Fukushima Station) View directions Date: August 4 (Fri.), 5 (Sat.) and 6 (Sun.), 2023 Time: Evening (around 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m) Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking requiredTsukimachi no Akari, ‘the Light-Filled Moon-Waiting Party’ (Bandai Town)Image courtesy of Gokujo Aizu (極上の会津プロジェクト協議会)In this incredibly photogenic festival, Enichi-ji Temple, Tohoku’s oldest temple with foundational stones on display, becomes beautifully illuminated. In Japanese: 月待ちの灯り Place: Enichi-ji Temple (Motoderakami-4950 Bandai, Yama District, Fukushima 969-3301) View Directions Date: May 27 (Sat.) & 28 (Sun.), 2023 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking requiredOuchi-juku Hange (Mid-summer) Festival (Shimogo Town)Image courtesy of Gokujo Aizu (極上の会津プロジェクト協議会)This traditional event is celebrated on the 11th day after the summer solstice, July 2nd, each year. The main event is a solemn procession of men carrying a portable shrine. In Japanese: 大内宿半夏祭り  Place: Ouchi-juku (Yamamoto, Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 969-5207) [Access information] Date: July 2 (Sun.), 2023 Time: To be confirmed Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking requiredSukagawa Shakadogawa River Fireworks Festival (Sukagawa City)The most famous fireworks display event in Fukushima will be back after a four-year hiatus! See more information about this event here. In Japanese: 釈迦堂川の花火大会　 Place: Sukagawa City Citizens’ Sports Plaza Date: August 26 (Sat.), 2023 Time: From 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (memorial fireworks scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m.) Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking requiredAizu-Tajima Gion Festival (Minamiaizu)In this centuries-old festival, designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, there are music performances, kabuki performances and a procession of women dressed in kimono. For a detailed account of the event, read this post. In Japanese: 会津田島祇園祭　 Place: A short walk away from Aizu-Tajima Station View Directions Date: July 22 (Sat.), 23 (Sun.), 24 (Mon.), 2023 Time: To be confirmed (previous year’s schedule as a reference: 22nd: noon to 10 p.m.; 23rd: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 24th: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking requiredOtaue (Rice Planting) Festivals (Aizu Misato & Aizu Bange Towns)There are two rice planting festivals in the Aizu region (one in Aizu Misato town, and the other one in Aizu Bange town). During these events, townspeople pray for a bountiful harvest.Image courtesy of Gokujo Aizu (極上の会津プロジェクト協議会) In Japanese: 御田植祭 Place:  Aizu Misato Town: Isasumi Shrine (4377 Miyabayashi, Aizumisato, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-6263) View directions Aizu Bange Town: Kurimurainari Shrine (1922 Nakaiwata, Aizubange, Kawanuma District, Fukushima 969-6564) View Directions Dates: Aizu Misato Town: July 7 (Fri.), 2023 Aizu Bange Town: July 12 (Wed.), 2023 Time: To be determined Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking required Lake Numazawa Festival (Kaneyama Town)Image courtesy of Gokujo Aizu (極上の会津プロジェクト協議会)During this two-day event, held at lake Numazawa during the first weekend of August each year, there are concerts, fireworks, and the reenactment of a folktale from Kaneyama Town. See more information here. In Japanese: 沼沢湖水まつり Place: Lake Numazawa, Kaneyama Town, Onuma-gun, Fukushima Pref. View Directions Date: August 5 (Sat.), 6 (Sun.) 2023 Time: Saturday event times tend to be 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM, with the Sunday event running from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Please check the official event page for up-to-date information) Tickets/Cost: Free entry, no advance booking required

2023 Summer Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times
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Heroes and Kaijyu Adventures in Japan

Inside each of us, there is a struggle.Call it what you want:Light vs. Dark... Good vs. Evil... Hero vs. Kaijyu...There comes a day when you must decide, which are you?I visited Sukagawa City in Fukushima prefecture to delve into this concept a bit more.Why Sukagawa City?Sukagawa City is the hometown of Tsuburaya Eiji, the creator of Ultraman and a co-creator of Godzilla. He came to be known as the “Father of Tokusatsu,” or, the “Father of Japanese special effects.” His post-war work on the Godzilla film of 1954 brought him international success which allowed him to create more science fiction films featuring different monsters, or kaijyu, as well as the internationally popular Ultra-series!Today, Tsuburaya Eiji’s legacy lives on in his hometown where his heroes and monsters roam the streets!With this in mind, we set off on our adventure!Eating our heroes...You are what you eat? Or are you conquering the enemy by eating them? You decide…My first stop was the Tamakiya Bakery in Sukagawa City where you will find a wonderful family-owned and operated small business. Decorated with Ultraman-related memorabilia. The creativity of the (now adult) kids of the family shines through in the various Ultraman and Kaijyu-related breads and cookies! Each one is absolutely delicious.I recommend stocking up for your adventure, if there is one thing that heroes and kaijyu have in common, it is that they must eat to stay strong and battle ready!I ate a Kanegon chocolate bread, and suddenly the money in my pocket started looking like a.. snack?? Kanegon is a kaijyu who is known to eat money! Oh no, have I absorbed his powers? It’s impossible to say. Somehow, I managed to contain my dark urges. Doing some researchSuddenly it became clear that there was a lot that I still don’t know about Ultraman and Kaiju.So, I walked over to the Eiji Tsuburaya Museum to conduct some important research. The museum has a lot of interesting information about Eiji Tsuburaya’s life and accomplishments, various kaijyu, heroes, and the filming of classic sci-fi and kaijyu-related movies.There is even an original Godzilla suit on display! As you walk around the room, you may feel the eyes of Godzilla following you. Perhaps he is eyeing you up, trying to decide if you are an ally, or a delicious snack. Please tread lightly.There is a video exhibit and an interactive exhibit that turns you into various Kaijyu and heroes. There is also a station where you can create your own original Kaijyu, unfortunately this exhibit is temporarily suspended, however, it will hopefully be up and running again soon. Having important discussions with IRL heroes and KaijyuWhen you walk the streets of Sukagawa, you’ll never walk alone.Kaijyu and Heroes line the streets causing trouble and cleaning up said trouble. I recommend stopping and having a chat with these monsters and heroes to get some diverse perspectives on good and evil.I sat and spoke with Kanegon for quite a while, and we even discussed our struggles with wanting to eat money. Channeling my hero energy Next, we stopped by the Sukagawa Enobori Yoshinoya Workshop to create an Ultraman banner.It was so cool to experience the use of these traditional banner-making techniques in a place with so much historical significance.As I admired my new Ultraman banner, I thought, maybe I am a hero after all. The final testNext, we headed over to the Sukagawa Tokusatsu Archive Center!Succumbing to my true nature and terrorizing a small town.Ultimately, the sight of an unprotected town brought out my worst instincts. I almost went full KAIJYU mode. Fortunately, my coworker is a hero, and he saved the town!After our battle, we explored the various miniature exhibits and classic special effects tools on display.We were also able to watch a short film and then a video about the special effects that were used to create that short film. It was really incredible, and made me want to try to make my own miniatures at home.If you are interested in sci-fi or classic special effects, then I highly recommend checking out the Sukagawa Tokusatsu archive center! You won’t be disappointed.Contact us through email or through our social media channels if you have any questions or need help planning a trip here!©円谷プロPublished 2022/06/10

Heroes and Kaijyu Adventures in Japan
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Hiking in Oze National Park

The vast wild space of the national park covers vast areas of Fukushima, Gunma, Niigata, and Tochigi Prefectures. Boasting a diverse environment of marshlands, lakes, and mountains where plants and wildlife can flourish. A wooden boardwalk allows you to walk through nature without disturbing and small wildlife that may be hiding in the tall grass or harming the fragile marshlands.When to visit?Visitors primarily come from mid-May to late-October, outside of these months, the area is blanketed with deep snow.In spring and summer, various wildflowers grow in the fields and the marsh, creating a lovely atmosphere of vibrant greens and bright-colored flowers. In Autumn, the grass turns golden brown and autumn flowers bloom, my favorite was a deep purple flower. Some more adventurous explorers have visited in the winter months, however, I would recommend against doing so unless you have the proper skills, permit, and guide. Facilities are also closed during the winter months.Beginner friendly: Hike to Lake Ozenuma (6.4 km roundtrip)The short hike to Lake Ozenuma takes you through a deep forest where shadows may keep patches of snow and ice frozen even in the late spring and early summer months. The cool shade of the trees is refreshing but may be cold, so I would suggest bringing warmer layers.Once you reach the first marsh area you will be greeted with incredible views of Mt. Hiuchi (Hiuchigatake) in the distance, and as you walk you will start to see Lake Ozenuma as well. The lakeside views of the water are incredible as well as the various plants that are growing along the water. Keep an eye out for animals as you may catch a glimpse of them in and around the water.Overlooking Lake Ozenuma, you’ll find the Oze National Park visitors center, as well as a shop, restaurant, and guesthouses that operate here. Snacks, souvenirs, and even alcoholic beverages can be purchased here, so while you will definitely want to pack snacks, you should be able to buy more here!It’s a very relaxing place to spend time so I would suggest planning to have time to spend here for lunch and relaxing. After which you can choose to head back, or continue hiking if you are able to spend a night or so in one of the lodges or mountain huts in the park.Stay the night! If you want to continue hiking past Lake Ozenuma, then I recommend booking a stay at one of the lodges or mountain huts. When I visited during the Autumn hiking season, I stayed a night at the Chozo Hut (built in 1915!) and had a marvelous time.The weather was much colder, but a wood-burning stove kept us warm, and there were a variety of books and games to keep us entertained.This Lodge is run by the descendants of one of the first pioneers who ventured into the wilderness that is today known as Oze National Park. That pioneer, Chozo Hirano, fell in love with the incredible natural landscape and set up a small cabin along the side of Lake Ozenuma.A bit of history of conservationMore than 130 years ago Chozo Hirano at 19 years old discovered the beauty of the area. In 1890, at 20 years old, he built a small hut near the water where he would spend a lot of time basking in the natural wonder of the area. This hut was later moved and rebuilt a bit bigger in 1915, creating the modern-day Chozo Hut that could accommodate more visitors, allowing Chozo to share his love of the area with more nature enthusiasts who would come to appreciate the incredible nature.Some years later a project to build a dam in the park premises was proposed. This would spoil large parts of the environment that wildlife depended on for survival. Chozo and his fellow nature enthusiast fought against this proposal.Thanks to the efforts of Chozo Hirano and other conservationists, the Oze Conservation Association was formed in 1949. Through their efforts, the natural area was preserved and Oze National Park was created!In the 1950s the placement of wooden boardwalks began in an effort to prevent visitors from harming the soft marshland areas.Today the diverse wildlife and plant life flourish in the park as much of the national park has been left untouched by people.Geological HistoryThe geological history of Oze National Park can be traced back 2 million years when the Oze area was just a plateau. Over time, the plateau became mountainous, the highest peak Mt. Hiuchi (Hiuchigatake) is located in the portion of the park that lies within the Fukushima Prefectural border and can be seen from Lake Ozenuma.Mt. Hiuchi (Hiuchigatake) is not only the highest peak in the park today (at 2,356m), but it is also the most recent to erupt. Recent being a relative term, since we are talking about an eruption that took place some 350,000 years ago or so. Lava flow interrupted some rivers in the area which led to the formation of Lake Ozenuma!The flow of rivers in the area continued to change over time which created the unique wetland landscape that is one of the largest of its kind in Japan.Oze MarshlandA layer of peat that is as thick as 5 meters in some places is thought to have formed over the course of 6000 to 8000 years!What is peat you may ask? It is essentially a mix of soil and an accumulation of plant life that never fully decomposed due to cold temperatures and humidity. If you enjoy whiskey that has a slightly smoky flavor, then you may be familiar with peat and some of its many uses. The peat as well as all other natural features of Oze National Park are protected, so don’t try to take any home with you!To avoid damaging the environment, be sure to stay on the wooden boardwalk trails.Hot Tip:The nearby Hinoemata Village is home to the incredibly unique tradition of Hinoemata Kabuki! Click here to learn more. Oze Eats:While you are in the area be sure to try some of the delicious foods you can try! The soba noodles in Hinoemata Village are incredible, and if you are feeling adventurous, go try this unique ice cream topped with a local favorite: dried salamander (at Mini Oze Park)!! Yum!  

Hiking in Oze National Park
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Hinoemata Kabuki: A Hidden Gem of Japanese Folk Culture

The Hinoemata Kabuki theatre is a slice of living history, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1600s. Charming thatched-roof buildings, rice fields, and country forest roads add an extra layer of charm. Rural Fukushima really feels like a storybook destination, a place where Japanese folk culture still feels alive and strong. A remote village surrounded by natureSurrounded by gorgeous nature, the village is incredibly picturesque. Before modern roads and forms of transportation were developed, Hinoemata village was cut off from civilization each year for a number of months due to heavy snowfall in the area that made travel impossible or extremely dangerous. People in the village developed unique ways to survive and live amongst nature.The spectacular Byoubu Boulders are a quick stop on the drive into the village. The village has a population of just over 500 today that is mostly made up of the descendants of three groups of people who settled here. The first to arrive were those with the surname “Hoshi”, who arrived in 794. Next were those with the surname “Hirano” whose exact arrival period is unknown, however, what is known is that they were fleeing from some conflict. Leading to the village being known as a place where people ran away to. Finally, those with the surname “Tachibana” arrived in 1569.The village has a strong sense of community which makes sense, as the population has survived and endured for hundreds of years together!  The Origins of Hinoemata KabukiLet me transport you back in time to the 1600s, before modern technology, way before smartphones and computers. Before electricity!! The villagers in Hinoemata lived a life surrounded by gorgeous nature on the outskirts of a vast wilderness, modern-day Oze National Park.Nearby Oze National Park is a wonderland of hiking trails… Although they were surrounded by beautiful nature, they had few creative outlets. Villagers needed to focus on farming, fishing, and hunting to keep the village strong and survive the cold winter months. The already remote village became a fortress in winter when paths were covered in heaps of snow, locking everyone either in or out of the village for several months each year.Some villagers travelled south for work or trade, and they discovered something magical: Kabuki theatre shows! Mesmerized by the costumes and storytelling, those villagers brought home tales of what they had seen. Local villagers soon began putting on their own shows. Practicing in the fields and in their homes, and hand painting or crafting the elaborate costumes and sets to put on several spectacular shows to put on in the warmer months.Soon, the rich tradition of Hinoemata Kabuki was born! Theatre for allKabuki theatre is thought to have originated in Japan early on in the Edo period that lasted from 1603 to 1867. Originally female and male actors graced the stages, however, in 1629 women were officially banned from the stage. This was only ten years before the start of Sakoku (1639-1853) when Japan isolated itself by closing the borders.Since 1629, all characters male or female had to be played by men. I was surprised to hear that even today, women are forbidden from performing in official Kabuki performances. Despite this, Hinoemata Kabuki includes female Kabuki actresses!The cast of both male and female kabuki performers taking their final bow of the evening.  Hinoemata Kabuki is not official Kabuki theatre, despite being heavily inspired by Kabuki shows. This allows them to bypass strict rules that other Kabuki theatres have to observe, allowing for a unique take on this staple of Japanese culture. A community dedicated to carrying on traditionWe learned that the female actor who was meant to portray the grandmother character in last week’s performance suffered an injury that left her unable to perform! Everyone was worried now, with one character short.So, one senior actor from the village, a 72-year-old man, recognized the dilemma and decided to step up to help. He had actually retired some time previously due to joint pain in his knee. So, to perform to the best of his ability, this 72-year-old man did daily stretches and strengthening exercises to prepare for the performance. In the end, he managed to beautifully portray the sweet grandmother.Through the dedication of this remote community, their traditions have been preserved for hundreds of years, and hopefully, for hundreds more to come.  Hinoemata Kabuki TodayThanks to the creation of new roads and tunnels access to this remote village has improved, but the village still retains its own unique culture. People in Hinoemata village take a lot of pride in their traditions and history, passing on this tradition to each new generation, they have been able to preserve something truly special.Some time ago, the stage was designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, and the shows have been designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset.Although the original purpose of Hinoemata Kabuki was entertainment by locals for locals, today anyone is welcome to attend. Despite the small population, the town has an active and cheerful atmosphere that is very welcoming.The over 100-year-old thatched roof of the stage hadflowers growing out of the topThe curtain used during the show we saw was hand sewn and painted over 100 years ago by women in the village Visiting Hinoemata village was absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to visit again someday.For a village of just over 500, I didn't expect to find such a warm and lively environment. This is a community that supports each other, and they really seem to love their home and what they do. For information on how to visit click here, or contact us via email or social media and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3185.5024714452015!2d139.382706312273!3d37.021664055067056!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x601fccdffa75eb13%3A0xc9230698213680b1!2sHinoemata%20Shrine%20Kabuki%20Stage!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1692339505646!5m2!1sen!2sjp" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>

Hinoemata Kabuki: A Hidden Gem of Japanese Folk Culture
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Learn how to make Japanese sweets!

“Wagashi” (和菓子),or traditional Japanese sweets, look more like works of art than snacks!   Wagashi are not a daily snack, but more of a special treat that is often eaten during Japanese tea ceremonies and presented to guests. That being said, it is definitely okay to enjoy these snacks in a casual setting as well!     There are so any kinds of Wagashi, and they often reflect the different seasons. Tea ceremonies will often choose the most unique designs to enjoy and celebrate the coming of each season. In spring time it’s common to see pastel colored sweets representing flowers that are in bloom. I have also seen some spring sweets that appear to be white, however, beneath the white is a layer of green that represents green spring grass that is waiting for the snow to melt away. A great deal of detail is taken into consideration while crafting the designs of different sweets! So, while you are in Japan, be sure to explore the Wagashi designs for whatever season you visit during. In my Wagashi class we got to make two types of sweets! First we made a type of Wagashi that are called Namagashi (生菓子)! Namagashi are made using a rice flour dough with a sweet bean paste as filling. They are delicately shaped, often by hand, to reflect the changing of the seasons. They can be shaped like seasonal fruits and vegetables, animals, or more abstract shapes.     We made a multicolored pastel design that looks like a little flower! What a perfect design for spring. The second sweet the we made is a type of Wagashi that are called Ichigo-Daifuku (苺大福)! Ichigo is the Japanese word for strawberry, so this sweet contains one large strawberry! Daifuku is a type of Japanese sweet that is usually a mochi stuffed with a sweet filling, in this case it is anko (sweet bean paste) and also the strawberry.     This is a special design that is made by a sweet shop in Fukushima! The strawberry is so big that it is impossible to close the daifuku, so they added two little sesame seeds for eyes to make it look like a cute face. So cute! This was my first time making Japanese sweets and it was so much fun! I hope that I can try it again in other seasons as well. I highly recommend taking one of these classes! Thank you to the expert confectioners at Ichimian Sweets Shop in Iizaka Onsen Town in Fukushima Prefecture. If you would like to try some of their delicious treats, pay them a visit. Founded in 1923, the shop is a local favorite! For more information, visit their website (Available only in Japanese or Google Chrome translation extension): https://www.iizaka-ichimian.com/%E4%BC%9A%E7%A4%BE%E6%A6%82%E8%A6%81/ If you are interested in trying out a Japanese sweets making class when you visit Fukushima, please contact us for more information. If you are interested in trying out a tea ceremony experience, here are a few options for tea ceremony experiences in Fukushima: Suirakuen Garden inside Nanko Park https://fukushima.travel/destination/green-tea-experience-at-suirakuen-garden/94 Rinkaku Tea Ceremony Room inside the Tsurugajo Castle grounds https://fukushima.travel/destination/relaxing-tea-ceremony-at-tsurugajo-castle/89  

Learn how to make Japanese sweets!
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[EVENT] Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu

In Fukushima Prefecture, in the Aizu region, we are holding a tour-type expo event called [Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu] to promote traditional crafts and local industries in Fukushima! Here, guests can explore the history and development of traditional culture in Fukushima. The main venues are the four areas of the Aizu region (Nishiaizu Town, Aizuwakamatsu City, Aizumisato Town, and Oku Aizu), with the theme of traditional crafts, local cuisine, and the traditional lifestyle of each region. We will hold exhibitions that combine modern designs and new ideas in the form of mini-events such as talk shows and dining events. Experience the rich history and culture of Aizu in autumn with events running through to the end of November! [Fukushima EXPO "FUKU Expo" 2020 in Aizu] A tour-type expo where you can experience the history, culture, and traditional crafts of Aizu. ○ Schedule: October 31, 2020 (Sat) -November 30, 2020 (Mon) ○ Venues: Nishiaizu Town, Aizuwakamatsu City, Aizumisato Town, Oku Aizu (Mishima Town, Kaneyama Town) https://fukushimaexpo-fukuhaku.com/ ※Information will also be posted on our SNS pages. Please access them from the links at the top of our Homepage. ※Event schedules vary depending on each area, so please check the website for details!

[EVENT] Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu
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How to Enjoy Fruit Picking in Fukushima: The Ultimate Guide

Fukushima Prefecture has been called the ‘Fruit Kingdom’ for its abundance of orchards – in particular, the western half of Fukushima City is overloaded with fruit farms of all kinds and colours. This long strip of farmland is known as the ‘Fruit Line’, with over 20 orchards located in this region alone, and is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy a leisurely fruit picking experience during your trip.Unlike fruit picking in western countries, which is often an all-you-can-pick experience, fruit picking in Japan more closely resembles all-you-can-eat. You are usually given a set time period after you arrive – likely 30 minutes to an hour – during which you’re welcome to pick and eat as much fruit as you like. You’re asked not to take any fruit home with you from the picking area, although most orchards have a shop where the best of recent batches can be bought, often at a lower price than supermarkets.Choose Your SeasonOne of the unique features of an area with so many orchards – and a variable four-season climate like Fukushima’s – is that there’s something delicious in season almost the whole year round. Since Fukushima is Japan’s second-largest exporter of peaches, they are one of the prefecture’s biggest symbols, and you’ll see them on billboards and posters wherever you go. That makes peach-picking season – roughly mid-July through September – one of the most popular times to visit the Fruit Line, and the peaches are first-rate no matter which orchard you visit.Also extremely popular is strawberry picking, available from November all the way through to May, and apple picking is also a big hit between August and December. These are the main exports of the famous Fruit Line, but depending on the season you can visit and taste everything from cherries and blueberries in summer to grapes and Japanese pears (nashi) in autumn.What to ExpectThe procedure is slightly different for each orchard – some stores have a ticket vending machine, others you pay at the front counter – but on the whole, orchard staff are very familiar with overseas visitors and will be happy to help you. During the fruit picking experience, a member of the fruit picking staff will explain how to recognise the difference between ripe fruit and non-ripe, and many orchards also have fruit on nearby tables that has been recently picked and is also free for you to eat. Depending on the fruit you’re picking, you may also be given a bucket (for example, for peach skins or pits) and a small knife to cut fruit or peel skin (although fruits like peaches and apples are arguably sweeter with the skin still on). Although English explanations are rarer, it’s relatively easy to understand the staff via gestures and demonstrations.After your time is up, retire to the main shop of the orchard to browse the local products – juices and jams are especially popular and make for good gifts. Marusei Orchard in particular boasts an onsite café that uses their own produce in a variety of sweet treats and parfaits, and there are pictures to help you decide.Getting to the Fruit LineSince buses are available but infrequent, and the Fruit Line is littered with orchards run by different families and companies, using a car or bicycle offers more freedom to explore the area and enjoy the local scenery. Here are our recommendations for getting to the Fruit Kingdom for yourself...Car RentalRenting a car in Japan is an excellent way to get around, and the sign-up process is surprisingly easy. In Fukushima City there are three rental stores close to the west exit of the bullet train station: the JR rental store located near the west exit bus stops; the Toyota store opposite the west exit courtyard; and the Orix store one block further west. All three offer single-day rentals (small ‘kei’ cars have four seats and are the most affordable option) and can be booked online with English support.On the day of the rental, go to the store and state your name. After checking your paperwork and ID, the store staff will ask you to inspect the car for damage, and mark any scratches or dents on their inspection sheet so you’re not charged when returning the vehicle. If required, the staff can also change the car’s navigation system to English.In order to drive in Japan, visitors must obtain an International Driver’s Permit and keep it on their person at all times while driving. You also must show the permit to staff during the rental process.JR Rent-a-car / Toyota / OrixBicycle RentalExploring the countryside on a rental bicycle is one of the best ways to experience Japan – when the weather is nice – and it’s a great way to ‘hop’ multiple orchards if you’re looking to peruse the local products. Despite being ringed to the west by the Azuma mountain range, the Fruit Line is largely flat with a splendid green atmosphere, with most roads being flanked by fruit trees.As an example, if going to Marusei Orchard, take the Izaka Line to its final station of Iizaka-onsen (approx. 20mins), and rent cycles at the station. From there, take a leisurely bike ride headed west for about 10-15 minutes until you arrive at the orchard. (This itinerary would also work for visiting any orchard on the Fruit Line by bicycle.)TaxiTaxis are plentiful and available from the west exit of Fukushima Station, with drivers very familiar with the layout of the Fruit Line and able to drop you at any orchard of your choice. If returning to Fukushima Station, the orchard staff would be able to call a taxi to pick you up. However, since a round trip to the west of the city would likely cost around 7,000 yen – roughly the same price of a rental car for the day – it may be worth considering driving yourself or taking a train and renting bicycles.To learn more about the Fruit Kingdom and book your spot, visit our reservation page.

How to Enjoy Fruit Picking in Fukushima: The Ultimate Guide
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5 things to do in Aizu Misato Town

1. Try out an Aizu Hongo pottery workshop!After all, Aizu Misato Town is best known for its pottery culture!I’ve never used a pottery wheel in my life, but the kind staff at Irori Pottery House was so helpful. The way to use the wheel was not only thoroughly explained to me, but he also gave me a full demonstration!It was so much fun making a cup on the pottery wheel! The staff made it look so easy, however, it was much harder than it looks!The shop is filled with beautiful pieces. https://fukushima.travel/destination/aizu-hongo-pottery-workshops/3222. Investigate the local pottery cultureBe sure to stop by the visitors’ center to learn more about the town and admire a variety of pottery that is on display in the museum area.The town has a rich history in pottery that dates back to the Warring States Period (1467 – 1615)!Aizu Hongo pottery is a local treasure and although it may not be a household name, pieces of Aizu Hongo pottery (known in Japanese as 'Hongo-yaki') can be found in museums around the world! Some pieces are more affordable and available for sale while some pieces are priceless, however, all are beautiful.During the warring states period, the leader of the Aizu Clan, Ujisato Gamo, ordered renovations be made to the nearby Tsurugajo Castle. The need to quickly produce a large number of ceramic tiles for the castle roof led to a surge in pottery production in the area with more than 100 kilns and craftspeople producing the tiles. Along with tiles, potters also crafted a wide variety of products and wares, honing their skills after years of training.Today there are only 13 kilns left in the area, and they are still producing ceramics and porcelain products today to preserve the oldest tradition of pottery in the Tohoku region. 3. Explore the area on a free rental bike!There are actually rental bikes here that you can use for up to 4 hours, for FREE! One of the bikes is an electrical assist bike, so if you are super interested in biking but your travel buddy is less so, then you can put them on the electrical assist bike and go exploring together!The bikes can be rented at the visitors’ center. 4. Check out the the Isasumi Shrine.The history of this shrine is thought to be connected to a 2000-year-old legend, detailed on the Isasumi Shrine page.The grounds of the shrine are shaded with large trees and quiet mossy paths. When I visited, the classic wooden structure was so beautiful against the summer greenery. There is a large Koi pond nearby that is also very relaxing to visit. I had a nice time feeding the koi fish. 5. Enjoy local cuisineThe area is particularly famous for having delicious soba noodles and sauce Katsudon dishes! I ordered the sauce Katsudon at a local diner and it was absolutely delicious. 

5 things to do in Aizu Misato Town
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Fishing at Aquamarine Fukushima

I know what you’re thinking... Fishing?? At an aquarium?Well, this isn’t a typical aquarium.Aquamarine Fukushima is an Environmental Aquarium focused on research and providing educational information about sustainability and conservation.The aquarium is most well-known for its triangular tunnel that separates two large tanks that represent the part of the sea where two currents meet. The Oyashio current (home to a high degree of diversity and reef environments) and the Kuroshio current (home to fast-moving fish and wide open sea environments). This was my first time seeing large schools of fish moving together, and it was really mesmerizing!After getting hypnotized by the swirling school of fish, we headed over to the fishing pond to catch some lunch!At the fishing area, I was handed a rod and some bait. You pay (1000 yen) to use the rod, and then it is a small fee (100 yen) per fish you catch.The fish in the pond were really cute, so I was nervous about eating them. I love eating sushi but when confronted with a cute little fish swimming around, I start to think less with my stomach and more with my heart.I’ve never successfully caught a fish on my own, so I was shocked when I almost instantly felt a tug on the fishing pole. I pulled the rod up and suddenly there was a flopping fish in my hands!In the same way, I was able to quickly catch two more fish. So, one for me and each of my coworkers. You aren’t allowed to return any fish to the water, so be careful not to catch more fish than you can eat.Catching the fish here is pretty easy, so I think this is a great activity to try!Most of us have very little experience with fishing or hunting. When you source all of your food from the local grocery store, it can be hard to remember or come to terms with the fact that the meat we eat was once alive. Faced with a living fish, some visitors (mostly children) have broken the rules and released what they caught once no one was looking! However, rather than feeling sad about the fish, I channeled the mindset of gratitude towards the fish for providing me with life-sustaining nourishment. Thank you, fish friend!We carried the fish friends over to the cooking area, said a little goodbye, and handed them over to the chef. Quickly, the fish were swiftly prepared in front of us and cooked. A few minutes later, we were handed a plate of hot fish fry.They smelled really good. We said a heartfelt thank you, “itadakimasu,” and ate. The taste was so fresh and delicious. I have never eaten such fresh fish before, and my coworker and I agreed that the meat almost tasted more like fried chicken than fish. It felt good to know exactly where our food had come from.In order to consume consciously, it is good to remember to value the life of the creatures that we eat.By keeping our oceans clean, we can honor the lives of sea animals. After we ate, we walked around a bit more and took a look at some of the exhibits. One had a lot of information about beach cleanups and efforts that the aquarium is making to stay environmentally conscious which I hope you will check out if you visit!It was a lot of fun visiting Aquamarine Fukushima, and I hope that you will consider visiting!

Fishing at Aquamarine Fukushima
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Visiting Marusei Orchard

Satou Yukie, a staff member from Fukushima City’s Marusei Orchard is passionate about what she does, and it shows. Pulling up in her bright pink mini truck, wearing her bright pink staff shirt she made quite the entrance. We were ushered in to sit in her office to talk a bit about the orchard before we went to take photos and videos.The office space only had a few chairs so we sat scattered across the room. We might’ve moved the chairs closer, but one staff member was dozing off in a chair and we couldn’t disturb them. Said staff member sleeps throughout most of the work day but management lets it slide because they’re so cute. This is Umemiyatamasaburou, or Tama-chan for short, the name comes from the story of a wandering samurai of the same name. This little cat wandered up to the orchard one day a few years ago and has stuck around ever since, so now they are treated just like any other member of the staff. In the afternoons she likes to wander the orchards, and has been known to sneak onto tour busses… So keep an eye out for her mischief!Satou-san showed us a map that revealed the size of the orchard to be a total of 10 hectares! The largest in Fukushima. 5 hectares are dedicated solely to peach production, in case you didn’t know, Fukushima peaches are quite famous in Japan for being incredibly delicious. The U.S. Olympic softball coach, Ken Erikson, couldn’t get enough of these during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and that not only made national news but caused peaches to sell out in record time due to a record number of orders being made.“Fruit is meant to be enjoyed with your eye, and then your taste buds!” She said with a smile. So, she led us off to the orchards to enjoy some peaches with our eyes and taste buds! The peaches are beautiful bright reds and pinks, looking like beautiful decorations. She told us the peaches that get ripe and delicious sooner are those close to the trunk, next thing we know she is on a ladder and handing us a few peaches. One peach had a tiny bite mark from a bird. Satou-san said that that one would be the sweetest, the birds know these things!After washing, peeling, and cutting off the area where the tiny bite had been taken, we got our first taste. It was incredibly soft and sweet. The birds really do know what’s up!The other peaches had no tiny bite marks, but they were just as delicious! They were a bit firmer and the taste was again, incredible. When you visit Marusei orchard you can eat as many fruits as you like in the set time, I managed to eat two! I definitely could’ve eaten more, but I was saving space for something special...On site, there is a little café called Mori no Garden where you can try incredible parfaits made with fresh, seasonal fruit. The peach parfait was absolutely incredible, and I now have unrealistic expectations for fruit eating. It will be hard to beat the level of amazing that is Marusei Orchard’s fruits. Walking through the orchards, it’s fun to take a look at the fruit trees that are out of season, it’s so cute to see the tiny baby fruits that will soon grow into something delicious! The area of the orchard is designed to hard something to see no matter the season with a variety of fruits and flowers that make a visit here truly exceptional. After eating your fill of delicious fruits, you can stroll around the grounds and relax.At the front desk where you rented your buckets and knives for fruit picking, you also need to return them. You can buy any fruits that picked but couldn’t eat, and you can also buy some already picked fruits. There are some really funny warning signs to remind you to keep your hands to yourself, but it goes without saying don’t touch or squeeze the fruits!The orchard has such a fun atmosphere where you can tell how much the staff really enjoy working there, staff members have even DIYed little fruit parfait models, and they also collect the beetles they find in the orchard and save them for children to adopt as pets. Much kinder than getting rid of bugs with pesticides that’s for sure.Click here for more information about fruit picking in Fukushima!

Visiting Marusei Orchard
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