Did anyone catch the Japan Motorsport Fiesta this year? From of the looks of it, they exhibit some of the oldest, most popular cars around, presumably used for racing before. :)

They have Chinatown in Japan!!

It is my wish to visit all the chinatown in the world. And then, I am going do a postmortem on the level of dirtiness in each city’s chinatown. Btw, that videoclip is really well done. :)

Kumano is Japan’s “Land of the Dead” because it centers around three shrines, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan. The walking trails that links between the three shrines are called Kumano Kodo and is reputed to be over 1000 years old. The shrines are even older as they exist before the trails were in place.

While it’s name sounds somber, Kumano’s reference as the Land of the Dead often denotes the Shinto beliefs in spirits. ancestors and the afterlife, which is believed to walk along these trails and dwell in the area after they die. Kumano is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The performance is a part of the “blow the earth” project. The trumpeter is an avant-garde musician Toshinori Kondo.

Autumn is a very beautiful season anywhere with four seasons. I once wrote a poem about autumn but that’s for another post. Maybe the next :) Anyway, in Japan, the Autumn Leaf, or Koyo, season is similar to the Cherry Blossom season. Instead of watching cherry blossoms, the Japanese will appreciate the changing color of the leaves.

What are your favorite places to visit during Koyo Season?

Below is a beautiful video of Nasu during the Autumn Season.

Matsuyama (松山市, Matsuyama-shi?) meaning “pine mountain”, is the homely capital of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan. Founded on December 15, 1889, this city of 515,000 is located in the Matsuyama Plain, a river basin formed by the flow of the Ishite and Shigenobu rivers, and nestled by the Ishizuchi mountain range to the south and Takanawa Mountains to the north. Home to exquisite citrus products, the climate is overall mild and temperate (avg. temp 15 Celsius), somewhat balmy in summer, with most rainfall occurring in late spring and almost no snow in winter.

Quite provincial yet hospitable to travelers, and a hub of business and shopping amongst the lazy calm of the countryside, Matsuyama has much to offer in the way of literary and curious cultural assets.

Matsuyama is perhaps best known for Dōgo Onsen (道後温泉), which attracts hot spring enthusiasts and newcomers alike to its steamy waters that emerge from faults in the east-west tectonic line. Dōgo Onsen was already famous in the Nara period, and Shotoku Taishi visited the spa in the year 596. It is also mentioned in passing in The Tale of Genji.

Famous Buddhist temples in Matsuyama include Ishite-ji (石手寺) and Taisanji (太山寺), both dating back to the 8th century, although the oldest surviving buildings are from the early 14th century. Famous shrines of the city include Isaniwa shrine, built in 1667.

Some places of interest while visiting Matsuyama:

Akiyama Brothers Birthplace (秋山兄弟生誕地)
2-3-6 Kachimachi, ☎ 089-943-2747, 10:00-17:00, closed Monday, 12/28-01/03.
Adult: ¥200
Born to a lower class branch of the Matsuyama samurai clan, Akiyama Kyōdai Seitanchi pays tribute to two brothers who became modern military heroes of Japan. Yoshifuru, the eldest, is credited with being the father of the Japanese Cavalry, while Saneyuki excelled in naval tactics. Yoshifuru entered what would become the Imperial Japanese Army Academy, then the Army War College and later traveled to France to study cavalry techniques in 1887. After serving in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) he successfully established a cavalry division which debuted in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), thrusting him into the military spotlight. After holding numerous posts of prestige, he was promoted to General in 1916 and finally retired to become a junior high school principal in Matsuyama. A childhood friend of Masaoka Shiki, Saneyuki shared his love of the written word and the two studied literature at Tokyo University. However, at the behest of his brother, Saneyuki left school and joined the Naval Academy in Tsukiji, embarking on a much more interesting military career. Being exceptionally bright, he quickly became a Lieutenant Commander who served well in the Sino-Japanese War. He was sent to America to study naval tactics, highly inspired by the writings of Thayer Mahan, but encountered many obstacles in his quest for knowledge due to his nationality. Eventually, he gained on-the-job training during the Spanish-American War (1898), spent time in Europe as well before returning to Japan where he became the foremost strategist for the Russo-Japanese War, leading to a glorious victory on Tsushima. After going to Europe again to study World War I, he became Vice Admiral in 1917 and taught naval tactics at the Naval War College, stressing the importance of popular mobilization and modern technological warfare.

Dōgo Park & Yuzuki Castle Ruins (道後公園・湯築城),
Dōgo Park, ☎ 089-941-1480, [13]. Dōgo Park: 24 hours, Yuzuki Castle Ruins: 09:00-17:00, Opens 12/29-01/03.
Entrance is free

From mid-March through the month of April, the typically peaceful Dōgo Park is overwhelmed by inebriated locals and hawking vendors who come to take part in the most ancient of activities, hanami, or viewing of sakura (cherry blossoms). An oval shaped patch of green in the overdeveloped Dōgo neighborhood, Dōgo Kōen is an important part of Matsuyama’s identity because it harbors the ruins of Yuzuki Castle. Yuzukijō was the residence of the Kōno Clan (河野) who ruled Iyo Province (伊予, now Ehime), defending it from Mongols and making Dōgo the center of culture and commerce for the region, from the 13th to the late 16th century when war lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) sent an army to Shikoku to conquer and unify Japan. The excavation of the 30,000 square meter site took over 14 years, but the castle, gardens and lords’ houses were all recovered. Within the recreated homes, mannequins silently act out the daily lives of the elite during that time, drinking tea and writing renga (poems composed by a group). There is also a library and if reservations are made, a volunteer English-speaking guide can show visitors around.

Gudabutsuan (愚陀仏庵)
3-3-7 Ichibanchō, ☎ 089-921-3711. 09:40-18:00, closed Monday, 12/29-01/05.
Entrance is free but tea is served for ¥300

“Stupid Buddha” was the name given to this quiet hermitage that Sōseki and Shiki shared for 52 days in the year 1895. Sōseki, who taught English at Matsuyama Junior High, lived upstairs while Shiki bravely fought tuberculosis in a room below. Those few days were a pivotal time for modern Japanese poetry; Shiki invited other haiku artists to debate the merits of the verse and he also taught techniques to students of the Shofukai Haiku School. Sōseki, who was himself at a turning point in his life, was greatly inspired by his college friend’s passion and after parting ways, began a serious career in literature.

Matsuyama Castle (松山城), 1 Marunouchi, ☎ 089-921-4873 08:30-16:30, closed 12/29.
email: matsuyamajyo@city.matsuyama.ehime.jp
Entrance fee: Adult: ¥500, Child: ¥150.

Situated on the 130m tall Katsuyama Hill in the center of the city, this is one of three multi-wing, flat hilltop castles remaining in Japan. Before the industrial revolution, one could readily view the castle from almost all corners of the city, but even now travelers can orientate themselves using the old compass. This sprawling fortress, constructed by the feudal lord Katō Yoshiaki (加藤嘉明) over the course of 25 years, was completed in 1627, and like all castles has been the victim of arson and lightning strikes. The main tower is a wooden framed structure (like Himeji Castle, as opposed to the many concrete reproduction castle towers found in most parts of Japan) and in fact renovation has just been completed within the past year, using techniques and materials consistent with its 17th century construction. With four of its eight strategic gates designated national cultural treasures (Inui Gate is the only actual original part) and the wealth of historical artifacts – swords and armor belonging to the three occupying families, calligraphy and official documents from the feudal era – and narratives available (in English) within its majestic walls, Matsuyamajō is well worth the hike. The castle is accessible by hiking a wooded trail, but the cable car or chairlift (ropeway, ロープウェイ) can be boarded at the east entrance, located along Ropeway Street. Cable car and chairlift times correspond to castle tour times, and the fee is ¥500 roundtrip.

Matsuyama Official Site (English)

Minami (Namba) is one of two largest cities in Osaka. Minami, is “South” for Japanese – most of Osaka’s parts are named after the position of its regions. Minami is home to Namba, Shinsaibashi and Dōtonbori shopping districts. The Minami ward, however, is now merged with Chuo ward in Japan.

The city boasts of a life that is a gregarious and outwardly interesting as Tokyo but admittedly smaller and more personable. It offers something for everyone, with attractions such as Amerikamura for the fashion fanatics, the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Nipponbashi Den Den Town for electronics and manga otakus, and the colorful Dotonbori entertainment district. These popular spots are located near the Namba Station.

Map courtesy of Japan-Guide on how to get to Minami (Namba):

Check out the Namba Walk in this clip:

The video is taken two years ago by some guy, a tourist, or an exchange student but for some reason, people in Namba are still blasting Destiny’s Child’s Survivor song… lol

Jeoiji Temple is well known for it’s beautiful garden, Shessutei. It was named after a famous monk who is a painter and garden designer, Shessu. The garden is also an inspiration to one of Shessu’s art masterpieces.

How to get there?
Joeiji Temple stands outside of the city center, about six kilometers north of Yamaguchi Station.

More info here…

Hōryū-ji (法隆寺, lit. Temple of the Flourishing Law?) is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji (法隆学問寺), or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, named as such because the site serves as a seminary as well as a monastery. The temple is widely acknowledged to have some of the oldest wooden buildings existing in the world, and is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan.

In 1993, Hōryū-ji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government lists it as a National Treasure.

The temple was originally commissioned by Prince Shotoku; at the time it was called “Ikaruga-dera”(斑鳩寺), a name that is still sometimes used. This first temple is believed to have been completed by 607. Hōryū-ji was dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and in honor of the prince’s father.

Excavations done in 1939 confirmed that Prince Shotoku’s palace, the Ikaruga-no-miya (斑鳩宮), occupied the eastern part of the current temple complex, where the Tō-in (東院) sits today. Also discovered were the ruins of a temple complex which was southwest of the prince’s palace and not completely within the present temple complex. The original temple, named by modern historians and archaeologists Wakakusa-Garan (若草伽藍), was lost, probably burned to the ground after being hit by lightning in 670. The temple was reconstructed but slightly reoriented in a northwest position, which is believed to have been completed by around 711. The temple has been repaired and reassembled in the early twelfth century, in 1374, and 1603.

Ever wondered how Japan’s Meiji era looked like? In Meiji Mura, architecture as well as lifestyle is simulated to the glorious modernization era helm by the Meiji emperor for 45 years.

The Meiji open air museum is open-air architectural museum/theme park in Inuyama, near Nagoya in Aichi prefecture, Japan. It was opened on March 18, 1965. The museum preserves historic buildings from Japan’s Meiji (1867-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and early Showa (1926-1989) periods. Over 60 historical buildings have been moved and reconstructed onto 1 km² (247 acres) of rolling hills alongside Lake Iruka. The most noteworthy building there is the reconstructed main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark Imperial Hotel, which originally stood in Tokyo from 1923 to 1967, when the main structure was demolished to make way for a new, larger version of the hotel.

The Meiji era was a period of rapid change in Japan. After centuries of isolation, Japan began to incorporate ideas from the west, including building styles and construction techniques. Meiji Mura’s goal is to preserve these historic early examples of western architecture mixed with Japanese construction techniques and materials. Incidentally, many of the buildings were saved from demolition during the post World War II period, another time of transition and rapid progress in Japanese history.

In addition, notable buildings of historical or cultural importance including those of later eras are preserved as well, including a few Japanese style buildings. Nine of the buildings are designated as Important Cultural Assets, and nearly all the rest are registered as tangible cultural assets. The museum includes buildings from Hawaii and Seattle in the United States, and also Brazil. A steam locomotive and street car, along with shuttle buses and horse-drawn carriages, provide transportation within the grounds. An operational historic post office is included among the 67 buildings (as of 2005). Though some buildings are somewhat empty, others have displays showing the history of the building and period, period furniture, and other displays.

The former Imperial Hotel was moved from Tokyo between 1967 and 1985. Though only the entrance and lobby remain, it is the largest structure in Meiji Mura.

Other structures preserved at Meiji Mura include Lafcadio Hearn’s summer house from Shizuoka (1868) and Kyoto’s old St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (1890). The former Cathedral is available to rent for weddings.

Meiji Mura is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March to October, and until 4:00 p.m. from November to February.

Official Meiji Mura website

Mount Rokkō is 931m high and is the perfect spot for a city’s picturesque view. Various tourist attractions can be found such as a botanical garden and a music box museum. Japan’s first golf course was on top of Mount Rokkō too. There is no single mountain or peak called “Rokkō.” The highest peak of the mountains is called Rokkō-Saikōhō (六甲最高峰, Rokkō-Saikōhō?), literally, the highest peak in Rokkō Mountains.

Top of Rokkō-Saikoho

How to get there?

From central Kobe:

From Sannomiya Station, take the Hankyu Kobe Line to Rokko Station (7 minutes, 180 Yen), from where you can catch the Rokko Cablecar up the mountain (10 minutes, 570 Yen one way, 1000 Yen round trip).

The “Omote Rokko Shuyu Joshaken” ticket consists of a round trip ticket for the Rokko Cablecar and unlimited use of the circular bus line on top of the mountain for 1300 Yen.

From Arima Onsen:

The Rokko Arima Ropeway connects Arima Onsen with the top of Mount Rokko. The one way trip takes 12 minutes and costs 980 Yen. A round trip ticket costs 1770 Yen.

The “Ura Rokko Shuyu Joshaken” ticket consists of a round trip ticket for the Rokko Arima Ropeway and unlimited use of the circular bus line on top of the mountain for 1900 Yen.

From Kobe to Arima or the other way around:

The “Rokko Arima Katamichi Joshaken” ticket provides a one way trip between Rokko Station and Arima Onsen using cablecar, bus and ropeway plus unlimited use of the circular bus line on Mount Rokko for 1700 Yen. It is a nice way to access Arima Onsen from Kobe.

More info on how to get to Mount Rokko: Travel Guide Japan