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Welcome to the first edition of our monthly newsletter. We will be delivering this newsletter throughout the year highlighting various seasons and events occurring in the Tokai region - Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka Prefectures and Nagoya City. We hope that you will enjoy learning about fascinating historical and cultural aspects that are still part of everyday life in the “Heart of Japan”. |
| Here in the Tokai region we are in the midst
of the dogs days of summer. Weather in June and July leads off with the
rainy season, called “tsuyu” in Japanese, and hot, humid days. Whereas
August brings us sweltering hot days averaging around 35℃ (95 F) and above
with high levels of humidity. Generally we have such weather from late
June until October. Needless to say, you can almost hear a collective
sigh of relief when temperatures finally start to cool off. In the meantime, we try to forget the heat and discomfort through various activities such as attending festivals, watching fireworks, eating “kakigori” (shaved ice flavored with syrup), going out with friends to “beer gardens” or eating “hitsumabushi” (flavored, sliced and cooked eel placed on top of rice) which is said to be full of nutrients the body needs to withstand the draining hot summer days. |
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Toyohashi Gion Festival Toyohashi city, Aichi |
| Festivals, “matsuri” in Japanese, are very
popular and are held in almost every village, town and city throughout
the country year round. Many of them have long histories and are beloved
traditional features of each region. One particular festival is a major
attraction in the Tokai region, the Toyohashi Gion Festival, a unique
fireworks festival in which large cannon-like fireworks are set off. Individually
hand-packed late at night to prevent dampness setting in, the fireworks
then are lit one by one and held in a vertical position by the person
who packed it. These fireworks are particularly dangerous as they spout
a large flame for a fairly long period. In order to protect themselves,
each man wears an old style jacket called a “happi” made from a thick
fabric called “sashiko” and then douses himself with water for protection
against the hot sparks. This is an event guaranteed to thrill all ages!
For those planning to be in the area, the festival is held in Toyohashi
city on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July each year. |
| The summer months in Japan and the Tokai region
bring sweltering, hot days and nights. During this time of year there
are many festivals and fireworks held around the area that help one to
forget the heat. Here just a few are highlighted, if you have a chance
come and check them out for yourself! |
July & August
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Fireworks: Okazaki (Aichi) With the hot days of summer brings fireworks, festivals and yukata (cotton kimono) clad youngsters. Held on the first Saturday in August, Okazaki’s summer fireworks festival lights up the night with a wide variety of unique fireworks displays lasting for around 2 and a half hours. All the while, nearby Ota and Yahagi Rivers are softly illuminated with floating miniature ships, a long held summer tradition in the area. |
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Mountains: Shinhodaka Ropeway, Kamitakara Village (Gifu) Shinhodaka Ropeway is a 3,200-meter long ropeway starting off in Kamitakara Village, which offers a variety of fine onsen (hot springs). As the double-level gondola works it way up to the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery at a height of 2,200 meters. Once at the summit, one can choose to relax and enjoy the view or try out some the challenging hiking paths leading into the mountains. |
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Ocean Beaches: Goza Shirahama Beach (Shima town, Mie)
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Hot Springs: Bentenjima Hot Springs (Lake Hamana, Shizuoka) Famous for its fine onsen (hot springs) and unagi (eel), the Lake Hamana area also serves up fine seafood all year round. Many fine hotels, small family-run lodging facilities and restaurants dot the lakeside offering people a weekend getaway from the stresses of city life. Bentenjima is made up of seven small islands located at the lower end of Lake Hamana. It is particularly popular for clam digging and beautiful sunsets. |
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Fireworks: Nagoya Port Summer Festival & Fireworks (Nagoya) The Nagoya Port Garden Pier is a popular sightseeing spot, offering an aquarium, a maritime museum, a wide variety of shops and restaurants among other attractions. Visitors can also enjoy a short cruise inside the port which is located in the upper northern section of Ise Bay. In the summer, a big fireworks show and festival is popular with people of all ages. |
| These are just a few of the many festivals and cultural events in the Tokai region. To learn about more festivals held throughout the year check out our “Events & Festivals” page at http://www.j-heartland.com or click on any of the following links! |
| This month’s special feature: Cormorant
Fishing
Nagara River (Gifu) Cormorant fishing has existed for over 1,300 years and the long-held
traditions continue to this day. Cormorant fishermen take pride in maintaining
this ancient style of fishing. Each fisherman is responsible for taking
care of, raising and training cormorants to fish for ayu (sweetfish).
By loosely tying a rope to each bird’s neck, the fisherman gains (or
steals!) his catch. From May through October visitors can take boat
tours at night to watch this unique event.
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For more information on Cormorant Fishing and Gifu Prefecture, please view their homepage at: |
| For those visitors heading into Gifu, why not take a short
detour at a unique new shopping mall, “Active-G”. In addition to a variety
of restaurants and shops, this mall offers cultural workshops, a health
club and a spa. Located just 18 mins. by express train (kaisoku) from
Nagoya via the JR Tokaido line. |
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| Before you plan a trip to Japan & the Tokai region,
why not check out some pre-planned tours? You can find more information
in our “Recommended Routes” section.
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| For more information on getting around Japan & the
Tokai region as you plan your trip, access valuable information on discounted
rail passes found in our “Railway Passes” section.
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Home
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Back issues: (Available from September 2001) Compiled by Christine Sakamoto (Clip art utilized for non-commercial purposes from: Komon-ya.net, Clip Arts of ancient Japan, Queen’s free world & Genei Sozai Koubou. Copyright held by respective parties.)
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