J-heartland Newsletter No.4

Greetings from the Tokai region and Japan’s Heartland. In this month’s issue we will highlight events occurring in November 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”.

The crisp, cool sunny days and nights of November brings us into the second most popular season of the year - autumn and the breathtaking beauty of red, orange and yellow fall leaves. People here flock to parks, gardens, temples, shrines and anywhere that the beauty of the season can be enjoyed to its fullest. At night, various locations light up their grounds and visitors thrill to the softly illuminated autumn leaves. Whether you are in the city or countryside, there are numerous sites to be enjoyed!

This time of year is also when a collective sigh can heard as temperatures drop to 20 C (68 F) or so in the daytime and as low as 11 C (52 F) in the evenings. As such, people start to wear warmer clothing and a few jackets can even be seen! If you are in the area, be sure to sample some of the savory dishes only available in fall. Some of which are “kuri gohan” (steamed rice with chestnuts), “matsutake gohan” (steamed rice with matsutake mushrooms), sanma (Pacific saury), kaki (persimmons), shin-mai (recently harvested rice), shin-soba (recently harvested buckwheat made into noodles), nashi (Japanese pears) and nasu (eggplant) - to name just a few!

Made famous overseas by Hiroshige’s woodblock prints “35 Views of the Tokai-do”, the Tokai Road (Tokai-do in Japanese), stretches from Nihonbashi in Tokyo (old Edo) to the ancient capital of Kyoto. With the establishment of the Tokugawa government in Tokyo, regular travel from there to the capital in Kyoto and other parts of the country became a necessity. Furthermore, the Tokugawa government required daimyo and their family members to be present in Tokyo for a certain time of year thus the necessity of the Tokaido.

In addition to government couriers and the like, the regular populous could now travel as well. Up until then, people were not allowed to travel freely. Even with the establishment of the Tokaido and other roads, one had to have permission to travel and needed official paperwork to move between areas.

Though various roads have existed for much longer, it was Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who first officially ordered the creation of this major thoroughfare in 1601. By creating this route, small stop-over towns, stables and check points were also set up along the road and linked vital parts of the country.

Various stop-over towns still exist today throughout the country. For those interested in visiting some of the small towns that got their origins from the Tokaido, Mie Prefecture is holding various events celebrating the 400 year anniversary of the Tokaido.

Walking courses along the old Tokai-do
For those people interested in participating in a free guided tour of sections of the Tokaido, this is your chance to travel the ancient path and see some of the remnants of days past for yourself. If you can read Japanese check out Mie’s homepage at http://www.kankomie.or.jp/index.asp and look for the link, “Kaido Walk” (Town Walk). Here you can sign up for the walking course and receive a special gift on the day of the tour. For those who cannot read Japanese, maybe ask a friend for help or just show up a little ahead of schedule on the day you desire to participate and sign up. Look for the logo (below), go up and say “Kaido Walk ni sanka shitai” (I would like to participate in the Kaido walking tour) and I am sure people will be more than thrilled to help!!

Sponsored by Mie Prefecture:
“Kaido Walk”

Jyosenbo Temple

Historical Walking Course #5, Asahi town
November 3 (Sun.)
It is said that even powerful daimyo got out of their “kago” or palanquin (an enclosed “chair” particularly used in Asia to carry a person on the shoulders of men) on their long journey along the Tokai-do to pay their respects at Jyosenbo Temple, which had connections to the Tokugawa family - proof of which was displayed by the three leafed Aoi, symbol of the ruling Tokugawa family. If one looks carefully at old roof tiles on various buildings, one can see family crests which were important symbols of power.

Where to meet & tour info: Walking enthusiasts can stop by Jyosenbo along Course #5, around 5 km (3.1 miles) in total, which starts from “Katarai Square” in front of Kintetsu Ise-Asahi Station. The walking tour starts at 10:00 and winds up at Asahi Town’s educational facility, “Fureai no Sato” at around 11:00.

Historical Walking Course #6, Seki town
November 4 (Sun.)
The 5 km route leads walkers through the charming historical city streets of yesterday. Truly the place to best appreciate the atmosphere of “Tokai-do road old towns”. One of the highlights along the route is the renovated Historical Archives Hall, once one of the main Japanese inns in Seki’s days past.

Where to meet & tour info: Walking enthusiasts can stop by various historical spots along Course #6, around 5 km (3.1 miles) in total, which starts from Seki Town’s Sakashita Citizen’s Hall (Kominkan) located 20 mins. from JR Kansai Main Line, Seki Station via any Mie Kotsu bus bound for Ise-Sakashita. Pay the bus fare (\370) and get off at Ise-Sakashita, then head towards Sakashita Kominkan, the walking tour starts at 9:00. The tour finishes up at Seki Town Hall (Yakuba-mae) at around 10:30.

Related Events: For those who prefer a later start, a old-era costume parade and various floats will wind their way through the old town area of Seki-Juku starting from 11:15 am.

Historical Archives Hall

Autumn and the beauty of red, orange and yellow leaves have finally come to Japan and the Tokai region. During this time of year there are many sightseeing spots, events and festivals held around the area that celebrate autumn, the fall leaves and the harvest season. Here just a few are highlighted, if you have a chance be sure to come and check them out for yourself!

	*“Korankei Momiji Matsuri”* (Asuke, Aichi) November 1 - 30 In a narrow valley, tucked between the rolling hills of Asuke town is Korankei. This traditional little “village” maintains the flavor of old Japan. Every year people flock to this area to celebrate the gorgeous fiery red and orange maple leaves of autumn. In the evening, visitors may enjoy a special treat when the area is lit up. This occurs from 5pm to 9pm throughout the month. Generally late November, after the 20th, is the best time to enjoy the autumn leaves. Traffic, both vehicular and human, is packed - but this truly is an event not to be missed!
	Shirakawa “Fire Proofing” Festival (Shirakawa Village, Gifu) Late October or Early November (Sunday) With the advent of autumn, the mountain village of Shirakawa undertakes preparation for winter. One major event is the spraying of water on wooden Gassho-style buildings to prevent fires from occurring during the cold, dry winter. This unusual event draws many photographers - amateur and professional alike. With the beauty of the autumn leaves and the surrounding mountains in the background, this is a truly unique spectacle!
	*“Shobo-ji Momiji Matsuri”* (Shobo Temple Maple Leaf Festival) (Suzuka Mountains, Mie) From November 17 to 25. Originally built in 807 AD, Shobo-ji has had a tumultuous history. Burnt down in 1508 because of fears of an armed uprising, the current temple was not rebuilt until 1659. Marking more peaceful days, Shobo-ji annually holds an autumn festival. The “Momiji Matsuri” (Maple Leaf Festival) celebrates the beauty of fall leaves in all their glory. At night visitors can enjoy a special treat when the grounds are strategically lit up and the fiery red and orange leaves glow softly in the night.
	*“Daidogei World Cup in Shizuoka” Festival* (Shizuoka city, Shizuoka) Events in November: Spectacle Show, Nov. 1 to 4 (Thurs. - Sun.) Transe Express & Herber’s Dream A unique troupe from France will thrill spectators with their death-defying open-air performance. Then, a spectacular array of light accompanies a large air balloon in yet another unusual performance. To take place in Sumpu Park on the evenings of Nov. 1 to 4 from 6:30 to 8pm. Funny Parade, Nov. 3 - 4 (Sat. & Sun.) A parade highlighting around 20 large dolls made by locals and guests from Australia. Starting from City Hall and winding its way through the city to the beat of music on the 3rd (at 2 and 6 pm) and the 4th (held inside Sumpu Park at 10 am and 2 pm).
	Nagoya City Art Museum (Fushimi, Nagoya city) Opened to the public in 1988, the city art museum is located in the center of Nagoya and inside Fushimi's lush green Shirakawa-koen park grounds. The white museum is sectioned into four permanent collections, the Ecole de Paris, Mexican Modern Art, Contemporary Art and Local Art. Special events and exhibitions are held at the museum several times a year. Currently visitors may enjoy two exhibits: "Masterpieces from the Collection of the Yamatane Museum of Art” (running from Oct. 20 to Nov. 25) and Tsuguharu Fujita's Mural “The Earth” (running from Sept. 5 to Nov. 25).

These are just a few of the many events and festivals 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!

Aichi	http://mpn.cjn.or.jp/a-kanko/english/culture/index.html
Gifu	http://www.kankou-gifu.or.jp/en/index.htm
Mie	http://www.kankomie.or.jp/kanko/discover/index.html
Shizuoka	http://kankou.pref.shizuoka.jp/english/FESTIVAL/FESTIVAL.html
Nagoya	http://www.ncvb.or.jp/e_html/index_e.htm

This month’s special feature:
Nagoya City

In 1612 Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered Nagoya Castle built and the town that would become Nagoya city slowly took form and has been developing ever since. Located in the center of Aichi Prefecture this old castle town and port city has served an important role politically and industrially for hundreds of years. Now one of the largest metropolises in the country, Nagoya boasts a population of around 2.2 million within the city limits.

One of the most popular sightseeing destinations for domestic and international tourists alike is Nagoya Castle which was rebuilt after having been burnt down in 1945. The castle and grounds are one of few spots where visitors can enjoy the historical flavor of "old Japan".

In addition to history and culture, Nagoya is home to world-renowned industries such as the Toyota Motor Corporation and Noritake - both of which have made global contributions to their respective fields as well as locally and nationally.

One recent new addition to Nagoya city is the new large pool (one of the world's largest!) for large marine animals at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. A wide range of exhibits will thrill all ages. Beyond this there are many fine shops, restaurants and hotels in Nagoya city to be enjoyed. Come and visit us soon!

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is situated in the former head office and factory of the Toyota Textile Company and was dedicated as a museum in 1994. The museum aims to introduce manufacturing concepts and pass on the importance of research and inventions to the general public.

The “first” Toyota corporation was founded years after Sakichi Toyoda invented the Toyoda wooden hand loom in 1890. He continued developing looms until creating a power loom in 1897. In 1902 Toyota Shokai (Textile Company) was established. With his son, Kiichiro Toyoda, the two men went on to further successes in power looms.

Not content to focus only on the textile business, Kiichiro desired to create the first domestic car. In 1933 the "Automobile Department" was established in the Toyota Automatic Loom Works. After much hard work and failure, Kiichiro succeeded in developing the first domestic passenger car prototype in 1935 and in 1937, Toyota, as we now know it, was established.

Inside the expansive facility, visitors may view advancements made from the textile industry all the way to the automotive industry. Guaranteed to be a fascinating visit, for families and individuals to groups alike!

Transportation
Subway: 10-minute walk from the No. 2 exit of Kamejima Station on the Higashiyama Line
Meitetsu: Three-minute walk from Sako Station on the Nagoya Line
Bus: At the Nagoya Bus Terminal, board the Nagoya Station bus at the "Lemon Home" platform No. 10; three-minute walk from the Noritake Shinmachi stop

Clockwise from left to right: Nagoya Castle in autumn, an aerial view of downtown Hisaya Odori Park, the Tokugawa Museum and the Nagoya Noh Theater

For more information, check out Nagoya City’s homepage at: http://www.city.nagoya.jp/indexe.htm

Or the Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau at:
http://www.ncvb.or.jp/e_html/index_e.htm

Or our section on “Nagoya city” in our homepage: http://www.j-heartland.com

Nagoya Public Aquarium

Creating one of the world’s largest pools to facilitate exhibition, research, breeding program and protection of large marine mammals, the Nagoya Public Aquarium recently opened a pool containing 13,400 tons of water, measuring 60 m in length, 30 m in width and 12 meters deep. The large exhibition area also seats up to 3,000 visitors at one time!

The aquarium has taken care to see that exhibitions further visitors understanding of how large mammals swim and communicate, as such an innovative method has been adopted. In addition, state of the art visual techniques are utilized.

Four different exhibitions have been created focusing mainly on whales, their long struggle to exist, their habitats and relations with humans. While considerable attention is devoted to the living environment, the evolutionary process of whales is exhibited using skeletons and fossils.

In the “Ocean” exhibit, visitors will learn about Killer Whales’ (Orca) intelligence and abilities; in the exhibit on “Marine Life around Japan” visitors will learn about the physical makeup of dolphins; in the “Sea of Aurora” exhibit visitors can observe the fluid movement of white dolphins and listen to the communication methods of these animals from northern seas; and in the “Sea of Evolution” visitors can learn about the evolution of whales through skeletal and fossil exhibits.

Afterwards be sure to relax in the Sea Breeze Plaza overlooking the port. Come enjoy a day at Nagoya Public Aquarium and Nagoya Port - guaranteed to be a treat for all ages!

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.

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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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.)