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 December 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”.

By December the autumn leaves have fallen and the landscape has turned toward winter. Generally we have sunny but cool days and nights. Frosts are rare at this time of year so lovely red, white and pink camellia blossoms can be enjoyed well into late winter. Temperatures average around 11 C (52 F) or so in the daytime and drop to around 2 C (35 F) in the evenings. A strong, cold wind blows through parts of the region so be sure to bring a scarf or hat in addition to layers of warm clothing when you come to visit! To warm up your insides, try out some of the “nabe” dishes popular in winter - healthy, filling ingredients cooked in an earthen pot or for beer lovers “oden” might be a tantalizing after dinner snack!

Like in many countries, the month of December is a very busy time of year in Japan. Since olden times, people have referred to the month of December as “shiwasu” which literally means that monks, teachers and elite people are extremely busy running around. Everyday people are busy too, doing year-end cleaning or gathering to celebrate the season. In fact, the main end-of-the-year party is called “bonenkai” which literally means to forget the year! Before the year can be “forgotten” however, the obligatory “seibo” (year-end-gifts) and “nengajyo” (New Year's greeting cards) are projects that most people rush about getting done and sent out to friends, family, co-workers and customers. New Year’s greeting cards are delivered on “ganjitsu”, the 1st of January, thus they must be mailed off by a certain day. “Hatsumode” is another important yearly event. As soon as the clock inches past midnight on December 31 and moves into January 1, people traditionally head to nearby shrines to pray for health and prosperity in the New Year.

Osu Kannon Temple, Osu District

Osu Kannon Temple and its neighboring shopping arcade is a popular destination with young, old, Japanese and non-Japanese alike. There is something about the atmosphere of the area that draws people back again and again. Part of that reason is the red temple - Osu Kannon. Originally built in Gifu during the Kamakura Era (1192-1333) the temple was dismantled and reconstructed in its current location upon orders of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. Unfortunately a major fire in the Meiji Era (1868-1912) and bombing during the last World War destroyed temple buildings, however they were rebuilt in 1970. Since then, the area has flourished by offering a mix of modern and old with the shopping arcade and temple. On the 18th and 28th of each month an antique market is held in the temple square and the latest technology is sold throughout the year at Ameyoko in the shopping mall additionally there are many restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores and even a theater - all in all, Osu is a great place to hang out! Come check it out yourself!

Cold winter days have arrived to the Tokai region! During this time of year there are many sightseeing spots, events and festivals held around the area that celebrate the season. Here just a few are highlighted, if you have a chance be sure to come and check them out for yourself!

	The “Museum of Vinegar” (Handa city, Aichi) Since 1804 vinegar has played an important role in Handa’s history. Known as the “home of vinegar”, the Museum of Vinegar is located inside an old vinegar warehouse in Handa city. The only museum of its kind in Japan, visitors to the factory grounds and unique museum can learn about the history and process involved in the making of vinegar from ages long past to current day.

	Nyuukawa Village: Ski Grounds and Hot Springs (Nyuukawa Village, Gifu) The Nyuukawa area offers snow enthusiasts a variety of ski grounds to choose from and hot spring resorts to soak those sore muscles in after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. If you aren’t interested in outdoor activities, you can surely enjoy taking in the lovely scenery Nyuukawa Village offers all from the comfort of a toasty warm hot spring bath or hotel room.

	Meoto-iwa Rope Binding Festival (Futami town, Mie) December 16 (Sunday) This small town is well known throughout the country for its “wedded rocks” - called Meoto Iwa. The two rocks represent a married couple with the large rock as the husband and the smaller as his wife. Three times a year (May, September and December) a solemn Shinto ceremony is carried out to replace the rope binding the two rocks together. This traditional ceremony has been conducted since the Muromachi Era (1333-1612). Year round, the rocks attract young people and couples looking to get married. Legend has it that couples who see the sun between the two rocks will be guaranteed happiness together!

	The Museum of Fragrance (Toyoda town, Shizuoka) This facility is located in the center of Toyoda town, which has declared itself as "the town of fragrance". The building is painted in different shades of green, symbolizing the blending of nature and culture. Exhibitions in the museum display many well-known, historical perfume bottles and instruments used in incense burning. Visitors may also participate in short courses on fragrance and can decorate perfume bottles - please check what is available at the entrance.

	Nagoya City Museum (Sakurayama area, Nagoya city) The 2nd Floor houses a permanent exhibition on "the History of Owari" (Aichi Prefecture), here you will be guided through various time periods of the Owari Region from early ages all the way to present day via archives and visual materials. On the 1st Floor special exhibitions are held 6 to 7 times a year; the current exhibition, entitled "No Illness & Good Health: The role of wisdom and prayer in overcoming sickness", is being held from November 10 to December 9th. A video museum and hands-on education facility can be found on the basement floor. The 3rd floor gallery is open to the public to allow amateur artists to exhibit their artwork.

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:
Aichi Prefecture

Located in the in the middle of the Japanese archipelago is Aichi Prefecture - once known as the Owari and Mikawa territories. It was from this area that three of Japan's most famous shoguns originated. Oda Nobunaga (1534-82), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-98) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) strove to unite separate territories to create the Japan that we are most familiar with today. As such, there are many historical sites in the prefecture related to the three famous shoguns.

Since ancient times this area has supported a highly balanced system combining agriculture, commerce and industry. As such, Aichi has played an important role in politics and the economy up to modern day. Not limited to national contributions, Aichi is also participating on the global level.

In 2005 Aichi Prefecture will host the World Exposition on the theme of “Nature’s Wisdom”. To prepare to welcome the world to Aichi, a new airport, the Central Japan International Airport, is being built offshore Tokoname city in Ise Bay.
This is also a prosperous industrial area with a wide variety of fields ranging from traditional handwork to mechanical industry.

Last but not least, Aichi is blessed with an abundance of nature - for those who love rivers, mountains and the ocean, Aichi has something for everyone. There are many sightseeing spots and facilities for visitors to check out so come, pay us a visit soon!

Up and coming sites in Aichi

Expo 2005 Aichi
Due to be held in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture, Expo 2005 Aichi focuses on the theme of “Nature’s Wisdom” and will welcome the world to Central Japan. In the last few years humans have come to realize that economic growth has come at a very high cost to the environment. Japan, like other developed countries, is seeking out potential answers as to how humans and nature can co-exist. To this end, Expo 2005 Aichi hopes to encourage and offer innovative research and ideas during the exposition.
The Central Japan International AirportSlated to open in time for Expo 2005 Aichi, the man-made island supporting the new airport will welcome international visitors to the region.

For more information on Expo 2005 Aichi: http://www.expo2005.or.jp/en/top/index.html

Historical Sites in Aichi

Matsudaira-go, Toyota city

Matsudaira Village is located in the eastern part of Toyota city. The Matsudaira Family, ancestors of Tokugawa Ieyasu, originated from this village. There are many historical sites relating to the Matsudaira Family, such as the Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine and Kogetsuin Temple, that are open to the public.

Okazaki Castle, located in Okazaki City, is well known as the Shogun's Castle as it is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the renowned Shogun and founder of the Tokugawa government, was born on December 26, 1542 (in the original castle). Standing as a symbol of the castle town of Okazaki, the castle property is meticulously maintained in order to preserve valuable artifacts associated with Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Inuyama Castle and Jo-an Teahouse, Inuyama city

Built around 460 years ago, Inuyama Castle is Japan's oldest castle and is designated as a National Treasure. From the exterior the 24 meter wooden castle deceptively appears to only have three levels, when in fact it has six floors! The top floor has a wrap-around deck that allows visitors to take in the Kiso River, Nobi Plans and Mino mountains. A sight that will surely take your breath away!

Jo-an Teahouse, designated as one of the three most treasured teahouses in Japan, Jo-an was built by Master Oda Yuuraku (brother of Shogun Oda Nobunaga) who was one of the early founders of Cha-no-Yu (Mastery of Tea Ceremony) and native to the old country of Owari where the city of Inuyama is currently situated.

For more information, check out Aichi Prefecture’s homepage at: http://mpn.cjn.or.jp/a-kanko/english/index.html
Or our section on “Aichi” in our homepage:
http://www.j-heartland.com

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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Back issues are available on our site in the "Tokai Newsletter" section
http://www.j-heartland.com

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 & Mashi-ushi-do. Copyright held by respective parties.)