Greetings from the Tokai region and Japan’s Heartland. In this month’s issue we will highlight events occurring in June 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 rainy season, tsuyu, is now upon us. Strong rain and high temperatures make for hot, humid days. Sudden rain and thunderstorms are common occurrences too. After a strong rain, one can see a white mist rising from the surface of hot concrete. But thanks to the rain, plants get watered and everything gets a good, clean wash down.

Iris and hydrangea like the rainy season and show their best “faces” during this period. So, be brave, grab your umbrella and head out to enjoy them! Ducks and birds of a different feather are also out, fighting among themselves over tadpoles and fish in local ponds, streams and rivers.

If you are in the area, please remember to bring an umbrella, a change of shoes and to wear light, natural fabrics as they breath better in this humidity.

Weather: Temperatures hover around 30 C and days are humid with rain fronts lingering for days at a time. Typhoons are also active at this time, further causing unstable weather. Once a front has passed by, hot sunny days return to the region.

Seasonal fresh foods: Melons, figs, mango, peaches, asparagus, loquats, grapes, strawberries, avocado, shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes and bamboo shoots.

Hydrangea Festival at Honkou-ji Temple (Kouta Town, Aichi Prefecture)

The temple where members of the Matsudaira clan worshipped, ancestors of the famous Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. Among local prefectures, Honkou-ji Temple is known as one of the leading temples in which to enjoy hydrangea. It is also fondly called the “Hydrangea Temple” by locals. During the hot, muggy rainy season the cool green gardens of Honkou-ji are indeed a lovely getaway. Just a five minute walk from the JR Tokaido Main Line, Sangane Station.

Cormorant Fishing on Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture)

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.

Mt. Gozaisho (Mie Prefecture)

This is the most famous mountain in the Suzuka Quasi-national park. It provides a beautiful panoramic view of the area and the colors that alter with the changing seasons. A ropeway (Gozaisho Ropeway) goes to the top of the mountain and allows visitors access to a wide range of enjoyable facilities - hot springs, Japanese Antelope (Serrow) Center, ski grounds, park and of course nature itself! Day hikes, rock and mountain climbing are popular activities particularly during the summer months.

Kakegawa Castle (Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Designed by Yasuhiro Asahina, the chief retainer of Yoshitada Imagawa, about 500 years ago and later completed by Kazutoyo Yamanouchi in the form of a modern castle town. Built to protect what is now the modern day area of Shizuoka, also called Enshu, this castle was under the governance of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. Unfortunately the original castle was destroyed in an earthquake in 1854 but was rebuilt in modern times and has been designated as an important national cultural asset.

Nagoya Castle Summer Festival (Shiyakusho Station, Nagoya City) Early to mid-August

In early August, just when the heat is reaching its peak, Nagoya city cranks the heat up a little more with the Nagoya Castle Summer Festival. In the evening after the castle grounds close, they re-open for this special event. The grounds come alive with illuminated decorations and the castle literally takes on a special glow. Visitors can also enjoy samplings of Japanese culture during the festival - food carts, Japanese tea, an open beer garden, bon odori (dancing), Noh theater and men dressed up in traditional warrior clothing give off a special show. There is event a concert! Come check it out!

This month’s special feature: Flowers of the Season in Aichi Prefecture

An afternoon out in Aichi Prefecture during early summer is guaranteed to be enjoyable. Why not check out one of our many parks or gardens and enjoy the lovely flowers of the season. Iris, hydrangea and orchid gardens can be found throughout the prefecture. Here we have highlighted just a few of the many gardens in the area.

Hydrangea Festival in Gamagori (Ajisai-enchi, Gamagori City)

Located in one section of Katahara Onsen (hot springs), around 50,000 hydrangea bloom. Every June a hydrangea festival is held, and in the evening to the delight of visitors and spa-goers alike, the garden and flowers are slowly illuminated at night making for a romantic summer evening stroll. Located off the main JR Tokaido Line and Meitetsu Gamagori Line, Gamagori Station. From the stations take “Sunrise” buses bound for Katahara Onsen (Katahara hot springs). A five minute walk to the gardens from the bus stop.

Founded in 1969 the expansive park, 9,900 m2, boasts over 37,000 different species of iris. In June, during the “Iris Festival”, a variety of events are also inside the grounds. Guaranteed to be an enjoyable outing for all ages! Located off the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line and JR Tokaido Main line, Toyohashi Station. From Toyohashi Station, take Toyotetsu Buses running on the Kanazawa line and get off at Teruyama, the park is a ten minute walk from the bus stop.

Orchids are beloved everywhere, and Japan is no exception. In a country with many amateur gardeners and a love of the miniature, raising orchids is a true art. Come enjoy the wide varieties of breathtaking orchids at Shinpuku-ji Temple.

For more information on Nagoya City, please check out their site at:
http://www.ncvb.or.jp/index_e.html

Or our section on Nagoya City at: http://www.j-heartland.com

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Newsletters are translated, composed and designed 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.)
Copyright (C) 2002 Tokai Association for Tourism Promotion (TATOP). All rights reserved.