Greetings from the Tokai region and Japan's Heartland. In this month's issue we will highlight events occurring in late August and September 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”.

Warm thanks to all our readers! We look forward to continually sending you intriguing articles about life and events in the Tokai region. Enjoy your summer!

Obon, an annual festival to honor deceased ancestors, takes place in mid-August and is also the hottest time of the summer. Amid the scorching heat, people head back in droves via plane, train and car bound for hometowns and to spend time with relatives as well as visit the family grave.

All the while cicadas, semi in Japanese, cry plaintively as the heat and humidity rise. Their cries seem to become more incessant as time goes on - in part due to the fact they only have two weeks in which to mate and lay their eggs before dying. A sad reality. But summer would not be the same without the combined heat and cicadas.

People continue to gravitate towards evening festivals and fireworks displays as well as to beaches and local pools. By evening, a blissful breeze generally picks up and helps to cool things off. Even so, daytime temperatures still average between 34 C to 37 C (93 - 99 F) across the country. Cool watermelon, ice cones and warabi-mochi, a popular snack in summer, are delicious ways to tickle the palate!

As we move into September, the heat starts to abate just a tad. Already in various areas across the country signs of fall are in the air. In the mountainous regions, cosmos are in bloom, leaves are starting to yellow and the tall fall weed, susuki, can be seen along roadsides. So, if you are in the area come check out the last few “red-hot” festivals!

Weather: Boiling hot! Daytime temperatures hover between 34 C and above with high humidity. Typhoons and thunder storms are common, further causing unstable weather. Be sure to bring lightweight, breathable natural fabrics, sun lotion, sunglasses, a hat, bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes- preferably sandals.

Seasonal fresh foods: Watermelon, various varieties of melon, figs, mango, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, corn, soybeans (in the pod), eel, squid, a wide variety of fish and seafood.

Akiba Matsuri, Autumn leaves festival (Chiryu City, Aichi Prefecture) the Sunday closest to Sept. 23

As summer starts to wind down, the city of Chiryu celebrates with a festival marking the change in seasons. During the day young men in Edo-era clothing (1612-1867) wind their way through city streets singing and chanting. Then, in the evening they stand in a circle and set off spectacular hand-held fireworks. Many events happen throughout the day, so take your partner or family and make an outing of it!
The festival takes place at Chiryu Jinjya and in the shopping arcade, located 10 minutes on foot from Chiryu Station on the Meitetsu main Nagoya line.

Gujo-Hachiman Odori (Gujo-Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture) July through end of September

The Gujo-Hachiman Odori (dance) takes place from early July to the end of September. The event is known throughout the country for the 30 days in a row in which people dance in the streets. During the Obon season, Aug. 13 to 16, the city comes alive while festival goers dance in the streets all night long! The festival is particularly popular with young people, at times thousands upon thousands of yukata (cotton kimono) clad young men and women fill the narrow roadways. Come experience this unique and exciting dance festival!

Every year on September 15 and 16, a puppet show is performed on the grounds of Anori Jinja (shrine), the show is a traditional performing art of the area. Located on the southern tip of Mie, near Ise and Shima towns, Anori was a thriving port transporting rice for the government during the Kanbun period (1661 - 1672) . Due to its location along the coast Anori prospered as a port town and a local lighthouse helped guide sailors during the Edo era (1612 - 1867). At that time Ise was well known for the high quality of performing arts it offered as such, influenced by its proximity to Ise, performing arts also developed in Anori. Puppetry was one of many performing arts and puppet masters traveled all over the country giving performances. Some settled in Anori and continued to polish their craft. Their traditions continue to this day. Come enjoy this rich cultural event.

Every year in September the "Ise Lobster Festival" is held in the Izu area to celebrate the beginning of the fishing season. This seafood is popular throughout the country as its rich, white meat is heavenly delicious - particularly when served fresh. The lobster fishing season starts in mid-September, so for those who may be in the area, now is the time to make your way to local Shizuoka restaurants, spas and hotel. Many hotels and B&Bs hold a wide variety of events and often offer guests to the area special culinary treats -- and a lucky few can even enjoy a free mouthwatering taste of Ise Lobster! There are also popular local menus offering full-course meals specializing in Ise Lobster including sashimi, boiled lobster, grilled lobster and miso soup, at very reasonable prices. For more information, check out Shizuoka's homepage (address below).

Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden
(Higashiyama, Nagoya City)

The Zoo and Botanical Garden opened in 1937. Koalas from Australia thrill Zoo visitors while the Botanical Gardens offer a wide variety of seasonal flowers and vegetation throughout the year. Rides in the park also offer thrilling and chilling moments so, why not come spend an enjoyable day at the zoo.

This month’s special feature: Summer sightseeing spots in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with a lot of beautiful scenery including Japan's highest and most famous mountain, Mt. Fuji, the Pacific Ocean, mountains, rivers and lakes. Taking advantage of its mild climate, tea production and related industries are prosperous in this area. There are many hot spring resorts, historical sites and public facilities for visitors to enjoy. Here we highlight a few spots where you can wander around and enjoy yourself.

Hamanako Pal Pal Resort amusement park on Lake Hamana-ko.

Offering more than 30 thrilling and fantastic rides. This summer two new riding machines will open to the public, so come enjoy a fun-filling day!

Hamamatsu City Fruit Park

A botanical garden with over 160 varieties of flowers and fruits. More than 5,000 fruit trees and plants can be found in the extensive garden (43 hectares). The park offers a wide variety of fun events for people of all ages - from fruit gardens and a greenhouse, a children's amusement park with free rides, restaurants, a one-day campsite and much more! Fruit picking is also available, so come enjoy the fruit of the season.

Old Local Magistrate Kuroda's Residence

Home of a former government officer during the Edo Era, built in the 18th Century. Built in the yosegi-style the residence has a thatched roof, painted white walls and a magnificent Nagaya gate. Be sure to have your camera on hand as tours inside the house are not available.

Kanzanji Onsen

The largest spa along Lake Hamana, Kanzanji is located north of Shonai Peninsula stretching along the northeast shore of Lake Hamana. Although the hot spring was found in 1958, the area has been popular since ancient times for swimming, fishing and moon gazing. Surrounded by mountains on all three sides, the area offers beautiful views. And of course, the specialty of the area is eel.

Hamamatsu Festival Hall

Here visitors can virtually experience Hamamatsu Festival, thanks to a hi-vision, light and sound program. All sorts of kites are displayed throughout the complex ranging from big kites to elegant floats. You may also make your very own kite, classes are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month, and afterwards you can test out your creation!

Manufacturing of Yamaha Pianos

Established in 1887, the oldest musical instrumental manufacturer which got its start from the building of reed organs. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and observe the extensive process in which highly skilled workers create grand pianos.

Hamamatsu Castle

Construction of castle started in the 16th Century by Tameren Miyoshi. When Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ruled over this area, he obtained and enlarged the castle in 1570. Ieyasu lived here for 17 years until moving to Sumpu Castle in Shizuoka city.

Hamanako Music Box (Orgel) Museum

Take the Kanzanji aerial cableway to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Hamana, and then stop by the Hamanako Orgel Museum. Around 50 music boxes from the middle of the 19th Century are displayed inside the facility.

For more information on Shizuoka Prefecture, please check out their site at: http://www.shizuoka-guide.com/index.asp

Or our section on Shizuoka Prefecture 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.