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

September brings with it lovely warm days and signs of fall. In the mountainous regions, cosmos are in bloom, leaves are starting to yellow and the tall weed, susuki, can be seen along roadsides. With the Autumn Equinox occurring this month the country officially marks the beginning of autumn. Next to spring this time of year is popular for its beautiful scenery and comfortable weather. If you have the chance to visit, anytime from mid-September through the end of November is just the ticket for a relaxing and memorable vacation. Once in the region be sure to taste some of the fine cuisine available and while you are at it, why not take a drive through the countryside and visit one of our many excellent hot springs. One cannot help but sigh at the views and savor the melting warmth of Japan’s natural spring water.

Weather:Comfortable days visit the region with daytime temperatures fluctuating between 23 to 30 C (72 - 86 F) with low humidity. Typhoons are still common, causing unstable weather. Layered and loose clothing is advisable especially as evenings drop to 17 C (62 F) or so .

Seasonal fresh foods: A wide variety of fish and seafood, particularly Pacific saury, bonito, fresh sardine, mackerel and salmon; vegetables: okura, eggplant, pumpkin, corn and tomato; fruit: peaches, pears, grapes and chestnuts.

Akiba Matsuri, “The Fire Festival” (Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture) Held on the second week of September

The display of tezutsu fireworks in "Hono no Sai-ten" is the climax of Toyohashi’s Fire Festival. The fireworks are handmade and send an amazing pillar of hot flame directly over the person who launches it. Each firework is carefully crafted and launched by a single person -- a difficult and time consuming process. Besides the fireworks, there are a wide variety of shops selling food and souvenirs and traditional Japanese drum performances are held during the day.

Old streets of Takayama (Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture)

These old streets date from the Edo period and are found on the eastern side of the Miya River in Takayama City. The streets are characterized by latticework and low eaves on buildings. The Takayama Festival, which is held in April and October, is considered to be one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan.

An annual festival is held in September to pray for fruitful harvests on land and sea and for the safety of sailors. A huge traditional straw sandal, three meters long and seventy kilograms in weight, is sent out to sea as an offering. In days past people used to weave these straw sandals for daily wear, agriculture and travel.

In this village, visitors can learn about the culture, history and customs of tea in Japan and other countries. The teahouse and garden of Enshu Kobori, a Daimyo tea master during the Edo period, have been reconstructed and are displayed in the village. An important part of the tea ceremony includes serving traditional sweets which represent each season. As we enter fall, sweets containing kuri (chestnuts) tickle the palate. Come taste some of the traditions of Shizuoka!

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Nagoya Station area, Nagoya City)

The former head office and factory of the Toyota Textile Company was dedicated as a museum years ago. This is where the world famous Toyota group originally started. The museum aims to introduce manufacturing concepts and pass on the importance of research and inventions to the general public.

This month’s special feature: Hot springs of Mie Prefecture

Here we highlight a few onsen (hot spring) resorts where you can wander around during the day and then soak away your travel aches by relaxing in the warm healing waters of Mie Prefecture. Located in the middle of Japan, Mie allows for easy access to Kyoto and Osaka. More than one third of the prefecture is designated as a "Nature Park" and is blessed with beautiful scenery such as its rugged coastline and mountains. Because of the historical Ise Grand Shrine, the most important Japanese shrine, Mie has attracted many visitors since ancient times. With many resort and amusement facilities the area is also known as a modern sightseeing and resort district. Come spend a day wandering around or relaxing in warm healing spring waters, I am sure you will enjoy yourself!

Sakakibara Spa

Regarded as one of the three top hot springs areas in Japan, the spring waters of Sakikabara (also called Nanakuri-no-Yu) have received high acclaim since the Heian era (784-1184) when this area was called Nanakuri-kyo. Located along the Sakakibara River, the tranquil town has drawn spa-goers throughout history for the high quality of its spring waters. The water contains alkaline which is said to relieve the effects of arthritis, skin disease, feminine ailments, nerve pain and exhaustion.

Location: Sakakibara-cho, Hisai City, Mie Prefecture
Access: 12 min. bus ride from Kintetsu Sakakibara Onsen-guchi Station

Shima Hamajima Spa

Outstanding views can be enjoyed while relaxing in the open-air baths of the area. High quality waters with healing powers draw spa-goers year round. Offering a wide range of waters containing different elements, hydrogen carbonate, alkaline and sodium/chloride these spring waters are said to help heal injuries, burns, nerve pain and exhaustion.

Location: Hamajima-cho, Mie Prefecture
Access: 25 min. bus ride from Kintetsu Ugata Station

For more information on Mie Prefecture, please check out their site at: http://www.kankomie.or.jp/kanko/discover/index.html

Or our section on Mie 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.