Adventure Japan English

Osaka and tea ceremony, an interpretation of hospitality

tama — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:16:08 +0000

Osaka castle was built by Hidayoshi Toyotomi who started life as a farmer but became very successful and ended-up dominating the whole country. The castle tower was burned down in the war of Osaka Natsu-no-jin (the summer campaign of Osaka). While its stone walls and castle tower were rebuilt by Tokugawa’s order, the keep was burned down by a strike of lightening. Many buildings were burned down during the unquiet days of the Meiji Restoration. Later, the castle tower was reconstructed in 1931 as a result of the enthusiasm of the citizens. It has now become a history museum.

An impregnable castle symbolizes wealth and power. A huge scale tea ceremony. A knocked-down golden tea house that represents the absolutely gorgeous era of Hideyoshi.

Rikyu Sen has a very prominent presence when we look back at the Culture of Osaka and tea ceremony. Rikyu had been highly valued by Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the powers that be, who wanted to use tea ceremony politically and show off their power and wealth. After the construction of the Osaka castle, Rikyu had his Osaka residence in the castle town and built a tea house of “Fuka- sanjo Daime (a three and three-quarters tatami mats)” which is known as the original point of Wabi-cha (tea ceremony emphasizes simplicity). “Being cool in summer and warm in winter…” Return to nature, a new front using dramatic effects, respects guests and entertains them with the atmosphere.

Western culture fused with oriental culture “The Westin Osaka”

The tea house “Seishun-an” in the hotel.

The Westin Osaka

1-1-20,Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka City

TEL:06-6440-1111

FAX:06-6440-1100

http://www.westin-osaka.co.jp

Japanese restaurant “Hanano”. Visitors can enjoy kaiseki in season meals.

HANANO

In The Westin Osaka

Tel：06-6440-1066

Experience tea ceremony in Osaka!

In Osaka, there are many places where you can experience the tea ceremony, from serious schools to casual occasions for tourists. A reservation is required.

Hoshoan is a teahouse located in the northeast of Nishinomaru Garden. It commands a great view of the castle tower; it is a wooden bungalow with a Hiwadabuki (Cypress bark) roof, built in the style of the tea ceremony house. It has Hiroma (a room over 4.5 tatami mats), Koma (a room under 4.5 tatami mats) and Ryurei-seki (room with seats), service is available to the public.

HOSHOAN (TEAHOUSE)
Open hours: 9:30 – 16:30 (9:30 – 16:30 during Nov. – Feb.)

Closed on Monday

Rent reservation: 06-6941-1717

“Choun-an” a restored tea house from Rikyu’s Osaka residence

The birth place of Rikyu Sen is Sakai, Osaka. The tea house was restored based on the floor plan which was drawn by a disciple of Rikyu and other information and materials such as minutes from the tea ceremonies of that time.

“Koukyu-an”, a sweet shop attached to the tea house offers a sweet, which is a reproduction of a phantasmal sponge cake that was said to have been used in Japan for the first time by Rikyu during tea ceremony.

CHOUN-AN

1-2-36, Kita-Mikunigaokacho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City

TEL:072-222-2411(Reception desk of the tea house)

http://www.kokyuan.jp

Let hearts play and enjoy oneself
Sencha (medium grade tea) for cultured people “Issa-an”

From the olden times, Renka (linked verse), flower arrangement and tea ceremony have been handed down in the Tsukuda’s. The family have established a new school of “Bunjin taste” tea ceremony based on sencha.

Bunjin for cultured people, such as painters and scholars, who mainly consist of ordinary townspeople. “To make tea, and create one’s own taste, that is an art by itself,” said Ikki Tsukuda, the soke (the head of the school).

Originally, Bunjin sencha was for enjoying tea by oneself in his study. “The finest tea is a pleasure of one’s own. It is not for hospitality but a sprit to enjoy and please oneself.” Many scholars were gathered in Issa-an and the place became a salon for them. They created poems and pictures while enjoying sencha. As a result new art culture and works have been born again.

Issa-an
Tel：06-6941-8001
http://www.human-n.co.jp/issa-an/

Kumamoto / Yamaga Toro Roman

tama — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:22:04 +0000

Thousands of flickers from lanterns touch the hearts of travelers
“Yamaga Toro Roman/ Hyakka Hyakusai (Romance of the Lantern Festival)”

Yamaga, Kumamoto prefecture is a town that remains as quaint as a post station. In winter, the entire hot spring town is decorated with lanterns made from bamboo and Japanese umbrellas. The festival, counts its ninth anniversary this year, and will be held for two months until the end of March in conjunction with the starting of a full Kyushu shinkansen line service.

Thousands of candle lights illuminate the town. Not to be missed are, February-only performances titled “Yamaga Fuzei Monogatari(Story of Yamaga Flavor)” in “Yachiyo-za”, a theater that was built 100 years ago. You can enjoy the strong sounds of the Yamaga drum performance, and the elegant dance performance of girls who lift gold and silver paper-lanterns over their heads.

Yamaga Toro Roman/ Hyakka Hyakusai (Romance of the Lantern Festival)

Event sites: In front of Yachiyo-za Theater, Buzen Kaido street, Kongojyoji temple, Yunohata Koen Park, Kosenji Temple and others
Event Period: Every Friday and Saturday during Feb. 4 – Mar. 26, 2011 * A part of the lanterns are lit from Mon., Mar. 14 to Thurs. Mar. 17, 2011.
Lantern time: 19:00 – 22:00 (Lit starts around 17:30)
Inquiries: Yamaga Romance of the Lantern Festival Execution Committee (c/o Yamaga Onsen Tourist Association)
Tel.: 0968-43-2952
http://yamaga100.com/

Yamaga Fuzei Monogatari(Story of Yamaga Flavor)

Venue：“Yachiyo-za” a national important cultural property
Priod: Every Friday and Saturday during Feb. 4th – 26th, 2011
Doors open:：19：30
Curtain time: 20:30, about 70-minite performance
Admission fee: 500 yen (festival seating, tax incl./current ticket only)

Premium Tour – Tokushima

tama — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:20:20 +0000

The Tradition and mystery of “Tokushima” the land of Awa
A tour of Ningyo joruri (traditional puppet theater), Awaodori (Awa dance) and an introduction to Aruki-Henro (Japanese Buddhist pilgrimage)

Sat., March 12 – Sun., March 13, 2011
* From and to Kansai
One-night stay with four meals.

Meet at Itami Airport in Osaka and/or JR Shin-Kobe station (transfer to the airport via courtesy bus)
Whirling waves of Naruto tour.
Seafood of Naruto Strait.
Viewing ningyo joruri

Dinner at “Ihawa”, a Japanese restaurant.
“Konjyaku-monogatari-gumi” a group of Awaodori dancers will perform in the parlor of the restaurant.

“Ryozenji temple” the first site – “Gokurakuji temple” the second site – “Konsenji temple”, the third site pilgrimage tour on foot (about 5 km)

Lunch at a Japanese restaurant in Tokushima city.

Tour participation fee (per person): 48,000 yen
Only dinner　meal with Awaodori dancer(March 12th）JPY 28,000-

Additional charge for single use of a room: 3,000 yen

Note: The tour will only operate with over 15 people .

・ One-night hotel stay in a standard-twin room.
・ Meals (One Breakfast at the hotel), (Two lunches at Japanese restaurants), (One dinner in the parlor of a Japanese restaurant with a group of Awaodori dancers, about 1 hour)
・ There will be no tour conductor present.

Co-organizer: Zenkoku Ryoriryotei Kumiai（National Association of Cuisines and Traditional Japanese restaurants）, Tokushima Ryoriseikatsu Eiseidougyou Kumiai (Niigata Traditional Japanese Cuisine Restaurants Association), Tokushima Ryorigyo Kumiai Rengokai (Tokushima Food Business Association), Ifys Co., Ltd., Adventure Japan Inc.

Tour Leaflet PDF >>

New products rush in the fall season “Digital single-lens reflex cameras entry model” with enhanced performance are hot!

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:51:40 +0000

The digital camera counter at Sofmap Akihabara’s Main Store has been packed with new products launched this fall. Among them, the entry models of digital single-lens reflex cameras have really wowed the crowds. Compared to the models just launched this spring, the newest models are offering higher performance without higher prices. No wonder the camera counter is jammed with not only Japanese buyers but visitors from other countries.

The shop highly recommends the Nikon “D3100.” The lightweight, 455 g, compact camera offers superior performance that out shines top-end models. Features include 1.42 million pixels, high sensitivity, full HD Movie recording function and various filters. For the first time in Nikon’s entry models, live-view shooting is available with this product. With the digital single-lens reflex camera, you have the ability to change lenses at will. And the camera’s double zoom set includes a 300 mm telescopic lens at an affordable price. Also the camera communicates in 20 languages, making it popular not only in Japan and English-speaking countries but all over the world.

PENTAX ”K-r” in colorful body attracts people’s attention. In the shop counter, they only offer pink, while and black colors variation, however, a 120 combinations with body 12 colors X glib 10 colors are available for an individual order. It can fully express an owner’s individual character by the looks of camera. This camera is unique not only in looks but features that include high sensitivity shooting up to ISO12800. High shutter speeds that do not require electronic flash are perfect for night time conditions. An optional adapter allows use of a dry-cell battery system as well. As a PENTAX, the company offers a one-year worldwide guarantee, making it the perfect purchase for international buyers.

Hospitality of the Kaga “Hyakumangoku (5 million bushel)” Domain Enjoy renown “Kanazawa Maimon-sushi” in Yokohama!

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:44:48 +0000

Fabulous sushi using the freshest fish of the season, delivered daily to the sea port and only the finest rice and seasoning that has been carefully selected to complement each fish. The superb Master Chef serves the riches of the Japan Sea in an elegant atmosphere. Specialties include the Nodokuro(hilgendorf saucord), also known as Toro (fatty tuna) of white-fleshed fish, Namera (Grouper), and the Gasu-ebi, a rare shrimp with pudding like texture that must be eaten at its freshest, only from September to June. Visitors can also enjoy the seafood of the Noto Peninsula such as Akanishigai (Red-colored shellfish) and Toyama Shiroebi (Toyama white shrimp), which are rarely served in Kanto area.

Kanazawa Maimon-Zushi Tama-Plaza Branch

2-19-3,　Utsukushigaoka Aoba-Ward Yokohama
Tel.: 0120-106-195（Toll-free）
Open hours:
11：00-15：00, 17：00-22：00（Monday to Thursday）
11：00-15：00, 17：00-22：30（Friday）
11：00～22：30（Sat. Sun. and holidays）
＊L.O. 15 min. before closing time
http://www.maimon-susi.com/

Kirin beer, beloved since its launch in 1888. Learn the history of beer at “Kirin Yokohama Beer Village.”

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:40:14 +0000

In 1907, The Kirin Brewery Company Limited was established to take over Japan Brewery Company Ltd. run by German brew masters that produced beer made of ingredients from Germany. The company operated its business at the site of the Spring Valley Brewery, which had operated in Yokohama from early the Meiji era. But that factory was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake. The new factory was constructed in Namamugi in 1926. At Kirin Beer Village, visitors can participate in the free brewery tours, as well as to learn the history of beer and the breweries in Yokomaha Yamanote area. Exhibits include rare, historical beer mugs and steins as well as vintage photographs featuring the marketing innovations of the beer industry, which used advertising-wrapped cars to drive through the cities when few people had automobiles.

KIRIN Yokohama Beer Village

c/o Yokohama factory, Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd.
1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
TEL:045-503-8250（for Brewery tour reservations）
Reservation hour　10：00-17：00
Closed on: Monday (When the Monday is a national holiday, closed on the next day), New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Will be closed from Dec. 25, 2010 Feb. 7, 2011 due to remodeling.

The cool bustle of “Noge,” a town steeped in WWII history.

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:36:44 +0000

If bright neon lights from hotels symbolize Yokohama Bay, red lanterns at nightfall would represent Noge. The town, located on a hill above the foreign settlement and Yamanote uptown, has flourished as a fun spot for ordinary people since the Yokohama port first opened. Just after the World War II, the town became a black market and entertainment district for GIs while other entertainment spots were taken over. While the town has seen some changes due to redevelopment, the town’s WWII cool still exists in back rooms and alleyway shops and bars. Some of these bars don’t have signs, and are known only by long-time local customers who go there at the end of the work day to relax and revive. Noge isn’t just a night-time destination. In the afternoons, the town is known for its excellent street performers who not only come from throughout Japan and the world. Noge’s street performances draw the largest the number of spectators in all of Yokohama.

NOGE, YOKOHAMA

Access: 5min. walk from JR Sakuragicho station, and others

“Uchikipan” in Yokohama, the birthplace of bread in Japan.

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:33:03 +0000

When Japanese started to eat bread in the mid 19th century, British-style breads made into mounds dominated. It is believed that Yokohama Bakery, opened by Englishman Robert Clark, was the first bakery in Japan. That first generation bakery was succeeded by Uchikipan, also known as the Yokohama Bakery Uchiki Shop. The bakery moved to Motomachi in 1888 and has been in continuous business ever since. There are more than 100 different kinds of breads and pastries including the British-style mound bread and the popular apple pie. The shop attracts not only locals but visitors from other cities.

Uchikipan

1-50, Motomachi Naka-ward Yokohama
TEL: 045-641-1161
FAX: 045-641-1162
Hours Open: 9：00-19：00
Closed on: Monday (When the Monday is a national holiday, closed on the next day)
http://www.uchikipan.com/

Handing down the traditional cooking of Gyunabe, a beef stewpot, since its opening in 1893, “Janomeya”

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:59 +0000

After Yokohama’s port opened to foreigners, more Japanese came to the city. With the introduction of westerners, western-style cuisine also became popular, with a Japanese twist. “At that time, beef was not consumed by ordinary Japanese. Probably, people adapted Gyunabe cooking to what they already knew, Soba or Udon noodles. They cooked the beef with soy sauce, Mirin sweet cooking rice wine and green onions to rid the meat of its smell.” said Mr. Yoshiaki Yamazaki, the fourth generation restaurant owner. The restaurant originally started from a street stall that sold beef Soba noodles. It is said that Gyunabe was considered a special treat for celebration or when you were feeling flush with a little extra money. “Let’s go to Isezaki town to eat Gyunabe,” was a call to celebrate. In Kansai area, Japanese cook grill beef in Sukiyaki, while Yokohama-style is the Gyunabe, a boiled beef stew. The restaurant selects the finest beef from all over Japan to supplement its famous brand of beef to make its coveted Gyunabe.

Janomeya

5-126, Isezakicho Naka-ward Yokohama
TEL: 045-251-0832
Hours Open: 17：00-L.O.21：15（Tue.-Fri.）, 12：00-L.O.21：00（Sat., Sun., and national holidays）
Closed: Every Monday＊ No fixed closing dates in Dec. and Jan.

The Rose Hotel Yokohama

tama — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:18:57 +0000

Located in bustling Chinatown,
The Rose Hotel Yokohama is a relaxing haven in an at-home atmosphere.

“Tasty food, Fun and Safty” is the motto of the hotel, with barrier free facilities, which offers family friendly services. It also has Chungking Chinese Szechuan Restaurant new annex, featuring traditional Szechuan cuisine which uses spicy seasoning such as chili peppers to bring out the rich flavor and cover in dishes. Various hotel plans combine dining, aromatherapy and stay options, including a lunch and aesthetic plan for 13,500 yen. The plan includes a meal designed to bring out skin beauty created by Grand Chef Kazuaki Chin and spa service.

THE ROSE HOTEL YOKOHAMA

77, Yamashita-cho Naka-ward Yokohama
TEL:045-681-3311（For Reservation）
FAX：045-681-5082
Hours Open: 11：30-23：00 (L.O.22:00) (Chungking Chinese Szechuan Restaurant, new annex)＊14:00-L.O.16:30 (on Tue.)
http://www.rosehotelyokohama.com/