There are five lakes skirting the northern base of Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic highest mountain. These lakes are the result of rivers dammed by lava flowing from the Fuji volcano in eruptions of centuries past. Today they are all popular recreation areas. Lake Kawaguchi (a/k/a Kawaguchi-ko) is the northernmost of these lakes, and the second … Continue reading Looking for Seven Lucky Gods at One of the Fuji Five Lakes
"A fancy took me to go to Noto. ...[I]t was a case of love at first sight." These are the first words in Percival Lowell's 1891 travelogue "Noto: An Unexplained Corner of Japan". Like Lowell, I've always been intrigued by Noto, on the map a little crooking finger jutting north off the coast of Honshu … Continue reading Noto Peninsula: More armchair travel and memories
The city of Matsumoto sits almost exactly in the center of the island of Honshu, in the middle of the Japanese Alps. It is a castle town that, thanks to its central location, has long been a political and cultural center. Thanks to its central location, these days many people pass through Matsumoto in winter … Continue reading Exploring Japan’s early modern history in Matsumoto
A few months ago I visited the Niigata town of Tokamachi with the intention of attending a local festival. Alas, the festival was rained out and it seemed there wasn't much to do after checking out the intriguing sculptures on the high street. Fortunately, I found that Tokamachi has a wonderful city museum that proved … Continue reading Tokamachi City Museum – great on a rainy day, or when the sun shines
Jomon is the name given to Japan's prehistoric "stone age" period, thought to be from 30,000 to 2,500 years ago. The name means "rope marks" and derives from the markings on the pottery of the period. During this period the people of the archipelago went from simple hunter-gatherers to being users of tools, the beginnings … Continue reading Obsidian arrowheads and other Jomon archaeology
Thanks to its position as the leading city of central Honshu island, Nagoya has a long and fascinating history. One place where some of that history can be discovered is the neighborhood of the Osu Kannon. Osu Kannon Temple (official name Kitano-san Shinpuku-ji Hosho-in) was originally founded in 1324 to house a wooden statue of Kannon, … Continue reading Nagoya’s Osu – a fascinating temple and market district
This article describes a walk through Mariko-juku, formerly a Tokaido post town and now a Shizuoka suburb. Try out the walk to discover a bit of history! (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
As the season of new beginnings, Spring is the season when bamboo shoots emerge from the earth to shoot their way skyward. But clever hunters know they can hunt out the little brown spears just as they are breaking the surface for an excellent seasonal treat. This year, late Spring found us visiting our friend … Continue reading Bamboo Shooting: the Spring hunting season
This article introduces Bessho Onsen, an historical onsen town in Nagano Prefecture that is easily accessible from Tokyo and perfect for a weekend getaway. Stay in a ryokan and let yourself be pampered by omotenashi hospitality and lots of amazing food. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
The valleys and mountains north of Mt. Fuji are full of remnants of the lives of some of Japan's earliest inhabitants--the Jomon hunters and gatherers of Japan's pre-agricultural period (traditionally dated between 14,000 and 300 BCE). But archaeologists have had to dig for it. Archaeology has only been undertaken in Japan for about 150 years, a … Continue reading Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture – really digging back in time
This article gives three suggestions of winter activities in Nagano aside from skiing: the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, the art town of Obuse, and the hina doll display in Suzaka. All can be enjoyed economically by using a special 2-day rail pass, too. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today)
Traditional New Year's festivities in Japan are special indeed. It's usually a family time, with visits to shrines (often in traditional garb), special symbolic foods and sake toasts, and various other seasonal activities. While we see less and less of the traditions these days, many of them can still be experienced and enjoyed, if you … Continue reading Midnight at Mishima Grand Shrine
