People born after 1980 may not realize the impact that the book and the original TV drama had on the Western image of Japan. I can confidently say that only World War II had a bigger impact — at least on the American psyche.
Shōgun: The Back Story Read More »
For a few fleeting moments in spring, cherry trees bloom in ephemeral splendor and people turn out in droves before the blossoms disappear. At least that’s what people believe.
Izu’s Long Cherry Blossom Season Read More »
A local guide can add profound value to your trip, especially if it’s your first time in a complicated country like Japan.
The Truth About Local Guides: Who Knew? Read More »
The Anjinsai Festival in Ito, Shizuoka, is a captivating local festival on the Izu peninsula that draws locals and tourists alike to experience a fusion of traditional customs and exhilarating festivities. Known for its breathtaking fireworks display, energetic yosakoi dances, thrilling taiko competition, and lively outdoor Wakuwaku-ichi market and beer garden at Fuji no Hiroba, the Anjinsai Festival is a true celebration of the rich cultural heritage and lively spirit of Ito.
Anjinsai – A Local Izu Festival Read More »
The history of Ito’s onsen dates back well over a thousand years. According to legend, the onsen were discovered during the Nara period…
History of Ito Onsen Read More »
I’ve often lamented that many of the old ways are nowhere to be found in Izu, but I understand why. People have no practical reasons to preserve the past, and few young people have the interest nor the time. That’s why Shuzenji Gami is such a rare and important discovery.
Traditional Crafts in Izu Read More »
Of course we want to visit the most famous places, and we should. There are also many amazing places that people miss and go home without experiencing the numerous benefits to traveling off the beaten path. Why not do both?
Off The Beaten Path Japan Read More »
Here in Izu, we have some of the earliest blooming varieties of sakura (cherry trees). The most famous is the Kawazuzakura, which begins to bloom in the beginning of February and peaks around the second to third week of the month. This early variety was developed in the city of Kawazu, where a popular festival runs from the beginning till the end of February.
Hanami Season in Japan: Easier Than You Think Read More »
The Izu Peninsula’s Mt. Omuro is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Mt. Omuro’s Sengen Shrine Read More »
Everything about Japanese culture can be traced back to its rural villages. Japanese language, behavior, rituals, and diet can be traced back to a small village tucked away in a remote mountain valley.
How can that be? Let’s look at one lesson from language.
One of the first words a foreigner learns when studying Japanese is “gaijin,” 外人 which means ‘outsider.’ The more polite and socially accepted version of this word is “gaikokujin,” 外国人 which means ‘person from a foreign country.’ The word “gaijin” is strongly connected to the important concepts of “uchi” 内 and “soto” 外 in Japanese.
Visit a Japanese Village Read More »