In Japan, there are customs that take place at the end, and beginning of the year pertaining to New Years celebrations. At the end of the year, everyone cleans their homes to remove the dirt accumulated throughout the year. Front entrances called “genkan” are decorated with a traditional shimenawa made of pods of rice, rope,…
01 Munakata and Okinoshima, and Associated Sites Female shrine attendants dance and sing old poems under the moonlight with fires dancing in the background. This fantastical spiritual ritual is the finale of the fall festival of the Munakata Shrine, Takamiya Kannabi-sai. In July 2017, the Sacred Island of Okinoshima and the Associated Sites in the…
TOBATA Gion Ooyamagasa : Patrimonio cultural inmaterial de la UNESCO http://tobatagion.jp
01Kofuku-ron in Shin-yashiki A white, modern-looking single-story abode off one street from Main Street (Ohdohri), this establishment offers counter seating and tables. Known for its kaiseki cuisine, the interior is elegant and stunning. We recommend sitting at the counter, watching the chef prepare each dish in front of you. Notice his hands as they slice,…
01Otto e Sette Oita In this onsen spa district of Tetsuwa where large plumes of steam blow out of the streets here and there is an Italian restaurant named after the numbers eight and seven, Otto e Sette. These numbers denote this region from days past. The owner uses only food items available from the…
Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture
Children who carried a small float grew into adults and now pull elaborately decorated floats, each neighborhood with its own design and style. The ringing bells and drums along with people calling out as they draw the floats—this is the scene of the festival—gods are thanked and prayers are offered. Often you can see three…
01Hana-no-ki Oh-hori Park with a characteristic large pond for an outer moat of Fukuoka Castle, is home to a serious French restaurant with style. Built in 1953, this stately building of Royal Nakasu, has played host to many celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio who visited during their honeymoon. The chair and table…
