The Isagawajinjya Shrine in Nara city

Mission, The Isagawajinjya Shrine (researched 25 Dec 2013)

 

 Hatsumode (初詣)= First visit to a shrine or temple (hatsumode is the main thing during oshiyogatsu (お正月 = the New Year`s Holiday)

 

 New Year is around the corner, however, the New Year's Holiday season would be the prime time of a year. Today, I`ll let you know The Isagawajinjya Shrine that is good to visit for your hatsumode in Nara  city.

 

 

 

 

 

 Here is what I know about the shrine.

 

1, the shrine was built in year 593, is dedicated for Himetaraisuzuhimenomikoto (ひめたらいすずひめのみこと) who is the Empress of the first Emperor jinmu 神武. The shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Nara city.

 

2, the place is known as a shrine for having easy delivery and good child rearing.

 

3, a few festivals are held in January and Jun.

 

4, The Shinto styled wedding is held at the shrine. (pay) 

 

5, The Shinto exorcism is practiced to request. (pay)

 

6, omikuji (writen oracle) is available.

 

6, Kaeru-ishi (蛙石＝the frog shaped rock) is worshiped at the shrine. "Kaeru"  means a frog in English, rhymes with "going back", "coming back" in Japanese. There fore, it is blieved that the rock as a lucky rock to get money back and get lucky back.
 

 

 

In addition

I bought a horse shaped lucky charm clay bell. Since it will be year of the horse in 2014, horse shaped items are sold all over the nation. 

 

 

 

Over all

The shrine is centrally located in Nara city. You can stop by there as a part of exploring Nara city for your hatsumode. It sits right  in between JR Nara station and the Nara park (The Todaiji Temple, The Kofukuji Temple and The Kasugataishiya Shrine). I suppose the plase would be the best spot to avoid the crowd for "hatsumode."

Check the web site for the maps on http://www.isagawa-jinja.jp/izagawa.index.html.html

 

 

 

 

How to get there

You can get there on foot from the JR Nara station and the Kintetsu Nara station. It takes around 30min.

Car park is available next to the shrine, costs you ¥300 for 30min.

Address 18 Komamori, Nara city Nara

Ph 0742-22-0832

Web site http://www.isagawa-jinja.jp/izagawa.index.html.html

 

 

 

 

Cost

No admission fee is required to enter the shrine.

A horse shaped clay bell costs you ¥ 500

 

Conclusion

As usual, The accessibility for wheel chair doesn't be seen at the shrine. It is  gravelly all the way at the spot. The public toilet is located while no priority toilet is placed.

                                          It was a nice and sunny day.

 

Who wants boxing on New Year's Eve in Japan??

Mission, how to enjoy the 2013 New Year's Eve in Japan. (written Dec 22,

 2013)

Boxing fights have been some of the biggest things to enjoy and celebrate

New Year's Eve in Japan.

 

                                                      

                                               　　We love boxing.

 

 

 

Yes, you can watch 'em live on TV. Following this new tradition, they are having 3 world title bouts and a trial match on 2013 New Year's Eve in Tokyo and in Osaka.

Today I'll tell you all those foreign boxing fans in the land of rising sun.

 

The first of all in Tokyo, WBA world super feather weight title fight will be held. The fight includes "The knock out dynamite" undefeated champion Takashi Uchiyama vs the challenger Daiki Kaneko. Uchiyama's been defending his title for 7 times, has had fights on New year's eve a few times. Now, Uchiyama is one of the best boxers in the nation. I would say this match is what you have to watch.

 

                       "The knock out dynamite" Uchiyama is ready for it.

The fight will be on TV Tokyo network from 9:30pm 31 Dec.

 

Coming up next in Tokyo, WBC world super feather weight title bout will be on. The fight includes the champion Takashi "the bomber left" Miura vs the challenger Dante Jardon (Mex).

 Miura has his fighting record that is 40 fights 34 wins (22 knock outs)2 losses 2 draws.

However, the fight would be fierce and nasty, it'd be the one to end up the year. Must watch!!!

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　"The bomber left" Miura is doing his business.

 

The fight will be on TV Tokyo network from 9:30pm 31 Dec.

The first in Osaka, WBA world light fly weight title bout will be on. The fight includes "Osaka's favorite boxing kid" the undefeated champion Kazuto Ioka vs The undefeated challenger Felix Alvarado (Nicaragua). This world title bout has more technical aspect of boxing than the above WBC super feather fight. However, Ioka was born to be a boxing world champion, comes from a famous boxing family, his uncle is a former 2 time world champion, his dad runs the boxing gym where Ioka trains. Now, the kid has become undefeated 2 time  world champ. While the challenger is also undefeated as well as technical plus has good strikes and combos. In short, the bout has no doubt to be firing. Must watch!!

 

"The kid" Ioka is in action.

The fight will be on TBS network on 2013 New Year's Eve.

 

Up next in Osaka, WBA world minimum weight champion Ryo "bad ass" Miyazaki will have a trial fight against a world ranked Thai fighter. However, this is not a world title bout. Now, Miyazaki aims at world light fly weight belt. The fight determines if he is good enough to step up to heavier division.

 The fight will  also be on TBS net work at New Year's Eve Night.

 

Over all

I'd more recommend you the event in Tokyo than one in Osaka because it has not only "the knock out dynamite" Takasi Uchiyama but "the bomber left " Takashi Miura. The two have solid strikes. Especially Uchiyama guarantees you the event comes to conclusion in dramatic style.

 

At last

If by any chance, you ever get to watch TV on New Year's Eve before you hang out for "hatsumode." You pretty much should be in tuned those channels on TV.

They`ll get you breaking on through to New Year!!!

 

                                                        

                                              Who wants boxing?

 

Have you tried oden yet?



Mission, oden stew (researched 14 Dec  2013)

 It`s been freezing cold this winter in Japan.

 

 Today, I`ll let you know oden stew ”おでん” which is our special dish for the winter. Eating oden keeps you warm through the winter.

 

 

 

 The other night, my wife cooked her oden at her kitchen.

 

 

 

  Here is how she cooked.

 

 Ingredients

 1, Japanese radish

 2, egg

 3, fish cake

 4, beef snew

 

 5, dry kelp sheet

 

 

 

 preparations

 

1, immerse a dry kelp sheet in water

 

2, boil the eggs.

 

 

 

 

 

3, skin off a Japanese radish, chop it evenly into a few peaces. Precook cut peaces by a pressure cooker for 1min.

 

 

 

4, precook beef sinew by a pressure cooker for 10min.

 

 

 



 5, partial boil fish cakes to remove excess fat.

 

 

 

 

Cooking

 

1, place kelp sheet at the bottom then beef sinew, Japanese radish, fish cake and peeled boiled egg into a large pot.

 

2, put water into the pot just enough to cover the ingredients.(Remember to put the immersing water for dry kelp from section 1 of the preparation.

 

3, stew it for10-15min

 

4, let it cool to get it more taste such as "umami"旨味”

Serve it in a large bowl. Japanese mustard is good to top with, if you want a few more kicks.

 

 

 

Over all

As you see the whole recipe, the preparations are all about cooking oden. How ever, don't bring the large pot to boil in the cooking process.

The section 5 of preparations (removing excess fat) is optional. Using a high pressure cooker is not necessary.

 

Conclusion

You can find oden stew at the convenience stores. They present it and sale it beside a cash register. All you gotta do is point what you want with your finger. One piece of oden costs you around ¥100. I recommend you egg and Japanese radish. Go get yourself our winter speciality!!!

What's going on to Japan's Christmas?

Mission, Japan's Christmas (written 08, Dec 2013)

 

Christmas is on the corner.

 Would you ever wondered what happens in the Christmas season in a  nation like Japan? I will tell you what's going on to Christmas in my country.

 

 

 

 Yes, we celebrate Christmas in Japan.

 Even though, the majority of Japanese people are not Christians, they not only celerate it but also love it. I suppose Christmas would be well acccepted by the peope, it is now an essencial event in December.

 How ever, our Chritmas is a little different to your Chritmas. Today, I'll let you know what goes on to Japanese Christmas.

 

 1, Christmas is more popuraly clebrated among the young people and the families withh little kids.

 

 2, Christmas parties are held by the families and communities.

 

 3, Christmas ornaments are seen in town and at home.

 

 4, Christmas presents are exchanged or given on Christmas Eve or Cristmas day.

 

 5, roasted chicken is served at the Christmas parties while roasted turky is unlikely served in general.How ever, some people eat sushi at Christmas parties.

 

 6, Christmas light displays are on at the major spots in town.

 

 7, exchanging Christmas card is not very much practiced because we have our own new year greeting card called "nangajo" 年賀状 ,thus the people would be too busy for Christmas card.

 

 

 

Over all

 In general, Chrismas is about having fun lather than a religeous event in the nation.

 However, I was working at a little sushi takeaway when I was younger, had tons of costmers who after sushi platter to enjoy them selves on Christmas.

 Farther more. Chrismas was over comatialized during the buble economy period. Luxury presents and expensive dinners at very fine restaurants were loved  by the crowd.

 Actuarly, I had Cristmas in Australia and South Africa in the summer when I was  travering. I got drunk on the beach after surfin', was crazy.

 

 

 

 Conclusion

 I know Chritmas would originally be religeous while it wouldn`t be bad to just have fun.

 

 

The photos from Wakayama

Reports from Katsuragi town, Wakayama pref (Photos taken 03, 24 Nov

2013, captioned 01 Dec 2013)

 

My wife sent me a few photos of what she sees during her stay in Katsuragi town, Wakayama pref.

 

Today, I put those pictures of usual stuff in Japan, which you would find in  countryside of the nation.

 

Welcome to where the streets have no name.

 

 

 Street with no return.

 

 

                             A road sign saying " road of the history"







 

 

The jizo-son 地蔵尊  (this is what the local people worship. They keep it nice and tidy on a daily basis to show sign of respect.)

 

 



 

The kinokawa River 紀ノ川

(the river runs into Seto inland sea 瀬戸内海)

 

 

 

A creek runs into the Kinokawa River

 

 



                        

Going home.

 

Conclusion

My wife stayed in Kihoku town for a few weeks, met some nice local people there. She says the place is in midle of rural area, aging of the population is seriously progressing.



 

 



Get lucky in Nara.

Mission, The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm (researched 19 Nov 2013)
 

 

 

The other day, I researched The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm.

 

Here is what I found.

 

 

 

The first of all. The Shrine is dedicated to SUGAWARA Michizane (who is known as a master calligrapher)

 

The second, there is the mound for old, used calligraphy brushes.

 

The third, several ceremonies and events are held at The Shrine through the year. (see their web site http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/)

 

 

"I hear Nara fude matsuri 奈良筆祭り (held on the 20th of March) is worth visiting. Watching the calligraphy performances and stuff."

 

 

 

The forth, the uniquely shaped lucky charm.

As you can see the pictures, the lucky charm is shaped the bird called "鷽" ウソ pronounced "uso", rhymes with "lie" in Japanese.

There fore, it is believed that the lies  you've ever made, become the truths by doing a swap your lucky charm with some one else as saying "kaemasho"  "let's swap it" at the uso kae shinji 鷽替神事 held on the 25th of June.

Generally, a lucky charm is shaped a little square bag, containing a peace of paper, written the name of shrine or temple. While the "鷽" lucky charm is shaped a bird. After buying a bird shaped lucky charm, you are advised to place the thing at a nice and clean spot in your house to let it protect you and your family for the year. Remember, your lucky charm expires in a year.

 

 

 

Over all

The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine is a small place. You might miss it, if you drive to go there. I suppose the shrine would have been worshiped by the local people and the calligraphers for very long time, how ever, the place is not a popular visiting spot.

As it turned out, the accessibility for wheel chair doesn't exist at the shrine, has a tiny car park(accommodates 3-4 cars) in front. You must visit there with a good tough assistant to accompany with.(if you use wheel chair)

 

Cost

No admission fee is required.

A free parking area is available.

A bird shaped lucky charm costs you ¥1000.

 

How to get there

The shrine is located 800m South from the Yamatosaidaji station 大和西大寺駅, it is near the bus stop Hannasugawara 阪奈菅原 on the route Hannna 阪奈道路.See their web site for a map http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/.

Address 518 Sugawarahigashi, Nara city, Nara  奈良県奈良市菅原東町518

Ph 0742-45-3576 FAX 0742-45-3518

 

 

 

Conclusion

The day I went there was cold and occasional rain, plus gaps and gravel.

Even though facing all those hardship, I had a great research at the shrine.

 

 

 

"The red hot"七味唐辛子

Mission, "the red hot" 七味唐辛子 (seven flavored chili pepper) (written 17 Nov 2013)

 

"Woud you like to look for any spicy food when you travel over seas?

 If so, you do good."

 

 

 How ever, we have a legendary mixed chili pepper called "七味唐辛子” (shichimi-togarashi)( seven flavored chili pepper) in Japan.

literally, the mixed chilipper is made of combination of seven types of spices  in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 The typical spices which you find in the mixed chili pepper are listed below

1, opium poppy seed (芥子の実）

2, mandarin peelings (陳皮)

3, sesame seed (胡麻)

4, Japanese pepper (山椒）

5, hemp seed (麻の実)

6, perilla (紫蘇）

7, seaweed (海苔）

8, green laver (青海苔）

10, ginger (生姜)

11, rape seed (菜種)

(As you see the list, it's more than 7. But who cares?)

 

Over all

 The shichimi-togarashi can get your favorite Japanese food more funky. I recommend you to use it to gyudon, soba, udon and so on.

The dynamite chili powder kicks your ass.

 

 

 Conclusion

 Acutually, the mixed chili pepper is sold every grocer across the nation. Usually, it is sold in a little glass bottle in red, says "七味唐辛子”.The most popular label  is”House"ハウス . Go get yourself our majestic mixed chili pepper to enjoy Japan's food culture.

 

 Tips

 There is another chili pepper called "一味唐辛子” ichimi-togarashi out there. Be careful not to
get confused because  it looks like pretty similar. You might be better to ask them before buying. In fact, the ichimi-togarashi has more kicks than the hichimi-togarashi.

 

Let me tell you where to enjoy the coloured leave in Nara pref.

Mission, the red and yellow coloured leave. (referred My town Nara 02 Nov issue) (written 07 Nov 2013)

 

Today, I'll let you know some of the best places to enjoy watching the coloured leave　in Nara pref.

 

The first of all, you can enjoy  it from the beginnig of November to the beginning  of December.

 

The spots are listed below.

1, Nara-okuyama drive way 奈良奥山ドライブウェイ ph 0742-26-7213

The best in the end of Nov - The beginning of Dec.

How to get there, go there through the rout 369 (the East side of the Nara prefectural building). The entrance is located the North side of The Shosoin.

The drive way goes through the Kasugayama primeval forest (the world heritage site).The water fall (鷲の滝) is the highlight.

 

2, Nara park 奈良公園 ph 0742-22-0375

The best in the end of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, it's 5min on foot from the Kintetsu Nara station.

The park is the most famous sightseeing spot in the area. You won't miss it.

 

3, the Yagyu area 柳生全域 ph 0742-94-0002

The best is in the beginning of Nov - the end of Nov.

How to get there, go there by bus (the Tsukigase line 月ヶ瀬方面行) from the Kintetsu Nara station. Get off at Yagyu 柳生.

A good spot is around The Hotokuji Temple.

 

4, The Shoryakuji Temple 正暦寺 ph 0742-62-9569

The best in the middle of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, shuttle bus is available (only this time of a year) from the JR, Kintetsu Nara station. 

The café 清流庵 Seiryuan opens for visitors (only this time of a year).

You can enjoy the local sake liquor and green tea as well as special dessert.

 

5, The Chogakuji Temple 長岳寺 ph 0743-66-1051

The best in the middle of Nov - the end of Nov

How to get there, go there by bus from the JR, Kintetsu Tenri station (Sakurai station line). Get off at Kaminagaoka 上長岡, 7min walk to the temple.

The local noodles "nyumen" にゅうめん are well-known. Eat 'em at the temple. Cost you ¥700.

Also, you can get there from the old walking trail Yamanobenomichi 山の辺の道 as a part of hiking.

 

6, The Matsuodera Temple  松尾寺 ph 0743-53-5023

The best in the beginning of Nov - the end of Nov.

How to get there, go there by bus from the Kintetsu Yamatokoriyama station 大和郡山駅(Koizumieki-higashiguchiguchi line小泉駅東口行き). Go there by bus from JR Koizumi station East exit 小泉駅東口 (Kintetsu Yamatokoriyama station line近鉄大和郡山駅行き).

A series of the treasures will be uncovered during the month.

 

7, the Tatsuta park 竜田公園 ph 0745-74-6800

The best in the end of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, go there by bus from JR Oji station 王寺駅(kokudoyokota line 国道横田行き, Horyujimae line 法隆寺前行き). Get off at Tatsuta-ohashi 竜田大橋.

 

8, The Tanzanjinjya Shrine 談山神社 ph 0744-49-0001

The best in the middle of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, shuttle bus is on offer from the JR, Kintetsu Sakurai station for the week ends. Ask the shrine.

The shrine will be lighted up at night from 16 Nov to 30 Nov.

 

9, The Hasedera Temple 長谷寺 ph 0744-47-7001

The best in the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, 15min walk from the Kintetsu Hasedera station 長谷寺駅.

A couple of events will be held (a tea party and the maple festival).

 

10, The Muroji Temple　室生寺 ph 0745-93-2003

The best in the middle of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, it takes 15min to there by bus from the Kintetsu Muroguchiono station 室生口大野駅. Shuttle bus will run from the 9th of Nov - the 1st of Dec.

The view from arched bridge is highly recommended.

The temple and the coloured leave wii be lighted up lighted up at nights (¥ 500 to enter)

 

11, Mt. Yoshino 吉野山 ph 0746-32-1007

The best in the beginning of Nov - the beginning of Dec.

How to get there, get on the ropeway at the Kintetsu Yoshino station 吉野駅to the terminal, walk from there.

The Saigyoan 西行庵, The Yoshimizu Shrine 吉水神社 and  Mt. Takashiro 高城山 are recommend to try.

 

12, Mitarai Gorge 御手洗渓谷 ph 0747-63-0999

The best in the beginning of Nov - the middle of Nov

Bus goes there from the Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi station 下市口駅. Ask them.

The helicopter sightseeing flight will be on offer at the town hall, cost you ¥3500 on the 9th and 10th of Nov.

Get ready for a "nabe" party.

Mission, the 2013 2014 Japan's special beers for winter (researched 02 Nov 2013)

 

Are you dudes drinking?

 



 

Following the autumn, the major 4 beer breweries lined up their special beers for the coming winter.

1, Kirin - Fuyukirin "smooth, easy to drink"

2, Asahi - Fuyu-no-okurimono "brewed out of very selected ingredients. The flavor has kicks."

3, Suntory - Kuchidoke-no-fuyukomugi "the most unique beer out of these 4, has fruity flavor. I recommend you the beer as an aperitif."

4, Sapporo - Fuyu-monogatari "Sapporo is the founder of the special beers for winter. The beer has 26 years of history, the beer is brewed carefully, has rich, fully bodied flavor.

 

Over all

I tried Sapporo for the weekend, loved it.

How ever, the food that goes the best with beers in the winter is "oyster".

I know some people just can't eat 'em. The oysters are the best in the winter. The fully pumped, chunky oysters are highly nutritious, as well as taste gorgeous.

 I recommend you to try deep-fried oyster with a squeeze of lemon.

Once you bite it, you can't stop.

 

Conclusion

We have lots more great food in the winter such as oden, nabe and so on. In addition, Japan's premier drink "sake" gets in brewing  preparations in winter.

I actually plan to research the sake breweries in Nara city during the winter. We have heaps more to come. Stay in tuned.