While the difference may be subtle for us foreigners, sento and onsen are two different ways to enjoy Japanese bath culture. Simply put onsen means hot spring with hot natural water, while a sento is a paid public bath with heating boilers and dates back to as early as […]
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Boshu uchiwa, hand-made rigid fans originating from Chiba, take various forms. The standard round-shaped type; the “egg type,” which features a unique, smooth curve; and a long-shafted type, which allows the wielder to see the design move when it’s spun with the palms of the hands.
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The Sanshing, a three string guitar or banjo, is an Okinawan musical instrument and precursor to the more popular Shamisen. Unlike Shamisen however, Sanshing are traditionally made of bamboo and covered with the skin of the Burmese or reticulated python. Sanshin is by far my favorite Japanese music styles. […]
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Carrying the name of its founder, Mr. Miyabe, Miyabe Geta is one of the last Geta factory in the Ehime region. It all started in 1933 when Mr. Miyabe, only 13 years old at this time, became an apprentice at a local Geta factory and where he developed his […]
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Located in the heart of Uchiko’s historic district, Take Kobo (Take-Kōbō) is a bamboo workshop where you can find some of finest bamboo products such as bags, saucers, chairs and even bamboo made chopsticks. […]
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Located in Sakai district of Sakata, Somaro is a hub of Japanese culture where you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese traditional dance performed by two Maikos in one of the city's most beautiful traditional houses. [...]
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Also known at the Kamihaga residence, the Uchiko Wax museum is the birthplace and former workshop of the Kamihaga family and their Japanese Wax empire. Unlike many other wax manufacturers around the world, the Uchiko Kamihaga family wax was in fact pure vegetal wax coming from sumac tree berries and mainly used in candles, […]
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Founded in 1822 by Kanjiro, the ninth head of the Tamura family, the Tamura Shuzoujou is one Japan’s most respected sake breweries. They have been making fine sake for more than a century. Today’s video will give you all the chance to have a tour of the Tamura Shuzoujou sake brewery […]
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The Museum Work & Life of Merchants in central Uchiko (Ehime) shows exhibits from the late Edo era to the Meiji era. There is an authentic reproduction of a drugstore full of medicine and sundry items on the shelves, complete with the old signboard over the shop. In the exhibition visitors can enjoy […]
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Built in 1916 during the Taisho period, the Uchiko Za Theater is a kabuki theater located in the center of the city of Uchiko in Ehime (Shikoku). Not maintained for many years, the city of Uchiko and many locals, decided in 1982 to restore the Za Theater and give the place a second chance. […]
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Just two days after the Toka Machi Market at Hikawa Shrine, the city of Saitama holds the Juninichi-Machi Market each December 12th. Started around the Meiji period (from 1868 to 1912). The Juninichi-Machi Market with the Tsuki Shrine as it center, features more than 800 street stalls selling everything from food to good luck rakes […]
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An hour and half away by plane from Tokyo, Uchiko City, located in Ehime prefecture is a hidden gem that can only be found in Japan. While we have a lot coming up for you about Uchiko in the coming few weeks, we wanted to start this video tour of this wonderful city with […]
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