“During my three-day media visit, I explored the four permanently inhabited islands of the Oki group. This involved taking ferries here and there, and I was surprised that each island has its own distinct culture! Although time was limited and I couldn’t see everything these beautiful islands have to offer, I got a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history that make Oki so special. It was my first visit, but it certainly won’t be my last! The four articles I wrote introduce readers to the geology, history, culture and festivals, and cuisine of the islands.”

You can read Louise’s insightful articles here: https://visit-okiislands.e-oki.net/

The post Jarman International Core 50 member, Louise George Kittaka, visited the beautiful Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture and published four articles promoting its natural beauty and cultural heritage appeared first on Jarman International KK.

One of these opportunities was a seminar held in late January, where Ruth contributed to the discussion around Yonezawa City’s great potential as a tourism and living destination.

During the seminar, Ruth sat alongside other key women who are actively working toward promoting Yonezawa to the broader international community through their own diverse businesses and passions.

From the importance of building a city where the younger generation can live comfortably and confidently, to making sure that locals are prioritized and being heard, there were an array of insightful points that were highlighted during the seminar.

Featured in the photos:

Toko Brewery / Ubayu Hot Spring Masugataya / Nitta Fabrics

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, discusses Yonezawa City’s great potential as a tourism and living destination appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Although the northeastern Tohoku region is full of incredible cuisine, culture and community, it is still relatively undiscovered by international visitors. Check out John’s livestreams for an exclusive look into a side of Japan that you may not have even imagined.

Subscribe to John’s ONLY in JAPAN * GO livestream channel and ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub main channel for more!

• Japanese Train Ice Bridge Crossing | JR Tadami Line
• Japan’s Hawaiian Resort Experience
• Japanese Wagyu Beef BBQ | Aomori Yakiniku Grill
• Japanese Winter Cuisine Ginger Miso Oden

Travel across Tohoku affordably with the JR EAST PASS!

The post Discover hidden Japan with YouTuber John Daub in Fukushima and Aomori! appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Sign up for the event HERE (pre-registration ends on February 3)!

Find your perfect JR Rail Pass HERE.

The post Experience the thrill of Hirosaki’s Neputa Festival from anywhere around the world on February 6 at 2PM (JST)! (Aomori Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, these ogre-like demons are also believed to chase away bad luck and evil spirits with their loud presence, thus, serving as frightening symbols for children but welcome visitors for grown-ups. During her trip, Sarah had the opportunity to learn all about these cacophonous trolls at the Namahage Museum, where she saw a display of over 150 masks curated from different villages in the area.

The masks, some of which are still used today, were donated by local residents, and are made out of materials ranging from bamboo sieves covered with paper mache to chunks of cedar wood with hemp and horsetail for hair.

Another highlight of the trip included a visit to the 800-year-old Dairyu-ji Temple where Sarah enjoyed a freshly-brewed cup of green tea surrounded by the beautiful Japanese garden glistening in autumn colors.

The inside of the temple is also just as interesting, boasting a magnificent golden dragon painting on the ceiling, old wooden and metal Buddhist figurines atop the altars and along the halls, and giant bells that reverberate for what seems like forever. As a working temple, the main hall holds hundreds of Buddhist altars that local families can come to remember their deceased loved ones, and serves as the venue for various ceremonies, art shows, lectures, yoga classes, weekend mindfulness retreats, and more.

Other memorable visits included Nyudosaki Lighthouse (ranked as one of 50 best lighthouses in Japan), Oga Aquarium GAO, Unosaki Kaigan Park (home to one of the 100 best beaches in the country), and more. The Tohoku region is also famous for its delicious cuisine, such as kiritanpo (cooked rice that is pounded, skewered and roasted), hatahata (Japanese sandfish), and ishiyaki nabe (stone-cooked hotpot), all of which Sarah had the opportunity to taste during her trip.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my two days in Oga Peninsula. Everyone I came across was friendly and welcoming, and eager to share their facility, history, and culture with visitors from abroad. Blessed with so much breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich traditions, I highly recommend the Oga Peninsula as a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Tohoku. I know that I will definitely visit again.

The post Exploring the Land of the Namahage: Sights, Tastes and Traditions of the Oga Peninsula (Akita Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

For a flat fee of 20,000 yen (10,000 yen for children), you can be anywhere from gazing up at the 350-year-old pagoda of Saisho-in Temple in Aomori and taking a stroll in the old castle town of Kakunodate where authentic samurai-era architecture still remains, to attempting the wanko soba (buckwheat noodle) challenge in Iwate and dipping into a hot spring among the fantastical mountains of Yamagata.

The writers of Jarman International recently collaborated with Japan Today to publish an article highlighting everything you need to know about this rail pass, which you can read HERE.

In late October, two of our JI Core 50 members, Daniel Moore and Adam Fulford visited Tohoku to explore its wonders. You can read about their experiences below, and find out what makes this region of Japan so special.

Daniel’s experience in Fukushima Prefecture HERE. Adam’s travel to Yamagata Prefecture HERE.

The post Here is everything you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Little known to international travelers, Yamagata is home to a vast array of spiritual, historical, and architectural marvels, not to mention glorious natural beauty. JI Core 50 member Adam Fulford has been actively involved in supporting the regional activation of a small community in Yamagata called Nakatsugawa since 2014, however this time, he spent two days in Shonai, located further north nearby the Japan Sea coast.

Shonai is surrounded by three sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan, a renowned pilgrimage route, one of which Adam visited during his stay. Surrounded by towering Japanese cedars and gazing up at the iconic five-storied pagoda on Haguro-san, Adam learned about the area’s over 1,400-year history directly from a follower of Shugendo (the religious tradition closely associated with these mountains). Another highlight of his trip included experiencing maiko entertainment at Somaro tea house, located in the historic port city of Sakata.

It’s rare to have a chance to see maiko up close, and it was a pleasure to watch them perform three short dances with shamisen accompaniment. The entire building is also captivating, with countless photogenic nooks and crannies, some of which I was able to discover with the help of Kosuzu, the shamisen player and singer. She explained aspects of the building’s history and patrons of yore with the same informative ebullience that had earlier characterized her commentaries on the maiko dances.

 .

Built in 1893, the Sankyo Soko still functions today as rice storehouses, offering visitors the chance to learn about ordinary life centuries ago, and traditional knowledge passed on over generations.

The storehouses are visually striking, and the museum and adjacent shop are packed with opportunities to learn and appreciate local culture. Only two stops into my visit, a few Shonai themes were already coming into focus: rice, sake, colorful crafts, and a sense of how tough life was for local people in the old days, whether for men pulling unloaded boats back upriver, or for women carrying massive loads of rice on their backs.

 

If you’re a lover of history, nature, masterful crafts, and delicious cuisine, as well as interested in experiencing the authentic roots of the Japanese spirit and culture, Yamagata might just be worth adding to your next Japan travel itinerary.

Learn more about Shonai HERE.

Adam Fulford helped launch an online store called My Shuraku Nakatsugawa, where you can purchase local products from Nakatsugawa in Yamagata Prefecture. From maple syrup to traditional side dishes, check out the delicious products HERE.

The post A spiritual marvel of the north – JI Core 50 member Adam Fulford discovers deep Japan in Yamagata Prefecture appeared first on Jarman International KK.