Louise George Kittaka – Jarman International KK

Jarman International’s Louise George Kittaka visited Kawasaki’s Open-Air Folk House Museum (Nihon Minka-en)

Hana — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:06:01 +0000

In partnership with Kawasaki City, Jarman International’s Louise George Kittaka explored one of the region’s most fascinating museums, the Open-Air Folk House Museum (Nihon Minka-en). It features more than 20 traditional buildings relocated from all over Japan and carefully restored to their original condition.

“The buildings showcase a diverse range of occupations and lifestyles, ranging from the former homes of farmers and fisherfolk, to merchant and samurai residences. Each one has been furnished with period-appropriate items and tools, helping me to feel a true connection to the daily lives of the people who once lived there. The lovingly-curated details tell a story of family, livelihoods and community.”
Louise George Kittaka

During her visit, Louise also had the opportunity to participate in an indigo-dyeing workshop.

“I chose to dye a tenugui (Japanese-style towel), and I enjoyed making creative use of everyday items such as film cases, laundry pegs and marbles to get the tie-dye patterns. Truth be told, I’m not exactly talented at handicrafts, but I was thrilled with the beautiful results!”
Louise George Kittaka

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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

Hana — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:40:57 +0000

“A few months ago, I had the opportunity to represent Jarman International on a visit to the Oki Islands, a stunning part of Shimane Prefecture. As a UNESCO Global Geopark, Oki offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. I was commissioned to write four in-depth articles for their newly updated international tourism website.”

“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.

JI Core 50 member Louise George Kittaka shares her experience of visiting a Shodoshima island retreat in the heart of Tokyo in Japan Today article

Hana — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 02:47:14 +0000

Earlier this month, JI Core 50 member Louise George Kittaka visited Hotel Rilassare Tokyo, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo inspired by the island of Shodoshima island in the Seto Inland Sea. She shares her experience visiting this city retreat in an article published on Japan Today.

Hotel Rilassare Tokyo, situated on a quiet street less than five minutes walk from Hamamatsu-cho Station, boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere with touches of Shodoshima and its nature throughout. For example, the building is surrounded by stone blocks from the island, while the lobby is decorated in a calming olive color palette. Original paintings featuring scenes and nature from the island by local artist Ryo Date also adorn each guest room.

By incorporating the atmosphere of this hidden gem in Kagawa Prefecture, the hotel’s owner Hiroshi Kasai, who has ties to both Shodoshima and the Hamamatsu-cho area, hopes to offer a hub of serenity and a sense of community for visitors.

“Our mission is to use food, art and culture as a platform to connect Shodoshima and Tokyo. When I was a child, helping each other and building connections was one of the most important things in life. I feel that is missing from modern living in the big city and I would love to bring back that feeling with our hotel and activities.”

You can also enjoy a taste of Shodoshima at one of the hotel’s affiliate restaurants – Yuhigaoka Shokudou, Ristorante Casa Setouchi and Teppanyaki Seto – which are popular with hotel guests, local residents and business people alike. The cuisine at all three establishments highlights the island’s food culture, including soy sauce, lemons and olive products, and some of the fruit and vegetables come from Calore, the company farm on Shodoshima.

Read the Japan Today article to learn more about Louise’s visit to Hotel Rilassare Tokyo.

We hope you will visit and experience the island life (in Tokyo) for yourself soon.

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JI Core 50 Member Louise George Kittaka Takes Us on a Journey to Old Japan in Tokyo Weekender Article About Kakunodate

Hana — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:44:59 +0000

In late December, JI Core 50 member Louise George Kittaka visited the former castle town of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture, using the three-day JR EAST Welcome Rail Pass 2020, available to all non-Japanese passport holders.

Founded in 1620, Kakunodate is known for its beautifully preserved samurai houses, which are open to the public. The centuries-old original architecture allows visitors to step back in time and experience the daily life of Old Japan.

Follow Louise on a journey back to the Japan of yore as she explores the samurai district by jinrikisha (rickshaw), wanders through a museum chock full of household items from the Edo period, and spends a night at a historic Japanese warehouse hotel (and much more!).

Check out her article from the link below: https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2020/12/a-trip-to-kakunodate-samurai-town-of-the-north/

What is the JR EAST Welcome Rail Pass 2020?

Until now, JR Rail Passes have only been available to tourists visiting Japan. However, in October 2020, JR EAST created a new, foreign resident-friendly pass to give members of Japan’s international community a budget-friendly way to explore the Tohoku and Kanto regions, as well as provide an alternative to international travel.

This pass allows 3 consecutive days of unlimited travel on the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansens, along with JR EAST train lines and a number of local railways. As it is valid for most of the Kanto and Tohoku area, pass holders will be able to explore from the northernmost reaches of Aomori to the hot spring resorts of Shizuoka, just south of Tokyo, for a flat 12,000 yen fee (6,000 yen for Children).

★For more information about the JR EAST Welcome Rail Pass 2020 and where to purchase it, please click HERE

★An article about the pass has been published on JAPAN TODAY

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