On February 20 starting at 2:30PM (JST), there will be a free, online tour where you’ll be guided around this history theme park called Edo Wonderland, and simultaneously discover Nikko, located just two hours away from Tokyo.

The tour will also feature an exclusive look into the VIP lounge at Nikko station, a Q&A session about travel in Tohoku and helpful information on the JR EAST PASS, and more.

Join us using the Zoom link HERE on event day!

Find your perfect JR Rail Pass HERE.

The post Travel back to 17th-century Japan from anywhere in the world on February 20 at 2:30PM (JST)! (Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture) 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.

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.

From trying on traditional samurai gear at Tsuruga Castle and visiting the only double spiral staircase in the world at the over 200-year-old Sazaedo Temple, to dipping into the wild Numajiri hot spring surrounded by dynamic volcanic valleys – Fukushima Prefecture (and the Tohoku region at large), is a true hidden gem in Japan.

However, according to Daniel, what makes Fukushima special goes beyond the vast mountains, delicious cuisine, and old Japanese architecture that still remains…the region’s true appeal lies in the people.

I don’t know if it’s partly because everyone had to come together during and after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but people are so welcoming and warm everywhere I go. From the waiter at the traditional ryokan inn kindly recommending the order to drink our sake, our guide sharing the over 350-year history of Numajiri hot spring, to getting free ramen and sake tastings at various humble shops, everyone is so passionate about sharing their culture with visitors. Locals are incredibly proud of their region’s unique story, which is also evident from the fact that they don’t try to hide their charming dialect. They embrace and retain their Fukushima-ness wherever they go, whomever they are with. If you don’t speak Japanese, you will just have to take my word for it. The people always make me want to travel back and I guarantee you’ll feel the same way too. Cheers to that! #FukushimaFriendly

Read more about Daniel’s Fukushima adventure in his newsletter HERE.

The post Discovering #FukushimaFriendly – Read all about JI Core 50 member Daniel Moore’s recent adventure in northeast Japan! appeared first on Jarman International KK.