A toro is a traditional lantern often made of stones, woods, or metals. It is believed to be originated in China. Toro were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. During the Heian period (794-1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes. As a Buddhist ceremony, there is a practice called “to- ro- nagashi” which guides the spirits of the departed back to the other world by floating paper lanterns down the river.
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What is Tokonoma?
Tokonoma, a kind of decorative alcove in a Japanese-style guest room, normally incorporates raised flooring, one or more hanging scrolls, called kakejiku or kakemono, on the back wall, and a seasonal flower arrangement on the floor. But because fewer new houses nowadays are built with tokonoma, they are becoming unfamiliar to younger Japanese.
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Local Characters Festival: Yuru-kyara Saves the Local Economy
The 12th “Yuru-kyara Festival in Hikone: Kigurumi Summit 2019” was held on Oct. 19-20 in the central part of Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. A record 244 groups, representing 38 of Japan’s 47 prefectures and the island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, participated. The event, held since 2008, is backed by local character associations in Japanese cities and Hikone City, as well as that city’s merchants’ association. At 244, the number of participants this year increased by more than fivefold over the 46 in 2008, earning Hikone the claim to being “The Haven of Yuru-kyara.”
Yuru-kyara is an abbreviation for “easygoing mascot character,” and refers to the lovable mascots that are used to promote local publicity, as well as corporate identity by businesses and organizations. In the narrow sense of the term they are limited to mascot characters of public organizations featuring people who dressed up in such costumes, but in the wider sense they also include characters used for promotion by large corporations. At that year’s event, the Yuru-kyara were used in their narrower sense to promote local products in some 150 booths. They also made five-minute appearances to promote their localities on three stages set up specially for the occasion.
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Hidden Ski Resorts in Japan
When one thinks of Japan words such as sushi and samurai may typically come to mind. However in recent years Japan has begun to gain acknowledgment for something completely different and unexpected: skiing. While the words skiing and Japan may not have an immediate and direct connection for most, in reality Japan is a utopia for avid skiers, with over 500 ski resorts scattered from the south of Kyushu to the north of Hokkaido. Ski fanatics from all over the world flock to Japan because they know that they will find pristine powder snow in perfect condition. The geographical location of Japan allows for the weather systems to work its magic, providing just the right amount of moisture and low temperatures. This results in an ideal environment where ski resorts overflow with champagne powder throughout the months of January to March. In fact, central and northern regions of Japan average a snowfall of 12 meters (39 ft) to 15 meters (49 ft) yearly.
Another word that may not have an immediate connection to Japan is “cheap.” While many seem to have the perception that Japan has an expensive cost of living, transportation, and pretty much everything else, this is not necessarily true. In fact, ski resorts in Japan can be enjoyed at reasonable prices compared with other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Europe. So what do powder snow, slopes and courses to match skiers of all levels, and unbelievably reasonable prices add up to? A definite must-go for those who love cruising the snow. However choosing the right resort to venture out to from the possible 500 something may be a bit overwhelming, so below is a summary of a few of the most well-known.
HOKKAIDO – Prince Snow Resorts
The star of the north, Hokkaido is perhaps most famous for its fresh seafood and vast lands of never ending green. On the other hand, the region of Furano is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, creating a patch of encased land. This creates an ideal location for skiing as the land is unaffected by the gushing ocean winds which can greatly influence the daily condition of the snow. Furano as a whole greatly appreciate and welcome foreign tourists, and locals who speak English often offer tours of the area for free. As of 2012 the percentage of foreign skiers is 20%, but Furano hopes to increase this to 50% within 10 years. The largest ski resort in Furano is the Prince Snow Resorts, which although major enough to host international competitions at times, is still priced at a third of ski resorts worldwide. With the unmatched hospitality and great prices, Furano may indeed be the next most popular skiing destination for foreigners.
YAMAGATA – Zao Ski Resort
Zao boasts a total of 14 slopes and 12 courses, meaning skiers would find the perfect match no matter what level they are. Dynamic courses weaving throughout the mountains are the favorites of experienced skiers. At the peak of the mountain awaits a stone statue of the guardian of the mountains. Zao is home to a truly unique sight – the silver thaws, or snow monsters. Snow monsters are actually pine trees covered completely in ice, making it seem as if there are towering creatures emerging from the snow. A number of strict conditions must be met for this natural phenomenon to occur, making it extremely rare to come by. Most tourists indulge in the set combination of skiing, snow monsters, and hot springs when visiting Zao.
SHIZUOKA – Mt. Fuji Snowtown Yeti
Shizuoka is one of the only two prefectures in Japan that shares the famous Mt. Fuji. And as if to confirm this fact, on days when the skies are clear Mt. Fuji can be seen from the slopes of Yeti as well. The grandiose view can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels as Yeti consists of slopes catering to any level. Yeti is not only beginner friendly but also family friendly as well, with a designated snow playground allowing for anyone who desires to create snowmen, have snowball fights, and even make snow angels. There is also a slope set aside for exclusively for sliding down on sleds (sled rental JPY 700 as of Sep 2012). Yeti provides an environment in which the young and old, beginners and advanced can all deeply enjoy.
NIIGATA – GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Gala is an unfalteringly popular ski destination even for citizens outside of Niigata for two main reasons: its ease of access and convenient rental service. Gala’s closest station, Gala Yuzawa Station is only one bullet train ride away from Tokyo Station, taking only 96 minutes. Gala even rents out everything from boots, sleds, trendy ski wear, to all the newest models of skis and snowboards, all maintained daily with great attention and care with the future visitors in mind. Travelers who are overwhelmed with the sudden urge to ski can find relief at Gala without bringing a single piece of ski equipment, and after a couple intensive hours of skiing, relax in the resting area completely free of charge.
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Tokyo’s New Night View
Open for traffic on February 12, this truss bridge spans 2,618 meters. Its unique shape, resembling a pair of crouching dinosaurs, has led to its being nickname the “dinosaur bridge.” The bridge’s nighttime colors are changed each month, with October the color of autumn flowers, November, the color of red maple leaves and December, the color of scarlet sage.
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Hospitality in the Toilet in Japan
With the aim of boosting satisfaction by visitors, Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku has adopted an “Omotenashi Toilet” system by which public toilets are recognized for high standards of cleanliness. The campaign aims to raise the perception of Kochi as being a hospitable place for sightseeing, thereby attracting more repeat visitors to its many attractions.
The campaign is part of the prefecture’s wider strategy of bring more visitors, having set its sights on the annual figure of 4 million visitors from outside the prefecture, which will bring revenues totaling more than 110 billion yen. To realize this, clean sanitary facilities at major sightseeing spots are regarded as essential.
To achieve certification, a lavatory must be 1) clean; 2) well illuminated (50 lux or above); 3) well ventilated with use of deodorizers; 4) provide toilet paper; 5) have one or more Western-style commode; and 6) convey a sense of hospitality to users. Concerning 6), such examples are suggested as flowers in vases; a facility for changing infant diapers; background music; supplying local information, and so on.
The campaign is focusing in lavatory facilities apart from private homes, such as hotels, rail stations, convenience stores, restaurants and others, whether public or commercial. Those accorded certification will be permitted to affix a multilingual “Omotenashi Toilet” seal, and also be listed on the prefecture’s home page.
URL: http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/020201/omotenashitoilet.html
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Tokyo’s Pedestrian Paradises
Tokyo’s Pedestrian Paradises
On most Sundays, motor traffic is banned from parts of three of the most popular streets in Tokyo, which then become “hoko-ten” (pedestrian paradises). This system dates back to August 1960, when the famous Ginza Street initiated the practice. This practice has continued to the present. The broad avenue is blocked off, and pedestrians permitted to stroll and relax, until early evening, free from exhaust gas and noisy traffic. (On rainy days and at the end of the year, some streets suspend the practice.) While such things as street performances photography sessions, political demonstrations, street sales, passing out of flyers, collection of money for charities, etc., are officially banned, some street performers nonetheless ignore the rule and put on impromptu shows.
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Millions upon Millions of Twinkling Stars
In a western suburb of Tokyo, you can see more stars than anywhere else on the planet. From July of this year, the Tamarokuto Science Center opened a planetarium in which a dazzling 140 million stars are projected onto its ceiling. Thanks to the adoption of new technology featuring LEDs as the source of illumination, the individual stars in clusters that make up the Milky Way galaxy can be viewed, along with colors and hues that more faithfully represent the universe as we view it by telescopes from our own planet. With a circumference of 27.5 meters, the planetarium’s dome is also one of the world’s largest, and during refurbishing, measures were taken to conceal seams in the screen. The added clarity and deep blackness of the starry sky heightens its appeal. “When you visit us, please be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars,” a staff of the Science Center urges.