The annual Bon Odori was held at Kensho-ji Temple in Chikatsuyu from August 20 to 24.
The Bon Odori ('Bon Dance') is part of the Bon Festival (or simply 'Obon') in Japan, typically falling around mid-August. During this time, it is believed the souls of departed ancestors briefly return to this world to visit their relatives. People often return to their hometowns to pay respects at and maintain family graves. The Bon Odori varies by region, and is a beloved folk tradition.
Due to population decline, the Bon Odori is endangered in many rural areas; however, in Chikatsuyu, a number of people of all generations joined in to dance every night of the festival. Even guests from abroad joined in!
Have you seen a rice planter machine at work? Here's one courtesy of our team member Ryo!
While traditionally rice is planted by hand, sprout-by-sprout, this makes the job much easier. Rice planting typically occurs in June, and harvest in October – we're looking forward to the harvest in Chikatsuyu!
Learn more about our Chikatsuyu branch office here:
https://okujapan.com/about-us/kumano-kodo-branch/
While the most famous sakura variant is the fleeting Yoshino cherry, the vibrant blossoms of the Kawazu-zakura are known for blooming earlier than other variants of sakura – in early February – and staying around for as long as a month!
Though the flowers' origin is the town of Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture, there is a grove of them in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto.
Hiking the Oku-Hida area is the final walk in our Nakasendo and Kamikochi walking 6-day tour. After exploring the morning market, you can enjoy a hike up Mount Fukuji and take in the views from the top. Although the steep climb is a bit of a challenge, the view from the top is stunning! Read more about the sights this tour takes you to here:
https://www.okujapan.com/trips/nakasendo-and-kamikochi-walking-6-days/
2023 Wachino Shrine festival in Tsumago
July 24th was the Wachino Shrine summer festival in the post town of Tsumago! Members of the community parade a mikoshi (a portable shrine) housing the god of Wachino all around the town. They run and shake the 500-kg mikoshi to please the god inside, before returning the deity to Wachino Shrine. Not an easy task in the summer heat! Our Nakasendo branch team member Noriko provided this exciting video from the festival.
Lookout from Mount Aso
In the center of the southern island of Kyushu in Japan stands Mount Aso - Japan's largest active volcano. The caldera is roughly 350 square kilometers and is home to a community of approximately 50,000 people. The crater area is often closed off to visitors due to weather conditions or the risk of volcanic activity, however, there are a number of locations on the surrounding peaks of the caldera's edge that offer fantastic views of the villages and grassy landscape below.
One of those viewpoints is called Daikanbo and is situated on the northern edge of the caldera. Our team member Kanata had a chance to visit this lookout and shoot this time lapse.
#mountaso #kyushu #kyushutrip #kyushutravel #daikanbo #kumamotogram #japantrip #japanrevealed #japannature #timelapseclouds #japanawaits #offthebeatentrack #offthebeatenpath #japanwalking
A peaceful moment over Takahara
This scenic spot is Takahara, located between Takijiri and Chikatsuyu. Takahara is known for its fog which sweeps through the village, and can be especially striking in the morning hours. Our team member Ryo, who is based at our Chikatsuyu branch, took this video featuring the gorgeous scenery of Takahara. While the fog is not visible here, the peaceful nature and charming atmosphere creates a stunning scene nonetheless.
You can visit Takahara yourself on our Kumano Kodo tours: https://www.okujapan.com/region/kumano-kodo
Located in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu, Shirakawa Suigen holds refreshing spring water that is also the source of the city's Shirakawa River. Water from this spring is some of the most highly regarded in the country! Take a sip on our Land of Fire tour: https://www.okujapan.com/trips/land-of-fire-kyushu
Lookout on the Kumano Kodo
From the village of Chikatsuyu on the Kumano Kodo, there is a beautiful lookout. After passing the Gyubadoji Statue and going through the forest, you will come upon a lookout feautring this absolutely stunning view. There is a bench for you to rest after your walk and you may enjoy having a snack or eating your lunch as you look out on the idyllic scene before you. What a treat it is to relax as you feel enveloped in the tranquility and endless nature.
Hiraodai Limestone Plateau
The Hiraodai Limestone Plateau has been designated by the government as a natural monument and a national park, and it's not hard to see why! The limestone formations on this plateau, dotting the beautiful landscape, are renowned for their resemblance to flocks of sheep. This park is a popular location for locals who walk the many hiking options available in the area or leisurely picnic in the open areas of this Karst Plateau.
Yamadori - copper pheasant on the Kumano Kodo Trail
The updates from our Kumano Kodo branch office are not just about the cherry blossoms!
Since ancient times the mountain birds, or yamadori, have appeared in numerous waka poems.
The Copper Pheasants of Wakayama Prefecture have a beautiful feather pattern. Males have a body length of 1m or more including their long tail.
This bird is rarely seen in the villages or cities, so if you're lucky you might meet one walking along the Nakahechi route. Their breeding season is February-March, and they can feel threatened when you approach. Be sure to observe quietly from a distance and from the trail.
#kumanokodo #wakayama #yamadori #japanesebirds #hikingadventure #japanesenature #wildjapan #naturaljapan #japantravel #japanfocus #bird #birds #pheasant #sopretty
Cherry Blossoms along the Kamogawa
Cherry blossoms are now blooming in Kyoto. A lot of our team are able to enjoy the view of these trees along Kamogawa river, near our Kyoto office, while commuting to work. Lucky!
