Hidden Gems of Central Japan

Hidden Gems of Central Japan

Shirakawago, Takayama, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, when thinking of Central Japan, the first places to likely come to mind for most would be so. Other places that are frequently mentioned, Nagano for their snow monkeys, and Kanazawa for its beautiful famous landscape garden Kenrokuen, have recently been in the mix lately. However, in a huge land with rich history and culture, as well as different seasons, and virtually limitless beautiful sights, to imagine that only a few places are to be visited in Central Japan, would be doing injustice to the land and the tourists themselves alike.

The places mentioned above are famous and rightfully so, but just as a quote I have read before that touched me, which said,” The one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. Those who walk alone are likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before” here is a list of some of the places in Central Japan where you can go further than the crowd, and find a new experience that may surprise even the most seasoned of travellers.

1. Nomi Kutani Ceramic Museum

For art and ceramics lovers, take a trip down to Nomi Kutani Ceramic Museum in Ishikawa prefecture. There are famous works of arts which includes the origins, Ko-Kutani (Old Kutani) from the Edo-period on display. Appreciate the origin and transition of Kutani ceramics from the past to present. Look at the history of the production process as well as brushwork techniques, dive into a serene world of art and history.

Nearby lies the Asakura Isokichi Art Museum an art museum in honour of a renowned Ceramic artist and named after him. The place is decorated with the order of culture in 1996 and had won various architecture awards for the buildings design as well.

 

 
 
 
Note:
• Apart from displays and exhibits, there is a ceramic village there as well.
• Items can be purchased, from relatively cheap prices to highly priced items.
• The area is relatively quiet and relaxing with beautiful scenery in the vicinity, do take your time to experience and enjoy yourself.

 

2. Chirihama Beach

Located on route to the Noto peninsula, a beautiful beach area on its own. an even greater and unique experience awaits. Experience driving on a beach as Chirihama Beach is the only beach in Japan which allows vehicles on the shore. Live a scene out of the movies with a vehicle on the beach with an endless horizon as your backdrop.

Note: Driving could be disallowed in view of unfavourable weather, or any safety concerns.

3. Wakura Onsen

Japan is famed for its hot springs and in mountainous Central Japan, one is simply spoilt for choice, in Wakura Onsen, have a go at a hot spring with views of Nanao Bay, an experience of soaking in the warm water and seeing a calming bay area is sure to be memorable. There is an interesting legend of Wakura Onsen. It was discovered roughly 1,200 years ago but had moved due to crustal movement. Legend has it that it was rediscovered by a fisherman and his wife when they spotted a white heron in waters of Nanao Bay, it was nursing its injured leg. Upon approaching, they discovered the hot water in the vicinity. As such the white Heron is used for symbolism in the area. Additionally, there are nice views in the area, and great places to stroll or even do some cycling and exploration.


*For an enjoyable exploration they have a Seven deities of fortune course. Here’s two of them.


*Onsen eggs are available

4. Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori

In addition to Wakura Onsen, here is a recommendation of a ryokan (Japanese style inn) to stay at.
It is an all-inclusive ryokan in which the room rate includes half board (dinner & breakfast), as well as drinks in the bar and any snacks available.
Refreshments outside the baths, milk etc. are all inclusive as well along with refreshments in their resting rooms. Please enjoy your stay at Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori, a quiet all-inclusive ryokan.

Please take note some notable information as below:

• A sister hotel of Kagaya (another ryokan in the vicinity, many consider the No.1 Ryokan in the world)
• Guests of hotel can use Kagaya facilities but not vice versa.
• Hotel allows only 12 years old and above customers, thus Is very quiet.
• There is a tea ceremony which must be booked

Have a look at the ryokan and its magnificent views.

*4th picture – Tea room in which tea ceremonies are held
*5th picture – view from the tearoom

• Tea ceremony is in a building related to the Maeda family (a famous clan that rules the area traditionally, who has ties to Oda Nobunaga) who resided there in the Edo and Meiji Period. Complete your experience at Wakura Onsen with a stay in a ryokan!

5. Ama Hut Osatsu Kumado

Ama hut, a place where Ama(traditional female divers) take a rest and amuse themselves with their fellow divers, is now also a place to enjoy open hearted conversation with Ama who have been in the area of Ise, in the regions of Toba and Shima, fishing in the local waters. Learn about their experiences, about the significant part of their life that has been dedicated to the sea. Learn about Ise’s anciently female tradition while enjoying a feast of the days fresh catch which varies depending on the season. Food is prepared before you, grilled over a charcoal fire.

 

Note:
• Reservation would be preferred so that an English interpreter may explain what is going on if required.
• There are other Ama Hut as well in different locations which will provide a different experience.

5. Ishigami san(Shinmei Jinja shrine)

In the area of Ise close by to the Ama Hut Osatsu Kumado mentioned above lies a shrine with a long history. This is a shrine in which Ishigami san (Stone God) is worshipped since the olden days. Very much related to the Ama (traditional female divers), since ancient times, Ama female divers have come to the shrine to pray for safety and large catches.
Due to this association, legend has it that the shrine will grant one wish to any woman who prays here. After a meal at the Ama hut, head to this shrine to deepen the understanding of the practices of the Ama divers, and for the ladies, make your wishes come true too!

Interesting story:
To add to its legend, in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, an Ise City-born athlete Mizuki Noguchi who prayed at the shrine and then wore an amulet from the shrine while competing became the Olympic champion in her category in the women’s marathon. Perhaps hard work along with a lucky charm could go a longer way than most of us could imagine.

Note:
Please take note of the pattern for prayer, as there is a bell present, please ring the bell, bow twice, clap your hands twice and make your prayer, bow once and leave when over. Do take note that other shrines may differ due to the presence of a bell or having their own style of prayer to follow, please observe the others if you are not sure.
For more info click HERE

 

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