Autumn Illumination at the Iwayado Park - Seto

Last week, while watching the evening news on NHK I came across a coverage of the autumn foliage illumination in and around Nagoya. The visuals of the illumination at Iwayado Park in Seto city were breathtaking and I made up my mind -this was a spot that we had to visit over the weekend. On Friday evening, our family along with our family friends decided to visit the Iwayado park.

Iwayado park is a scenic spot located in the Aichi Kogen Quasi National Park. The natural scenery can be enjoyed in all four seasons but the best times to visit are in spring for cherry blossoms and Autumn for the foliage.What makes this place more beautiful in the autumn is the reflection of the fall colours in the still waters of the Torihara river.

The news coverage specially mentioned that the park maintenance team does a great task of cleaning of the water for any fallen leaves so that visitors are not disappointed with fallen leaves spoiling the reflection. 

The park is illuminated in the evening between 5:30 and 9:00 pm and this attracts visitors from the surrounding areas. 

Iwayado is short for Iwayayama Yakushido and is a part of the inner sanctuary of the Jogenji Temple.

It is said that in 725 AD, three Buddhist statues were carved inside a cave to pray for Emperor Shomu's recovery from illness and the temple was established later to offer gratitude upon his recovery. 

The Gyomyo-ga-taki waterfall flows just behind the Iwayado temple. 

The path leading to the Iwayado temple and the Gyomyo-ga-taki are also illuminated. 

The park has many walkways, unusual rock formations, caves and waterfalls and is a good place to spend a day. The park also has a day barbecue area. We are definitely going back there in spring ! 

Address : Iwayacho, Seto, Aichi Prefecture 480-1215, Japan

Entrance fee: Free 

Parking: Free parking available for 100 units. 

Autumn Foliage: Best time to visit is mid to end November. 

Autumn illumination : 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm 
( in 2013 the autumn illumination was done till 24th November). 

Autumn in Kyoto - Kiyomizudera

Kyoto. The one unique city in Japan where modern life and traditional Japan exist together.Kyoto is beautiful in any season, be it the hot and humid summer or the cold and snowy winter. But the best seasons to experience and enjoy Kyoto is no doubt Autumn. The golden yellow ginko lined streets and the red and orange maple leaves, make it a sight that cannot be told, it needs to be experienced. Autumn is also the season when Kyoto is most crowded and finding accommodation is tough unless you have planned well in advance. Luckily for us, based in Nagoya, Kyoto is just a 2 hour drive - perfect for a day trip ! 

Last weekend, we visited Kyoto to view the autumn foliage. Our first stop was Arashiyama. The leaves had just begun to change colour and it was still too early to view the autumn colours. We then went to Ginkakuji temple- the Silver Pavilion. It has a beautiful garden and the autumn foliage was beautiful. More about that in my next post. 

Our final destination for that day was a visit to Kiyomizudera. 

Kiyomizudera is a Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto and is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto- UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts tourists from all over the world.This was our third visit to the temple, but this visit was special.  

Kiyomizudera temple has special illumination events in Spring and Autumn and special evening opening hours during Autumn, Spring and Summer. The roads leading up to the temple were crowded with tourists and locals waiting to see the temple light up. The temple closes around 4:30 and then opens up for the night illumination at around 6:30. The sight of people patiently waiting outside in a queue to enter the temple once it reopens is another testimony of invincible Japanese patience ! 

Most buildings of the temple complex are lit up and a blue laser beam lights up the sky. The blue laser beam signifies the Compassion of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

The walking path down the hill is also lit up. 

Autumn Illumination period : 15th November to 8th December 2013 

Special admission hours - 18:30 to 21:30 hrs

Evening entrance fees: Adults 400 yen, 

                                  Children (elementary to junior high school) 200 yen

Address : 294 Kiyomizu 1 Chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862

Phone :  075-551-1234

Note: The best way to reach Kiyomizudera is to take public transportation. Finding parking space is very difficult.

Golden Week

It is that time of the year in Japan, when almost everyone you know asks you "Where are you going for Golden Week?". Everyone is just getting in the mood for Golden Week, one of the three big holiday periods in Japan, the other two being Obon and O-shogatsu. 

So, what is Golden Week ? It is just an extended holiday period which in certain years, like 2013, could extend upto 10 days. The holiday period begins in the end of April, usually April 29th and ends around 5th or 6th of May. Not all days in this period are holidays in the real sense; they end up being holidays owing to the following Japanese provisions of law:
1. When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day becomes the public holiday, referred to as "Furikae kyujitsu", which means "Transfer holiday". 
2. Any day that falls between two other national holidays shall become a holiday, referred to as "Kokumin no Kyujitsu" which means "Citizens' Holiday". 

The first national holiday during the Golden Week is April 29th- "Showa Day". It was the birthday of the Emperor Showa. During his rule, this day was celebrated as "Ten-no-Tanjoubi", meaning "Emperor's Birthday". After his death, the day was designated Showa no Hi in his remembrance. (The current Emperor Akihito's birthday falls on December 23rd and this day is currently a public holiday referred to as "Ten-no-Tanjoubi". )

The second holiday during Golden Week is May 3rd - "Kenpou Kinen Bi" which is Constitution Memorial Day. This is followed by the third holiday "Midori no Hi" meaning Greenery Day, which falls on May 4th. Golden week concludes with the last holiday "Kodomo no Hi", "Childrens' Day" which falls on May 5th. Traditionally in Japan, Boy's Festival known as "Tango no Sekku" is celebrated on May 5th. 

Interestingly, Japan does not have a public holiday on May 1st, the International Labor Day. Instead, Japan has a its "Labor Thanksgiving Day" public holiday, locally known as "Kinro Kansha no Hi" on November 23rd. 

Golden week is a period which most people in Japan look forward to. Most companies and academic institutions are closed during this period, giving people the much needed break.  Usually people prefer to travel during this period. The weather in Japan at this time of the year is pleasant and this encourages people to go on family trips. Most people take a vacation and travel around the country or abroad. A majority of people will even take this opportunity to visit their hometown and meet family. Airports, railway stations  and expressways are extremely crowded during Golden Week. Trying to secure last minute reservations is unthinkable. Most Japanese plan their Golden Week trip months in advance; popular destinations being Hawaii, Guam, Indonesia and North America. Most flights to and out of Japan are overpriced during this 10 day period. Local attractions in Japan are also crowded during this period and finding hotel accommodation at the last moment is extremely difficult. 

Foreign tourists planning to visit Japan should best avoid Golden Week to visit Japan. Apart from the holiday crowd and higher airfares etc, some tourist attractions may also be closed on certain days. 

On the contrary, people in Japan would find commuting within cities like Tokyo during this period more convenient on  public transportation.

Finally, as a friend puts it, "The best travel plan for Golden week, is not to travel." 

In 2013, most offices are likely to be closed from Saturday April 27th, to Monday , May 6th. Peak travel days are likely to be from April 27th to 29th and May 3rd to May 6th.

Exploring Aizu- To No Hetsuri

On our trip to the Aizu area last autumn, we visited 2 places - Ouchijuku and To no Hetsuri. 

To No Hetsuri is a valley which means " Row of cliffs" in the local dialect. As the name suggests, To no Hetsuri consists of a row of tower shaped cliffs overlooking a river.A suspension bridge is built across the river and visitors cross this to have a closer look at the cliffs. 

 These cliffs have strange shapes and were formed due to wind and rain erosion.

The odd shapes of these rocks have resulted in them having unique names like Eagle Tower, Hawk Tower, Nine Ring tower, Elephant tower and so on. These cliffs were named as a national natural monument in 1943. 

In autumn, the colourful foliage adds to the beauty of the natural surroundings. 

Address: Yagoshima Shitabayashi, Shimogo machi, Minami Aizu gun, Fukushima prefecture  

Phone: 0241-68-2920

Entrance fees: None

Parking: Available

Closing days: May not be accessible during winter months due to snowfall

Exploring Aizu : Ouchijuku

Ouchijuku is a small village in Shimogo District of Fukushima Prefecture's Aizu area. This village used to be an important post town on the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route in the past. This trade route connected the castle town of Aizu to Nikko and was an important route during the Edo period. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Shogunate, travellers had to make long journeys on foot and Ouchijuku was one amongst the various post towns where travellers could find food, accommodation and places to relax before continuing further. 

Ouchijuku's look has been restored and preserved to resemble its look during the Edo period. 

The buildings with thick thatched roofs and dusty main street give the area an historic look.

Located on the main street is the Honjin which was the principal inn used by High ranking officials in the shogunate. 

Today it serves as a public museums where artifacts and antiquities are on display. 

The old style buildings now house shops selling local handmade crafts and potteries, restaurants offering local specialities of ramen and soba, shops selling roasted fish on a stick and dango (Japanese sweet dumplings on a stick) and locally brewed sake.  

At the end of the main street is a temple which can be accessed by a steep flight of stairs. 

A panoramic view of Ouchijuku and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the shrine. Close to the shrine is a small path leading to a shrine nestled among tall cedars.  

Closing days: Open all 365 days

Shimogo town office Address: 1000, Oishi, Shimogo machi, Minami Aizu gun, Fukushima prefecture - 969-5345

Phone No: 0241-683-611

Entrance fees: No admission fees ; 250 yen to visit the Honjin (museum)

Access: Ouchijuku is not easily accessible as bus connectivity is limited. Trains run from Aizu Wakamatsu station to Yunokami Onsen station every hour and the journey takes about 35-40 minutes. Ouchijuku is a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from Yunokami Onsen station. 

Parking: Paid parking is available across the road from Ouchijuku. 

Shibazakura Festival - Hirata

In early May each year, the slopes of a hillock in Hirata village, Fukushima prefecture, are covered with millions of pink flowers, called Shibazakura. 

Shibazakura, also known as Moss Phlox, Mountain Phlox or Moss Pink is a small creeper on which small flowers bloom in shades of pink, blue and white. The plant is native to North America but is now cultivated at many places in Japan. The flowers bloom in late spring to early spring, ideally in early to mid May. 

The entire surrounding hills look as though they are covered with bright pink carpets.

 It is at this time that Hirata village conducts its annual Shibazakura festival. 

The venue for this event is known as Jyupia land and thousands of visitors flock to this small farming village to view this colourful sight. 

Visitors can walk through short trails along the flowers on the slopes. 

 

There are even some mannequin displays.

Visitors can also enjoy some music performances at specific times. 

The most popular Shibazakura festival in Japan is held near Lake Motosu at the foot of Mount Fuji  in Yamanashi prefecture. ( http://www.shibazakura.jp/eng/index.html )

The pictures on this blogpost are from our visit to Hirata Shibazakura festival in May 2012. 

Useful link : http://www.vill.hirata.fukushima.jp/index.html

Entrance: Free

Parking : Available

Phone: 0247-55-3111

Contact: Hirata village office, Hirata mura, Ishikawa gun, Fukushima prefecture, 963-8292

Hanamiyama Park - Fukushima's Xanadu

Last weekend, we went on a Hanami trip to Hanamiyama Park. 

Hanamiyama Park is a popular Cherry Blossom viewing spot in Fukushima prefecture. Located on the slopes of the hills to the southeast of Fukushima City, the park provides a spectacular views of the picturesque snow-capped Bandai Azuma mountain range and Fukushima city amidst the beautiful cherry blossoms and other ornamental flowers. 

Some travel sites even refer to the spot as Fukushima's Xanadu !

The park is a private property owned by a flower farmer who converted the slopes into a beautiful park and has allowed visitors to enjoy the floral views in spring each year since 1959, and is generous enough to not charge visitors any admission fees. 

The various paths leading to the walking trails of Hanamiyama are lined by residential houses.

There are three walking courses for blossom viewing - each taking 30 mins, 45 mins and 60 mins respectively. 

The 60 minute walking trail takes visitors to the summit of the mountain, from where the  view is breathtaking ! 

Cherry blossoms, Peach blossoms and other ornamental flowers in different colours can be found along the paths. 

Like every Hanami spot in Japan, Hanamiyama park also has its own picnic spots and stalls selling food and other stuff. 


Best time to visit - Beginning to end April . Please check exact dates for peak blossoms as the period varies each year. 

Opening hours: Never closed. However since the property is privately owned, visiting during odd hours might be intrusion on privacy of owners and neighbour's privacy.

Entrance fees: Free

Address: 1-1, Sakae Machi, Fukushima city, Fukushima Prefecture 960-8031

Access: Approximately 2 kms from both Fukushima Nishi IC and Fukushima Iizaka IC on Tohoku Expressway

Parking : Parking spots are available at a distance and traffic regulating personnel are deployed in peak season to guide visitors. Shuttle buses are available from parking spots to the park for a about 250 yen one way. Be prepared for traffic congestion especially on weekends during peak period. 

Useful link : http://www.hanamiyamakoen.jp/ ( Japanese only)
                   http://www.f-kankou.jp/hanamomi/hanamiyama/