Author Akira Kato's page

Articles

• 

  Sawatari Hot Spring in Gunma Prefecture: a Two-Day Trip to the Hot Spring with an Overnight Stay

  Sawatari Hot Spring (Sawatari Onsen) in Gunma Prefecture is one of my favourite hot spring resorts. Each fall I visit it. I love its snug hot spring, tranquil settings and rustic charm.

• 

  Iriya Morning Glory Festival, a Reminder of the Summer at Shitamachi, Tokyo

  Over the weekend in summer, almost everywhere in Japan is rejuvenated by a local festival.Last year, my friends and I visited Iriya Kishimojin (Shingen-ji Temple), where the Iriya Morning Glory Festival was taking place.

• 

  Magome-juku

  On this trip I enjoyed the beautiful tourist spot of Magome-juku in the Kiso valley of Gifu prefecture. The towns Feudal-era buildings and inns have been well preserved since the Edo era.

• 

  O-eshiki at Ikegami Honmon-ji (Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple), a Great Occasion at Summer Night

  In the brisk fall night breeze, my friend and I meet at Tokyo’s Ikegami by appointment and we are about to visit the Ikegami Honmon-ji O-eshiki, an annual event held between October 11 and October 13.

• 

  Lanzhou Mazilu Beef Lamian Debuts in Japan

  On August 22, 2017, Lanzhou Mazilu Beef Lamian, reputed to be the most famous lamian brand in China, formally opened its first branch in Japan, which was located in Tokyo’s Jimbocho. Having heard of its tremendous popularity among the locals, I anticipated a long line before the restaurant to wait for trying its delicacies.

• 

  Torikoe Festival in Torikoe Shrine, the Embodiment of the Custom of Tokyo’s Shitamachi

  Located in Tokyo’s Taito, Torikoe Shrine has a history of about 1360 years. In June every year, the Torikoe Festival is held there. In my view, the Torikoe Festival is the embodiment of the custom of Tokyo’s Shitamachi.

• 

  A Visit to the Bunkyo Azalea Festival Held in Nezu Shrine in Tokyo

  In this spring, cherry blossoms in Tokyo hardly faded from our sight, when the prime of other flowers is around the corner and many hanami sports are waiting for our visit. On hearing that the Bunkyo Azalea Festival is being held in Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo, I and my family make a tour of the shrine and join the cheerful hanami crowd.

• 

  First sunrise over Lake Hamana

  The sun rising over Lake Hamana for the first time in 2017. It was a moment of overwhelming happiness. We had witnessed the New Year, 2017, arrive safely. Happy New Year!

• 

  Yanagawa, the Venice of Kyushu

  Yanagawa is a peaceful town, where riverboats come and go and the faint sound of water lapping against boats skillfully maneuvered by ferrymen can be heard.