Ritual transfer of deity at Ise Grand Shrine

Posted on Oct 5, 2013 in Japanese customs, News, Things to do, Weekend trips |

        Many Japanese were visiting the Ise Grand Shrine in central Japan on Wednesday, ahead of an important ritual that is closed to the public.   The event dates back 1300 years and involves the rebuilding of the shrine. All of the sacred wooden buildings at the site in Mie Prefecture are dismantled and built anew every 20 years.The event reaches a climax on Wednesday evening with the ritual transfer of the shrine’s deity to its new...

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Okinawa – a Shoppers’ Paradise

Okinawa – a Shoppers’ Paradise

Posted on Oct 4, 2013 in Must see, Things to do, Weekend trips, What to buy |

In Okinawa, markets called “Machigwa” are filled with fresh and processed foods (including meat, fish and vegetables), clothing, and many other goods. These markets have a real Okinawan atmosphere. Okinawa also has the only tax-free mega store and outlet shopping complex in Japan. With its luxury brands and bargains, this paradise is sure to satisfy all shoppers. Feel the power of Okinawa at its markets Walking along inside the market (Machigwa), you will hear the cheerful...

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Festivals and Events for October 2013 in Japan

Posted on Oct 4, 2013 in Daytrips, Japanese customs, Must see, Things to do, Weekend trips |

5-6 October 2013 Event: Oda Nobunaga Festival in Gifu Location: Downtown Gifu City Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Price of Admission: Free The festival honours the feats of Oda Nobunaga, a samurai warlord who used Gifu City as a base on his mission to unify Japan during the Warring States (Sengoku) period of Japan. It is a celebration of his contribution towards the construction of Gifu City and the legacy that he has left behind. The must see events are the memorial ceremony at...

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Where to see all the famous movie sights in Kyoto

Posted on Oct 3, 2013 in Daytrips, Must see, Things to do, Weekend trips |

Kyoto, the city of samurai moviesIntroduction of Kyoto, a city associated with the master of classic Japanese cinema, Kenji Mizoguchi, and his movies, that even those who are new to Japanese cinema can enjoy Kyoto is the Hollywood of samurai movies so to speak, with many temples and shrines in the city being used for shooting movies and having a studio for Japanese period dramas. Moreover, the city is noted in connection with Kenji Mizoguchi, one of the greatest movie...

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