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| Explore Regional Japan! |
| See, Feel and Experience rural Japan |
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 Statistically most foreign visitors to Japan stay in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, three cosmopolitan cities offering a plethora of sightseeing and fun activities situated within the aptly named 'Golden Route.' Thankfully, for the bold and discerning traveler, Japan possesses a wide array of remarkable regional cities. A grand history dating to prehistoric ages ensures each locality serves up a unique range of customs, dialect and culture. These off-the-beaten path destinations are truly rewarding and more than repay with unforgettable memories the extra effort to discover and can conveniently be reached within three to four hours from Tokyo or Osaka. This special infomapJAPAN feature lifts the veil on a hitherto hidden but fascinating aspect of Japan.
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A culture of distinctive regional cuisine
Think of Japanese food, what comes to
mind? Most people will respond with
'sushi', 'tempura', 'soba', 'sukiyaki' and
such others. It's well known rice is a
Japanese staple food with a history
dating some 2,500 years and a rich
attendant culture that gradually spread
along the sea coast to produce many
varieties of rice and seafood cuisine. Rice is produced nation-wide, however
the Tohoku and Niigata regions are
especially famous for big quantities
and fine quality with local brand names available over the counter throughout
Japan among them the popular 'Koshihikari'
and 'Sasanishiki'. Correspondingly,
this abundant rice production
contributes to numerous types of
locally-brewed 'sake'. Naturally, a variety of regional dishes were created
since the first rice crop, for example 'sushi', 'don', 'okayu', 'zousui', 'sekihan',
'takikomi-gohan', 'onigiri', and 'ochazuke'
among others.
As an island country Japan boasts a
world famous fishing fleet and industry,
thus abundant seasonal seafood is
available throughout the nation. 'Sushi'
enthusiasts in foreign countries would
salivate at the astonishing
variety offered in Japanese
'sushi' restaurants along
with 'kyodo-ryori'
(local cuisine) seafood dishes are
guaranteed to please. Appreciated
among Japanese people over a long
history span, the foreign visitor is
urged to taste and enjoy these
specialty foods and dishes a must try
when visiting local area. Visitors cannot pass up Japanese traditional formal cuisine such as 'Kaiseki-ryori' or 'Syojin-ryori', dishes meant to be appreciated with palate and sight. Japanese traditions of gracefully presenting food and a well-developed sense of valuing seasonal food are handed down generational lines. Artistically
designed ceramic ware serving dishes are vital to this eye-catching type of cuisines and generally used to present Japanese traditional cuisine.
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Regional Pottery, Weaving and Dyeing
Traditional pottery studios are numerous and scattered throughout Japan. Each local ceramic ware features a unique style and some studios offer a hands-on experience for visitors. Visitors can usually discover pottery museums in these areas and itfs an interesting exercise to see and compare different styles of ceramic ware such as 'Kutaniyaki',
'Mashiko-yaki', 'Mino-yaki',
'Kiyomizu-yaki', 'Shigara-yaki', 'Bizenyaki',
'Imari-yaki', 'Arita-yaki' and still more. Fine Japanese traditional craftsmanship
is evident in a variety of crafts including w eaving and dying. Masterly techniques are fundamental
to the creation of Japanese daily essentials or accessories since ancient times and their different culture are reflected in their product. There are many noted traditional weaving and dying products including 'Yuki-tsumugi', 'Kiryu-ori', eNishijin-ori',
'Shijira-ori', 'Hakata-ori', 'Oshimatsumugi',
'Ryukyu-kasuri', 'Kaga-yuzen',
'Kyo-yuzen', 'Kyokanoko-shibori' and others. Other fields displaying Japanese traditional expert workmanships are lacquer craft, woodwork, steel blades, Japanese papers and dolls with the artisan spirit and skill passed to succeeding generations. This elaborate technique is also seen in Japanese historical architectures.
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Traditional craftsmanship in traditional buildings
 Shrines, temples and castles are noted for a uniquely Japanese traditional architecture. Although Kyoto and Nara are world famous sites for majestic shrines and grandiose temples, regions of Japan do not lack in distinctive historic structures. 'Kikumi'
(timberwork) is a time-honored building method that eschews metal nails in favor of precisely interlocking pieces of timber. 'Miyadaiku' are especially skilled carpenters with olden times techniques handed down from master to student; however, as elsewhere in the world, artisanship apprentice enrollment is presently on the wane. Other traditional building styles are present in Japanese tea rooms and gardens, samurai residences, private houses and thatched roof dwellings. Japan's recognized
mastery of technology finds its roots in the superb artisanship of bygone days with its tradition of pride and a spirited ideal of carrying on the torch. Meet with Japanese food and drink, culture, regional specialties and historic sites produced with pride of craftsmanship. The traveler that seeks and discovers outlaying towns and villages is sure to be amply rewarded by the extra warmth and generosity of the local Japanese residents.
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