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Travel

Kyoto - Experiencing Machiya

Kyoto - Experiencing Machiya (PDF)

Kyoto has a history spanning 1200 years.
Since time immemorial, it has nurtured a mesmerizing breadth and depth of tradition and culture.
To touch upon the heart and soul of Kyoto, it is best to immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle.
We suggest a leisurely stay in a machiya townhouse, the dwellings built many years ago for the common townspeople, in order to explore and appreciate the hidden charm of the city.
It will unlock the door to a realm of travel.
　---------　JQR No.16 (2012 Oct)

Yagorō-don Matsuri in sumi-cho

Yagorō-don Matsuri in sumi-cho (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.7
Annual Parade of the Giant
　---------　JQR No.17 (2012 Dec)

Ojiya, Niigata - Katakai Festival

Ojiya, Niigata - Katakai Festival (PDF)

Asahara Shrine Annual Autumn
The massive 420kg “yonshakudama” of Katakai, renowned as the world's largest fireworks, carry the hopes of local residents in a spectacular legacy of the Edo period.
　---------　JQR No.24 (2015 Aug)

The “Fighting” Tanabata of Kesenchō

The “Fighting” Tanabata of Kesenchō (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.6
A Clash to Commemorate the Lost (August 7)
　---------　JQR No.16 (2012 Oct)

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [Final Installment]

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [Final Installment] (PDF)

Q : Where can I stay to best take in A the natural grandeur of Hokkaido?
A : For what you want to do,Hinanoza Highway bus Kushiro
　---------　JQR No.04 (2011 Aug)

Otaue Rice-Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha

Otaue Rice-Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.5
Art and Agriculture Share the Stage (June 14)
　---------　JQR No.15 (2012 Aug)

Etchu-Yatsuo"Owara Kaze-no-Bon"

Etchu-Yatsuo"Owara Kaze-no-Bon" (PDF)

Bon-Odori dancing is a seasonal staple of summer throughout the Japanese archipelago, and among the numerous Bon-Odori festivals held around the country, the Owara Kaze- no-Bon stands out as an unmissable once-in-a-lifetime event for everyone.
　---------　JQR No.23 (2015 Jul)

The Kawai Three-Lion Dance

The Kawai Three-Lion Dance (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.4
Folk Entertainment in the Mountains (May 5)
　---------　JQR No.14 (2012 Jul)

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 4]

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 4] (PDF)

Q : I dream of staying at a fancy ryokan. Where would you suggest for my first visit to one?
A : You need not worry at the popular Asaba.
　---------　JQR No.03 (2011 Jul)

The Guide toAsakusa - Introduction

The Guide toAsakusa - Introduction (PDF)

We Love ASAKUSA
Asakusa is just like a toybox, with entertainment quarters surrounding the temple that it grew up around.
Simply walking the streets there is so much fun. Let’s go and have a look!
　---------　JQR No.07 (2011 Nov)

Rinnoji Temple’s Gohan-shiki

Rinnoji Temple’s Gohan-shiki (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.3
Rice-forcing Festival is an unusual ordeal in Nikko (April 2)
　---------　JQR No.13 (2012 Jun)

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 2]

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 2] (PDF)

Q : I’m looking for somewhere to revitalize myself both physically and mentally...
A : I recommend the Nikko Kanaya Hotel
　---------　JQR No.02 (2011 Jun)

Walking the Kii Sankeimichi Pilgrimage Routes

Walking the Kii Sankeimichi Pilgrimage Routes (PDF)

Yoshino, Koya and Kumano
In 2004 Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range became a listed World Heritage Site.
For pilgrimage routes anywhere to be accorded World Heritage status is most unusual.
Long ago this vast mountain range, which straddles the three prefectures of Nara, Wakayama and Mie, became the setting for religious mountain ascetic practices.
Eventually three sacred sites with different origins and religious significance emerged, along with the pilgrimage routes that connected them.
This area has long had an enormous influence on the development of Japanese religion and culture.
　---------　JQR No.06 (2011 Oct)

Jindaiji's Daruma Fair

Jindaiji's Daruma Fair (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.2
In Memory of Gansan Daishi (March 3, 4)
　---------　JQR No.12 (2012 May)

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 1]

Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels [No. 1] (PDF)

Q : We’d like to stay at a traditional Japanese inn with a strong feel of history...
A : I recommend the Bansuiro Fukuzumi.
　---------　JQR No.01 (2011 May)

The Monzen Harukoma in Kawaba

The Monzen Harukoma in Kawaba (PDF)

Touring the Festivals of Japan Vol.1
Calling spring into a mountain village (Feb 11)
　---------　JQR No.11 (2012 Apr)