Akkun’s focus vol.12
Dondo-yaki: Fire ritual in early spring
In Japan, fire is the sign of welcoming spring. The fire purifies entire area including people live there to welcome new spring or traditionally, new year.
Akkun’s focus vol.11
A cup of green tea for 100
My grandmother loved to have many cups of green tea daily and enjoyed 102-year healthy life. This is a short introduction to a cup of green tea to you for your longevity.
Akkun’s focus vol.10
Dragon dance: Shishi mai during Japanese traditional festival
When all things went wrong, we need a change. If it is not a big deal, then a cup of tea or a glass of wine might work daily. But if the problems were serious, what would you do?
Akkun’s focus vol.9
Buddhist monk Kukai, the religious superstar in Japan
Kukai is the name of a famous Buddhist monk who founded Mt.Koya:Koya-san. It literally means“Sky and Sea”. Kukai’s heart was BIG just like his name. He lived in 8～9thcentury and people believe that Kukai is still alive and meditating in Mt.Koya.
Akkun’s focus vol.8
Your visit to Japan
Welcome and welcome back to Japan.
Consider Japan as a treasure box in your heart. This little island in east Asia will give you silence,
beautiful scenery, fresh tasty dishes, warm but slightly shy people who you can trust fully with some surprises.
Akkun’s focus vol.7
Roppu ART
Do you need art every day? Probably not. Art might be something you think of sometimes when you have extra time on your day off. However, here is some artwork that you should consider keeping near you anytime to comfortably be yourself every day!
Akkun’s focus vol.6
Fantasy in Hokkaido with Mizuki
If you visit Hokkaido, meet Mizuki a superb trekking guide as well as a fisherman. Mizuki will create the best patch of Hokkaido to glance an essence during your stay.
You can stay in mountain area of Asahikawa for several days with tents and ...
Akkun’s FOCUS vol.5
Spring Eve – Setsubun “Exorcism Japanese style”
In Japan, people welcome spring by conducting a unique ritual. We name it Setsubun. The date is around 3-4 February according to the Chinese ancient calendar. It was 4 February this year. On this day, the spring eve, the whole town must be purified by ...
Akkun’s FOCUS vol.4
Gion SEKIYA-Kaiseki in Kyoto
Food must be a big factor when you travel in Japan. Japanese cooking requires using fresh seasonal ingredients without adding too much hand over it. “Shun,” which means the best timing of the season to savour vegetables, fish and fruits, and ...
Akkun’s FOCUS vol.3
Kumano Kodo: ancient trail
Kumano calls you when the time come. It is not you to decide visiting Kumano Kodo.
I had not been invited for a long time until an emergency call to my cell phone which told me to come right away for guiding a group. The group was ....
Akkun’s FOCUS vol.2
Karuizawa, Nagano prefecture
Karuizawa is one of the post towns along Nakasendo trail which connects Tokyo and Kyoto. Many travelers passed this area during the Edo period. More than 100 years ago, Canadian missionary settled here ...
Akkun’s FOCUS vol.1
Mt. Koya
You will take a local train from Kyoto, then Osaka subway, Nankai express train, a cable car, finally a bus to get there, which you ...