Japan Things to see, do, and experience trip from the metropolis Discover the Heart of Japan Adventures AROUND TOKYO FUKUSHIMA IBARAKI TOCHIGI GUNMA CHIBA SAITAMA TOKYO KANAGAWA NIIGATA YAMANASHI NAGANO Discover the Heart of Japan Adventures AROUND TOKYO Tokyo is a popular place to begin your journey in Japan, but in its surrounding regions you’ll fi nd some of the best scenery in the nation, delicious foods and beverages, and old traditions still alive. Fortunately, Japan’s excellent transportation network makes it very easy to venture out of the metropolis, either for a day trip or an extended adventure, and to discover some truly unique sights in these areas. Inside this photo storybook, learn about the many facets of these regions (organized by theme) and gain inspiration to create your own custom adventure. There’s something for everyone. Those fascinated by the nation’s long history can experience Japanese religious traditions or participate in traditional arts and crafts. Those eager to delve into more current topics can dis- cover the taste of Japanese wine, explore the future of high- speed rail, or learn about the nation’s preeminence in science and NIIGATA technology. The various topics introduced here are merely a few examples of the many attractive aspects of the regions around Tokyo. We hope that you will be inspired to discover the incredi- ble opportunities that await. TOYAMA ISHIKAWA GUNMA NAGANO FUKUI GIFU YAMANASHI TOTTORI SHIMANE KYOTO SHIGA SHIZUOKA HYOGO AICHI OKAYAMA HIROSHIMA OSAKA MIE NARA YAMAGUCHI KAGAWA EHIME TOKUSHIMA WAKAYAMA 2 KOCHI 3 HOKKAIDO Discover the Heart of Japan Adventures AOMORI AROUND TOKYO AKITA CONTENTS IWATE FOOD & DRINK 4 Wine ……4 Wine (continued)……6 Japanese Sake………8 Fruit Picking……10 YAMAGATA MIYAGI Local Cuisine……12 NATURE 14 Four Seasons……14 Picturesque Scenery……16 NIIGATA Outdoor Activities……18 FUKUSHIMA Hot Springs……20 HISTORY & CULTURE 22 Castles……22 TOCHIGI Ninja……23 GUNMA Little Edos (Historic Towns)……24 IBARAKI Traditional Crafts……26 SAITAMA Japanese Gardens……28 Temple Stays……29 TOKYO CHIBA YAMANASHI Temples and Shrines……30 KANAGAWA Heritage of Industrial Modernization……32 Masters’ Techniques……34 SHIZUOKA Science Tours……35 High-Tech Trains……36 Pop Culture……37 TRAVELER'S MAP 38 2 3 Wine 歴 a c b 史 Rekishi (History) Sadoya Winery (K¯ofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) a Visitors can tour the vast cellar of this century-old winery, which also contains interactive exhibits on The Grapes That Started It AII: the winemaking process and the history of Japa- Discover a Fascinating Legacy nese winemaking. in Japan’s Historic Wine Country he story of Japanese winemaking be- ration, and the Japanese government pro- Tgan 1,300 years ago in the K¯osh¯u area of moted winemaking as a symbol of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture. The Buddhist priest newfound modernization. Gy¯oki had a dream in which Yakushi Nyorai, oday, Yamanashi remains the center of the Buddha of healing, appeared before him TJapanese winemaking and its largest holding a cluster of grapes. Taking the dream domestic producer, home to dozens of dis- as a sign, Gy¯oki founded the temple Daizenji tinguished local wineries. Some Yamanashi and encouraged local residents to cultivate wines have even attracted international ac- grapes for medicinal purposes. Later, during claim. In addition, the region’s scenic beauty the eighteenth century, the idea to ferment is indisputable; there’s nowhere else you can these grapes to make wine emerged as Ja- sip an award-winning vintage in the shadow pan came into closer contact with the West. of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. With its Consequently, Japan’s first winery was unique history and breathtaking surroundings, established in Yamanashi in the 1870s. This there’s little surprise that Yamanashi’s wine was a period of massive social and economic country is capturing the hearts of wine lovers transformation known as the Meiji Resto- from all over the world. 4 5 仏像 Butsuzo (Buddhist statues) FOOD & Daizenji Temple DRINK (K¯osh¯u City, Yamanashi Prefecture) b An ancient temple founded in 718, said to be the birthplace of the Koshu grape. Also noted for its stunning Buddhist statues, it even makes and markets its own wine! 葡萄畑 Budobatake (Vineyard) Grace Wine (K¯osh¯u City, Yamanashi Prefecture) c This brand produced to the highest international standards has won numerous awards. Tasting seminars are available at the elegant, ivy-cov- ered shop. 4 5 e Wine(continued) d b c a 貯蔵庫 Chozoko (Storehouse) A tastevin is a traditional Tasting cup wine-tasting cup, used in France since the Middle Ages. Wine and More! Get the Full Experience Katsunuma Budo-no-Oka by “Pairing” Japanese Wine (K¯osh¯u City, Yamanashi Prefecture) a Wine lovers can choose from among 200 brands with an Array of Attractions at the “Wine Cave” of this massive complex, which also includes a restaurant, hotel, hot-spring isitors to Japan’s wine-growing regions will spa, and art museum. Vfind no shortage of ways to take relaxation and luxury to the next level. Explore a verita- lthough Yamanashi may be the most well- ble wine “theme park” with shops, eateries, Aknown region for winemaking, it’s not lodging facilities, onsen (hot springs), and the only area in Japan that boasts delicious even a museum. Dine at a restaurant serving wine. Other wine-producing regions, like Japanese wine with exquisite gourmet cui- Niigata and Tochigi, are accessible from Tokyo sine. Stay at a ryokan-style inn and hot-spring and home to wineries with unique vintages, resort where you can enjoy a traditional Jap- gorgeous scenery, and plenty of local color. anese feast with wine expertly selected by a Despite wine not being what many consider trained sommelier. In fact, one of the things a traditional Japanese beverage in the same that make Japanese wine special is that it way as plum liqueur or sake, it’s clear that pairs exceptionally well with traditional Japa- the Japanese have adopted wine and made nese food. it truly their own. 6 7 醸造所 Jozosho (Winery) FOOD & DRINK Kofu Wine Port (K¯ofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) b The Domaine Q brand is produced at this picturesque winery. Tour the rocky mountainside vineyard, or savor fine wine and 旅館 100% Japanese beef at the restaurant. Ryokan (Inn) Iwashita Onsen Ryokan (Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture) c At this traditional inn, you can enjoy luxurious hot- spring baths, sumptuous cuisine, and fine local wines hand-picked by staff. Cave d’Occi (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) e The first winery established in the up-and-coming wine Coco Farm & Winery country of the Niigata coast (Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture) d offers accommodations, and A winery and vineyard on a beautiful hillside, orig- hot-spring bathing as well as inally founded as a place for people with mental winery tours and a shop. disabilities to gain pride and confidence through work. 6 7 c d e Japanese Sake b 老 a 舗 Shinise (Long-established store) Yamanashi Meijo (Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture) a A Diverse Drink: The sake here is made with water that has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 “Exquisite and Discover the Complexity Well-Conserved Waters” that date back about 300 of Japan’s National Beverage years to the Edo period. Sample sake, and learn about its many types. ake is brewed all over Japan. However, Ssome of the most famous producers are not far from Tokyo—particularly in Niigata based in areas with significant snowfall, Prefecture, which boasts the most breweries which provides abundant fresh water for in the nation. Breweries generally offer free both making the sake and growing the rice, tours with a chance to sample different types a crucial ingredient. The type of rice used and of sake, and at some, information in English how it is milled, the freshness of the water, is even provided. and the skill of the brewer—all give sake f you should decide to pick up some sake a surprisingly wide range of flavors, from Ifor yourself, find out from the brewer what sweet to dry and strong to delicate. types of food can best be enjoyed with ne of the best ways to find your favorite it. Sake goes well with Japanese food, of Osake taste, as well as to learn about the course, but also with some Western food. different types of sake and how they are But remember, you will enjoy the pairing made, is to visit a sakagura (sake brewery). more if you drink sake of the right type and Countless breweries are accessible in regions at the proper temperature. 8 ★…Visitors can buy national award-winning Japanese sake 9 酒蔵 Sakagura (Sake brewery) FOOD & Tonoike Shuzo DRINK (Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture) b See the inner workings of a traditional sake brewery that was established in 1937. Their award-winning sake products and cosmetics Sake sweets made using sake are wonderful choices for souvenirs. Japanese sake cosmetics 試 飲 Shiin (Tasting) Ponshukan (Niigata City, Nagaoka City, Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture) c d e Niigata boasts over 90 breweries. Visit Ponshukan to taste as many different kinds of sake as you can in a short time. Rows of sake vending machines line the walls, allowing visitors to try a variety of sake at a very low price. Even better, a sake sommelier is always on hand to offer recommendations. 8 ★…Visitors can buy national award-winning Japanese sake 9 Fruit Picking d a c b 果物 Fruit Line Cycling Kudamono (Yamanashi City, (Fruit) Fuefuki City, and K¯osh¯u City, Yamanashi Prefecture) a b c Explore several cours- es varying in length and difficulty.