2023.10.16
In Japan, there is an old saying that “hot and cold last until the equinoctial equinox,” meaning that the heat of summer eases off by around the autumnal equinox (About September 20).
The higanbana, which blooms with bright red flowers on the equinoxes of September, is also known as manjushage. In Sanskrit, it means “flower blooming in the heavenly realm,” and is derived from a Buddhist scripture that says red flowers fall from the heavens as a sign of good fortune.
Although the hot season continued for a long time, we were able to see the flowers bloom again this year. Here is a report on “Kinchida Manjushage Park,” which is said to be the largest of its kind in Japan.
The land created by the meandering of the Koraigawa River is called “Kinchada (Kinchada)” because it looks like a kinchada when viewed from above.
Hiking trails have been established in the neighboring mountains, making the area a popular excursion and hiking spot for elementary school students.
The sight of manjushage flowers blooming on the flat land surrounded by a 500-meter-long river is breathtaking.
The event is held in conjunction with the blooming of the manjushage. There will be environmentally friendly lighting, sales of Hidaka City specialties, and a resting area.
Also, during the event, a special Seibu Railway train runs from Hanno Station to Korai Station.
Outline of the 2023 Kinchida Manjushage Festival
| Date and Time: | September 16 (Sat) – October 6 (Fri) *The festival period has been extended due to the late blooming of manjushage. |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Inside Kinchida Manjushage Park 125-2, Kora Hongo, Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture |
[Hoshinoya Kyoto] “Hoshinoya Momijinoga” will be held under the 400-year-old maple tree where Hikaru Genji performed an elegant dance
[Minoh, Katsuo-ji Temple.]‘Zero congestion’ measures during the autumn foliage season, such as ‘dedicated shuttle bus service’ and ‘special night-time lighting’, will commence from 9 November 2024 (Saturday).
“Yuzuyu” event, which is effective for poor circulation, held at Gokurakuyu RAKU SPA Group
Awaji Island West Coast ‘Aomiha Old Sake House’ Limited-time ‘Float Discount Campaign’ from 2 September.
Japanese sake “Kawasemi no Journey” recognized by a famous French chocolatier
Beautiful and spectacular Japan’s No. 1 Bonsai Exhibition
Nara
Countrywide
Kagawa
Kyoto
Countrywide
The recommended accommodation plans for the autumn leaf season in Oku Daisen.
Tottori
Two types of autumn-only red seals, ‘Chrysanthemum and Tanzaku’ and ‘Autumn Leaves and Candles’, are now available at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima, a World Heritage island.
Hiroshima
Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture: ‘Korankei and Obara Bus Tour’, two major autumn tourist attractions in Toyota City, goes on sale on 29 July (Mon).
Aichi
[ROKU KYOTO] ‘Summer Festival Stay Plan’ to enjoy the mood of summer events such as festivals and fireworks displays.
Kyoto
[Mother Farm] One million ‘Nemophila’ will soon be in full bloom.
Chiba
Limited edition original gin ‘NISHI-GIN’, jointly produced by a group of restaurants in Nishijin, on sale from 25 November.
2024.12.20
Nippon Kodo launches limited-edition incense and incense burner sets with a ‘Snake’ design, the Chinese zodiac sign for 2025.
2024.12.18
Winter special parfait at the Unjo Saryo café in the Tale of Genji Museum, Uji, Kyoto.
2024.12.16
OnigiriBurger ‘Eel Kabayaki – Double Eggs’, newly launched as part of Kansai International Airport OnigiriBurger 1st anniversary menu.
2024.12.13
[New Furano Prince Hotel]This year’s plan to enjoy a snow fairy ‘zebra finch’ birdwatching experience and a lunch set with a zebra finch cake plate.
2024.12.11
Third FUKUCHA brand shop ‘Uji Store’ opens.
2024.12.09
Hiroshima
Art
Simose Art Museum, located in Otake City, Hiroshima Prefecture, has been awarded the prestigious Versailles Prize as the “Most Beautiful Museum in the World.”
The award ceremony took place on December 2 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, marking a historic moment for the museum and Japanese architecture.
The Versailles Prize Website:https://www.prix-versailles.com/2024
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Food
December sees the arrival of a number of Christmas breads. The Snowman with his cute smiling face is a sweet loaf with two different flavours: pudding cream and chocolate cream. It is a heartwarming treat with flavours that both children and adults can enjoy.
Also back this year is the popular Japanese Stollen, which was a big hit last year. This is a special cake that can only be tasted at Kimuraya, using Japanese-inspired ingredients such as persimmons, figs and koshi-an (sweet bean paste). Please take this opportunity to try Kimuraya’s limited edition Christmas bread.
Hiroshima
Art
The Hiroshima Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition “ZIPANGU: Contemporary Artists Who Defined the Heisei Era” (November 2, 2024 – December 22, 2024). This showcase brings together works by some of the most prominent figures in Japan’s contemporary art scene, including Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Makoto Aida, Yoshitomo Nara, Chiharu Shiota, Izumi Kato, Akira Yamaguchi, and Miwa Komatsu. The exhibition has already garnered significant attention, exceeding 10,000 visitors.
HYAKKEI covered the dialogue between contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and Sueo Mizuma, the curator of this exhibition, held at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima. We also conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Mizuma.
The discussions centered on the aspirations behind the ZIPANGU exhibition and offered forward-looking insights, not only into Japan’s art world but also into the rediscovery of value within Japanese culture by its people.
Osaka
Food
Event
From 25 Oct (Fri) to 8 Dec (Sun), 2024, a pop-up shop for miffy café tokyo will be held in Umeda, Osaka.
Hiroshima
Travel
Culture
Two types of paper seals made exclusively for autumn, ‘Chrysanthemum and Tanzaku’ and ‘Autumn Leaves and Candles’, have been available since Monday 9 September at Daisho-in Temple on the World Heritage island of Miyajima. Quantities are limited and will run out as soon as they are gone.
Kyoto
Restaurant
Event
On selected days in September 2024, the wedding venue Kyoto Art Grace Wedding Hills will offer a ‘Hanari Otsukimi Afternoon Tea’, where guests can enjoy sweets and savouries inspired by the moon viewing on the fifteenth night of the month.
