November, 2024 - Mahalo nuiloa

In autumn, Japan is decorated with autumn leaves from north to south, creating a beautiful landscape. In Tokyo, you can enjoy the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenues from late November to early December, but the beautiful autumn scenery of Tohoku can be seen in late October and early November. Akita and Iwate in the Tohoku area are very accessible areas only 2~3 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, and are full of attractions such as beautiful nature, secret hot springs, unique food culture, charming cityscapes, and world heritage sites. This time, I introduce some of the attractive towns of Akita and Iwate.

Kakunodate
Kakunodate is a historic town located in Akita Prefecture, especially famous for its “samurai residence”. This area retains a strong Edo period atmosphere, and tourists are attracted by the splendid rows of cherry blossom trees in spring and the autumn leaves along Samurai Mansion Street. The samurai residences in Kakunodate have been designated as a nationally important preservation area for groups of traditional buildings, and you can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the samurai era. It is also recommended to take a leisurely stroll around the city while enjoying the famous Iniwa udon noodles and apple sweets.

Nyuto Onsen
Nyuto Onsen is a hot spring village in Akita Prefecture and is a hideaway hot spring resort surrounded by beautiful nature. There are seven hot spring inns scattered around Nyuto Hot Spring Town, and you can enjoy different quality of hot springs in each. One of the most popular is the secret hot spring “Tsuru no Yu”, which stands alone in the mountains, and you can enjoy the milky white skin-friendly hot water in nature. In this space full of liberation, please experience relaxation and healing to the fullest.

Morioka
Morioka is the capital of Iwate Prefecture and is a city where culture and nature are in harmony. In addition to the beautiful scenery of Morioka Castle Ruins Park and wonderful crafts such as the specialty Nanbu ironware, you can enjoy local delicacies such as “Wankosaba”, “Morioka Reimen”, and “Maezawa beef”. The cityscape, which has many retro buildings and no skyscrapers, creates a nostalgic atmosphere where the good old days of Japan surrounded by nature and modernity are mixed. It was featured in the New York Times in 2023 as one of the 52 cities to visit, so it is a tourist attraction not to be missed.

Hiraizumi
Hiraizumi is a historic town located in Iwate Prefecture and is registered as a World Heritage Site. There are many temples such as Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple that convey the Buddhist culture of the Heian period to the present day. About 1,000 years ago, Oshu Fujiwara, who ruled this land during a time of many wars, wanted to mourn those who died in the war and create a paradise pure land without war. The temple complex of Hiraizumi gave shape to this idea. In particular, the golden hall（Konjikido） of Chusonji Temple surprises visitors with its luxury. In addition, the gardens and beautiful ponds that remain in the ruins of the temple reflect the sky and provide a fantastic paradise-like scene.

There are places in Japan where tourists gather, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, but there are still many places where you can quietly enjoy old-fashioned Japan culture. Please explore the diverse charms of Japan.

Kakunodate Movie is here

When you think of Japan, images of samurai and Bushi warriors from ancient times may come to mind. Known as “Samurai Japan” in modern sports, and evoked in phrases like “Samurai Spirit” in business and athletics, the samurai’s legacy continues to influence. But have you ever wondered how samurai and Bushi warriors came to be, what sets them apart, and what the term “Samurai” truly represents?

Let’s dive into the fascinating history and philosophy of the samurai and the Bushi warrior.

How Samurai and Bushi warriors Came to Be
Japan’s history has been shaped by the Yamato Imperial Court’s aristocratic rule. The origins of Bushi warriors can be traced back to the descendants of local governors and powerful clans who armed themselves to protect their land. Therefore, Bushi warriors are defined as individuals who always carry weapons and make a profession out of combat.

Samurai, on the other hand, evolved differently. Originally, mid- and low-ranking nobles skilled in martial arts were dispatched to provinces to protect the land owned by nobles and temples from thieves and rebels. These armed groups formed Bushi warrior bands, and the nobles who employed them for protection highly valued their abilities. The term “Samurai” refers to those who learned martial arts and made military service their profession, though not all warriors were considered samurai unless they served a noble. Over time, the distinction between samurai and warriors blurred, but the definitions evolved with the era. Samurai/Bushi existed from around the 12th century until the Meiji period (1867).

The Life of a Samurai
Samurai resided in simple yet elegant structures known as “buke-yashiki” (samurai residences), often accompanied by writing rooms and gardens. Their meals were modest but nutritionally balanced, with strict adherence to dining etiquette.

Daily life involved rigorous training in martial arts, such as swordsmanship, to prepare for war or combat. Additionally, samurai engaged in cultural practices like tea ceremony, calligraphy and Zen, emphasizing mental and spiritual discipline. Governance and land management were also key responsibilities.

The Values and Land Dear to the Samurai
For samurai, land was of utmost importance, a prize worth risking their lives for. In times of frequent warfare, collective strategy and leadership were crucial. Leaders rewarded samurai with land for their loyalty and service.

Out of the samurai class emerged a unique set of ethics and philosophies known as “Bushido” (the Way of the Bushi Warrior). This code, highly revered among samurai, originated in the 17th century and evolved over time. Initially, Bushido emphasized honor in combat, sometimes resorting to cunning tactics to secure victory. By the 18th century, it had transformed to prioritize bravery, achievement, and loyalty, without resorting to underhanded tactics. In bureaucratic society, Bushido further evolved to emphasize strong principles, adherence to promises, and maintaining trust and honor.

Buke-Yashiki Street (Samurai House street)

Inazo Nitobe’s book “Bushido: The Soul of Japan” explains that Bushido is a moral system rooted in Buddhism, Shinto, and Confucianism, focusing on practical ethics such as justice, bravery, compassion, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

Samurai served their lords and led lives that exemplified integrity and dedication. The term “Samurai” still conjures images of resolute individuals today, a testament to their enduring legacy.

Place of Samurai culture
Explore the grandeur of castles, the charm of samurai residences, and the depth of museums to fully immerse yourself in the rich history, lifestyle, and values of the samurai. Embark on this journey and uncover the timeless philosophy of the ancient samurai—it’s an adventure you won’t forget!

If you interested in the Samurai world, Hokuriku is meet your expectation to see the house. please check the tour image of Hokuriku.

November 2024

Autumn Splendor in Tohoku: Explore Akita and Iwate’s Hidden Treasures

Explore the Spirit and History of Samurai: Uncovering Timeless Warriors