Kyushu’s only traditional puppet theatre If you are interested in Japanese traditional arts you are sure to find a visit to the Seiwa Bunraku traditional puppet theatre in Yamato Town fascinating. What is Bunraku? Bunraku is the name given to Japan’s traditional puppet theatre which has a history dating back over 300 years. Also known […]
Seiwa Bunrakumura – traditional puppet theatre Read More »
Hassaku Festival creations If you are interested in art and traditional crafts in Japan then while you are in Kyushu definitely make time to visit Yamato town to see the Hassaku Festival creations. These amazing objects, made entirely of natural materials, are created each year and paraded through town during the Hassaku Festival. Once the
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Noyaki – the burning of the grasslands If you visit the Aso area in late February or March you might be surprised to find the lush green grasslands you saw in all the photos scorched and blackened. Don’t worry a war has not broken out it’s only the yearly Noyaki. Noyaki season Noyaki takes place from mid
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Samurai Swords Tour – Visit the forge & dojo of Matsunaga sensei in Arao Samurai Swords Tour – Half day or Full day The Samurai Swords Tour; a truly unforgettable experience! The rare chance to talk to and watch a venerated, award winning swordsmith at work, enjoy a display of sword cutting skills and then
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The Yamaga Lantern Craft Museum, 灯籠民芸館, introduces the history and culture of the traditional craft of paper lantern making. This rare and extraodinarily delicate paperwork has been passed down since ancient times and is unique to the Yamaga area. The museum is situated in the old bank just a couple of minutes walk down the
Yamaga Lantern Museum 山鹿灯籠民芸館 Read More »
Yamaga Lantern Dance Festival – Yamaga Toro Matsuri 山鹿吐露祭 in Japanese, is held on the evenings of August 15th and 16th in the city of Yamaga every year. The highlight is the One Thousand Lantern Dance when hundreds of women, dressed in simple white summer yukata and red obi sashes dance elegantly through the night wearing beautifully crafted paper illuminated
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SItuated within an easy walk of the castle, the Kumamoto Traditional Crafts Center (Kumamoto Kougeikan) celebrates and promotes Kumamoto’s unique range of traditional crafts. The crafts you can see range from intricately designed black and gold pieces of Higo inlay to modern and traditional glassware and pottery, traditional toys, razor sharp cooking knives, washi paper, tatami placemats, indigo died
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Kumamoto castle suffered severe damage in the earthquakes of April 14th and 16th, it is currently closed to visitors. The mighty and impenetrable Kumamoto Castle has dominated and protected the city of Kumamoto for over 400 years. Recently ranked the top Japanese Castle to visit on Trip Advisor, Kumamoto Jo has long held the title of being
Blazing torches light the sky and in the darkness a multitude of flaming reed straw ropes are swung around in an exciting spectacle to welcome the kami of Aso Shrine. The dramatic Hifuri-shinji festival takes place in mid March in the grounds of Aso Shrine. The holy ritual has been designated as one of Japan’s Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. This ancient ritual’s
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