travel

KII PENINSULA

NichigoPress

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Above: See of clouds in Kumano

APILGRIMAGE INTOTHEPAST

The Kumano Kodo, an ancient and intricate network of six pilgrimage trails traversing Japan’s mountainous Kii Peninsula, spans three provinces and thousands of years in history. With its spectacular gorges and mysterious shrines and temples, the Kumano Kodo offers modern day pilgrims the opportunity to experience the physical and spiritual landscapes of Japan.

For thousands of years pilgrims ranging from members of the Imperial family to well-heeled commoners have journeyed along the Kumano Kodo to visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

Historically, the return journey from Kyoto took over a month and consisted of long days spent traversing the mountain paths, interspersed with relaxing baths in the purifying waters of the Kii Peninsula’s many hot springs. Travellers also marvelled at natural wonders such as the Nachi Waterfall and worshipped at the many shrines and temples found along the way.

Although pilgrims were undoubtedly glad to reach their destination, the journey along the weathered stone paths of the Kumano Kodo was an important part of their experience. Fittingly, the pilgrimage trail itself has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the sacred temple precinct of Mount Koya and the Yoishino Omine area in Nara.

These days, the Kumano Kodo has been made accessible by modern transport and the availability of maps detailing well-defined trails which are suited to all
ages and levels of fitness.

The trail meanders through the three prefectures of the Kii Peninsula: Wakayama extending down the western side to the southern tip, Nara in the north and Mie in the north east, enabling travellers to sample the distinctive culture and cuisine of each region.

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Okinawa’s Remote Islands Taking it easy the Okinawan way

NichigoPress

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A beautiful Beach on an isolated island

The more remote islands of Okinawa are popular spots for tourists from all over the world. Enjoy clear blue waters under the wide open sky, the engaging local culture, the unique cuisine and the company of the friendly people. Some 400km from mainland Okinawa are the Yaeyama Islands clustered around Ishigaki Island. Island hopping off the coast of Ishigaki at Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, Kuro, and Hateruma Island is a great way to see the area. Ishigaki Island can be reached by plane in one hour from Naha Airport via the New Ishigaki Airport. Ishigaki Island itself has numerous tourist spots such as Kabira Bay and diving spots where manta rays can be seen, while the township on Ishigaki Island is the perfect spot from which to visit the surrounding islands. On Taketomi Island, the historic houses have been designated as one of Japan’s Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The island’s residents have a keen interest in preserving the old town and the culture it holds. A tour of the island’s tourist destinations via a cart drawn by water buffalo or enjoying a drink while listening to tales of tourist guides and locals is sure to become a memory you will never forget.

Meanwhile, on Iriomote Island, over 90% of the land is covered in subtropical jungle, a feature that has earned it the title of the Galapagos of Asia. In addition to rare animals such as the Iriomote wildcat, a natural treasure, the island is also blessed with mud flats covered in mangroves, clear blue oceans, coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Whether you want go mountain climbing through the jungles or kayaking in the mangroves, gliding down rivers in a canoe or diving
and snorkeling, Iriomote Island has more than enough adventure for all. Kohama, Kuro, Hateruma and the other islands around Ishigaki Island can also be visited, and the main attraction here is their inviting emptiness. The pure white beaches without a trace of human activity are a perfect place to spend the day and enjoy the beauty of having to do nothing at all. There are no showers or shops, but what you can experience is time alone in the midst of natural splendor and a chance to get in touch with your inner self.

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In with the new Chanpuru: Okinawa’s Distinctive Culture

NichigoPress

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Awamori, Okinawa’s favourite alchoholic beverage

IN WITH THE NEW

CHANPURU: OKINAWA’ DISTINCTIVE CULTURE

Okinawa’s culture is overflowing with signs of influence from other regions such as China, Korea, South Asia and the US, each of which is blended into Okinawa’s unique culture. This eclectic culture is known as chanpuru.

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Goya Chanpuru, made with goya melon, toru and pork

Chanpuru takes its name from the Okinawan dish with a mix of ingredients around a base of tofu and vegetables.

Okinawa today is an amalgamation of many different cultures fostered through its geographical proximity to China, mainland Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, as well as the influence of American troops following the end of WWII. An example of this is found in Okinawa’s local alcoholic beverage known as awamori, which originally hails from Thailand. Another example is the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument that is at the heart of Okinawan music and draws its roots from an instrument called the sanxian brought from China during in the 14th and 15th centuries. The original sanshin instruments were created using the skin of the Burmese Python, but in mainland Japan where this skin could not be obtained, the instrument evolved into the shamisen of today which uses cat skin in its place. Another spot where visitors can come into contact with Okinawa’s chanpuru culture is Mihama American Village in Chatan Town in the mid south of mainland Okinawa, a city-style resort built by an American army base. This resort area features amusements, shopping arcades, bars and more.

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Goya Chanpuru, made with goya melon, toru and pork

The youth of Koza in Okinawa City, which includes many foreign residents amongst its population have been strongly influenced by music brought in from the United States in the 1970s. Koza is famous for its new style of Okinawan rock, and
now boasts a number of areas that feature live music and restaurants which have a distinctly foreign air.

Moreover, an increasing number of performers are beginning to use traditional Okinawan musical scales and apply them to rock, reggae and other genres, some of whom have made their debut not only in Japan but also overseas.

No talk of chanpuru culture could be complete without mention of ‘taco rice’, another Okinawan dish that has become a common item on menus. This dish combines minced meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and other taco ingredients with a bed of rice, yet another example of how a dish prepared for American troops has gained mainstream appeal.