T.G.I.F.: St. Paddy's Day and Fashion Week

This Sunday 17th, St. Patrick's Day celebrations will be taking place nationwide. Many events have been planned, included the Tokyo Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Of particular note is the Fujinishiki Sake Festival in Fujinomiya which I wrote about last year and falls on the same day as St. Patrick's Day. While not necessarily an official St. Patrick's Day celebration per se, drinking free locally-made sake from morning 'til night seems a good a way as any to spend this holiday. From as early as 9am, you can enjoy unlimited free sake samples and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. The event is outdoors so bring a picnic blanket (and rubber boots if it is going to rain). To get there, get off at Fujinomiya station and take the free shuttle bus which leaves every 10 minutes (30 mins). 

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In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo kicks off this weekend across Tokyo. While most events are invite only, there are some free and open to the public events which you can check out at this link. Click the image below for more details.

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Happy Friday! What will you be doing this weekend?

Tops Tuesdays: Dondoyaki

On the weekend nearest January 15th, the people of Japan like to gather around bonfires in rural areas to burn their New Year's decorations (usually constructed of reads, paper and fruit) in a kind of religious sacrifice to welcome in the New Year. This custom is called 'Dondoyaki' and daruma dolls are usually sacrificed to the flames simultaneously as symbols of endurance and luck. Attendees and also permitted to make wishes at the bonfire and partake of amazaki (a kind of sake) and mochi (chewy rice cakes). This ritual marks the end of all New Years celebrations.

This is a picture of the bonfire setup the day before the burning. The red decorations are daruma dolls. My local township set up several of these bonfires along the nearby river. 

Wishing you a happy and productive 2013!

T.G.I.F.: Sengen Shrine Annual Festival

Approximately 53 days left until Christmas! Yay! This weekend, the place to be is Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Prefecture for its biggest festival of the year; the Sengen Shrine Annual Festival. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th of November in the area around the Sengen Shrine you can experience the usual fare of a Japanese "matsuri" such as food stalls around the shrine and some "mikoshi" (big floats).

The main event is on the 4th (Sunday) where all the "dashi" (huge floats with "taiko" drummers) congregate toward the shrine to compete against each other.

And here's a hot tip: at the main information desk near the shrine, you can get a "masu" (small wooden box for drinking sake). When you buy it, they will give you a map of all the free sake tasting areas nearby. One tasting per customer however I hear that if you compliment their sake you might be able to squeeze a refill out of them!

Click the image below for more information...

Tops Tuesdays!

So, I just found this on Tumblr and I have decided that it is officially the best thing ever. Foodies and wine buffs rejoice...

The "Wine Spa Pool" referred to in the image above is actually the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a hotel and spa in Hakone, an area famous for onsens (hot springs) catered towards day-trippers from Tokyo. Onsens in Japan are pretty choice but when you consider the option of soaking in some hot mulled wine while knocking back a glass or two of the stuff, there is just no question. And that is real wine too those bathers are swimming in!

Further research revealed that the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun not only offers the option to soak in a wine onsen, but you can also choose from sake, coffee, and green tea options for your soak. Definitely worth a day-trip from Tokyo. Check out their website for more information. Happy Tuesday!

T.G.I.F.: Fujinishiki Sake Festival

Thinking of heading to Shizuoka this weekend? I've got a very reason why you should! This Sunday is the annual Sake Festival at Fujinishiki! So why not double your pleasure and get your St. Patty's Day on twice this weekend?

The Sake Matsuri is a big hit with tourists and is likely to be busy again this year. Many kinds of locally produced sake will be available for tastings as well as a variety of food vendors and live entertainment. You can buy a special cup at the event and receive free tastings of sake. Come enjoy fantastic views of Mt. Fuji and relax picnic-style while you watch those around you drink themselves into stupor!