Celebrations November/December 2018
Of the country’s more than 6,000 volcanic islands scattered across the Pacific, four main islands form the heart of Japan. Your journey will naturally whisk you to the international gateway cities of Tokyo or Osaka on the largest main island of Honshu. Perhaps you may also venture to the skiing mecca of Hokkaido to the very north or the history-rich island of Kyushu to the very south. Then there is Shikoku, the smallest and least populated of the four. Accessible by plane, ferry or bus, this tiny destination appears quiet on the surface but is teeming with artisans who have perfected Japanese traditions of arts, crafts and cuisine.
Kogei: Traditional Arts and Crafts
Indigo dying in Tokushima
On the northeastern part of the island is the Tokushima prefecture, where the town of Aizumi has long been revered for producing indigo dye. The rich blue hue is the result of a long fermentation process of an indigo plant, a familiar color found on Japanese kimonos and other traditional textiles. Wrapping rubber bands around the fabric before dipping it in dye creates a pleasingly intricate blue-and-white-pattern, while the amount of time the cloth is submerged determines just how deep that blue will be.
Try It: Create your own indigo masterpiece and discover the extensive history of the craft at the Aizumicho Historical Museum.
Try It: Create your own indigo masterpiece and discover the extensive history of the craft at the Aizumicho Historical Museum.
Many arrive in the Kagawa prefecture as the final point in the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a sacred journey to visit the 88 temples connected to the Buddhist monk Kūkai. Also within this locale is Marugame City, which creates nearly all of Japan’s Uchiwa fans. Expertly crafted from bamboo and paper, these delicate fans showcase remarkable and detailed artwork.
Try It: Learn how to make traditional fans at the Uchiwa no Minato Museum as you watch the experts in action and create your own work of art.
Try It: Learn how to make traditional fans at the Uchiwa no Minato Museum as you watch the experts in action and create your own work of art.
You’ll embrace several Japanese traditions in the Ehime prefecture, where some of the nation’s oldest onsen (hot springs) and the centuries-old Matsuyama Castle are located. The souvenir that will catch your eye is exquisitely crafted ceramic lacquer, which has flourished in the lower northwest region of Shikoku for centuries. Ceramics created in the town of Tobe are known specifically as Tobe-yaki, characterized by pure white porcelain painted with graceful indigo patterns.
Try It: Explore Tobe-yaki Togeikan to browse beautiful ceramics and join a pottery class to craft your own souvenir.
Try It: Explore Tobe-yaki Togeikan to browse beautiful ceramics and join a pottery class to craft your own souvenir.
Island Cuisine
Tokushima ramen
True ramen lovers know a thing or two about Tokushima ramen. It’s distinguished by its color — the savory soy base is usually a deep brown (through white soy sauce can create a paler broth) — and is heaped with slender noodles topped with baraniku pork belly and a raw egg. Ramen from Tokushima tends to be both saltier and sweeter than others. Most ramen shops are open for lunch and dinner, often into the early morning hours, making this delectable dish available when you crave it most.
Udon noodles
There’s a good reason that Kagawa has been nicknamed the “udon prefecture.” More than 600 Sanuki udon restaurants can be found here, serving thick udon noodles — often hand-pulled — and presented simply in a light broth with green onions or other fresh ingredients. Another popular snack in this prefecture is honetsuki-dori, which literally translates to “bird with bone.” It’s traditionally prepared with only salt, pepper and garlic and fried into mouthwatering deliciousness.
Botchan dango
Botchan dango, or sweet rice dumplings, are the perfect conclusion to a tantalizing meal on Shikoku. The setting of Natsume Soseki’s novel Botchan, the dish is a delicacy of Matsuyama city in Ehime. This light dessert is a delight to behold: a colorful trio of mochi balls piled on a skewer, flavored with red adzuki beans, yellow egg and green matcha.
Beyond its crafts and cuisine, Japan has it all. Discover a wealth of experiences for every style of travel, from river rafting to vivid festivals, in our video.
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