ExploreJapan

A soup bowl costs 12,000 – 13,000 yen (US$150). I admit it is very expensive.

But you may change your mind if you know its elaborate production method, saying it is worth a lot. Knowing a bit about the production method helps you choose the best item which can be used for the rest of your life.

 

Lacquer orUrushi in Japanese is a natural material obtained from the sap of lacquer trees. There are a variety of lacquereware available here in Japan.  As I talked about it before in the ”Things to do in Wajima”,  Wajima is one of the most famous cities for its high quality lacquereware. 

What makes Wajima so special among a variety of lacquerware?

Wajima lacquerware require many processes. It reaches up to 124 different processes. First, the lumber used for the wooden base needs to be dried for a few years.

 

These complex processes are mainly divided into 5 fields:

1.BASE MAKING, 2.FIRST COATING, 3.MIDDLE COATING, 4.FINAL COATING and 5.DECORATION.

During these processes, many coats of lacquer are applied.  I was startled by the fact that each field is meticulously handled by an independent craftsman. Depending on how elaborate the design is, the price changes.

If you want to transform yourself to be a temporary craftsman who is in charge of decoration, I would recommend that you go to the studio called ”KOBO NAGAYA (工房長屋)” where you can learn either the Makie technique(Sprinkling gold powder on patterns drawn on the surface) or the Chinkin technique (Inlaying gold in grooves made by carving).

 

It cost only 1500 yen to make your own chopsticks. We experienced Chinkin technique, 沈金, (Inlaying gold in grooves made by carving) this time.

   

All you have to do is to think about your design and practice carving it on a given lacquered base. Then, you start to carve your patten on the surface of chopsticks with a needle. Even if you go with good friends, everybody becomes quite during carving

 

After carving, lacquer will be applied as glue. And press the gold powder into the grooves later. Be careful not to touch the lacquer directly because it may cause a rash to your skin. Because of that, ancient people believed that lacquer had a special power to ward off evil.

Here you’ve got your personal chopsticks which exist only one in  the world!

Learning about the lacquer items will surely spice up your travel in Wajima.  Using a sap of lacquer trees gives wooden items durability so that you can use them for a long time.  Ancient people knew this effect not to waste the blessings of nature. In that sense, we can say that lacquerware has been Eco-friendly since old days. 

I hope you would be able to find the one in Wajima.

Studio Nagaya (工房長屋) 　http://ringisland.jp/nagaya/

Address:4 – 66 – 1, Kawaimachi, Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture

Operation Hour:  9am – 6pm (Wed Holiday)  

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When you come to Wajima, I would like you to drop by this shop. WAJIMAYA  ZENIN(Japanese only) where boasts bicentennial anniversary this year. You will be captivated by their products. It looked like a small museum to me. I loved it.

 Wajimaya Zennin

Located a few minutes walk from Asaichi street where the morning market is held, there is a shop. I knew this shop by word of mouth. This shop doesn’t spend money in advertising.

 

Upon entering the shop, you will be surrounded by the high-quality items. When it comes to lacquerware, I am most familiar with tableware such as Miso-soup bowls, chopsticks, plates etc. But those were not all at this shop.

  

Feel free to enlarge the photo on your left side. This is a lacquered toilet. It was just amazing. I just astonished to see this toilet and forgot what I had to do. It was so beautiful. After I left the toilet, I found the public phone is also a lacquer item. Then I started to take a close look at things in this shop.  I felt something different from other shops in Wajima.

 

I would suggest that you visit 2nd and 3rd floor too. You can tell them nicely so that a staff will take you to the special floor. On the way, you can find lacquer items again.

 

It is a pity that there were a lot of blurred photos. I was that excited to enter into the lacquered floor under lacquered ceiling with a beautiful design.

 

I thought this was a seemingly normal bowl, but it was not normal.

 

 

I bought a soup bowl to be used as a family treasure. This cup will be passed down from generation to generation. Please don’t be surprised. This single cup costs 17800yen (US$200)

Why is Wajima lacquerware so expensive?

I will talk about the detail in next episode.

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◇WAJIMA ZENIN　 輪島屋　善任

Address:  1-82-3, Kawaimachi, Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture. Zip: 928-0001 Tel: 0768-22-5811

* You can also see part of their products in Ginza, Tokyo!  The infomation is as follows. Their products are displayed 4th floor at Ginza Natsuno.  

◇GINZA NATSUNO home store 食器専門店「銀座夏野本店」

Address:6-7-4 Ginza, Chuoku, Tokyo Zip: 104-0061 Tel: 03-3572-1911

Located in the north of Noto islands in Ishikawa prefecture, Wajima is famous not only for its lacquerware but also a morning market. I visited Wajima for the first time last weekend, and I would like to share ” THINGS  TO DO IN WAJIMA” for your reference. 

 

   
Find your LACQUERWARE!
When it comes to traditional lacquerware, Wajima is one of the most famous cities for its high quality items called Wajima-nuri. To be called Wajima-nuri, it must require 124 processes!! Such lacquered items can help add a sense of luxury to your meal. Walk around the lacquere shops along either Asaichi street or Waichi street and get lacquere items that you can use for the rest of your life. Lacquereware is a perfect souvenir in Japan!    

   

Carve your own patterns on your lacquere chopsticks!  
I visited a studio where you can experience one of the production processes. After carving your patterns, you inlay gold into the grooves. Wajima studio NAGAYA （輪島工房長屋） can offer a unique lacquerware making experience.

    

STAY at MINSHUKU, less expensive Japanese inns
There are two types of Japanese inns. One is a Ryokan, the other is Minshuku. If you are on a tight budget, I would sugget that you stay at a Minshuku. But you can’t underestimate a Minshuku stay with limited services. I received a hearty reception at a Minshuku called, Tanaka in Wajima!!  

     

WATCH a Taiko performance, GOJINJODAIKO, 五陣乗太鼓
A local Japanese drum performance is held almost everyday. It normally starts around 8pm – 8:30pm in front of MICHINOEKI. This dynamic performance dates back to the 16th century, registered as intangible cultural assets by the city of Wajima. How much do you need to pay? No worry. It is free of charge. Don’t miss a photo taking session with them after the performance. 
 

      

Visit a morning market attracting a number of tourists & locals.  
Asaichi street (朝市通り), about 360 meter long,  is lined with shops on both sides, nearly 200 – 250 in all. It starts at around 8am and until 11:30am. It is quite a beautiful scene, attracting a number of people. A morning market in Wajima is one of the three most famous morning markets in Japan!!  You must visit this place!

   

Exploring other area near Wajima town
Here are other places near Wajima I visited during the last stay. 20 mins drive from Wajima brings you one of the most famous & beautiful rice paddy fields in Japan. This place is called Senmaida (千枚田). And another half an hour drive can reach a open cafe built within the Buddhist temple grounds. This place is called Kinokoe (木の音). Finally Near Anamizu city, there is a Japanese winery called Noto Winery(能登ワイン). You may be able to get a unique Japanese wine here.

Here are the simple introduction on Wajima. Let me talk about them in detail for the next episode! Wajima, facing the sea of Japan, is a small fishing village filled with the power to make people want to visit. I was definitely one of them

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Takayama, located in the center of Japan, is one of the most popular sightseeing spots where you can’t miss during your trip in Japan. During the 16th century, this castle town started to develop its own culture, supported by the Kanamori clan. This place still preserves very unique traditional aspects of Japanese culture in the old days.

  

First of all, you can stroll in the preservation area where you see the old private houses. The streets are lined with antique shops, restaurants, cafes and more. You can spend your half-day exploring this area. And surprisingly some people still live here as well.

Why don’t you get a map of Takayama here so that it helps you walk around more efficiently. I have attached the map which I took photos at the end of the story below. Feel free to download them even though I am not an official tourist infomation office   

  

When you get tired, you can have a drink at some of the cute cafes with a Japanese twist. You see the Japanese tourists buying a wide variety of locally grown vegetables. You won’t get bored walking around this area.

 

In the winter period, this place is covered with lots of snow. So if you are a shopping lover, I would suggest that you come here in the different season.

Most of the tourists walk around the area in the daytime. But I suggest that you come back here again in the nighttime after all shops close, which brings you back to the old century when the Samurai lords exist.

There, cool breeze prevailed last night and, by contrast with the hustle and bustle daytime, the ambiance was very calm and quiet.  You may find some local people in Yukata clothing which gives you the sense of Japan. You will be impressed

This not the end of Takayama story, still goes on..  Anyway Takayama is the very nice place I can strongly recommend.　

 

【Hida Takayama website】

http://www.hida.jp/english/index.htm

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Wearing Kimono, traditional Japanese clothing (left), is one of the unique experiences that you can do in Japan. When you happen to visit firework festivals in summer, you will see a lot of Japanese people wearing casual Kimono, which is YUKATA 浴衣 (right) usually made of cotton. 

  

   

These are must-have items for men’s Yukata. Yukata clothes & a Obi Sash, top & bottom garments (Suteteko), cotton belt (Koshihimo) and wooden clogs (Geta). When you go to shopping malls before summer starts, you see a variety of Yukata clothing displayed, mostly for ladies’ one.  Price starts from around 10,000 yen for a full-set. If you look for branded items, those can be purchased at department stores.

How To Tie an OBI Sash for Men’s Yukata.

 

• Putting on both top & bottom undergarments followed by a Yukata clothing. Then you tie it up with cotton belt. Please make sure its left side must be wrapped over its right side. If you do it the other way, that is for the dead.

  1.  2.

• Fold the edge of sash in half (about 30 cm long) first. Hold it over your belly bottom and start wrapping around.

  3.  4.  5.

• After wrapping around, you fold it in and leave it as long as the edge you left first.

  6.  7.  8.

• You place it over and wrap it behind. Pull it tight!

  9.10. 11.

• You fold the top edge over like photo 9. and pull the other through the loop. Then pull it tight again!

12.13.14.

• Make it look good, line the edge up. And rotate the knot to the back.

15. 16.

• Just make sure you place sash over your hip bone. If you have a beer belly, that helps you look good. I am lucky. LOL

17. 18.

• I put my folding fan in the sleeve. 

I can’t wait to explore Japan with Yukata on.  Would you like to purchase one for your gift? No chances to wear? Hmmm, how about Halloween? Anyway, have fun YUKATA!!  :)

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”Try this babysquid!!”  ”It is very tasty”  This is a boilded babysquid which is one of the most famous local specialities which are in season now in Toyama. Disgusting? Naaah, just close your eyes before you eat   You will love it soon if you are a Sake lover. Trying is believing.

There was a hustle & bustle at the newly-opened fisherman’s wharf. I visited Shinminato area （新湊） locally very famous port town in Toyama yesterday as I heard the fisherman’s wharf is newly opened!! 

Even though there are a lot of fish caught in this area thanks to the geographic advantage facing the sea of Japan, it was difficult for locals to buy freshly-caught items. This is the long-waited fisherman’s wharf.

When you come to Tokyo, you can visit Tsukiji fish market. When you come here, you can visit this fisherman’s wharf near the port where you can enjoy watching a fish sale not only the early time but also day-time.

 

There were so many people around the each fish shop.

 

In front of the entrance, I found a small stall which sold Crab soup at only 400 yen. Cheap Cheap!

OMG!??!?!?! I saw UFO!!! unidentified flying octopus!

After we bought a package of baby squids, we enjoyed BBQ at home! I understand this doesn’t look presentable. But believe me this is so yummy with SAKE!

You can also buy some souvenirs for your friends. Why don’t you dropping by a fisherman’s wharf when you come to Japan next time!!

The place I visited: ”Shinminato” fresh fish market (新湊きっときと市場)

Address: Kaio-cho, Imizu city, Toyama prefecture, Japan

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Nowadays 100 yen shops can be found not only nationwide, but also worldwide. You can choose yours from 70000 items which a 100 yen shop offer such as everyday objects, lacquer wares, porcelains, cosmetics, flowers and foods.  

 

What will you choose if you have a 100 coin for your Japan’s souvenir?

Welcome to DAISO!,  a most popular 100 yen shop in Japan!

  

A cup, sake bottle, lacquer wares, these items are all 100 yen each! Perfect souvenirs.

   

Face roller for your smaller face? or portable make-up brush set? You think these are not 100 yen each? Yes, they are 100 yeeeeeen!  

 

Or maybe you can bring back some Origami, Japanese papers or popular rice crackers.  Of course, each items cost only 100 Yeeeeeeen.

In case you will miss Japanese rice at the end of your trip, why don’t you buy this one? 

Surrounded by 100 yen items, sometimes you tend to buy something not necessary. I sometimes come here to purchase gift wrapping materials or travel goods. 100 yen shops are imbued with our daily life. With the power of a 100 yen coin, enjoy your shopping at Daiso, a 100 yen shop in Japan.  

DAISO 100 yen shop website

http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/ 

Explore Japan

When it comes to shopping in Japan, you may not need to go to department stores or shopping malls. The reasons for this lie in Japan’s super drug stores. drug stores? no no no, SUPER drug stores.  

According to the oxford English dictionary, it is defined as follows.

-Drug  noun-

1. an illegal substance that some people smoke, inject, etc. to give them pleasant or exciting feelings.
2. a substance used as a medicine or used in a medicine

In this case, No.2 is the reasonable choice for the meaning. But why on the earth in Japan do they call it super drug stores?

.

When I enter into the stores, I find a variety of medicines which can be found at normal drug stores. There are nothing SUPER.

  

When I am walking around the store, there was the cosmetics corner. Lipsticks, popular Japanese cosmetic brushes, and collagen powder cans.  These items are for the ladies. When my friends from Singapore came to Japan last year, I remember that they bought a few collagen cans to bring back to their country. They said these were much cheaper here. Considering collagen can be helpful to cure the damaged skin, this corner still makes sense to be called drug stores.

  

A series of SUPER start from here. Frozen foods, Japanese Beer and Stationery materials can be found in this place. Japanese snacks are also available at reasonable prices.  Again, my friends from Singapore bought lots of snacks here impressed by their low prices.

Unbelievable scenery. a variety of Pets food are displayed, far from drugs.  

In Japan, SUPER drug stores consist of two words, Super Markets and Drug stores. It might be hard to understand this concept of drug stores selling beer or pets food in your country. But here, these items coexist in the same shop with the store name of super drug stores. Drugs, everyday objects, baby items, cosmetics etc can be sold at relatively reasonable price. When you come to Japan, just dropping by a drug store will give you some enjoyments in your trip. Funny enough.

Here is a major drug store in Japan & the store I visited for your reference.

MATSUMOTO KIYOSHI  or Matsukiyo

http://www.matsukiyo.co.jp/index.html (Japanese Only)

SHIMENO DRUG which I visited

http://www.simeno.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Explore Japan!