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Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part-10-

2017.12.28

Places to visit

we went into Ichijodani Asakura Clans Ruins

Today’s blog is the last part of the series about Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. As I have introduced in our previous blogs that I visited Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins in June 2017 with the president of the Hotel Riverge Akebono, Mr. Shimizu, the intern of the hotel, Ms. Julia Coslian, the manager of Fukui City Hospitality and Tourism Promotion Office (the information is only available in Japanese), Mr. Takama and his staff member, Mr. Juancho Santamaria. I rediscovered the charms of Fukui. Since today’s blog is the last part of the series, I would like to look back on our tour at Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins and the charms of it, and Fukui.

 

 

map of sightseeing places in Fukui

I rediscovered the charms of Fukui. One of the great charms of Fukui is the food. You can enjoy the variety of fresh foods from the Sea of Japan, rivers, mountains and farms through out the year. If you like drinking sake, you can definitely enjoy it as well. Because Fukui has crystal clear water from the largest river in Fukui called Kuzuryu river and famous brewery rice called “Gohyakumangoku”, “Yamadanishiki”, so we have several great sake breweries. At Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, since the whole area is surrounded by rich nature so you can feel calm and relaxed while you are learning about the history of Warring States Period.
In Fukui, besides Ichojodani Asakura Clan Ruins, there are many other places that are very interesting and attractive to visit.

a cook is making tempura in the middle of the restaurant

Source: Photographs of the restaurant, from the photo gallery of the official website of Tempura Yaguruma(the website is available only in Japanese).

 

a plate of tempura combo lunch

Before heading to Ichijodani Asakura Clans Ruins, we had lunch at the tempura restaurant, "Tempura Yaguruma" (the website is available only in Japanese) which is a popular tempura restaurant in Fukui.

As the chef finished cooking in the middle of the restaurant, the freshly made tempura, which was crispy and hot, was served with Miso soup (the taste of the soup was amazing), Japanese pickled vegetables and freshly cooked rice. It was free refills on the rice. We enjoyed our lunch so much.

 

 

juancho and julia are using an ipad at ichijodani asakura clans ruins
julia is holding an ipad

At the information desk of the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, visitors can borrow an iPad to use throughout the area, which shows how things were built during the Warring States Period in Japan. English versions of the iPads are also available, so visitors from overseas can enjoy this place and its history. It was new and exciting for me to see iPads were used at places of natural beauty and historical interest. No one could imagine high-technology products would be used at any historical sightseeing places about 10 years ago.

 

 

julia and mr. takama finished wearing kimono and an armor

Mr. Takama and Julia participated in the Kimono Dressing experience. As they finished getting dressed, they walked through a replica of the town from the end of 15th and 16th centuries. Julia said that she felt as she had stepped back in time to a Warring States Period.

 

 

julia and mr. takama are standing in the middle of rich nature

Julia and Mr. Takama enjoyed walking around in their Kimono and armor as if they were in the time of Warning States Period.

 

 

a woman from Warning States Period

Inside of the restored houses, you can see how people used to live from 1471 to 1573 in the area.

 

 

a man from osaka who fell in love with the charms of ichijodani asakura clans ruins and moved to fukui

It seems like once people found Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruin their favorite place, they keep visiting every time they have a chance. The man in the photograph above is one of them. He fell in love with the charms of Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruin and he moved from Osaka to Fukui. He is there as a volunteer whenever he has time.

 

 

Suwayakata-ato Garden and julia
Suwayakata-ato Garden

Suwayakata-ato Garden was made by the 11th leader of Sengoku period Asakura family, Asakura Yoshikage to please his concubine. As you can see, his concubine lived in such a beautiful atmosphere which is surrounded by the rich nature. The garden and the area around it has the crisp and clear air which is very soothing. I was feeling much more uplifted and more energetic than when I arrived at Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.

 

 

the woman who showed us around has such a beautiful smile

the woman who showed us around finished guiding us that day and she looked relieved

I myself think it is best to visit actual places like this and not simply read from books or watch TV to understand the charms of such places. I also think that the Fukui accent and dialect, which sound relaxing, are an important part of Fukui’s charm.

In conclusion, I rediscovered that the charms of Fukui are the foods from the the Sea of Japan, rivers and mountains, sake made with the clean water from the largest river in Fukui, and Fukui accent and dialect. It is enjoyable and soothing that you can become more uplifted and more energetic in Fukui for sure. Moreover, at Asakura Clans Ruins, you can learn about the history of Warring States Period and enjoy the rich nature at the same time. If you have a chance how about visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clans Ruins?

 

T.F

 

 

Please enjoy our previous blogs as well.

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 1-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 2-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 3-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 4-
Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 5-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 6-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 7-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 8-
Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 9-

 

You can see some tourist attractions and the directions to these places from the webpage, "Hotel Reiverge Akebono, Tourist attractions around our hotel".

Made by Julia during her internship, this webpage has directions that are easy to follow.

She researched these tourist attractions, before visiting them and experiencing

the charms of Fukui herself. As I mentioned in our previous blog, it can be difficult for tourists

to get to some great places in Fukui, so this map that Julia made will help you

get around easier.

 

There is also a Japanese version of this webpage(only available in Japanese).

However, some of the places which are introduced on the Japanese webpage

are different to the English version that Julia made.

 

 

The film “A Street Cat Named Bob"

2017.12.25

Movies

I saw such a lovely film which was a perfect one for this time of year.
The film “A Street Cat Named Bob” is based on a miraculous true story which was about a street musician in London and a stray cat Bob.

 

The leading actor, Luke Treadaway‘s natural acting is very good. Although he acts a fragile drug-addicted man, he makes me feel “He will be all right. I am sure that he will be able to retrieve himself.” I wonder it’s because of his eyes. Besides, Joanne Froggatt, who played Anna in “Downton Abbey”, played a strict and gentle woman in the film too.

 

And, after all, Bob!
Bob himself plays Bob in the film!
What a clever and cute cat! He is really a good boy.
Bob was always beside James when he performs on streets, sells THE BIG ISSUE and even when he was suffered from withdrawal.

 

The camera work through the eyes of a cat is interesting and it depicts how cats live well.
Especially, I understood completely James’s depression when Bob had gone missing.
Because I have the same experience.
I am sure that the film makes everyone happy at the end. (H.S)

 

Award : National Film Awards UK – Best British Film : 2017

 

 


Bob appears on the cover of THE BIG ISSUE JAPAN with a special edition
“Bob and James go to Tokyo”.
FYI, VOL. 316 which Bob first appeared is sold out!
And, Bob has London Underground’s commuter pass.

 


”Fukui saving dogs and cats team” displays the panel and a donation box is placed
during the period of the film showing.
　　　

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 9-

2017.12.22

Places to visit

This is a video of “Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation.”, “Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins”.

 

I have introduced the highlights of Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins in our previous blogs. Besides these highlights, there are things that you may want to know to enjoy the touring more at Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.

 

you can rent bicycles

How about cycling around Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins?

 

 

you can enjoy chatting, looking at exhibits and relaxing in this area
you can enjoy chatting, looking at exhibits and relaxing in this area2

There is a place where you can relax and enjoy chatting.
There are vending machines so you can buy some drinks and take a break.
There are also some paintings and statues which are exhibited in the place, so you can enjoy looking at them and relaxing at the same time.

 

 

Sekihan, festive red rice, and Ohagi and Botamochi, rice cakes covered with bean jam or soybean flour or sesame and salt are sold

There is Sekihan (festive red rice), Ohagi and Botamochi (rice cakes covered with bean jam or soybean flour, or sesame and salt) sold. You can have some traditional Japanese food as well.

 

 

noodles are some light meals are available

They have noodles and some other light meals as well, so you can enjoy their food if you get hungry.

 

If you have a chance how about visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins?

 

T.F

 

Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum

Address：4-10, Abaka, Fukui-shi

Tel：0776-41-2301

Open：9:00AM～5:00PM (No admission after 4:30PM)

Closed：(29 Nov. ～ 2 Jan.) and other days, refer to calender

Admission Fee：Individuals 100yen per person, elementary and junior high school students, and senior citizens over 70 years of age admitted free of charge.

 

Restored Townscape

Address：28-37, Kidonouchicho, Fukui-shi

Tel：0776-41-2330

Open：9:00AM～5:00PM (No admission after 4:30PM)

Closed： 29 Nov. ～ 4 Jan.

Admission Fee：Adults 210 yen per person, junior high school students and younger, and senior citizens over 70 years of age admitted free of charge.

 

Source: The tour spots information of ”Fukui Tour Guides Association (http://fukuitourguides.org/en/english-tourist-spots/ichijodani/)

 

 

Please enjoy our previous blogs as well.

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 1-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 2-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 3-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 4-
Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 5-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 6-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 7-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 8-

 

You can see some tourist attractions and the directions to these places from the webpage, "Hotel Reiverge Akebono, Tourist attractions around our hotel".

Made by Julia during her internship, this webpage has directions that are easy to follow.

She researched these tourist attractions, before visiting them and experiencing

the charms of Fukui herself. As I mentioned in our previous blog, it can be difficult for tourists

to get to some great places in Fukui, so this map that Julia made will help you

get around easier.

 

There is also a Japanese version of this webpage(only available in Japanese).

However, some of the places which are introduced on the Japanese webpage

are different to the English version that Julia made.

The Japanese documentary film “A man named Kamejiro, who was feared most by the U.S. occupation”

2017.12.18

Movies

I went to see the documentary film “A man named Kamejiro, who was feared most by the U.S. occupation” the other day.

 

 

The film is about a hero of Okinawa, Kamejiro Senaga, the only person who was against the U.S. occupation without fear of clampdown during occupation period in Okinawa.
Although I love Okinawa, I didn’t know that there was such a really great person in Okinawa. An Okinawan folk song group, Nenez even sings the song “Tell me, Kamejio”.

 

Originally, this film was a TV documentary program and broadcasted in August last year and
it produced a lot of reaction, despite it was a local one in the Kanto region. So the director Tadahiko Sako (53 years old) decided to make a film, collected from other sources,
re-edited and completed the film. The film has been a hit since its advance screening in Okinawa. Ryuichi Sakamoto, who supported the film’s purpose, wrote its original music and also an actor Ren Osugi narrated in the film.

 

[Repression on people]
Maybe there are only few people who associate this word with Japan.
However, in Okinawa, where was under American military occupation after the war,
people had been suffering from their tyranny.
An former marine who was involved in the reversion of Okinawa to Japan said with a destressed look, keeping his tears back, “It was a dishonorable history of America. The U.S. Government was quite afraid of Okinawan people.”
In 1955, under the occupation, a rape murder of a young girl occurred in Kadena village
in Okinawa. The victim, only six-year-old Yumiko died biting down on her lip and keeping a grip on a few grass. The criminal, a U.S. soldier got the death sentence by court-martial but he was commuted to a life sentence after all. And, crimes and accidents by U.S. military have been happened over and over again. Furthermore, on 13th of this month, a window of a large transport helicopter of the U.S.marine fell in the school yard of an elementary school in Futenma town.

 

In the film, I was impressed that Kamejiro, who became a Diet member and raised questions sharply and honestly to Eisaku Sato, Prime Minister of the time. Sato tried to answer diligently but I could see the difficult situation at the time.

 

The director, Sako said “I hope the film leads you to think about the shape of a future Japan through Kamejiro, who is the origin of Okinawa, beyond conservative and reformist.” （H.S)

 


The director, Tadahiko Sako, who visited a theater in Fukui City in advance of the screening. (From Fukui newspaper on November 24th)

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 8-

2017.12.15

Places to visit

I had the opportunity to join a tour visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins in June 2017. I went with the president of the Hotel Riverge Akebono, Mr. Shimizu, the intern of the hotel, Ms. Julia Coslian, the manager of Fukui City Hospitality and Tourism Promotion Office, Mr. Takama and his staff member, Mr. Juancho Santamaria. I rediscovered the charms of Fukui.

 

 

Suwayakata-ato Garden
Julia is enjoying the scenery

It was coming to the end of the tour.
We passed through the Karamon gate and walked toward Suwayakata-ato Garden. On the way to the garden, there was a stream and many large and tall trees, so we enjoyed walking in the nature and reaching the garden at the same time.

 

 

The beautiful guide who showed us around

The woman who showed us around said that “Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins is a great place to visit because it has the crisp and clear air which is very soothing. The visitors enjoy not only the scenery and relocated town, and they can also enjoy learning about Japanese history as well. Mostly, I personally feel that it is very soothing and peaceful to be here. “ As soon as she said that, I started realizing that how I was feeling much more uplifted and more energetic than when I arrived at Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.

 

 

Suwayakata-ato Garden2

Suwayakata-ato Garden was made by the 11th leader of Sengoku period Asakura family, Asakura Yoshikage to please his concubine. As you can see, his concubine lived in such a beautiful atmosphere which is surrounded by the rich nature.

 

 

everyone is walking on the bridge going back to the parking lot

We finished touring at Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. We crossed the bridge and went back to the parking lot.

 

 

the beautiful guide finished guiding us

The woman who showed us around was kind enough to walk with us from the beginning to end. She also told many things about Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins with beautiful smile so we felt comfortable and enjoyed learning about Japanese history as well. We had such a great time touring in Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins and rediscovered the charms of Fukui.

 

Stay tuned for the next blog!

 

T.F

 

 

Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum

Address：4-10, Abaka, Fukui-shi

Tel：0776-41-2301

Open：9:00AM～5:00PM (No admission after 4:30PM)

Closed：(29 Nov. ～ 2 Jan.) and other days, refer to calender

Admission Fee：Individuals 100yen per person, elementary and junior high school students, and senior citizens over 70 years of age admitted free of charge.

 

Restored Townscape

Address：28-37, Kidonouchicho, Fukui-shi

Tel：0776-41-2330

Open：9:00AM～5:00PM (No admission after 4:30PM)

Closed： 29 Nov. ～ 4 Jan.

Admission Fee：Adults 210 yen per person, junior high school students and younger, and senior citizens over 70 years of age admitted free of charge.

Source: The tour spots information of ”Fukui Tour Guides Association (http://fukuitourguides.org/en/english-tourist-spots/ichijodani/)

 

 

Please enjoy our previous blogs as well.

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 1-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 2-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 3-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 4-
Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 5-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 6-

Spreading the Charms of Fukui to the World! -Visiting Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Part 7-

 

You can see some tourist attractions and the directions to these places from the webpage, "Hotel Reiverge Akebono, Tourist attractions around our hotel".

Made by Julia during her internship, this webpage has directions that are easy to follow.

She researched these tourist attractions, before visiting them and experiencing

the charms of Fukui herself. As I mentioned in our previous blog, it can be difficult for tourists

to get to some great places in Fukui, so this map that Julia made will help you

get around easier.

 

There is also a Japanese version of this webpage(only available in Japanese).

However, some of the places which are introduced on the Japanese webpage

are different to the English version that Julia made.

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