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Shimanekko Goods
“Yuru chara” is the nickname of the Yurui mascot characters that are adorable and loved by everyone. They resemble a Disney like character and get the attention, dedication and loyalty of the people...
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Blossoms braving the August heat
This year saw an unusually short rainy season, a quick peak in summer temperature, and we can only hope for the best for the rest of what looks like a long sweltering summer. But despite the...
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Fireworks festival build-up…
Summer is in full swing, and has brought with it an array of festivals and lively events. The first weekend of August was set aside for one of Matsue’s most highly anticipated. By noon there were...
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Thirty minutes of sparkling skies
“Originally used to ward off evil spirits, fireworks (花火, Hanabi) have a long history in Japan and are an integral part of Japanese summers. Hundreds of firework shows are held every year across the...
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Hokkaido Sushi, high quality not usually associated with a chain restaurant
Hokkaido Sushi is a chain store serving conveyor belt sushi,(is a fast-food style of serving sushi developed by Yoshiaki Shiraishi in Osaka in the 1950′s). The ever-increasing popularity of sushi...
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Spot the Ninja!
It might be hot out, but if you visit the castle, the old building offers a naturally cool refuge. Whats more, while you might find the heat outside unbearable, you wont be the only one. A reenactment...
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Canteen dining à la japonaise
A canteen in Japanese is called a ‘shokudo-’ (食堂), and is a relatively common style of eating out, compared to countries where eating at a canteen might be associated with school lunches or workplace...
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Forest therapy in Iinan
Iinan is a small town located in Shimane Prefecture near the Hiroshima border, approx 1hr30min drive from Matsue City, or 1hr40min drive from Hiroshima. Hii and Kando Rivers begin near the town of...
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How about some shabu-shabu?
A fun and balanced way to dine-out, shabu-shabu (named for its onomatopoeic representation of the sound of meat being swished in boiling water to cook) is yet another way of enjoying eating in Japan!...
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A cafe in the midst of fields, in the city!
Fukushima Cafe, a renovated Japanese house turned cafe, located in Oba district of Matsue City is the perfect escape from city life and modern restaurants and cafes. I’ve introduced Fukushima Cafe HERE...
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Vintage used furniture in Matsue
Matsue is mostly known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere, including the preservation of the tea culture, and being the home to one of only twelve remaining original Japanese castles. Which made a...
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Dan dan Summer Dance: Japanese tradition & local pride
If you visit Japan between July and August, you are bound to come across at least one bon odori (盆踊り). This is a traditional Japanese dancing festival, organised throughout the country by individual...
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Grape picking in Izumo
The first grape culture in Japan dates back to the 12th century, when a wild grapevine bearing good fruit bunches was found in Yamanashi. The vine was apparently not native to the land, suggesting...
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Braving the typhoon weather for that unmistakable taste of …
Braving the typhoon weather for that unmistakable taste of fresh from the boat fish and crab, served on a bed of succulent rice, seasoned with locally produced soy sauce and accompanied by a cup of hot...
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Izumo Taisha revisited
Izumo Taisha (also known as Izumo grand shrine), is ranked at the moment as the most popular domestic travel destination for Japanese persons. This is undoubtedly because of the recent Sengu (renewal)...
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Western seashore, natural beauty & ancient mythology
Not only is the rugged shoreline to the Sea of Japan breathtaking, it is also home to Japan’s ancient mythology. Not far from Tottori city, about a two to three hour drive from Matsue, there is a small...
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A must try, that never gets old!
For people visiting the Izumo and Matsue region for the first time, I always recommend trying soba, the local specialty. While you can get soba (buckwheat noodles) throughout Japan, in other regions it...
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Shrine to the Hare of Inaba (Hakuto Shrine白兎神社)
Japan is a source of interest for many different people, for many different reasons. Maybe you’re interested in the fantastical world of anime, the high-paced world of technology, the eloquent world of...
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Cloudless sunset & a quote
Recently, I haven’t been down by the lake for the sunset as often as I like to be. But it’s always refreshing to visit Lake Shinji at this time of evening, especially now that the light breeze brings...
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Annual drumming parade, a tradition of joy
So I’ve posted in previous years about the do-gyorestu, a traditional drumming parade which occurs annually here in Matsue. The large dou drums were originally used as part of celebrations to welcome a...
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