Monday, September 30, 2024
Takamatsu
Today we moved ourseves to Takamatsu, which is in the northern part of Shikoku island. Takamatsu being a major urban center in an otherwise rural area is much more lively place than Tokushima.
We left our suitcases in the hotel and went straight to see Japan's largest Japanese garden, the Ritsurin Garden.
After lunch we explored the old castle ruins grounds.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Tokushima
Tokushima is more about local culture than about amazing sites. Yesterday after we arrived we explored the area of the old castle's ruins, where only a bridge remained from the once important and impessive castle.
There is also an old steam locomotive right next to the castle hill:
Today we went to see a local traditional puppet play. Tayu (narrator) tells a story with a full range of emotion. The gidayu-shamisen (three-stringed instrument) produces a delicate sentiments in a variety of timbre beyond musical notation. The ningyo (puppet) is manipulated by three ningyo-zukai (puppeteers), which is very unique to Japanese puppeteering.
Keisei Awa no Naruto is an old legend about a girl who is seeking for her parents. Different parts of the legend are performed in this puppet theater. The reason for this is that the story actually plays in this area.
In the afternoon we saw a local dance performance with audience participation. Dance is a very integral part of the cultural life in Tokushima. The tradition is ancient and dance events are happening every summer the Awa Odori Festival. Now this is a really big thing here. People from all over the country are coming to see the dance, hotels are fully booked, streets are closed for the event. An interactive exhibition showcased artifacts related to this local tradition. We saw a dance show performed by professional dancers.
The Bizan cable car is running up to the peak of the mountain right from the dance center's building. Stunning view to the entire area:
And of course the perfect dinner after this is in an Izakaya:
Sashimi plate:
Crab meat with miso:
Mentaiko Tempura (fish roe breaded and deep fried):
Toro Iwashi Nizuke (sardines with tofu):
Tako Uzu Goma Abura (octopus with sesame oil and seeds):
In the afternoon we saw a local dance performance with audience participation. Dance is a very integral part of the cultural life in Tokushima. The tradition is ancient and dance events are happening every summer the Awa Odori Festival. Now this is a really big thing here. People from all over the country are coming to see the dance, hotels are fully booked, streets are closed for the event. An interactive exhibition showcased artifacts related to this local tradition. We saw a dance show performed by professional dancers.
The Bizan cable car is running up to the peak of the mountain right from the dance center's building. Stunning view to the entire area:
Sashimi plate:
Crab meat with miso:
Mentaiko Tempura (fish roe breaded and deep fried):
Toro Iwashi Nizuke (sardines with tofu):
Tako Uzu Goma Abura (octopus with sesame oil and seeds):
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