Autumn Colors

When autumn finally comes to Japan after a seemingly endless summer, the entire country becomes awash in nature's breathtaking palette of fall colors. Starting around mid-September in the northern mountains of Hokkaido, and slowly descending its way south as the weather cools is what is called the "front of autumn colors" -- green leaves changing to spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows. This fall foliage holds considerable import for the people of Japan, and during the fall months, great numbers of people visit places famous for autumn colors. Perhaps it is the feeling of being able to enjoy the outdoors comfortably after a sweltering summer combined with a sense of melancholy for the coming cold winter months that lends a special poignancy to the beauty of the autumn blaze.
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Japan is looking for Ramen Ambassadors -- non-Japanese people residing in Japan who love ramen and want to share their love with others!
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The "hop-in, hop-off" style of sightseeing, popular in so many cities worldwide can now be enjoyed in Tokyo. The Sky Hop Bus, an open-deck, double-decker tour bus operated by Hinomaru Jidosha Kogyo Co., Ltd.
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The FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012 is scheduled from December 6th – 16th in Toyota City and Yokohama. This is the ninth FIFA Club World Cup, and the sixth time Japan is host to this world-class event.
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JAPAN

Naha Great Tug-of-War, October 6 - 8, 2012
On October 6-8, 2012 Naha City will host the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival. The rope, recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as being the biggest rope made of rice straw, is 656 feet long and weighs more than 39 tons! After the conclusion, everyone is welcome to bring home pieces of rope to ensure good luck for the rest of the year.
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Feudal Lord's Procession in Hakone, November 3, 2012
History is brought to life during the Feudal Lord's Procession that takes place on November 3rd, "Culture Day," which is a national holiday. The procession takes place in Hakone, a city south-west of Tokyo, beginning at Sounji Temple and ending at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel.

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Tori-no-ichi, November 9 and 20, 2012
Tori-no-ichi Fair will be held on November 8th and November 20th at Otori-jinjas or shrines throughout Japan. Held on the days of the rooster (tori=rooster or fowl), this is a time when worshippers ask the patron deity, "Otori-sama" to bless them with good fortune and success in business for the coming year. It is considered a way to get a jump on celebrating the New Year, as well!
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U.S

New York City Wine and Food Festival, October 13 - 14, 2012
Now gearing up for its fifth year, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE magazine pays homage to one of the greatest dining cities in the world. It is one of the largest festivals in New York to bring together both legendary culinary icons from around the globe and America's most beloved television chefs. Japan National Tourism Organization will have a booth inside the Pier 57 section of the Festival in Hudson River Park. Come visit us on October 13 and 14, 2012.
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Run in the Osaka Marathon!!
(November 22 - 29, 2012) ($1,890 + tax)

Attention all marathon runners!! Fly to Osaka, Japan on a China Airlines direct flight from JFK on Thursday, Nov. 22 for the Second Annual Osaka Marathon taking place on Sunday, Nov 25, 2012! Registration has already been capped with 30,000 participants, however Amnet has reserved a special block for those of us outside of Japan to participate! For your convenience, we have arranged three nights at the Hotel Laforet Shin-Osaka until Monday, Nov 26 check-out. After the marathon, don't say goodbye to Japan just yet! Spend three nights in the old capitol city of Kyoto at the Tokyu Kyoto Hotel. Explore the ancient city on your own or add on day tours of Kyoto and its neighboring cities: Nara and Kobe! For more, please visit here. *Price includes marathon entrance admission fee

9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto
(September 2012 - April 2013) (Land starting from $2,229～)

Begin your journey in Tokyo where you will enjoy an exciting full day tour of the city including the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and Asakusa Kannon Temple. You'll also participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and embark on a relaxing Sumida River cruise. Next, transfer to Kyoto and enjoy visits to Nijio Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. With this 9 day package you will be able to experience the many incredible features that Japan has to offer. For more, please visit here.

Welcome to Iwate - Onsen Package
(3 days 2 nights) (From $381～)

Iwate is home to Hiraizumi inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2011 by UNESCO, is a must-visit destination. Hiraizumi was founded in the 12th century and features many temples, gardens, and archaeological sites representing the Buddhist culture and land. This "3 day 2 night Welcome to Iwate - Onsen Package" allows you to visit the historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi, and the Genbikei Gorge offering spectacular views, as well as spend one night in a ryokan (a Japanese-style Inn) in the Hanamaki Hot-springs, and more. For more, please visit here.

TOKYO SKYTREE® , SUMO CULTURE & EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM WALKING TOUR
WITH JPY1,000 GIFT CARD
(August 10-31, September 25 - December 14, 2012: Tue., Wed., Fri
"except October 2, 19, November. 9, 13, 16, 27, 28" ) ($134)

Discover the intricate culture of Edo and sumo wrestling with English-guided visits to Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sumo Museum, and Ryokoku Kokugikan. Escape into the sky in the heart of Tokyo 350m (1,148ft) above ground through Japan's newest craze, the TOKYO SKYTREE. Prowl the nine restaurants and shop-filled floors of TOKYO Solamachi, and take home memorabilia using the 1,000 yen gift card at Sumida Machidokoro (Sumida City Point Stores) -all in just half a day! For more, please visit here.

Hotel New Otani Osaka with Luxury Transportation service
(Now - September 30, 2012) (29,900 Yen/person for Twin～)

Includes tax & service fee, Luxury Small Van from Kansai International Airport to New Otani Osaka with Chinese speaking driver, and Breakfast. For more, please visit here.

Quiz: Where in Japan?

What is the name of the Prefecture where Ichiro Suzuki, the famous Japanese MLB player who just joined the NY Yankees from the Seattle Mariners, was born?

Hint: The prefecture is famous for having the headquarters of a well known car manufacturing company and a castle with a pair of golden fish statues (Shachihoko) on the roof.

Prize: Five lucky winners will be chosen from among all correct answers submitted to receive a folding fan from Nagoya City called "Nagoya Sensu".

How to enter: You can enter by September 30, 2012, at
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22GHV2WXH3R/

Let's review the quiz answers from previous newsletters.

The answer for the Newsletter Vol. 22 (July issue) is Horyuji.
(Horyu-gakumonji is also counted as a correct answer.)

Thank you for your hard work!

Japan Travel News Letter Quiz Official Rules

3 craftsmen visited the United States to promote Sakai's kitchen knives while demonstrating the traditional art of Japanese knife making this August.

Sakai's kitchen knives have become popular in US especially among those who are interested in the culinary arts including famous chefs such as Michael Romano of New York City's Union Square Café. Additionally, Sakai's kitchen knives have become available and popular in kitchenware stores across the country.

Several gigantic emperors' tombs were built around the 5th century in Sakai and vicinity. Many blacksmiths were gathered to make tools such as forks and spades for their construction. This is said to be one reason why the knife making industry developed in the area.

The number of craftsmen in Sakai, however, has decreased over decades due to increase of processed food and importation of cheap kitchen knives.

In order to preserve this valuable traditional craft and technique, the city has opened a traditional craft museum featuring its history and stories. Additionally, several local knife making factories have opened their doors to foreign tourists, facilitating the promotion of this craft abroad.

We hope that many people will become interested in Sakai's kitchen knives and have the opportunity to view the wonderful skill and tradition firsthand, allowing for an experience that can be carried over for future generations.