INTRODUCTION TO ICHIBAN
"What is ICHIBAN ™? ICHIBAN means number one in Japanese! Japanforyou.com is proud to offer our popular tour package to Japan. Now more affordable than ever, one click is all it takes to whisk you away to another world. Experience something new... Japanforyou.com.
OUR PACKAGES INCLUDE:
Roundtrip Economy Class Airfare, Hotel Accommodations and Half-day City Tour. Additional services available.
SEASONAL SPECIAL TOURS
The beauty of Japan through 4 seasons - Book air tickets with a Japan Rail pass and save $50!
USEFUL INFORMATION
Need Cash? There will be a lot of ATM machines throughout Japan. But one ATM that would work for international travelers is at POST Office. They even have automated instruction in English! Find this sign in the town you are visiting! You can use your card and get cash with ease!
JAPANFORYOU.COM NEWS
Autumn in Japan
Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Japan. During this time you can view the fall foliage or "kouyou" which literally means red leaves and which may be viewed from October to November. The best months to view the fall foliage for specific areas are as follows: Hakone and Kyoto areas are best to view during the month November; Kamukura is the best to view during the end of November; and Nikko is best to view during the end of October. Additionally there are many exciting Matsuri Festivals that take place during the autumn months. With the autumn scenery as a backdrop and with the dramatic scenes of floats and added festive atmosphere you will be sure to have a memorable experience!
What is "matsuri"?
Traditional Japanese festival or "Matsuri" as it is called in Japanese, was originally implied as "to call a God". In a country that was originally made up of farmers, the Japanese, as a way to show thanks gave offerings to the local deity for the good harvest and to pray for an even better one the following year.
During certain festivals one may enjoy Dashi or Mikoshi or Kagura. Dashi is what we may think of as a parade float. They are constructed out of wood then decorated with flowers, halberds, dolls, etc. On the Dashi, musicians play traditional musical instruments including flutes, drums and gongs, providing a heightened festive atmosphere. Dancers perform traditional dances celebrating Shinto gods.
A mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine that is carried on the shoulders of the bearers by the means of two poles and to the chanting chorus of "Wasshoi! Whassoi!". The mikoshi is believed to transport the divine spirits during these festival parades. The mikoshi is brought from the shrine, paraded throughout worshipping area and then, in most cases, left to rest on blocks in a designated area for a specific amount of time before it is once again carried back to the original shrine. Some traditions require dipping the mikoshi in water at a nearby lake, river or ocean.
Kagura is a theatrical performance where actors through song and dance tell a story, typically a mythical or legendary tale while accompanied by a Kagura orchestra comprised of flutes, drums and other instruments.
Autumn in Japan