June 2004

Mutsumi Torii

The most humid time of year in this country, tsuyu, is coming soon. While this rainy season can be most uncomfortable for people, it plays an important role in preparing fields for the planting of rice, Japan’s staple food. It is also a time when hydrangeas bring color to an otherwise gloomy month that has no national holidays. Usually tsuyu lasts three to four weeks.

Utagawa Ukiyo-e Exhibit
Until August 31 Info: 0739 - 43 - 5108
The Kishu Art Museum is featuring an exhibit of Hiroshige Utagawa’s (1797 – 1858) famous 53 Stations of the Tokaido road. These are arguably some of his most famous works and the exhibit includes every single print from the series. There is also extensive description of the stories and people from each of the check points (stations). The museum is nestled on top of the mountain plateau so access is easier by car. For bus service, take the bus headed for the Heisogen park and museum from the Shirahama Station.
The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is 1000 yen and 500 yen for children under the age of 12.

Rafting in Kitayama Village
Until September 26 Info: 0735 - 49 - 2324
This is the only place in Japan where you can experience real Timber Rafting. By reservation only; 6,000 yen per person.
During June and September, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays only.
During July and August, every day except Thursdays.
For online info, http://www.vill.kitayama.wakayama.jp/

Firefly Viewing in Kishigawa
June 1 – 15 Info: 0736 - 64 - 8787
Firefly watching is popular in Japan and Wakayama has several good places where these little glow-in-the-dark insects can be seen. Kishigawa is perhaps the nearest spot to the most densely populated area of Wakayama Prefecture. People are advised to confirm with the locals for the best times and dates for firefly viewing as every year is different. We also recommend people bring something to eat and drink along with some insect repellent to fend off those unwanted mosquitoes. The river is a five-minute walk from Kishi Station on the Nankai Kishigawa line.

NTT Triathlon
June 5 11:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Info: 06 - 6282 - 0255
This second of seven Japan Cup 2004 ITU International competitions across the country will be held at Marina City. It will be used as a reference to decide world rankings as well as the series’ champions. This is an excellent opportunity to see top athletes here in our prefecture. This event is sure to cause traffic jams in and around the Marina City and Wakaura bay area. People are strongly advised to cycle to the race site as bus service will be unpredictable.

3rd Manyo Takiginoh Seminar in Wakayama City
June 6 2:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Info: 073 - 444 - 0155
Mr. Norio Murase will recite some poems and give a lecture about Manyoshu, a collection of waka poems written in the Nara period, at the Kinokuni Shigakukan. There is a fee of 500 yen for printed materials for the lecture. The Kinokuni Shigakukan is in the neighbourhood of Nishitakamatsu and is the name of the building that houses the prefectural library.

10th Starlight Illusion at Marina City in Wakayama
June 6 7:00 p.m. ~ (about 10 minutes) Info: 073 - 448 - 0011
A total of 6,000 fireworks (1,000 skyrockets and 5,000 special-effects fireworks) will illuminate the evening sky above Marina City. Marina City is a 15-minute bus ride from the JR Kainan Station on the JR Kinokuni line. Please note that there may be a time change for this event so it is recommended to confirm the time beforehand.

Kabuki Performance
June 10 2:00 p.m. Info: 073 - 436 - 1331
Each year, various Kabuki performers give educational lectures and performances throughout Japan to make it more accessible to students and the general public. In the first part, the audience will be given pointers on how to appreciate the music, history and features of this subtle art form. In the second part, there will be a small performance. See Kenbun listings on page 8 for more details.

Windsurfing Competition at Hamanomiya Beach in Wakayama CityJune 12 – 13 9:00 a.m. Info: 073 - 435 - 1234
This is the first race of Japan’s windsurfing grand prix. Hamanomiya beach is just north of Marina city just before the bridge.

Hydrangea Viewing at Kumanonachi Shrine in Nachikatsuura
June 14 Info: 0735 - 55 - 0321
People are welcome to enjoy the many hydrangeas on the grounds of the shrine. Some macha, powdered green tea, will be served in the morning. You can get to the shrine by bus from the Kiikatsuura Station on the JR Kinokuni line (get off at jinja-oteramae chushajo bus stop).

59th Honimbo Go Title Match　June 17 – 18 Info: 0736 - 56 - 2616
The 4th of seven games of the Honimbo title match, one of the highest titles in the game of go, will be held in Koyasan. Mr. Norimoto Yoda will play against Mr. U Cho, Honinbo’s 58th grand champion.
The game will be held at Matsushita kodo, Soji-in, Kongobuji temple.

Posted on June 2004 in the following categories: Things to do in...