Experiencing Tamba-style Pottery

We’re starting our new topic, “Experiencing Hyogo’s Art.” Today, we’re going to introduce Tamba-yaki, a style of pottery from the Tamba region.

              Tamba Tachikui pottery is one of the six oldest potteries in Japan. The City of Sasayama in Hyogo is home to over 60 pottery makers with a history of over 800 years.

              Tamba-yaki is created using a climbing kiln. It is baked for 60 hours at a temperature of 1300°C. As a result, pine wood used to build the fire turns into ashes and covers part of the pottery. This gives unique designs to each pottery and is one of the biggest characteristics of Tamba-yaki pottery.

              Since the start, Tamba-yaki was mainly used as items for everyday use, so the simplicity of Tamba-yaki pottery is another major characteristic. 

   

                               　　   A Climbing Kiln                               Pottery Covered in Ashes

Japanese Historical Architecture and its Culture

  Recently Shark and Soo took Jan, a college intern at the Hyogo Tourism Association, to Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum to learn about the history of Japanese architecture and carpentry. Built in 1984, this museum displays traditional tools used to make Japan’s historical wooden architecture, and many more. Let’s take a tour to see the heart and skill of Japanese craftsmen.   　

On November 20, 2011, Kobe Marathon will be held for the first time.

The theme for this event is “Thanks and Friendship.”

Through this event, the organizers want to share the experience of the earthquake that Hyogo, especially Kobe, went through. To see people accomplishing the marathon will hopefully give some courage to the people who are still suffering the effects of natural disasters.

The runners can enjoy beautiful views of Kobe, and the spectators also have a lot to see and do while they are in town. 

【Outdoor Activities】Paragliding in Tamba

  Here in Hyogo, there is a mecca of air sports.

   The town of Aogaki in Tamba city calls itself “Sky Sports Town Aogaki.” It’s the most popular spot for air sports in the Kansai region.

Located 90 minutes by express bus from Sannomiya Station and Osaka Station, this town is located directly north of Kobe.

Today, we’re going to introduce one of the most popular air sports in town: Paragliding.

Paragliding in Aogaki

【Outdoor Activities】Hiking in Mt. Rokko

  Hiking has become a popular activity among young people in the past few years. Even the term Yama-Girl, or a mountain girl, was created to refer to girls who wear colorful mountain outfits and go hiking. Hiking is one of the favorite outdoor activities for people of all ages.

                                                                                        

 

Hiking in Mt. Rokko

  

【Outdoor Activities】Cycling in Awaji Island

  Our new series will be on outdoor activities in Hyogo.

  Today’s blog will be about cycling in Awaji Island. Awaji Island is located in southern Hyogo, and the quality of the road makes it a popular course among die-hard cyclists.

To get to Awaji Island, catch the Jenova Line ferry from Akashi to Iwaya in Awaji. At the information centers listed below, they offer rental bicycles,as well as electric bicycles.

【Bicycle Rentals】

○Information Center: First floor of Port Building in Iwaya, Awaji

 TEL：0799-72-3420

○Information Center: Bus terminal in Higashiura, Awaji

TEL：0799-75-2119

Cyclists can choose from variety of courses depending on their level and schedule, from an easy course visiting popular facilities on the island, to a course that circles the whole island. All courses run along the coastline, so enjoy the cool sea breeze during your bike ride.

　

　Cycling in Awaji Island（2010 Awaji Long Ride 150) 

Summer Events and Traditions: Festivals and Fairs

  The third installment of our Summer Events and Traditions series is on summer festivals and fairs.

  During summer, many festivals are held to keep away the bad luck. One of the most popular events is called Bon-Odori. Odori means dance in Japanese and this particular type of traditional dance event is held during Obon season. It is held to greet the spirits of the deceased who can only return to this world during the time of Obon.

  One of the most famous Bon-Odori festivals is the Dekansho-festival held in Sasayama, Hyogo. This year, the festival will be held on August 15 and 16.

 Dekansho Festival