Kinwashi Tour Japan Thread

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:05

  Often you see this during Chinese New Year.

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:09

  Bai - Plum Tree  Ei - Prosperity Do - Shrine or Shop

  Plum Blossoms In Japan the Plum Blossom is known as "The Flower of Peace" and has a very important place in Japanese literature and symbolism. Much Japanese art, literature, and ceremony revolves around Seasons as symbolized by various flowers. Plum Blossoms symbolize Spring and everyone should visit Japan when the Plum Blossoms are blooming. Festivals surround this flower, as well as textile patterns (the background pattern at the top of this page appears to be an Ume (Plum Blossom) style, but is possible a Small Cherry (Kozokura) style. Tea Centerpieces, Kimonos, and Obi's, and even Tsuba's use various styles of these symbols. In the Japanese Incense ceremony known as Kodo (The Way of Incense) there is always a symbol of the current season, as well as night and day, etc. The games, called Kumiko, are often designed around the seasons. Sanjonishi Sanetaka and his friends who really originated Kodo and the Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu) were renga poets first of all! Renga like Haiku has "Season Words" called "Kigo" which are extremely important in emerging one in the poem. If there is no feeling you are inside the Haiku then it is like wind rustling through the trees without you noticing. These seasons Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer are further divided into three: early, middle, and late. Ume, the Japanese plum (more of an apricot) is a kigo for early spring, and sakura, cherry blossoms are a kigo for late spring. "a few slices of  konnyaku and  plum blossoms" konnyaku no | sashimi mo sukoshi | ume no hana -- Basho Example of a Kimono Plum Blossom pattern. The Sword Guard (Tsuba) below is courtesy of Jim Gilbert from his collection. It not only displays the Ume pattern but also the Genji-mon and symbol for Smoking Incense.   This is the Genji-mon for "The Branch of Plum" chapter in the "Tale of the Genji." It is difficult to look anywhere in Japanese culture without finding some style of expression of the Plum Blossom, afterall, as we said in the beginning: "It is known as the Flower of Peace" Copyright 2007 - David Oller Return to Kobunboku

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:14

  • Explore»
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  • Chinese New Year (65)

  

  by Chuck
  4,300 Followers

  Chinese New Year – Flowers and Fruit

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  As the Holiday Begins, Homes Blossom with Flowers

  As the Chinese New Year begins, homes blossom with traditional flowers and fruits. In addition to the decorative and festive effect, the fruits and flowers convey a rich and symbolic message. Each one has a long tradition of being a part of the Chinese New Year celebration.

  In the days and weeks leading up to the start of the New Year, homes are cleaned from top to bottom and no corner or crevice is left un-swept. The rooms are then decorated with vases of flowers and live plants. Fresh and candied fruits are also laid out in the home. All of these play a part in the celebration and all have a special meaning and tradition behind them. Live, blooming flowers symbolize the rebirth that will take place with the coming spring and fruit blossoms symbolize the start of the cycle that will result in a new crop of fruit later in the year. Fruits and flowers in the home are believed to bring good luck and good fortune to the home in the coming year. Flower markets do a booming business in the days leading up to the New Year.

  

  Peach blossoms symbolize growth, prosperity, long life and romance

  

  Plum Blossoms symbolize perserverence and reliability.

  

  The Peony - known as the "Flower of Riches and Honor" it is a symbol of feminine beauty as well as of love and affection.

  

  Oranges symbolize abundance and happiness

  Certain Flowers and Fruits have Special Meanings

  In addition to their beauty and taste, certain flowers and fruits have special meanings for this time of year.

  Peach blossoms symbolize growth, prosperity, long life and romance. Because they are associated with romance, peach blossoms are popular with single people who decorate with them in hopes of finding love in the coming year.

  Plum blossoms are another popular flower as they symbolize perseverance and reliability, two traits needed for success in life.

  The peony is another popular flower that is rich in holiday symbolism. Called the Flower of Riches and Honor by the Chinese, the peony is a symbol of feminine beauty as well as of love and affection. Since the color red is associated with good luck, red peonies are very popular as people decorate their homes with them in hopes of bringing luck and good fortune to the home in the coming year.

  Water lilies, pussy willows, azaleas and narcissus are also popular flowers for decorating homes at this time of year.

  Fruits are another popular decoration and, like flowers, are rich in seasonal symbolism.

  Oranges and tangerines are very popular as, among other things, they symbolize abundant happiness. When visiting family or friends during the New Year's season it is customary to bring a gift of a bag of oranges and tangerines. Especially popular are tangerines with leaves still attached as this symbolizes that the relationship between the giver and receiver of a gift of tangerines is secure. For newlyweds, a gift of tangerines with leaves still attached symbolize the uniting of the couple into a family that will be blessed with many children.

  Kumquats are another popular fruit largely because their name in Chinese, Kam Gat Shu, sounds like the Chinese words for gold and luck.

  In addition to laying out trays of fresh fruits, especially oranges and tangerines, for guests who visit, custom also dictates that candied fruits and nuts be laid out as well. In addition to being tasty, these are also rich in symbolism and express hope for good fortune in the coming year. Popular candied fruits and nuts include:

  Melon seed which has been dyed red to symbolize truth, joy, happiness and sincerity.

  Lychee nuts which symbolize strong family relationships in the coming year.

  Coconuts which represent togetherness.

  Candied melon symbolizing good health and growth.

  Peanuts for long life

  Lotus seed which represents a hope for many children.

  Rich symbolism, beauty and tasty treats are the contribution that flowers and fruits bring to the Chinese New Year celebrations. 

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:18

  Plum or Ume Blossoms are sometimes confused with their cherry blossom cousins. 

   

  ← Happy Engrish Friday!

  Weekly Roundup #1 →

  Ume Blossoms!

  Posted on February 26, 2011by superhappyawesome

  It’s a been a gorgeous week here in this part of Japan! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and even the sun seems to be shining brighter. Best of all, the plum trees are blooming!

  Plum or Ume Blossoms are sometimes confused with their cherry blossom cousins. They look a bit similar, but noticeably darker and pinker. They also bloom much earlier–the end of February as opposed to the end of March or beginning of April.

  

  In fact, they were apparently the original choice for Hanami, or flower viewing parties during the the Nara period, from 710–794. It’s still a bit cool for sitting out under the trees, so I can understand why Sakura are the preferred blossoms for partying in the park. Still, they are a glorious reminder that spring is truly just around the corner.

  The warm weather has led me to being slightly arty, as evidence above (especially that last one!) My creative energies have been a bit dormant lately, so it feels really nice to just play around with layers & colors. These photos were somewhat inspired by Mika Ninagawa, one of my favorite Japanese photographers, and also utilized Hipstamatic. What do you guys think, did they turn out ok?

  This is also my very first entry in Show Me Japan. Check it out!

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:20

  Home - Travel - Essentials
  Japanese Plum
  reports  -  links

  

  The Japanese plum or ume (sometimes referred to as a Japanese apricot) has played an important role in Japanese culture for many centuries. It was originally introduced from China. The plum is associated with the start of spring, because plum blossoms are some of the first blossoms to open during the year. In the Tokyo area, they typically flower in February and March. The event is celebrated with plum festivals (ume matsuri) in public parks, shrines and temples across the country. Like cherry trees, plum trees come in many varieties, many of which were cultivated by humans over the centuries. Most plum blossoms have five petals and range in color from white to dark pink. Some varieties with more than five petals (yae-ume) and weeping branches (shidare-ume) have also been cultivated. Unlike cherry blossoms, plum blossoms have a strong fragrance. The actual ume fruit is more sour than the western plum or apricot, and is usually processed in various ways before eaten. The most popular processed form is the umeboshi, a sour, pickled plum, which is usually enjoyed with cooked rice. Umeboshi is one of the most typical Japanese flavors. Umeshu, a sweet alcoholic beverage made of plums, is also popular.

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:25

  So very confused after seeing so many kinds of Blossom in Japan or China,.

  So please dont be a (swa ku,)

  I, saw Cherry Blossom in Japan or China before.

  So many kind which is Cherry Blossom, which is Plum Blossom, Peach Blossom.

  Blossom everywhere.

   

   

   

  In The Peach Blossom Spring a fisherman finds himself travelling upstream, when he runs into a forest of peach blossom trees.  He eventually finds a crevice in the mountainside, and inside a thriving city of people who had fled the destruction of their own dynasty.  They were intrigued to find out what the fisherman knew, and after he had recounted the misfortunes of each dynasty since, they asked him to refrain from telling anyone of their existence.  I found the poem to be rather insightful.  I found the society that lived in the mountainside to be an oddity, and was intrigued by their decision to leave the destruction of their homeland.  It was a difficult decision to make, and made me think of the pioneers who left their homes to travel westward and create a new home for themselves.  The moral of the story is simply that if you leave the materialistic world behind you, and focus on the wonders that mother nature has to offer you will have a more peaceful life.

  

  There is a drastic representation of how little things have really changed in the world. The Peach Blossom Spring was written over a thousand years ago, and yet, it has the same relevance today as it did then.  It clearly shows that people have not changed, and that we still continue to seek after the materialistic desires of our hearts, and cause the same pain and destruction that was caused ages ago by those same desires.  In the end, the point of the story is that we all need to take a little time out of our lives to stop and think about what we are doing, to leave the world behind us, and focus on the joys nature has to offer.

  

   

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:30

  So this is all about  Cherry Blossom Talks that i know. From Japan.

  Come 2013 make an appointment, see the real Cherry Blossom.

  Still not too late.

   

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:45

  So please never be a (Swa Ku) again.

  Who say  Cherry Blossom you only can go to Japan.

  There  is also Plum Blosssom you can go.

   

   

  Some popular plum spots in and around Tokyo 

   

  Kairakuen (Ibaraki Prefecture) Mito Station, JR Joban Line Ranked as one of Japan's three finest landscape gardens, Kairakuenfeatures over 3000 plum trees of 100 varieties. A plum festival is held from February 18 to March 31, 2012. More details.

   

  Koishikawa Korakuen (Tokyo) Korakuen Station, Marunouchi Subway Line This beautiful Japanese landscape garden in central Tokyo features a few dozen plum trees. It used to be the site of the Tokyo residence of the feudal lords of Mito, the city where Kairakuen (see above) is located. An ume matsuri is held from February 4 to 26, 2012. More details.

   

  Kyu Shiba Rikyu (Tokyo) Hamamatsucho Station, Yamanote Line A classic Japanese landscape garden with a pond, man made hills and about a dozen plum trees. More details.

   

  Yushima Tenjin Shrine (Tokyo) Yushima Station, Chiyoda Subway Line A popular shrine among students who wish to pass entrance exams. A plum festival is held annually from February 8 to March 8, with various events on weekends and holidays.

   

  Hanegi Park (Tokyo) Umegaoka Station, Odakyu Line A small public city park with about 700 plum trees of many varieties. The Setagaya Ume Matsuri is celebrated here on weekends and holidays from February 4 to 26, 2012.

  Most popular plum spot in Kyoto

   

  Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Short walk from Kitanohakubaicho Station The foremost shrine devoted to Tenjin in Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangu has about 2000 plum trees in its garden. A special tea ceremony (Baikasai) is held in the garden on February 25. More details.

  Other famous plum spots

   

  Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Short walk from Dazaifu Station The most important of all Tenjin Shrines is located in Dazaifu near Fukuoka on Kyushu Island. About 6000 plum trees can be found on its grounds. More details.

   

  Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

   

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:49

  Home - Travel - Essentials

  Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

  links

  The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.   Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing: How to do cherry blossom viewing? When do the cherry blossoms bloom? Popular cherry blossom spots Cherry tree varieties

• kinwashi

  19 Dec 12, 22:55

  What about Peach Blossom.

  In Japan.

  See this video,

  You also can consider...not i say.

   

  http://youtu.be/jBH1Zf9AFNE

• kinwashi

  20 Dec 12, 22:23

  Is this Christmas?

   

  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2303.html

   

  

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 08:54

  So back to Nagano.

  In Winter.

   

  Winter through spring is strawberry picking season in Nagano. The berries are grown hydroponically in green houses, where you pay an entrance fee and then it’s all-you-can-eat. Strawberries for taking home are available for purchase.
  Apricot picking is available in some areas in June, and blueberry picking in early summer. Then in autumn comes one of Nagano’s favorite pastimes: apple picking. Nothing can beat an apple just picked off a tree and eaten right there in the orchard.
  Winter, spring, summer and fall, fruit picking can be enjoyed all year round. Some farms provide baby stroller and wheelchair access.
  Besides picking fruit, some farms offer a wide range of experiences, from planting to harvesting and even processing of soybeans, soba and other crops. In addition, classes are available for making soba, trying a weaving loom, making bamboo taketonbo toys, baking bread, creating oyaki dumplings or even making tofu. (Japanese only)
  

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 09:02

  Shinshu(Nagano) Apples
  Shinshu(Nagano) is Japan's second largest producer of apples after Aomori. 

  So do you want to  know apples from here?

   

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 09:05

  So FUJI Apples is not from FUJI Mountain.

   

  http://shinshu-fp.com/

   

  Fuji / ��

  (Generally ripening mid-November here in Nagano)

  The ubiquitous, big, sweet, eater; this apple is late season (ripening in November) and keeps very well. Most apple lovers (especially those from countries with a large range of varieties to choose from) may find the Fuji a little on the bland side, but there is no denying that it is a very sweet apple. As with the Youko, the flesh tends to be a little more on the yellow/cream side of white and fairly firm. 

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 09:13

  http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/technology/AJ201111180089

   

   

   

  November 18, 2011

  By TADAYUKI ITO / Staff Writer

  With its crisp sweetness mixed with a subtle tartness, a Nagano Prefecture apple appeared destined to become a big hit in Japan. But there was one serious problem with the Shinano Gold yellow apples. Most Japanese consumers feel that apples should be red.

  However, Shinano Gold apples may have found a more appreciative home. They will be cultivated in Italy next year as part of Nagano Prefecture's attempt to break into the European market, where consumers are not so picky about apple color.

  "We want to appeal our prefecture to the rest of the world with Shinano Gold," Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe said when he visited Italy in September. He was negotiating what is believed to be the first deal in which a variety of fruit from Japan will be grown in foreign soil under a licensing arrangement.

  Shinano Gold, developed by the prefectural government-run Nagano Fruit Tree Experiment Station, was registered as a new variety with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1999.

  Not only is the apple tasty, but it also retains its flavor for a long period after being harvested. One staff member at the experiment site simply boasted, "It's a wonderful apple."

  However, yellow apples account for only 10 percent of the entire apple market in Japan. And major Asian importers of Japanese apples have shown little interest in yellow apples.

  But in Europe, yellow and green apples are as popular as red ones, and the three colors are given equal space on shelves at grocery stores, sources said.

  Shinano Gold attracted the attention of SK Sudtirol, a group of agricultural associations in Italy, which gave the Nagano apple higher marks in terms of taste than the Golden Delicious, the main brand of European yellow apples.

  Agricultural associations of SK Sudtirol are located in Italy's northern South Tyrol region, which produces about 900,000 tons of apples annually, larger than Japan's total production of about 800,000 tons.

  The apples grown in South Tyrol are distributed around Italy and exported to other European countries.

  The farmers of the associations are now conducting cultivating tests for Shinano Gold apples. They are expected to sign a license contract in January.

  Under the contract, Nagano Prefecture will receive licensing fees from the associations based on sales of the apple.

  Annual apple production in Nagano Prefecture fell to 160,000 tons in 2009, compared with more than 200,000 tons annually in the 1990s. The prefecture is banking on the success of Shinano Gold in Europe to increase profits.

  "We hope this will open up a new business avenue for the apple industry," an official of the prefectural government's agricultural division said.

  By TADAYUKI ITO / Staff Writer

   

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 09:17

  

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 18:21

  

  Fuji is the most popular apple variety in Japan, and is also popular in China and the United States.  In Japan, Fuji apples are cultivated with "bags", and Sun Fuji refers to Fuji apples cultivated without bags.  As the name implies, Sun Fuji apples get a lot of sunshine while growing, and are flavorful than Fuji apples, but are inferior in appearance and shelf life.

  
  

  

   

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 18:23

   

   

  http://www.feelapple.jp/topics-e/1218-yellow-apple-sinano-gold.html

  yellow apple [sinano gold]

  The yellow apple of Aomori Prefecture in Japan is introduced. sinano gold The breeding of this apple was carried out in Nagano Prefecture. It is a sour apple. Furthermore, sweet taste is also felt strong. This apple is skillful yellow and its form is lovely.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:08

  yellow apple [TOKI] The yellow apple of Aomori Prefecture in Japan is introduced. TOKI This apple is sweet and sweet-smelling. Fruits have become tight and are fresh. Appearance is beautiful yellow and pink.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:09

  yellow apple [Orin]

  This apple is yellowish green.   Orin It is an apple with the strong sweet taste in which there is a pure scent.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:10

  yellow apple [hosinokinnka]

  The yellow apple of Aomori Prefecture in Japan is introduced. hosinokinnka   When the name of this apple is translated literally, it is a stellar gold coin. This apple has the very thin skin and fits the bite at rind and all.   A delicious period is long and is sold till spring of the next year.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:11

  yellow apple [Gunma　Meigetu]

  The yellow apple of Aomori Prefecture in Japan is introduced.   Gunma　meigetu   The breeding of this apple was carried out in Gumma Prefecture. When a name is translated literally, it is meant as the "moon of Gumma Prefecture" . It is the apple in which it is large and much honey core is contained. They are a fresh scent and an apple with strong sweet taste.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:13

  he sightseeing apple is performed in Aomori Hirakawa in Japan.

  (  The "Hirohune sightseeing apple garden" in Aomori Hirakawa opened from September 10. Hirohune area is 100 m in altitude.  They are the highlands in the west side in Mt. Hakkoda.   It is said that the sweet apple in a vivid color is grown since the whole park is a loose sloping ground belt.   ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ The price of an admission fee is 500 yen with three apples. Moreover, an apple can also be sent by a takeout or parcel delivery service. Apple picking can be enjoyed till the end of November. Close the park which Iwaki-san can see is and a picnic is also possible.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:14

  The Aomori Owani sightseeing apple garden opened. The sightseeing apple garden located in Owani-cho in Aomori Prefecture on September 5 opened.   Cutting ribbon for celebration was performed by the opening ceremony. 13 Kuradate nursery schoolers in the neighborhood enjoyed the first apple picking this year.The apple of opening ceremony that day was the red "Miki life."   ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊  Owani-cho is highlands located in the southernmost end of the Aomori Tsugaru district. They are highlands located in the southernmost end of a prefectural Tsugaru district.  Therefore, there is a difference of temperature.  Therefore, it is said that it is vivid and the delicious apple which withstands long use is produced.   The sightseeing apple garden here is opened till the middle of November.

• kinwashi

  21 Dec 12, 22:25

  So... know more about FUJI Apples.

  Dont get fooled by those big supermarkets here selling those

   Fuji apples from the country famous of doing imitations. so called FUJI Apples.

  Original Fuji Apples looked like this.

  From Japan Aomori.

  Video.

  http://youtu.be/5vB7EjMr6pU