JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE ~ A SOCIAL DISTANT ALTERNATIVE ~

1: INTRODUCTION OF ACTIVITY:

--- HORSE RIDING (PART. 02) ---

In the last newsletter we gave you some information about the new trend of horse riding in Japan. This time we would like to tell you about the time, where we had the chance to participate in a horse riding experience in Tokyo’s neighboring prefecture Chiba last summer. 

It took us about an hour to get from central Tokyo to the ranch in the outskirts of Chiba, for which the owners picked us up at the train station and took us the rest of the way by private car.

The air was so fresh and the grass and trees so wonderfully green, that we barely believed we were still so close to one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

After a short health check and filling out the forms we were brought to the stable, where we got our special riding gear like chaps and helmets. The horses were already saddled and bridled by the staff, so we only had to line up and climb on the back of them.

Experiencing the fresh air and greenery from high up on a horse was really awesome and due to social distancing we were even able to take off our masks and breathe normally.

Thankfully the horses are very well trained and used to having small groups of people joining them on their stroll through the fields, so even as a first time horse rider you can feel safe. There is also the staff guiding the horses on a lead line for most parts of the tour.

After the tour we were able to feed the horses and stroke one of the micro ponies. It was very cute! Overall we felt very safe and had a great time!

This tour is highly recommended for clients that might feel stressed and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

You can watch short video of horse riding in Chiba from
following our YouTube's URL;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JjKHgZBKKw

2: SHIMANE TRAVEL BLOG

Hello! This is Hiroshi from Hankyu Travel DMC Japan.
Once a year, I travel to a place where I have never been
in Japan with my family.Last year, we went to Shimane prefecture. This prefecture is situated in western Japan,
next to Hiroshima prefecture. It takes about 1.5 hours (800 km) by flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo En-musubi Airport (Shimane).

We stayed at a ryokan in Tamatsukuri onsen. This area is located south of Lake Shinji, the 7th largest lake in Japan. It takes around 40 minutes (8.5 km) from Matsue station by public transportation.The area is well known for producing magatama, curved bead, which is used for Japanese ornament and jewelry since ancient times. You must see this motif on the magatama bridge in this area. 

And you can also find a river which has free natural foot baths, so you can relax and enjoy a peaceful landscape while taking the foot baths.This hot spring is known for bringing out beautiful skin. At Yuyakushi square, you can freely take home hot spring water for using as a facial toner.

Our hotel provided a rental service of paper lantern for free of charge, so we enjoyed walking along the river at night with good atmosphere.

Next day, we visited Yaegaki Shrine situated between
Tamatsukuri onsen and Matsue station. It takes around 20 minutes (4.5 km) from Matsue station by public transportation. At this shrine, there is a legend that the gods Susanoo, who slayed Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed and eight-tailed dragon), and Inata-hime hold the first wedding in Japan. Therefore this shrine is popular spot for wish for a long and happy relationship, "En-musubi".

In this shrine, there is a pond named Kagami no Ike. You can try a fortune-telling for love here. First, you buy
a Japanese paper (YEN 100) at the office of the shrine. Then, you float the paper on the pond, and put a coin on the paper. If the paper sinks fast, you will find love soon, or if the paper sinks slowly, you will find love later. I tried it, but since I put a coin roughly without hesitation, the paper sank so fast. It might mean that my future partner is close to me.

Anyway, I enjoyed very well the visit of Shimane. Beside the places that I introduced this time, there are some famous places in Shimane suchas Izumo shrine, Adachi museum and Matsue castle. If you have an opportunity, I recommend you to visit Shimane
for feeling the mysterious atmosphere.