On the other hand, in his daily life, Mr. Okada is a professional interpreter and a guide qualified by the Japanese government. He passed the very tough national examination whose pass rate was as low as 2% at the time. He is also an entrepreneur having started his own travel company in 1968, and has entertained 130,000 guests with his unique tours and another 140,000 by his Samurai show.
Imagine how challenging these tasks were for him: Japanese people had been strictly forbidden to speak English during the last World War, and he spent his junior high school life as a mobilized factory worker making propellers for “zero” fighter planes. He additionally received training to be a kamikaze pilot, resulting in only two years limited experience of English education at school.
As a Samurai, he has fought numerous times in his past life, but has not cut a single human being or animal with his sword. However, he has fought against almost everything - but what he has fought for? It was against former bureaucratic regulations trying to block his business, tough competition with huge enterprises copying his epoch-making ideas without his permission, and against rising yen beating rising sun in the early 1990s, just to name a few.
Eight years ago, Mr. Okada was invited as the first Samurai to visit an Aegis warship of the Self Defense Force. On the deck equipped with cutting-edge missile launchers and fire arms, he told the captain “I wish a sword will always be kept in its scabbard.” His remarks remind me of the legendary swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto, from the 16th century. It is said that Musashi had a philosophy believing that strong Samurai could win a series of victories even crossing swords with 100 enemies, but a truly strong Samurai was a man who did not have to use his sword even on a single occasion.
Mr. Joe Okada’s sword can instead cut apples in mid air and his achievement was once registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. Now he is ready to teach his secret technique for those who wish to learn. ]]>
Whether you believe this story or not, this is one of the major spots to encounter Maiko or Geiko, since it is now believed to be a deity for entertainment skills such as singing and dancing.
If you would like to see the best evening spots for finding Maiko or Geiko, come and join our walking tour described in the “Walk Tours” page of this website. In November, the tour starts at 6:00pm while in December and January, it starts at 5:00pm led by our member guides. No reservation is required. ]]>
The advantage is not only its extremely reasonable price, but you can also experience the unforgettable social times with other international tourists. Sometimes staff familiar with the latest hot spots also in other cities like Tokyo or Osaka accompany the guests. Currently “J-Hoppers” has two branches: J-Hoppers Kyoto and J-Hoppers Hiroshima, both of which are conveniently located close to the city centers. You can visit the Kyoto branch from JR Kyoto Station on foot and the Hiroshima branch is located close to Peace Memorial Park.
If you want to know more, visit our LINK page and hit the “J-Hoppers” website or directly ask the owner on the left who has amazing worldwide travel experience.]]>
What is the problem this year? The problem is that it is becoming difficult to judge when the blossoms will be due to the inconvenient global warming. Many say the timing will be much earlier than usual this year by one week or more. If the widespread prediction comes into being, it will be really inconvenient for a large number of people. For examples, caterers will have to change their delivery plans, and the events in Kyoto targeting the blossoms might be without Sakura after everything turns green - which is the perfect bed for sleeping worms, or entrance ceremonies of primary schools or kindergartens that are not accompanied by the flower way. .
In any event, please make sure not to miss the chance for cherry blossom viewing especially in Kyoto and Osaka. You will be guided to the perfect spot by taking part in our “Open Tours.” When you need someone to ask about the cherry blossom front, you can see the “what’s new” page on our website. Updated information about the “cherry blossom front” will be conveniently listed. ]]>
In one week, central Japan will enjoy cherry blossom viewing, while we can still enjoy skiing in the northern part of Japan due to the long archipelago extending from north to south. And in Okinawa, we can enjoy diving in another one or two months. In a country whose land area is rather limited and almost equivalent to that of California in the USA, it is as if we have both the weather of Canada and Hawaii at the same time.
In fact, this photo was taken on the very same day when Tokyo found the first cherry tree in bloom. Seasonal transition and variation will be a great joy for you on your visit to Japan.]]>
The in-details of this new tour will soon be announced as a series of our “Open Tours” and promises you the wonderful experience which you long have been looking for in Japan.
]]>I didn’t bring a folding umbrella on that day, which was a big mistake for a Japanese person, but I didn’t care at all about my old stone-washed jeans getting wet. However, things are the other way around for a “Geiko” wearing a truly gorgeous Kimono, each piece of which costs the equivalent of one house. Even for such an “emergency,” noble “Geiko” never forget about their business, always keeping elegant manners. They use a special umbrella made of oiled papers, and they can manipulate it even detecting the direction of the wind. After coming across this rare chance, my five-day fever of 38 degrees started, but it was worth running the risk.
With apologies for this big delay but with the highly auspicious combination of red and blue umbrella of the Geiko in her blackish Kimono especially worn on new year's day, I wish all of our customers around the globe a Happy New Year! ]]>