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Irish Food and Culture

With St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, and the close ties between Matsue and Ireland, I was on the lookout for something special, something uniquely Irish. As fortune would have it, I was pleased to meet Alan Fisher who recently relocated to Matsue who will have opened...
TEA TIME! FUJIHARA CHADONYA

TEA TIME! FUJIHARA CHADONYA

Are you tired of spending money on high price coffee? Would you like to have something that is healthy, organic, and taste great? I then would like to introduce you to Daito Tea. The originator of Daito Tea was the 7th lord of Matsue domain, Haursato Matsudaira, known...

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THE BEAUTY OF SPRING IN SHIMANE

THE BEAUTY OF SPRING IN SHIMANE

The Spring in Japan is when new things start. Many people start their new jobs, students move into their new classes, and the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom. I think this is one of the most beautiful times in Japan. The beauty of Cherry Blossoms surrounding Matsue...

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Sweets for your sweets

Sweets for your sweets

With Valentines Day quickly approaching, we were on the lookout for some places to buy unique chocolate and sweets for those you love.  Below our some of our suggestions that will add a little something extra to your Valentine’s Day giving.  And guys, don’t forget...

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Hajime Wilds

Hajime Wilds

Are you wanting to redesign a room to a more traditional Japanese look with some modern ideas or looking for that one piece of wood furniture that will complete the room? I would like to introduce you to Hajime Wilds.   Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to...

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Window on the Rich Crafts of Shimane

Window on the Rich Crafts of Shimane

Shimane has a long tradition of high-quality craftwork, including ceramics and lacquerware. A great place to learn about these traditional local crafts is the Tezen Museum in Izumo. Located a short walk from Izumo Taisha, the museum preserves a treasure trove of art...

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Look out below!

Look out below!

    Are you tired of sitting under your heated blanket and endlessly scrolling through your phone? Are you looking for some winter fun? Then why not take a day trip and visit one of Shimane`s ski areas? Both Kotobiki Forest Park in Iinan and Miinohara ski area in...

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Shimane Spotlight – Onsen Guide

Shimane Spotlight – Onsen Guide

The translation for onsen is hot spring. In America, we have hot springs, but we do not have anything like onsen. I think onsen is more accurately translated as a hot-spring public bath. I still remember feeling uncomfortable the first time I went to an onsen. The...

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Poltry In Motion

Poltry In Motion

For our dedicated readers, you’ll know I’m always hunting for foreign foods, but one area that I really haven’t had much luck with is the coveted western style Christmas dinner. Of course I could always go with fried chicken, as Japanese often do, but I come from a...

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Nature Farm, Izumo

Nature Farm, Izumo

After being in Japan nearly fifteen years, more than a decade in Shimane, I’ve met a lot of people, many of them with your standard eight-to-five office jobs, English teachers, eikaiwa owners and restaurateurs.  I’ve met people who make and sell stained glass, work in...

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