Text Size largest larger medium (normal) smaller smallest Back number Vol.1 Vol.2 Vol.3 Vol.4 Vol.5 Vol.6 Vol.7 Vol.8 Vol.9 Vol.10 Vol.11 Vol.12 Vol.13 Vol.14 Vol.15 Vol.16 Vol.17 Vol.18 Vol.19 Vol.20 Vol.21 Vol.22 Vol.23 Vol.24 Tom wants to show you the more genuine places in Japan that only Japanese people know about. Thanks to the kuroshio ocean current, in the Japan Current, Saiki City has a mild climate, even in winter. For six years, Tom Groendal has lived in Jokamachi, where the oceans blessing’s are evident. Won’t you go with Tom to enjoy a winter trail deep in literary history? Hello! If you want to know about Saiki City, leave it to me, Tom Groendal. To let everyone know about how great a place this is I am involved in many activities. While we walk, I’ll introduce you to a favorite place of mine, Shiroyama. Shiroyama is a symbol of Saiki City. According to the former feudal lord Mori, the Tsuruya Castle was built and the land south of that was made into Jokamachi (or, “castle town”). The stone walls still remain as a vestige of that place. The view from the top of Shiroyama is amazing! Whenever friends visit me, I always take them here to enjoy fully the rich natural surroundings. While walking the trail, I was amazed to hear that some people walk the trail every day. This unpaved natural mountain trail can tire you out quickly, but legs are like teeth—the harder ones get tempered first. I was also surprised to find that most of the hikers are old-aged. Everyone greets you cheerfully as you cross paths. I feel my body and mind soothed by the deep and expansive forest and by the warmth of people I meet. Saiki Citizens’ Walking Course. This unpaved, naturally bumpy trail will work your legs and hips, and work to improve your health. The view of Saiki City from the top of Shiroyama is superb. Please come see it at least once! In this town nurtured by history and literature, there exists a road that professes it’s name. The mountain trail from Yagura Gate to Yoken Temple is a road placed in the list of Japan’s One-Hundred Chosen Roads, and is rich in literary history. The white walls of this warrior family’s mansion emits the fragrance of times long ago—so much so, it seems a samurai will jump out at any moment! After descending Shiroyama, let’s take a detour on the historical road leading to the warrior family estate and its white walls. I first want to introduce you to the Kunikida Doppo Building. I came to know about the Kunikida Doppo Building when I created and acted for a television documentary show about Saiki and Tsurumi. When I narrated for the show, I cited such works as “Spring Bird” and “Deer Hunting.” These works were so amazingly fresh in the way they spoke of nature in Saiki it was as if I could see each landscape before my very eyes. You can enjoy Doppo’s literary works by reading them in digital-book form at the reading corner on the second floor of this building. If you’re tired from walking, take a break at Kyushintei. A one-story Japanese-style house, here is a place of rest; in its garden you can drink green tea and eat carefully prepared candy while watching the changing seasons in the clean air. Kyushintei, which means literally “the heart-divining rest-stop” got its name by the way the employees treated customers through understanding their feelings. When you enter the tea ladies greet you warmly. It’s an environment where your heart can truly relax. The building is also used for tea and haiku parties, and various other traditional events. Kunikida Doppo Building Saiki City, Joka-higashi Town 9-37 TEL/0972-22-2866 Open/9:00~17:00 (Entrance until 4:30) Closed/Monday every week (New Years closed: 12/29~1/3) (Closed the following day when Monday is a national holiday) Entrance fees/ Individuals:Adults 200 yen; Elementary, Junior High Students 100 yen Groups (15 or more): Adults 100 yen; Elementary, JH Students 50 yen Tea Room Kyushintei Saiki City, Joka-nishi Town 3-13 TEL/0972-24-3905 Open/9:00~17:00 Closed/Monday every week (New Years closed: 12/29~1/3) (Closed the following day when Monday is a national holiday) Candy/Green Tea and Candy Set: 300 yen In the Meiji period, the skilled writer, Kunikida Doppo, lived part of his life in this Japanese-style room with its short ceiling. The appearance of the garden through the window changes with the seasons. The trees and pond around the garden in the back collect spring water that trickles out of the mountain, creating a beautifully rendered landscape scene. Won’t you take a break with some slightly sweet green tea? I’m feeling rested already! The quietly elegant, one-story, Japanese-style Kyushintei. It feels like the spirit of a samurai, or a lady of old Japan, will come back to life here. How about a fresh product from the ocean as a souvenir present? I would recommend Marine Park Ariake. While you enjoy the scenery, first help yourself to a Ryukyudon (“Ryukyu rice bowl”), which uses the freshest fish and shellfish, kaizoku-yaki and sashimi. To remember your experience, try a marine or marine-processed food product as a souvenir present and you’ll never forget Saiki. Saiki Turumi Oaza Ariakeura 24 Tel/097-33-1237 Hours/11:00~17:00 Closed/December 31~January 1 Saiki’s famous morning market is held starting at eight in the morning on the first Sunday of every month. Of course they have fresh fish and shellfish, but the market is also bustling with early birds looking for other marine and agricultural products. The most popular of all products, though, is the ground-fish tempura. It uses the freshest fish out there, so it’s no wonder why it’s worth trying for a meal at least once. Saiki City Tsurumi Tsurumi Sakanakaido in the Tsurumi Fish Market Event days/first Sunday of every month (except January) Event hours/8:00~12:00 “Kodanse” is local Saiki dialect for “oide” in Japanese, or “come.” The fisherman’s market is held at 9AM on the third Sunday of every month at the Yonozu old school building. The sale of fish, shellfish, and processed marine products is conducted by the fishermen themselves, so of course they are fresh, but you can also try the food on site by getting a set meal. Saiki City Yonozu, old Hazako branch school Event days/third Sunday of every month (except August) Event hours/9:00~ Copyright(c) 2007 Oita Prefecture. All rights reserved.