Malaysians Get To Experience the Japanese Nengajyo Culture

Yeah‼️ Year of the Rabbit 🐇🐰 “卯年” is upcoming real soon, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 would like to share about the ~ Nengajyo 2023 New Year Postcard Exhibition ~ 

Yes ✅, it’s about time to say good bye to 2022 & welcome the 🆕 year 2023, the year of the Rabbit 🐇🐰

Also a very special time in Japan 🇯🇵, of course in Malaysia 🇲🇾  with this Nengajyo 2023 event happening now for all Malaysians 😃😁

Guess what ❓⁉️

1️⃣ of the most celebrated traditions during the Japanese New Year お正月 is to send 📬📮 New Year’s greeting cards, or Nengajyo “年賀状” It meant to preserve good relations with the precious people in our lives

Oshogatsu お正月 aka Japanese New Year is a very special time in Japan 🇯🇵 It’s 1️⃣ of the most important & most celebrated Japanese holidays. Japanese people will start clean their homes 🧹🧼🧽🏡🏘️ from top to bottom (Oosoji), preparing traditional food to be eaten during the 1️⃣st 3️⃣ days of the new year (Osechi Ryori) etc.

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Ohh ya…1️⃣ of the most celebrated traditions during this Japanese New Year is to send New Year’s greeting cards aka Nengajyo “年賀状” It meant to preserve good relations with the precious people in our lives

It’s similar to the holiday greeting cards exchanged in the European countries, Nengajyo are an important part of Japan’s New Year festivities. By sending Nengajyo to friends, family & colleagues, the Japanese people can share their wishes for a peaceful, prosperous & happy new year, as well as expressing their gratitude 🙏🏻 for help & kindness received in the past year with the hopes of preserving their good relations in the year ahead ☺️💞

Nengajyo cards are distinctively designed with special New Year’s motifs. Many feature the eto, or zodiac animal of the upcoming 🆕 year. Traditional themes such as kadomatsu (decorative arrangements of pine, bamboo 🎍 & sometimes plum blossoms 🌸), kites 🪁, eggplant & the sun rising over Mount Fuji 🗻 are also popular Nengajyo designs in Japan 🇯🇵

Now all Malaysians get to experience this Japanese Nengajyo culture

Why not spread some New Year’s happiness to your loved ones by making your own Nengajyo❓⁉️

@siennylovesdraw

Malaysians Get To Experience the Japanese Nengajyo Culture @ ~ Nengajyo 2023 New Year Postcard Exhibition ~ Date 🗓️: 20 to 23 & 27 to 30 Dec 2022 Note📌: Closed on Mondays, #ChristmasEve & #Christmas Day Time 🕥: 10.30AM to 7PM (Tue-Sat) & 10.30AM to 5PM (Sun) Venue 📍: @ilhamgallerykl #GiftShop , Lvl 5, Ilham Tower, 8 Jalan Binjai, KL🇲🇾 Read more via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/category/art-culture-heritage/ #Japan #japanese #chinesenewyear #CNY #exhibition #ilhamgallerygiftshop #ilhamgallerykl #japanesenewyear #postcard #ilhamgallerykl #ilhamgiftshop #workshops #workshop #nengajo #postcards #gifts #gift #art #culture #cultures #cultural #heritage #arts #handmade #handrawn #handwriting #handwork #handwritten

♬ Buah Hati – Armada

SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻✍🏻🎴 has dropped by recently & enjoyed creating her own 2023 Nengajyo card quietly at the space & brought it back home with RM1️⃣ payment, do check out her happy TikTok clip captured above 😁📹🌐

Hahaha too many rabbit 🐇🐰 stampingsss on her 2023 Nengajyo card for a greater 🆕 year ahead, yeah‼️💯

Alternatively, you may choose to exhibit your Nengajyo card created at this exhibition with no fee required 🖼️

Hmm…She is planning to bring her little niece to revisit again , so can do the 2023 Nengajyo card “年賀状” & also learn the Kakizome “書き初め” then, it would be a good kids activities to learn & appreciate different art & cultures 👩🏻💕👧🏻

Let’s us all head over to the “Nengajyo 2023 New Year Postcard Exhibition” to experience the tradition, try to make & send some Nengajyos 📮📬

It’s 🆓 admission for all & there are 2️⃣ long tables with stationeries available for public to sit down & create Nengajyo cards 🎴🎴

• Date 🗓️: 14 to 18, 20 to 23 & 27 to 30 Dec 2022 (Note📌: Closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
• Time 🕥: 10.30am to 7pm (Tue to Sat) & 10.30am to 5pm (Sun)
• Venue 📍: Ilham Gallery Gift Shop, Level 5, Ilham Tower, 8 Jalan Binjai, KL, West Malaysia

You can buy the postcards or posters of Year of the Rabbit 🐇🐰 “卯年” from the Ilham Gallery Gift Shop as your home 🏡 🆕 year decorations

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A post shared by MY NENGAJYO 年賀狀 (@mynengajyo)

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Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses

Yeah‼️ SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 would like to encourage all to “Let’s be plastic 🆓 & instead zero 0️⃣ plastic whenever we are travelling around”, whether you’re the travellers or the tourism players across the globe 🌎

This sharing is relating to her earlier sharing via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/plastic-free/ from her attendance to Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 ✅

She has read 📖 about the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has recently announced about the launch of a 🆕 online resource for increasing ⬆️ the sustainability of the tourism sector. This course named “Targeting Zero 0️⃣ Plastics in Tourism Businesses – with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” is recently launched in conjunction with PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 (PDMF) which held in Songkhla, Thailand 🇹🇭 from 2 to 4 Aug recently. SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 has registered it, however due to work commitment, she was unable to attend it personally 😔

In March 2022, PATA actually already started a collaboration 🤝🏻 with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the goal of advising tourism & hospitality businesses on plastic waste reduction⬇️ To achieve this, PATA has developed this online course 👩🏻‍💻👨🏻‍💻🧑🏻‍💻 to provide step-wise guidance on minimising the sourcing & consumption of single-use plastics as well as the importance for organisations to sign ✍🏻 the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge

The Pledge, which is a collaboration 🤝🏻 between UNESCO & Expedia Group, is open & applicable to all tourism businesses, regardless of their size or location. By signing ✍🏻 the Pledge, they will be joining a network 🌐 of leading tourism & hospitality businesses that are helping their destinations in the development of sustainable tourism. “The Sustainable Travel Pledge is particularly timely as we work to build a 🆕 kind of tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, by inviting local tourism stakeholders to commit to inclusive & sustainable measures”, said Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture 👨🏼‍💼

“The pandemic caused hardship in tourism destinations worldwide 🌎, but also led to severe setbacks in our fight against plastic waste”, said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “Now is the time to take action & strive for a more sustainable tourism & hospitality industry. We’re proud to make this contribution to plastic waste reduction ⬇️ efforts.”

The amount of plastics we currently produce, consume and dispose of is unsustainable, and tourism activities and hospitality businesses do contribute largely to this issue. In the Mediterranean, for example, marine litter increases up to 40% during tourist peak season (One Planet, 2021) & this poses a threat to tourism destinations themselves

As put by Ang Choo Pin, Managing Director Asia, Expedia Group, “It is essential for hotels, restaurants, tour operators & all other tourism businesses to reduce ⬇️ the amount of plastics they generate & dispose of the unavoidable plastics responsibly if they wish to protect the very assets they rely on to attract customers”

Reducing ⬇️ single-use plastics in tourism & hospitality businesses provides not only an opportunity to protect the destination’s ecosystems but also to support the local community & economy, as it is advocated throughout the online course 🧑🏻‍💻👨🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻 This is because sourcing local products & using local resources & services in tourism offerings & activities reduces reliance on international supply chains as well as economic leakages. Moreover, local artisanal products are more likely to be made of natural, renewable materials than mass-produced ones

How can we reduce single-use plastic consumption while traveling?@PATA_HQ & @UNESCO teamed up to bring you a new, free course entitled Sustainable Travel with UNESCO: Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses: https://t.co/Pudb6WVC7S #SustainableTourism pic.twitter.com/6gbLCGvd1Q

— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳😷 (@UNESCO) August 1, 2022

“The course developed by PATA is an incredible resource for businesses to understand the relationships between communities, culture & environmental protection through plastic waste reduction”, says Dr. Hanh Duong Bich, Program Specialist and Chief of Culture Unit at UNESCO Office in Bangkok. “It gives great guidance and examples on how businesses can help fight plastic waste & at the same time promote local heritage & strengthen local supply chains.” 👍🏻

The course “Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses – with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” is open-sourced & available ✅ to all

The self-paced course is available open-sourced in 2️⃣ languages, English & Thai. It covers the following topics;

1. What is the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge ❓⁉️
2. What is the necessary process to implement a plastic waste reduction strategy ❓⁉️
3. What are the concrete measures needed to reduce single-use plastics in my business❓⁉️
4. How can local knowledge & products help fight plastic waste ❓⁉️
5. How can I continue my journey towards plastic waste reduction ❓⁉️

https://t.co/lsyxX3Cn0j Completed & recommend all attend @PATA_HQ @UNESCO 🆕&🆓 #onlinecourse #course #Sustainable #Travel #UNESCO #ZeroPlastics #Hospitality #Tourism #Businesses #SustainableTourism #sustainability #plasticfree #saynotoplastic #Tourisme #travel #Blog #Trending ♻️ pic.twitter.com/JQp61JsNaf

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) August 8, 2022

Participants can receive an e-certificate 📜 if they achieve the minimum required score ie. 80% in the final quiz. Yeah‼️ SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 has just completed & received her e-certificate 📜, then sharing here for all to also attending this useful informative online course 💪🏻🙌🏻👍🏻

Let’s start to access this online course 👨🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻🧑🏻‍💻 via 🌐 https://crc.pata.org/courses/unesco/

Happy learning all & let’s “Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses – with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” 👍🏻

Tohoku, Japan ~ Fukushima Prefecture & Things To Do

From SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 earlier blogging about the 4 sessions of Japan 🇯🇵 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tohoku Online Seminar Secretariat attended with aims to promoting & endorsing Japan 🇯🇵 Tourism in Tohoku region, also to providing the latest information from local municipalities, Tourism Federation & Malaysian presenters who are familiar with the mentioned areas 👍🏻 Tohoku region in Japan 🇯🇵

• Akita Perfecture 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/tohoku-japan-akita-prefecture-things-to-do/
• Miyagi Perfecture 🌐https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/11/23/tohoku-japan-miyagi-prefecture-things-to-do/
• Iwate Perfecture 🌐https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/01/01/tohoku-japan-iwate-prefecture-things-to-do/
• Aomori Perfecture 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/02/19/tohoku-japan-aomori-prefecture-things-to-do/

Again, she really enjoyed this 5th session @ 26 Jan & would like to share some of the important information she has learnt about Fukushima Prefecture 福島県, the 3rd largest perfecture in Japan

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Similarly, this online seminar kick started with the updates in Japan 🇯🇵 by Ms Farah. Japan international border remains suspended. self quarantine period for cross border travellers has shortened to 10 days. More updated Japan travel details via 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/practical-coronavirus-information/ & 🌐 https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html

Ms Farah has also shared about some typical Japanese-style breakfast ie. Washoku, a traditional Japanese cuisine which being recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of its diverse & fresh ingredients, exceptionally well-balanced & healthy to convey the beauty of nature & changing seasons. The common composition of Washoku including rice (Carbohydrate, either plain steamed white, brown/ genmai or mixed rice – seasoned with soy sauce/ dashi/ seasonal ingredients) + 1 soup (Hydration, miso soup – made from fermented soybean paste & a dashi broth with chopped green onion, wakame seaweed & tofu) + 3 dishes (Protein – grilled fish/ rolled eggs, minerals, vitamin & fibre – “Kobaci”, assorted vegetables prepared in different ways) . Ms Farah also honorable mentioned the Natto & TKG – Tamago-kake Gohan. As a typical love to eat foodie, she wants to taste the Kitakata Ramen as recommended by Ms Farah. It served in a refreshing soy sauce soup, consisting of thick noodles with slices of pork, bamboo shoots & spring onions

Sharing from Ms Abe 🙋🏻‍♀️ from Fukushima Tourism Department about 3 major regions of Fukushima ie. Aizu, Nakadori & Hamadori. It’s 90mins train journey from Tokyo. She has shared some famous destinations to visit by each season in Fukushima. The highly acclaimed Fukushima Peach is in Summer season, must enjoy the refreshing tasty Peach Parfait. Also Ms Abe has recommended some unique experiences ie. cycling around to appreciating the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves, winter sports to enjoy at Alts Snow Park & Resort & Higashiyama Onsen, drift taxi, ramen tasting, Samurai performance, Akabeko painting & etc.

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Next, sharing from Ms Tan from JNTO about 6D5N Southern Tohoku Tour suggestion by flying in/ out through Tokyo in autumn season by car/ bus

1. Fly in 🛬, free & easy in Tokyo. Must taste the Tsukishima Monjayaki pancakes 🥞
2. To Lake Inawashiro – Akabeko (Its legend story & lucky 🍀 charm) / Aizu candle 🕯️ making experience – Tadami River Bridge viewpoint – Hotel 🏨: Aizu Ashinomaki Onzen ♨️ to experience Demon Slayer scene alike ryokan
3. To Kitakata City for Kitakata Ramen 🍜, brewery tour & sake🍶 tasting – Uesugi Hakushakutei – Hotel 🏨: Ginzan Onsen to experience spirited away scene alike onsen street & former official royal 👑 family accommodation
4. To Naruko Gorge – Matsushima islands 🗾 – Ichiban-cho to experience local gourmet grab & go – Hotel stay at Sendai city to experience the Sendai Pageant of Starlight
5. Shopping 🛍️ trip at Sendai-Izumi premium outlets – Zao Fox Village – Adachigahara Furusatomura – Hotel 🏨 stay at Koriyama city to get in touch with the rural life of Japan
6. Kawagoe city street strolling for time travel to the past & last mins shopping 🛍️ before flying out 🛫 to Tokyo/ back home

More Japan travel planning via 🌐 https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/itineraries/index.html & 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/my/beauty-of-hokkaido-tohoku/

Lastly, live sharing by a Malaysian student, Ms Admirah about her favourite shine muscat grape, powdery snow in winter ❄️ Ohh ya…She reminded all visitors must bring a good camera to capture the beautiful scenery etc. when travelling to Japan

Things To Do @ Fukushima Prefecture

SiennyLovesDrawing loves train ride, so definitely she will enjoy a scenic railway ride on the Oku-Aizu Railway (Tadami Line) which offering fantastic views of the striking natural scenery 🚞✨, especially during autumn & winter seasons

Aizu region with historical sites eg. Tsuruga Castle & Nakadori, with mountainous natural landscapes 🏔️, orchards & hot springs ♨️, both have basin areas that remain warm in winter & mountainous areas with cool summers & snowy winters

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Mugenkyo-no-Watashi River Crossing on the Tadami River via Japanese boat trip around 15mins per way & run between Hayato Onsen pier & the Mifuke area. This was named after the truly wondrous scenery created by the river mist in the mornings & evenings of summer

Tsuruga Castle 鶴ヶ城 🏯 was known for its strong defense, enduring for an entire month under the enemy’s attack during the 1868 war. It’s said to be the only castle in Japan that still has the same red-tiled roof from the time before it was demolished. At top floor, it offers a view of Mt. Bandai & Iimori Hill, also the townscape of Aizu. Ms Abe has recommended this castle as must visit during spring & autumn season

SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 also read about this unique Buddhist temple built in 1796 named Sazaedo Temple 螺旋堂 ⛩️ (Aizu Sazae-do, officially named Entsusansou-do). It’s still standing strong now after about 220 years, this 3-story temple solely made of wood, looks like a spiral staircase shaped with its ingenious double-helix slope (It allows visitors to ascend & descend the temple structure without meeting those moving in the opposite direction) that makes it in National Important Cultural Property listing in 1995 & also was showcased in Michelin Green Guide in 2018. Visitors will observe a discontinued practice by local Japanese from the plastered family placards of visitors who completed pilgrimages to the temple & gave donations on the roof & walls of this temple. She would definitely visiting it when she is at Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima. More info via 🌐 http://sazaedo.jp/

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Hanamiyama Park 🏞️ sets on the slopes of the hills to offers a plethora of cherry trees with many different hues of pink. Must enjoy the walking trails & exploring the recommended picture-taking spots during the sakura season, middle of April in Fukushima

Miharu Takizakura 三春滝桜 is ranked among the Japan’s “3 greatest cherry trees 🌸💮” ~ The Takizakura literally means “waterfall cherry tree” is 1 of the most popular single cherry trees in Japan. The wonderfully shaped weeping cherry tree in the hills of Miharu Town is said to be over 1000 years old

Bandai-Azuma Skyline (Nakadori) is 1 of selected Japan’s top 100 roads, a scenic driving 🚗 route stretches 28.7km to meandering through the Azuma mountain range, between Takayu Onsen & Tsuchiyu Toge Pass. The highlight of the drive is the Fudosawa Bridge 🌉 spanning over the Tsubakuro Valley, the view from the bridge is spectacular as if you’re floating in the sky

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Tatsusawa Fudotaki Recreation Forest 🌳🌳 in the Tatsusawa Hot Spring village, a great place for an outdoor adventure in this rural setting ie. hiking, waterfalls, visit temples ⛩️, skiing ⛷️🎿, picnic, camping etc.

The Nagatoko is Shingu Kumano Shrine’s worship hall which is designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Asset. Built in 1055 as the main structure during the Heian period to the Kamakura period, its thatched roof is supported by 44 massive pillars, each one 45 cm in diameter. This comprises a single large, open stage with no walls, and is said to have been used for ascetic training by priests, as well as kagura dance festivals

Ouchi-juku大内宿 is a small village which is located in Aizu Wakamatsu, the west of Fukushima & famous for its beautiful snow ❄️🌨️❄️ scenery of the Japanese traditional houses village covered by snow in winter

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Lake Inawashiro 猪苗代湖 is Japan’s 4th largest lake, highly transparent, also called “Tenkyoko” in reference to its “mirror-like lake that reflects the heaven. Visitors can enjoy lake bathing, fishing, canoeing etc. Ms Abe has recommended it as 1 of the destination to enjoy winter sports

A long-established sake 🍶 brewery named Toyokuni Brewery 豊国酒造, which started its sake brewery business in the Edo period (200 years ago) made from regional rice 🍚🌾 that local farmers grow in Fukushima & its sake has won a variety of awards 🏆🏅🎖️

Website 🌐 : https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/fukushima/ & https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/site/portal-english/

Ohh ya…For travel convenience, you may check out Tocoo! ~ The Japan’s 🇯🇵Leading Rental Car Reservation Site for your car rental 🚗🚗 booking service with hundreds of their outlets throughout Japan of various car rental brands during your trips via 🌐 https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/?asp_id=1679&utm_source=1679&utm_medium=affiliate

#東北 #japan #japantravel #tourism #Tohoku #Fukushima #travel #traveltojapan #discoverjapan #tourism #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #landscape #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #art #familytravel #heritage

More Hotel/ Stay Vacation Content (Part 2)

Updated 8 Aug 2022, 1.10pm

SiennyLovesDrawing has started her 2nd blog with Medium platform, also named SiennyLovesDrawing since Apr 2019, however discontinued@ 21 March 2022 due to unforeseen circumstances (She knows it’s sad…It’s ok she will continue her blogging passion here ya :D)

This is Part 2 via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/03/05/more-hotel-stay-vacation-content-from-https-siennylovesdrawing-medium-com-part-2/ & will continue to be updated from time to time with content compilation from the brand sites & social media platforms, including her own social media platforms ya ☺️

Part 1 via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2020/12/19/more-hotel-stay-vacation-content-from-https-siennylovesdrawing-medium-com/

Aug 2022

2 Aug 2022 – Hotel Stay with Favehotel Nagoya Batam, Indonesia

https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/hotel-stay-with-favehotel-nagoya-batam-indonesia/

Hotel Review – Flypod Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

July 2022

Amazing resort stay with Flypod Kinabalu Mountain Lodge

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSRM5NE8s/

May 2022

17 May 2022 – AirAsia Super Fest

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_airasiasuperapp-international-airlines-activity-6932289282053177344-RO0u

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A post shared by siennylovesdrawing (@siennylovesdrawing)

5 May 2022 – Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage & Community-based Tourism @ PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 in Songkhla, Thailand

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/building-back-sustainably-through-cultural-heritage-tourism-drawing

April 2022

14 April 2022 – Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC): 8th SEED (Share, Enrich, Enhance, Develop) Seminar & food waste management practices

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_development-islamic-malaysia-activity-6920252747644592129-iZFp

14 April 2022 – PATA Destination Insight Series featuring Malaysia

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_pata-malaysia-bbc-activity-6920250629672067072-va2U

10 April 2022 – Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) organised a CPR training course for Penang’s tourist guides

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_muslim-tour-guides-life-saving-training-activity-6918547948771422208-D0aE

6 April 2022 – MALAYSIA WELL-POSITIONED TO GAIN FROM ISLAMIC ECONOMY & MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TRAVEL

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_malaysia-opportunity-islamiceconomy-activity-6917026262372773889-zeO4

6 April 2022 – “The Only Cruise To Nowhere in Malaysia”

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_sharing-tourismindustryplayers-mita-activity-6917295208581754880-5tH6

3 April 2022 – Staycation with Jasa Resort, Sg Lembing, Pahang, Malaysia 🏢🇲🇾

SiennyLovesDrawing has checked in for a comfy clean accommodation @ Jasa Resort 🏢 ( 📍Lot 1222, Kampung Kuala Kenau, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang & 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/people/Jasa-Resort-Sg-Lembing/100057174051966/) during the recent participation of the Program Jejak El-Dorado Timur @ Sungai Lembing, Pahang, Malaysia

📍JasaResort #sungailembing https://t.co/EltqLNuEC9#tourismmalaysia #tourismmalaysiawilayahtimur #cuticutimalaysia #malaysiatrulyasia #Tourism #Tourisme #Malaysia #explore #Museum #History #art #culture #heritage #travel #travelling #program @TourismMalaysia @MyMOTAC #JKKN #trip pic.twitter.com/VO09Sm7rdw

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) April 2, 2022

1 April 2022 – AirAsia welcomes international travellers as borders reopen today

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-welcomes-international-travellers-as-borders-reopen-today
March 2022

29 March 2022 – Inbound Tourism Booster

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_sharing-tourismindustryplayers-mita-activity-6914535534354706432-4BBg

28 March 2022 – airasia Super App launches SUPER+

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/airasia-super-app-launches-siennyloves-drawing

27 March 2022 – Financial Assistance for Tourism Industry Players

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_confirmation-of-attendance-financial-assistance-activity-6913699545524666368-zUbI

22 March 2022 – 3 months validity extension for Asean Unlimited (Malaysia) pass holders

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2022/3/22/three-months-validity-extension-for-asean-unlimited-malaysia-pass-holders

21 March 2022 – Bangkok retains ‘Best City’ title in DestinAsian magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

Phuket & Ko Samui named among ‘Best Islands’, Suvarnabhumi Airport among ‘Best Airports’

https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/bangkok-retains-best-city-title-in-destinasian-magazines-2022-readers-choice-awards/

9 March 2022 – Malaysia Opens Its National Borders 1 Apr 2022 To Re -Empower The International Tourism Sector

In Malaysia’s national language, https://www.motac.gov.my/media2/siaran/pembukaan-sempadan-negara-dapat-memperkasakan-kembali-sektor-pelancongan-antarabangsa

8 March 2022 – New Dates for PATA Annual Summit 2022

https://www.pata.org/press-release/new-dates-for-pata-annual-summit-2022

4 March 2022 – Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2022 to showcase ‘Amazing New Chapters’ in Thai tourism

Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2022 to showcase ‘Amazing New Chapters’ in Thai tourism

4 March 2022 – airasia Super App announces partnership with WebBeds, further bolsters its position to become Asean’s leading Over The Air (OTA)

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2022/3/3/airasia-super-app-announces-partnership-with-webbeds-further-bolsters-its-position-to-become-aseans-leading-ota

2 March 2022 – Visitor Arrival Growth Scenarios for 39 Asia Pacific Destinations Now Available

https://www.pata.org/press-release/visitor-arrival-growth-scenarios-for-39-asia-pacific-destinations-now-available

Feb 2022

23 Feb 2022 – PATA Career Development Series: Maximising Data Analytics in the Hospitality Industry

https://www.pata.org/calendar/the-relationship-between-hospitality-data-analytics

21 Feb 2022 – Regenerative Travel Welcomes New Trailblazing Hotels in Botswana, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, South Africa, USA & Zimbabwe

Meet Our New Hotels in Botswana, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, South Africa, USA, & Zimbabwe

20 Feb 2022 – Domestic Connect Summit 2022 by MITA from 1 to 31 March 2022

18 Feb 2022 – airasia and the Singapore Tourism Board launch partnership to promote travel

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2022/2/16/airasia-and-the-singapore-tourism-board-launch-partnership-to-promote-travel

16 Feb 2022 – International visitor arrival numbers forecast to increase across Asia Pacific in 2022, gaining in strength to 2024

https://www.pata.org/press-release/international-visitor-arrival-numbers-forecast-to-increase-across-asia-pacific-in-2022-gaining-in-strength-to-2024

16 Feb 2022 – PATA Proudly Welcomes the Singapore Tourism Board as its Newest National Government Member

https://www.pata.org/press-release/pata-proudly-welcomes-the-singapore-tourism-board-as-its-newest-national-government-member#:~:text=BANGKOK%2C%20February%2016%2C%202022%20%2D%2D,partnership%20with%20industry%20and%20community

15 Feb 2022 – airasia Super App partners MG Group to strengthen its online travel agency (OTA) position

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2022/2/15/airasia-super-app-partners-mg-group-to-strengthen-its-ota-position

9 Feb 2022 – PATA and Vynn Capital Share How Technology Can Enable Travel Recovery

https://www.pata.org/press-release/pata-and-vynn-capital-share-how-technology-can-enable-travel-recovery

Jan 2022

26 Jan 2022 – Latest PATA Visitor Forecasts 2022-2024: While there is some improvement in travel demand, it remains uneven & highly variable

https://www.pata.org/press-release/latest-pata-visitor-forecasts-2022-2024

26 Jan 2022 – AirAsia continues to be the top choice in the travel category

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-putra-brand-awards-2021

21 Jan 2022 – PATA partners to launch new net zero methodology for hotels

https://www.pata.org/press-release/pata-partners-to-launch-new-net-zero-methodology-for-hotels

21 Jan 2022 – Live Webinar: PATA’s Destination Insight Series featuring Micronesia Presented by PATA & BBC

https://www.pata.org/calendar/patas-destination-insight-series-featuring-micronesia-presented-by-pata-bbc

12 Jan 2022 – AirAsia launches 4 new domestic routes in time for festive season

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2022/1/12/airasia-launches-four-new-domestic-routes-in-time-for-festive-season

#tourism #hotel #accommodation #travel #travelling #traveling #blogger #bloggers #userexperience #sharing #sharingiscaring

Tohoku, Japan ~ Aomori Prefecture & Things To Do

From SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 earlier blogging about the 3 sessions of Japan 🇯🇵 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tohoku Online Seminar Secretariat attended with aims to promoting & endorsing Japan 🇯🇵 Tourism in Tohoku region, also to providing the latest information from local municipalities, Tourism Federation & Malaysian presenters who are familiar with the mentioned areas 👍🏻 Tohoku region in Japan 🇯🇵

• Akita Perfecture 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/tohoku-japan-akita-prefecture-things-to-do/
• Miyagi Perfecture 🌐https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/11/23/tohoku-japan-miyagi-prefecture-things-to-do/
• Iwate Perfecture 🌐https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/01/01/tohoku-japan-iwate-prefecture-things-to-do/

Again, she really enjoyed this 4th session @ 13 Jan & would like to share some of the important information she has learnt about Aomori Prefecture 青森県 here

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Similarly, this online seminar kick started with the updates in Japan 🇯🇵 by Ms Tracy. Japan is experiencing its 1st heavy snowfall in 4 years as we read from international news. Some of the rare sceneries were explained during this session ie. Central Tokyo with 10cm of snow, temperature hovered below 0 degree Celsius etc.

Ms Tracy has also shared that the Japanese are celebrating the most important holiday in Japan 🇯🇵 ie. New Year from 29 Dec to 3 Jan annually. Typically families will gather together. A Japanese tradition of 1st worship of the new year aka Hatsumode at 12am sharp on 1st thing in the morning of 1 Jan (More info via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/599813696836168/posts/2062470093903847/) & 1st sunrise of the year aka Hatsu-Hinode, rising or sun setting aligns with the peak of Mt Fuji 🏔️ & causing the peak to shine bright like a diamond 💎, well known as Diamond Fuji 🤩 The Japanese also practicing Otoshidama tradition, a slight different to our Malaysians Ang Pow 🧧 tradition. The Japanese working adults would be giving Ang Pow to the kids in the family within range of JPY1k to 5k (Approximately RM36 to RM182)

More updated Japan travel details via 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/practical-coronavirus-information/ & https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html

https://t.co/vxPc04ccO6 #japan #Tourism #Tohoku #Iwate #travel #wanderlust #nature #日本 #landscape #Japanese #japanpics #japanlovers #culture #heritage #tourist #tour #sharing #SharingIsCaring #visitjapan @japan @JapanGov #travelblogger #traveling #Travelers #travelbloggers #🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/gTFnfqD53b

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) February 18, 2022

Then, sharing from Ms Lee Nyok Peng 🙋🏻‍♀️ (Malaysian from Kluang, Johor, the director of Jumonji Cafe since 2015) & shown us a live walk around her cafe in Kuroishi & has explained about the thick snow on the rooftops & on the streets. She has recommended a must try sake which won an award 🍶 ~ 純米大吟醸 稲村屋文四郎” Junmai Daiginjo Inamuraya Bunshiro at Sake brewery named Narumi Jozo, more info from its FB page named narumijozoten. Yes ✅, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 is gonna pay her cafe a visit when she is travelling to Kuroishi, Aomori Perfecture then 😁 More about her cafe & Malaysian menu served via 🌐 http://kuroishi-machisodate.com/cafe.html

Next, sharing from Ms Kaori Kogawa 🙋🏻‍♀️ from Aomori Tourism Department about some famous festivals & places to visit within Aomori by each seasons

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Ms Chessie has shared her travel highlights at Aomori with nice photos & videos. She actually shared also during the Akita online session, always inspiring happy to hear more of her Japan travels 😁 She has highly recommended a cycling trip from Chuo-Hirosaki station to Owani station & all you can eat cherries 🍒 (Other than apple 🍎 picking) from Tsugaru Yume Ringo Farm during summer. Also shared that must try the Garlic Yakisoba which doesn’t taste the normal smelly garlic 🧄 SiennyLovesDrawing is really curious 👩🏻🤔 & wanna try it whenever she is at Aomori then, she is never a garlic fan ❌🧄 since young

Update from Fukushima online session by Ms Farah @ 26 Jan, must enjoy Japanese breakfast experience, indulge in fresh local foods & interaction with the locals at Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, Hachinohe, Aomori. It’s 1 of the largest Sunday morning markets in Japan which selling seafood, fruits, flowers, coffee, pastries, antiques etc. More via https://www.849net.com/en/

Things To Do @ Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture is well known for its nature beauty & World Heritage ie. Jogakura Bridge, Shirakami-Sanchi, Lake Towada, Oirase Stream & more 👍🏻

SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 has read more about Aomori Prefecture after this online session & really wish to personally travel & explore below things to do ☺️

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Nebuta Matsuri ねぶた祭り, the biggest Tanabata festival held in August annually at Aomori City & famous as 1️⃣ of the 3️⃣ great festivals of the Tohoku region. “Haneto”, the dancers who dress up in flashy outfits & chant “rasserah” as they going down the streets

Warasse Nebuta Museum ねぶたの家 ワラッセ to learn more about the history & culture of this festival

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Approximately 60% of Japan’s apples 🍎🍎 are harvesting here, including Aomori apple pies containing whole apple. Also can enjoy apple picking & eating freshly picked apples 🍎 Hirosaki City in Aomori is producing 1/3 of delicious Aomori apples, the single largest producer of apples in Japan 🇯🇵 which for the intense sweetness & delightful crunch apple 🍎😋👍🏻

Must experience the mixture of new western wave with traditional Japanese culture at Hirosaki Park & Hirosaki castle 弘前城 It’s constructed in Hirayama style, the main tower was built on top of a hill for easier defense & surrounded by defensive walls, moats & yagura towers. Along with the Japan’s oldest Yoshino cherry tree, the sakura tunnel with a cherry blossom light-up making it a famous spot in Aomori during sakura season 🌸🌸 Also famous to viewing beautiful autumn leaves 🍂🍁 & Yuki-Doro Matsuri aka snow lantern festival 😀 More travel tips via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/599813696836168/posts/961814290636105/ & https://www.facebook.com/599813696836168/posts/1248273411990190/

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Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake on Japan’s main island, Honshu which formed by volcanic activity since about 200K years ago. At 327m deep, the 3rd deepest lake in Japan 🇯🇵 which surrounding by greenery in spring & summer, autumn leaves 🍂🍁 in autumn & snowy scenery in winter ❄️ More info via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/108836341523879/posts/129218346152345/

Aomori Gyosai Center aka Furukawa Fish Market is a must eat place. The Nokke-don which literally means a rice bowl with toppings is a dish allowing customers to pick & place on top of the rice. Yeah‼️Amazing experience to creating own unique “my-best don” 😋📹🌐 https://fb.watch/aLKtOHo06z/

Aomori is well known worldwide as 1️⃣ of the cities with the heaviest snowfall in the world 🌎 The 18 mountains 🏔🏔 which form the volcanic complex called the Hakkōda Mountains have their trees 🌳🌲 covered in snow ❄️ & ice resulting in frozen tree formations called “snow monsters” via 📹🌐 https://fb.watch/aXrVRBrh6j/ . Many visitors also amazed with its beautiful autumn leaves scenery 😍🍂🍁

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The Seven Swamps of Tsuta & a scenic lake called Tsutanuma especially popular during autumn season. In the surrounding area is the Tsuta Onsen, 1️⃣ of the top 💯hot springs in Japan♨️🇯🇵

Shirakami Sanchi 白神山地 is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993 & known for its primeval forests of beech trees, the Anmon no Taki waterfalls & the region’s vast wildlife

In Inakadate, between June to Oct, must enjoy the Rice Paddy Art aka Tanbo Art in Japanese , an elaborately designed works which created by planting different colored rice 🌾 via a perspective drawing method. Yes ✅, similarly to what she has shared in Akita blog post earlier

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SiennyLovesDrawing loves to travel with train 🚂 & the Konan Railway is a local line that runs around Hirosaki City. On snowy winter ❄️ days, a Russell snow plow train will be in action to remove snow from the tracks. It will be very lucky 🍀 if can spot it ya ☺️ More info via 🌐https://konantetsudo.jp/for-foreigners/ & 📹🌐 https://fb.watch/aLLfagG19c/

Hop on the Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove Train from Tsugaru-Goshogawara Station for an unforgettable delightful moments to admiring the beautiful winter rural landscape of Tsugaru area

Sannai Maruyama Archaeological site features excavated items eg. Japan’s Paleolithic age that’s chockful of interesting artifacts, accessories & sculptures that date back 10K years being discovered in 12 different ruins

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Website 🌐 : https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/aomori/ & https://www.en-aomori.com/

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Ohh ya…For travel convenience, do check out Tocoo! ~ The Japan’s 🇯🇵Leading Rental Car Reservation Site for your car rental booking service via 🌐 https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/?asp_id=1679&utm_source=1679&utm_medium=affiliate

#東北 #Aomori #AomoriPrefecture #japan #japantravel #tourism #Tohoku #Aomori #travel #traveltojapan #discoverjapan #tourism #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #landscape #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #art #familytravel #heritage

Tohoku, Japan ~ Iwate Prefecture & Things To Do

Yeah‼️ Happy New Year 2022 to all 😁

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From SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 earlier blogging about the 2 sessions of Japan 🇯🇵 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tohoku Online Seminar Secretariat attended with aims to promoting & endorsing Japan 🇯🇵 Tourism in Tohoku region, also to providing the latest information from local municipalities, Tourism Federation & Malaysian presenters who are familiar with the mentioned areas 👍🏻 Tohoku region in Japan 🇯🇵

Welcome to read more about the 1st session about Akita Perfecture & things to do via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/tohoku-japan-akita-prefecture-things-to-do/ & 2nd session about Miyagi Perfecture & things to do via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/11/23/tohoku-japan-miyagi-prefecture-things-to-do/

Again, she really enjoyed this 3rd session @ 15 Dec & would like to share some of the important information she has learnt about Iwate Prefecture 岩手県 here. Ohh ya…She has won a lucky draw gift 🎁 ~ a Tokyo 2020 Olympic: Mino Ware Small Cup , special thank you 😃

https://t.co/7mPBcc9L1O #japan #Tourism #Tohoku #Miyagi #travel #beauty #wanderlust #nature #日本 #landscape #Japanese #japanpics #japanlovers #visit #culture #heritage #tourist #tour #sharing #SharingIsCaring #visitjapan @japan @JapanGov #travelblogger #TokyoOlympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/k8K3AJ1NTw

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) January 1, 2022

Similarly, this online seminar kick started with the updates of new 🆕 normal travel in Japan 🇯🇵by Ms Tan that Japan border remained closed as at to-date for foreigners. More updated details via 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/practical-coronavirus-information/ & https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html . Ms Tan also shared about some recent MATTA survey statistics gathered ie. Top 5 popular elements in Japan are Japanese foods, accommodations, 4 seasons experience, hot springs (Wellness tourism) & winter activities. About 50% consumers will rely on travel agencies to arrange their overseas & Japan trips post COVID19

The session was continued with the interesting travel & living experiences in Iwate by various presenters ie. Ms Munirah, Ms Doris & Mr Isrami

Sharing from Ms Munirah 🧕🏼 (Malaysian student) & shown us a live walk around the Takamatsu Pond, Morioka etc. nearby the Iwate University where she is studying currently. She has explained about the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival @ Morioka city, more details via http://www.sansaodori.jp/foreign/english.php . A halal restaurant for Wanko Soba @ Azumaya Honten , Morioka city, more details via https://wankosoba.jp/en/wankosoba/

Next, sharing from Ms Doris 🙋🏻‍♀️ from Iwate Tourism Department about some festivals at Iwate ie. Morioka Sansa Odori Festival, Chagu Chagu Umakko & Hayachine Kagura (Intangible Cultural Heritage) . She recommends the 2 hours 11 mins ride from Tokyo to Iwate with Tohoku Shinkansen. Some of the must visit World Heritage Sites in Iwate are Hiraizumi & Hashino Iron Mining & Smelting Site. Also Hachimantai Aspite Line Snow Corridor, Hachimantai Dragon Eye, Tenshochi, Jodogahama Beach & Kitayamazaki

Mr Isrami actually shared that he has planned a Sakura tree 🌸🌳😍 Wow‼️ Also he has recommended some must visit places in Iwate ie. Geibikei Gorge, Koiwai Farm 小岩井農場, to enjoy summer ski, cycling (More details via http://www2.pref.iwate.jp/~hp2516_4/index.html) , 😀

Things To Do @ Iwate Prefecture

SiennyLovesDrawing has recently read online about the ONLY lone surviving tree 🌳 of the Takata Pine Forest from the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami in 2011 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture 🇯🇵🗾

This 250-year-old “miracle” pine is the only 1 among 70K trees left standing along the town’s coastline after the disaster. Actually it’s initially survived, but was removed last Sept after its roots died from exposure to saltwater

Now a reconstruction of it stands at its place. Some young pine trees are growing again along the city’s coastline 🗾 & thanks to the great 👍🏻 restore efforts

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Mr Isrami has highly recommended Geibikei & must be one in the top list‼️ Geibikei is a gorge located in Ichinoseki area of Iwate. It’s with beautiful scenery of red, orange and yellow color of autumn leaves 🍁🍂🍁 on the cliff & both sides of the river during autumn with a boat 🛶 ride which steered by local Japanese. Easy 🚃 access by taking train to JR Geibikei station & walk for about 5 mins. More info via 🌐 http://www.geibikei.co.jp/en/index.html

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For hiking 🥾⛰️ lovers , Mt. Iwate is the tallest mountain in Iwate prefecture. It is 2,038m tall & can be seen all the way from Aomori Perfecture. It gets snow before most of the other mountains & snow can been seen on it from Oct onward every year

Ms Doris has recommended Hiraizumi for Chuson-ji Buddhist Temple listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place not to be missed when visiting Iwate @ Tohoku, Japan. More info via http://www.chusonji.or.jp/ . Also to visit the Motsuji Temple which possess 1 of the few remaining Pure Land Gardens in Japan, ie. a popular garden style in ancient times & attempting to recreate the Buddhist concept of the Pure Land or “Buddhist Paradise”. More info via http://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/archive/sightseeing/motsuji.html

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Hachimantai, it’s a scenic spot in the Iwate Prefecture which shared by Ms Doris in her session. There is a mountain which stands at an altitude of 1,614m & straddles the Akita & Iwate prefectures, it has a plateau around it which has been designated as Towada Hachimantai National Park with seasonal flowers from spring to autumn & snowing in winter. Not to miss the Kagaminuma on the Hachimantai mountaintop promenade aka Dragon Eye when the snow melts from mid-May to mid-June. About 2 hours by bus from JR Morioka Station to Hachimantai & Kagaminuma

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Hachimantai Aspite Line Snow Corridor is a 27km mountain sightseeing road that runs through Towada-Hachimantai National Park straddling Iwate & Akita. 1 of the best roads in Japan for a scenic drive with impressively high walls of snow on both sides. The snow walls which can reach a height of 6m. Note: It may be closed during winter due to heavy snow as shown via https://www.facebook.com/Visit.My.Japan/posts/1823397997811059

Ms Doris also recommends Jodogahama Beach aka “Pure Land Beach” which located within Sanriku Geopark in Iwate Prefecture. The clear blue water, white rocks & green pines actually listed in Japan’s 100 Best Beaches of Japan

https://t.co/7mPBcbSHZO #japan #Tourism #Tohoku #Iwate #travel #wanderlust #nature #日本 #landscape #Japanese #japanpics #japanlovers #culture #heritage #tourist #tour #sharing #SharingIsCaring #visitjapan @japan @JapanGov #travelblogger #traveling #Travelers #travelbloggers #🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/oPBgxViobk

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) January 12, 2022

The Koiwai Farm 小岩井農場 as recommended by Mr Isrami to visit for its Mt Iwate backdrop & a agrotourism destination in Iwate, Tohoku. A 3000-hectare private farm since 1891 located scenically at the base of Mt. Iwate & is most famous for its dairy products ie. milk, cheese, yogurt, milk ramen etc. Must visit the museum in Kamimaru Cowshed area to learn about the 125 years of Koiwai Farm history. Must enjoy a ride on the horse tram about 10 mins that has been used for 50 years since 1904 for sightseeing, see sheep grazing on pastures & the view of the beautiful 100 years supervised forest. Also can enjoy a dairy barn shuttle too. More info via https://www.koiwai.co.jp/makiba/en/.

Website 🌐 : https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/iwate/ & https://visitiwate.com/

You may enjoy some videos via https://www.japan.travel/en/my/beauty-of-hokkaido-tohoku/

Ohh ya…For travel convenience, you may check out Tocoo! ~ The Japan’s 🇯🇵Leading Rental Car Reservation Site for your car rental booking service with hundreds of their outlets throughout Japan of various car rental brands during your trips via 🌐 https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/?asp_id=1679&utm_source=1679&utm_medium=affiliate

#東北　#岩手県 #japan #japantravel #tourism #Tohoku #Iwate #travel #traveltojapan #discoverjapan #tourism #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #landscape #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #art #familytravel

Tohoku, Japan ~ Miyagi Prefecture & Things To Do

Yeah‼️ From SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 earlier blogging about the 1st session of Japan 🇯🇵 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tohoku Online Seminar Secretariat attended with aims to promoting & endorsing Japan 🇯🇵 Tourism in Tohoku region, also to providing the latest information from local municipalities, Tourism Federation & Malaysian presenters who are familiar with the mentioned areas 👍🏻 Tohoku region in Japan 🇯🇵

Welcome to read more about the 1st session about Akita Perfecture & things to do via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/tohoku-japan-akita-prefecture-things-to-do/

Again, she really enjoyed this 2nd session @ 18 Nov & would like to share some of the important information she has learnt about Miyagi Prefecture 宮城県 here. Similarly, this online seminar kick started with the updates of new 🆕 normal travel in Japan 🇯🇵by Ms Tracy Lim. More updated details via 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/practical-coronavirus-information/ & https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html . Then followed by interesting travel & living experiences in Miyagi by various presenters ie. Ms Nadia, Ms Olivia Lam etc.

Sharing from Ms Nadia 🧕🏼 (Malaysian student from Kedah) in her 6th year in Sendai, the capital city of Miyagi Perfecture & shown us a live walk from her Tohoku University, a famous shopping street arcade & its surrounding. She also told about Date Masamune, a famous samurai war ford. Love that Sendai is known as City Of Trees, we need more of tree cities around the globe. Read more via 🌐 https://sendai-experience.com/en/

Next, sharing from Mr Nagi Cao 🙋🏻‍♂️ from Miyagi Tourism Department & Miyagi is actually his hometown. Only 1% foreign tourists visiting here, a hidden gem to SiennyLovesDrawing when she heard it 🤩

Also Miyagi Perfecture is good for family with kids to travel around as shared by Ms Olivia Lam 💁🏻to end this online seminar

Ohh ya…Ms Olivia 💁🏻 has recommended about Zunda Mochi, a specialty wagashi (ie. Traditional Japanese sweet) of Miyagi which made from sweetened Edamame. Wow‼️ Sound tempting delicious 😋🤤 to SiennyLovesDrawing as she loves mochi & edamame a lot

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Things To Do @ Miyagi Prefecture

Miyagi Perfecture was once affected by a serious earthquake slightly 10 years ago, do check out this clip via 📹🌐 https://youtu.be/YJxIxcuvyYI to observe the Miyagi’s reconstructed areas

Mr Nagi has shared some famous destinations to visit in Miyagi during each of the 4 seasons as well as some special unique reason to enjoy

Funaoka Castle Park in Shibata is well known as thousand cherry trees & more than 200K tourists visited each year during the cherry 🌸 blossom season 😲 It’s particularly known for a slope car that goes up & down the mountain through the cherry trees & a famous Kannon statue standing 24m tall @ the top of the mountain 🏔️ that was built as a symbol of peace & security. More info via 🌐 https://www.skbk.or.jp/en/shibata-cherry-blossom/ & welcome to check out more about the beautiful scenes in this photos album via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/516136811836316/posts/3800703606712937/

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Miyagi has incredible festivals all-year round, summer is especially packed with celebrations, some of its festivals are in this FB video via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/visitmiyagi/posts/2210512775732036 , eg. famous historical festival named Sairi Genya with beautiful 100 lanterns surrounding the Sairi Yashiki old warehouse buildings. Also to check out the Hirose River Lantern Festival for “Toro-nagashi” aka lantern floating, a Japanese Obon tradition where people float paper lanterns down a river

Michinoku Yosakoi Festival every year with thousands of dancers in almost 200 teams from all over Japan 🗾🇯🇵 filled the street of Sendai to perform “Yosakoi”, an energetic group dance that combines traditional Japanese dance movements & modern music. However, due to global health pandemic, stream the Yosakoi dance online named “Online Michi YOSA”. For more info via 🌐 https://michinoku-yosakoi.net

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As an art lover, she really wish to be at the famous Reborn Art Festival which held almost every year. It was 1st held after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster & with aims to promote recovery in the region & has since grown as a popular event to celebrate creativity & expression. The Kohei Nawa’s captivating White Deer (Oshika) installation in Oginohama, Miyagi. It’s with online video exhibits this year @ Ishinomaki City area, Oshika Peninsula, Onagawa Station area, do check out via 🌐 https://www.reborn-art-fes.jp/en/shikanoyukue/

The most popular nature adventures here is birds watching @ Izunuma in northern Miyagi Prefecture. Suggest to visit in the summer when lotus blooms spread across the lake like a giant carpet. Must try a boat ride through the middle of the lotus flowers. For more info via 🌐 https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10008.html

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For family with kids, it’s recommended by Ms Olivia to visit the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium 🐠🐟🐡🐬🐳, the coastal area of eastern Sendai City. Also a favorite weekend getaway for local Japanese families & a popular dating spot for young couples

With almost 10K square meters floor area & over 300 kinds of aquatic animal & plant specimens on display, including a school of 25K sardines, exhibitions of the Sanriku sea & deep-sea fishes

Yes✅, 1 of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku region. Visitors can also view dolphin & sea lion performances etc. More info via 🌐 http://www.uminomori.jp/umino/en/index.html

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Must visit to Zuihoden aka Samurai Residence. It’s the date mausoleum famed resting place of Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai & is a mainstay among Miyagi’s attractions. More about one of Sendai’s most treasured landmarks via 🌐 https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/en/learn/mausoleum-of-one-eyed-dragon-a-sight-to-behold-in-sendai/ & 🌐 https://www.zuihoden.com/en/

A vibrant model of Japanese architecture, Zuihoden also entombs Masamune’s son & grandson, Date Tadamune & Date Tsunamune. It’s a quiet spot with lots of greenery & hydrangeas adding to its tranquil beauty

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Ohh ya…Miyagi Prefecture is with this scenic spot named Naruko Gorge, located in Osaki City. Cliffs reach about 100m high & stretch for 2.5 km, the “V-shaped canyon” formed by the erosion of the Ootani River is really a sight to behold especially when autumn season 🍁

A perfect photo spot would be the Naruko Gorge Rest House @ Nakayamadaira side entrance of the Naruko Gorge Trail & Oofukazawa Bridge to see the leaves changing color 🤩😍

Must enjoy the Naruto Onsen, hot spring village of Naruko-onsen-kyo, located in the north of Miyagi Prefecture. It consists of 5 hot springs. More info via 🌐 http://en.naruko.gr.jp

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For winter season, Miyagi is good for ski ⛷️🎿 holidays especially @ Miyagi Zao’s Eboshi Ski Resort. Check out this clip via 📹🌐 https://www.facebook.com/516136811836316/posts/3662411400542159/ . Also read more via 🌐 https://travelweekly.co.uk/articles/332649/exploring-tohoku-in-northern-japan

Miyagi is also a food kingdom as top provider for rice & with richest fishing ground for seafood . After attended this 2nd session & read more about Miyagi while writing this sharing, SiennyLovesDrawing really looking forward to visit Miyagi Prefecture soon. She would like to travel with her little niece to the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium 🐠🐟🐡🐬🐳 Do stay tuned for her next sharing on 3rd session @ 15 Dec about the Iwate Perfecture, she just can’t wait 😁

https://t.co/aLhDgoALGp #japan #Tourism #Tohoku #Miyagi #travel #beauty #wanderlust #nature #日本 #landscape #Japanese #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #visit #culture #heritage #art #tourist #tour #sharing #SharingIsCaring #visitjapan @japan @JapanGov #travelblogger #🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/YEixYrKun7

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) December 2, 2021

Website 🌐 : https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/miyagi/ & https://visitmiyagi.com/

Ohh ya…For travel convenience, you may check out Tocoo! ~ The Japan’s 🇯🇵Leading Rental Car Reservation Site for your car rental booking service with hundreds of their outlets throughout Japan of various car rental brands during your trips via 🌐 https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/?asp_id=1679&utm_source=1679&utm_medium=affiliate

#japan #tourism #Tohoku #Miyagi #宮城県 #ずんだ餅 #和菓子 #travel #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #landscape #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #art #familytravel

Tohoku, Japan ~ Akita Prefecture & Things To Do

Updated 23 Nov 2021 6.30pm ~ Miyagi blog post link 😀

Yeah‼️ SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 has been invited by Japan 🇯🇵 National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tohoku Online Seminar Secretariat to attend a series of its 6 online seminars 👩🏻‍💻 about the Tohoku areas listed below,

• Akita 秋田県
• Miyagi （Read more via https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2021/11/23/tohoku-japan-miyagi-prefecture-things-to-do/ )
• Iwate
• Aomori
• Fukushima
• Yamagata

These online seminars 👩🏻‍💻 are being held with aims to promoting & endorsing Japan 🇯🇵 Tourism in Tohoku region, also to providing the latest information from local municipalities, Tourism Federation & Malaysian presenters who are familiar with the mentioned areas 👍🏻 Tohoku region in Japan 🇯🇵 is well known with its nature beauty as shown in this video via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/Visit.My.Japan/videos/905564299594438/

She really enjoyed the 1st session @ 14 Oct & would like to share some of the important information she has learnt about Akita Prefecture here

Ohh ya…She has won a lucky draw gift 🎁 ~ Premium Kitaha Japanese tea 🍵 , special thank you ya 😃

The online seminar kick started with the updates of Covid 19 status , safety measurements (In multi languages) at shops/ restaurants & new 🆕 normal travel in Japan 🇯🇵 The Japanese people already resumed their life & some places can observe the crowds. More updated details from time to time via 🌐 https://www.japan.travel/en/practical-coronavirus-information/ , then followed by interesting travel & living experiences in Akita by various presenters ie. Mr. Makito Kochihira, Ms. Cheesie etc.

Things To Do @ Akita Prefecture 秋田県 🚶🏻‍♀️🎒✈️

Akita Prefecture is often known as ‘Bi no Kuni (The Country of Beauty), yes ✅, naturally the essential Japanese food & cultural experiences. Its visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure experiences in the mountains 🏔 , sea 🌊 & lakes throughout all 4 seasons throughout a year 😍

Don’t you remember the famous movie ~ Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 🐶🐾🦴 that has touched most of us with its loyalty, love & friendship between the dog & man for generations❓⁉️

Yes ✅, Odate city, Akita is its hometown , so do dropping by Akita Dog Visitors Center, next door to Odate train station during your trip to visit them ya 😁

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Mr. Makito Kochihira 🙋🏻‍♂️ (Local guide)’s live sharing during this session has explained about the autumn season, rice 🌾 fields , wearing boot 🥾 & gloves 🧤 to enjoy the blue sky with 20 degree chilling morning & night, then watching the mountains turn red. During winter ❄️, Akita will snow heavily ie. 3 meter snow. All can experience all 4 seasonal weather here. Abundance of foods eg. rice 🍚, fruits 🌽, vegetables 🥬etc. to enjoy, while winter time to enjoy the pickles. He has shared that the people here, mainly are farmers 👨🏻‍🌾👩🏻‍🌾 They will bring vegetables & distribute when big harvest time. He loves the heart warming & friendly local people lifestyle in Akita 💗💕

Only at Akita Prefecture, the visitors get to enjoy the unique flavour & texture of the luxury food junsai (watershield) by maneuvering a small boat 🚣‍♂️ , then carefully picking junsai one by one

Tambo art uses rice paddy 🌾 as a canvas to paint giant picture with different coloured rice 🌾 plants. If you’re on the the Akita Nairiku Junkan Railway, you will pass by & enjoy the beautiful views of Tambo art 😍

Also must experience the farm stay that she has learnt from Ms Cheesie sharing

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheesieチージー (@cheeserland)

There are numerous well known places to enjoy a walk to gain a mother nature hiking 🥾 experience in Akita with its expanses of natural beauty, especially the huge, strangely shaped Japanese beech tree, the Agariko Daiou, in Shishigahama wetland

Mt. Moriyoshi Gondola 🏔 is known as one of the hundred best mountains for wild flowers 🌺🌸 & also its snow-covered tree 🌲🌳 scenery during the winter ❄️ season

Winter ❄️ sports are popular in Akita with a large number of ski 🎿 resorts & courses, including Tazawako Ski Resort & Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort. Do check out this recorded live video by Visit Akita 【Fun from Home- Live Streaming from Akita Prefecture】via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/599813696836168/posts/1846775732139952/

The Hydrangeas of Unsho-ji Temple ⛩ has gained popularity as a beautiful, picturesque spot to visit at least once in Oga during early summer. Also famously known as the “blue heaven”, yes, this temple is a home to more than 1.2K hydrangeas 💙 This flower represents gratitude, grace & beauty, also further symbolize unity & togetherness

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Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan 🇯🇵 with a depth of 423.4m. The beautiful blueness 💙 & peaceful views to appreciate

Not to miss the Kakunodate Bukeyashiki 角館町 Street, a well known sightseeing spot with townscape to giving all visitors a real sense of the Edo era & to tr y on a kimono 👘 & ride on rickshaws 🛺 . It used to attract 2 millions visitors annually

It’s 1 of the famous spot for Sakura Festival, do check out this video clip with beautiful cherry blossom captured via 📹🌐 https://fb.watch/8QJ8GCLPTn/

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Ohh ya…There are 7 hot springs ♨️ in this Akita Prefecture, each of them has different histories, appearances & spring types ie. Nyuto Onsen 乳頭温泉

Do check out this video captured about this onsen during winter ❄️ via 🌐https://fb.watch/8QEDpdy3cU/

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After attended this 1st session & read more about Akita while writing this sharing, SiennyLovesDrawing really looking forward to visit Akita Prefecture soon. Moreover, she loves to travel with train 🚂, so definitely would like to travel with Akita Nairiku Line, 1 of the local lines in the Tohoku region which runs from Takanosu Station in Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture to Kakunodate Station in Semboku. It runs north-south inland & measures 100km in length

During winter season, the deep snowy scenery can be seen from the train window, while rice 🌾harvest season, can enjoy the Tambo art as shared above. Clearly view the bright red iron bridge “Omatagawa Bridge 🌉 “ that can be seen between Kayakusa Station & Okashinai Station. Do check out more about this train line in these 3 videos via
📹🌐 https://fb.watch/8QJhKN43Bq/
📹🌐 https://fb.watch/8QEZS0PLzJ/
📹🌐 https://fb.watch/8QFBQbMvvq/

Yes ✅, she 👩🏻 will definitely wanna a train 🚂 ride when she is there to appreciate the nostalgic, indelible scenes of Akita, Japan 🇯🇵🗾 including the tranquil rural landscapes

https://t.co/MIVziSop3D #japan #Tourism #Tohoku #Akita #travel #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #秋田県 #landscape #Akitadoglovers #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #beautifulakita #culture #art #tourist #tour #sharing #SharingIsCaring #visitjapan @japan @JapanGov

— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) October 25, 2021

Do stay tuned for her next sharing on 2nd session @ 18 Nov about the Miyagi Perfecture, she just can’t wait to it 😁

Website 🌐 : https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/akita/ & https://stayakita.com/

Ohh ya…For travel convenience, you may check out Tocoo! ~ The Japan’s 🇯🇵Leading Rental Car Reservation Site for your car rental booking service with hundreds of their outlets throughout Japan of various car rental brands during your trips via 🌐 https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/?asp_id=1679&utm_source=1679&utm_medium=affiliate

#japan #tourism #Tohoku #Akita #travel #beauty #wanderlust #city #nature #日本 #秋田県 #landscape #Akitadoglovers #japanpics #japanlovers #temple #shrine #beautifulakita