Nagoya - Japan's fourth-largest city and an industrial center Map of the Chubu region Nagoya is located at roughly the geographic heart of Japan. Besides being a major urban center and the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is also vital to Japan's manufacturing industry. Japan's image as a world leader in manufacturing is, in a large part, due to the industries based in Nagoya and its surrounding area. On the outskirts of Nagoya, for example, is Toyota City, the location of the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation, famous all over the world as a maker of motor vehicles. In addition, the Nagoya area is studded with any number of other manufacturing businesses. Historically, Nagoya has also been the birthplace of many historic military figures, including shogun. From the latter half of the Muromachi-era (16th century), such historic figures as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged from the Nagoya area and left their names forever written into Japanese history. These men also left Nagoya with a monument to their prosperity, Nagoya Castle. Built in the Edo-era in the year 1612 by the Owari Tokugawa family, this castle served as their fortress and living quarters at the height of their achievement. The brilliant gold mythical sea creature that adorns the roof of the castle tower has become synonymous with Nagoya itself.

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Hirayu Otaki Keppyo Matsuri (Hirayu Waterfall Ice Festival) - Hirayu Otaki Waterfall/Hirayu Onsen Town, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture - February 15 (Wed)-25 (Sat), 2012 For almost two weeks in mid/late February the bridges spanning Otaki River within a kilometer of the town are beautifully illuminated against a background of pure white as the main attraction - frozen yet proud - Hirayu Otaki will amaze all who venture to see it. To fend off the chill, amazake (sweet Japanese sake) offered in the town works from the inside out. http://www.okuhida.or.jp/winter/hirayu.html (Japanese version only)

Seto no Ohina Meguri (Visiting Hina Dolls in Seto) - Seto Ceramics and Glass Art Center and other places in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture - February 4 (Sat)-March 4 (Sat), 2012 Seto is well known for its high-quality ceramics. During the season of the Doll Festival, hina dolls, which are elaborately made of ceramics, porcelain, and glass, are displayed in many places around this area. Original hina dolls are exhibited and sold at galleries around the city, as well as a gigantic tiered stand called the "Hina-mid" (a play on 'pyramid') at Setogura (museum). http://www.seto-marutto.info/ze/ (Japanese version only)

Atami Baien Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival) - Atami Baien (Ume Garden), Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture - January 1 (Sun)-March 4 (Sun), 2012 In the Atami Baien which opened in 1886, 457 ume trees representing 60 varieties, including old ume trees of over 100 years old, bloom proudly in the 35,000 sq.m. precinct and welcomes many visitors. It is often said that Ume blossoms in Atami are the most precocious to bloom in Japan, with some starting to come out as early as late November. Some are precocious, others late bloomers but whenever visiting there will be the chance to enjoy the beauty of the ume in blossom. During the festival period, various events such as a Geiko performance, open-air tea ceremony and amazake (a traditional sweet sake beverage) tasting will take place to entertain visitors. http://www.ataminews.gr.jp/ume/ (Japanese version only)

Hida-no-Sato Lit-up in winter - Hida-no-Sato, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture - December 23 (Fri)-25 (Sun), 2011 / January 14 (Sat)-February 29 (Wed), 2012 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. The white snow covering all around reflects the illumination light in winter, producing the most fantastic and beautiful night viewing throughout the year. Special buses operate from and to Hida-no-Sato during the period. Fully enjoy the subtle and profound harmony which the pure white snow creates. http://www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/ (Japanese version only) http://www.hida.jp/english/

All information is subject to change without notice.

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