Situated in a nondescript yet picturesque spot in Kyotongo City in Japan’s coastal region of Tango, is a forge or smithy that makes traditional katana by hand. These are the kinds of swords that were carried by the samurai back in the day. The Nihon Genshosha forge is the collaborative venture of Tomoki Kuromoto, Tomoyuki Miyagi, and Kosuke Yamazoe – three friends who met in Tokyo some years ago, as apprentices of Yoshindo Yoshiwara, a renowned master sword maker.

当车子驶入小镇内窄小的道路，两旁都是精致的木屋，搅下车窗，飘来渔村和海水的味道，是这里了！我在心中呐喊：“终于来到心心念念的伊根了！”

和朋友说我去京都看海，大家都睁大眼睛，京都靠海吗？除了京都清水寺、金阁寺，其实来到京都丹后，可以感受海之京都，走一趟日本最美靠海小镇──伊根，体验慢活的渔村时光、尽情挥霍时间。

放眼日本全国，地位最崇高、最古老的神社所在地，以及孕育日本历史的神话起源地，都位于“中国地方”，也就是常听到的“山阴山阳”地区。“山阴”侧为鸟取县、岛根县。临望日本海，受西伯利亚寒流影响较剧，气候普遍湿冷多雨，冬季易有暴雪；“山阳”则是冈山县、广岛县以及山口县，临濑户内海，四季分明，气候相较之下也较温暖。

The Hokuriku region is located on the northwestern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu and is known for its all-seasons appeal – spectacular cherry blossoms destinations, pleasant summers, vibrant autumn colours and snowy winters. Travellers from Malaysia can catch a flight to Narita International Airport before transferring to Tokyo Station to get on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to explore more of the Hokuriku Shinetsu area.

Nestled on the northwestern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu lies the enchanting Hokuriku region, renowned for its all-season appeal. From breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn hues and snowy winters, Hokuriku promises travellers from Malaysia an unforgettable experience.