Kasama City Information

Welcome to art town where the fun never ends!
IBARAKI PREFECTURE
KASAMA
ENGLISH
G U I D E
Welcome to Kasama City!
O-fuji & Yae-no-fuji (wisteria)
These are 400 year-old wisteria trees, which have
beautiful flowers when in bloom, between May and
June.
Iida Dam
I id a
R iv e r
226
Gallery Road
Craft Hills Kasama Art Museum
Yakimono Street
Nichido Art Museum
Shunpu Banriso Villa
Kasama Inari Shrine
Kasama Station
Kasama Shopping Center
Citizens Gymnasium
r
Ishikiri
Mountains
Ishi-no-hyakunen-kan
Museum
Sainen-ji Temple
Izumo-taisha
Shrine
a
har
u
Fuk
Kasama-nishi IC
Kasama Inari Shrine
River
In
da
Ina ation
St
ada River
Kasam
a Sta
tion
nu
m
a
These drooping cherry trees bloom a little
earlier than the common species called
Someiyoshino cherry trees.
They are in the three adjoining temples , and
are between 70 to 100 years old.
e
Shin-ike Pond
Shunpu Banriso Villa
n
atio
Shishido s
sidarezakura cherry trees
Kasama Tsutsuji Park
Kasama Nichido Art Museum
Sashiro-sanroku Park
50
The ruins of the Kasama Castle
Craft Hills Kasama
Kasama Geijutsu-no-mori Park
Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum
Kitayama Park
be
omo
St
T
ne
Gallery Road
e
Li
Craft Hills Kasama Art Museum
iv
ito
North Entrance of Tomobe Station
The no-steps
bus can seat up to
36 passengers,
and goes around
Kasama City.
wa
Hi
R
M
■The route of the bus
ni
ta
Take a sightseeing bus,
which is very convenient.
Ka
Here is a town with a long history and abundant nature. It has been thriving as a
center for the production of pottery and granite, and is also known as a town of old
shrines and temples which are scattered here and there.
It charms visitors with its seasonal changes of nature, tranquility of the historical
spots, burning flames of the kilns and unique museums.
Furthermore, there is an aikido shrine located here, the only one in the world, and it
is the birthplace of aikido martial arts.
Satisfy your curiosity because Kasama City has history, culture and nature. Come and
see us and we will welcome you.
Tomobe IC
Shish
tion
Sta
JR
Hi
nu
Lin
an
Job
ma
-mae
River
ido St
ation
The museum of history and folk material
Ki
Hi
ta
nu
Ka
n
ma
355
Ri
to
E
ve
Tomobe JCT
xpre
ssway
r
Tomobe Smart IC
Atago Shrine
The points worthy of note in Kasama
P6
The specialties of Kasama
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P2
The guide for events in Kasama
Iwama IC
n
ba
Jo
Line
P4
Atago Tengu-no-mori Park
Sky Lodge
oban
JR J
contents
Iwama Station
Aiki Shrine
Aiki-dojo Hall
Ex
Mt. Atago
pr
es
sw
a
y
※No buses on Mondays.
Kitayama Park
Kasama Tsutsuji Park
Nature is beautiful all year around. A promenade along
the pond serves visitors refreshments.
An especially magnificent view of the town can be seen from
the top of the mountain.
Along the mountain path, 8,500 roots of tsutsuji (azaleas) of 25
species bloom.
P3
The points worthy of note
in Kasama
Enjoy the goodness of Kasama
through its history and culture.
Aiki Shrine
Kasama geigi (geisha)
It was in the later Meiji Period when the first
geisha houses were built in Kasama. The sound
of samisen played by geisha girls could be heard
in the taverns and inns along the street. The girls
in kimono would walk around the town till late.
In the center of Kasama is Inari Shrine, which was
so famous that worshippers visited it regularly,
and this has allowed the town to thrive.
Geisha girls making parties pleasant for
worshippers and visitors are also people who
have taken over the culture of Kasama.
This is the only aikido shrine in the world. The founder of
aikido is Ueshiba Morihei. Aikido is a martial art used to train
us both physically and mentally. It is practiced in countries
all over the world. This dojo (hall) is called the mecca of
aikido .
Inada granite
This stone material is
famous for its high
quality and beauty. It is
used in the big buildings
such as Mitsui Bank
Head Office, Nihonbashi
Station, Tokyo Station,
Meiji Jingu Shrine and
Supreme Court.
Atago Shrine
This shrine at the top of Mt. Atago, is one of the three
great fire prevention shrines in Japan. It was founded
in 806 A.D. According to tradition, tengu (long-nosed
goblins) once led an ascetic life here.
Kasama Nichido
Art Museum
They exhibit masterpieces from
European impressionists to
Ecole de Paris, the collection of
artists after the Meiji Period.
They include their works and a
collection of pallets.
Kasama pottery
Originating in the 18th century, potters were invited from
Shigaraki, kilns were built and the first bottles and the jars
were made. The reddish-brown clay produced from
Kasama contains iron,and the consistency of the clay
gives it pliability and plasticity, so the manufacturing
method using the potter s wheel was developed. The
tradition of skills have been passed down through the
centuries, so that now young and energetic potters are
making pottery both in the traditional style, and also with
a modern sense, and they make objects that range in use
from daily necessities to artistic pieces.
Shunpu Banriso Villa
Once this house belonged to Kitaoji Rosanjin
who showed his talent in the field of pottery,
cooking, drawing and seal engraving. It was
moved from North Kamakura to this place. His
works and a tea room designed by him are part
of the exhibition.
Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum
Sakamoto Kyu s house
Known by his nickname Kyu-chan , he was
loved as a pop singer. During World WarⅡ, he
moved to Kasama to avoid the air raid.
Kasama was his mother s hometown.
He held his wedding at Kasama Inari Shrine
and paraded in the street with his wife. Later,
unfortunately he lost his life because of an
accident. But his songs still appeal to us. His
record Ue wo muite aruko ( Sukiyaki in the
US) sold millions of records both in Japan and
the US.
P4
They exhibit the works of potter Itaya Hazan
who was awarded an Order of Cultural Merits
and the work of Matsui Yasunari who held the
title of Important Intangible Cultural Property .
Kasama Inari Shrine
Built in the late Edo Period, it was designated as a
national treasure of japan. It is one of the three
largest inari shrines in Japan, and people visit it
every year.
P5
ᇵ᧓໲
The specialties of Kasama
You can learn craftsmen s skills, and maybe you would like to buy souvenirs
with Japanese sense from here.
The events of Kasama
Join exciting events, and experience
an authentic oriental mood.
EVENT GUIDE
January
The first visit to the shrines
Early January
Pottery market at Craft Hills Kasama
February
February 3
Setsubun festivals at Kasama Inari Shrines, etc.
February 11
Karasu-yobari festival at the rice paddies within Izumi Area.
Kasama s
chrysanthemum festival
with a history of 100 years
Kasama pottery
Although Kasama has a history longer than 200 years,
they produce not only traditional potteries but also
modern ones in which artists express themselves freely.
Their products were designated National Traditional
Objects of Craftwork.
Experiencing potter s wheel
March
April
May
May 10
Rice-planting festival within Ishii Area
Every year from mid-October to late
kiku-nigyo imitating
historical figures are shown within
the area of the Kasama Inari Shrine.
June
A warrior on the back of a running horse shoots at three targets
with an arrow one by one, and we can foresee if the coming next
year will be good or not by the numbers of hits to the target. It is
held at the site in front of the Kasama Elementary School.
at Kasama Inari Shrine and Izumo-taisha Shrine
July
ạộẟờỉ
Muto Shurui-jozo Co., Ltd
The founder is unknown but according to
the present owner, this brewery originated
in 1141, the later Heian Period.
Founded in 1819 the Edo Period, they
made sake under the Kasama Feudal
Clan s patronage.
Green Festa Kasama at Shishido Hills Country
August (first Sat., Sun. & Mon.)
Kasama Gion festival at Kasama-inari-monzen-dori Street, etc.
Izayoi-matsuri festival at To-no-komichi Path
Also Mid-August
Kasama s festivals at Kasama-inari-monzen-dori Street, etc.
It was believed if we are called
names from 13 men who are
disguising tengu (long-nosed
goblin), it brings us good luck. This
festival is held at the Iitsuna Shrine
in Mt. Atago, and it is said to be
one of the Three Strange Festivals
in Japan because it is done in a
strange and wild atmosphere.
(Cherry blossoms festival)
Mid-September
September
We can see 1,000 cherry trees bloom at the
Kitayama Park and Mt. Atago, and many viewers
visit these places in spring.
Inada stone exhibition
(Kasama s festival)
Walking around Kasama, the town of art
at the art museums in Kasama
Mid-October
October
Inada stone is carved into various
works with the help of graphic
designers who are active both in
Japan and in the world, and their
works are displayed at the quarry of
Nakano-gumi Sekizai-kogyo Co., Ltd.
Kasama-no-matsuri
Inada stone exhibition
at the quarry of Nakano-gumi Sekizai-kogyo Co., Ltd.
Also mid-October
Festival of Tomobe, our home
at Tomobe Community Center,etc.
From mid-October to late November
Kasama s chrysanthemum festivals
at Kasama Inari Shrines, etc.
November
Various nebuta（illuminated big figures）
including familiar ones from Aomori
Prefecture and mikoshi（portable shrines）
are lined up on the main street. The
vigorous marching people make the event
more exciting．
Inari-zushi
Eat and taste genuine
inari-zushi, flavored boiled
rice wrapped up with fried
bean curd. (Coincidentally
inari is the name of both
a type of sushi and the
shrine!)
From late June to early July
Mid-August
Akutai matsuri (Backbiting festival)
Sudo-honke Co., Ltd
Michi-no-ichi market along Kasama-ekimae-dori Street
Kaya-no-wa kuguri events
Visiting local sake
breweries...
Sakura matsuri
This is the shochu spirit made
by mixing malted rice and
chestnuts in the ratio of 7 to
2.5. It gives off a slight smell
of chestnuts, and it tastes
mild. It is so popular that it is
often sold out quickly.
June (first Sat. & Sun.)
June 30
The Shinto ritual yabusame (horseback archery)
Atago no shizuku
（distilled spirits）
Kasama s Toen-sai festival at the site of Craft Hills Kasama
O-fuji & Yae-no-fuji (wisterias) at Kasama Inari Shrine
August
地酒
From April 29 to May 5
Early May
Kiku-ningyo
Let s try making pottery in
Kasama! You can see and buy
local potter s works, too.
Early April
Cherry blossoms festivals at Kitayama Park and Mt. Atago
Azaleas festival at Kasama Tsutsuji Park
The festival is held at the Kasama Inari Shrine,
and 10,000 roots of kiku , chrysanthemums
including kiku-ningyo , chrysanthemum
dolls are exhibited.
Craft Hills Kasama
From late January to late March
The exhibition of hina dolls at the shops
From mid-April to mid-May
(Chrysanthemum dolls) November,
P6
January 1
November (first Fri., Sat. & Sun.)
Rokusho Shrine festival at Rokusyo Shrine
November 3
Shinto ritual yabusame (horseback archery)
at the site in front of Kasama Elementary School
Early November
Takumi-no-matsuri Stone Festival
at the site of Craft Hills Kasama
Isokura Shuzo, Ltd
Sasame Sobei Shoten Co., Ltd
Founded in 1868, the Meiji Period, and
situated in front of the Inada Station of the
Mito Line, they insist on using local rice for
their sake brewery.
Founded in 1873, the Meiji Period, they
have been making sake for many years.
Their sake Matsumidori is always served
at the Kasama Inari Shrine s events.
Izayoi matsuri festival
(Sixteen-day-old moon festival)
Approximately 800 pottery lanterns are arranged
on the sidewalk on the To-no-komichi (Pottery path), and they make for a fantastic
summer evening display.
December
Early December
Nobori-gama-matsuri festival at Yakimono-dori Street
Also early December
Akutai-matsuri festival at Iitsna Shrine in Mt. Atago
P7
Kasama City Information
Kasama City is about 63 miles away from the Tokyo metropolitan areas, and is near Mito City, the
capital of Ibaraki Prefecture. It covers an area of 93 square miles. The zone is about 12.5 miles
from East to West and about 15.6 miles from North to South. The Northern part is adjacent to
Tochigi Prefecture, the Western part to Sakuragawa City, the Eastern part to Mito City and Ibaraki
Town and the Southern part to Ishioka City and Omitama City.
In the North-West, there lies a stretch of mountains called Yamizo, and in the South-West, stands
Mt. Atago . From North-West to South-East, there lies a flat stretch of highland, and in the center
is Hinuma River.
As for the climate, it is hot and humid in summer, and it is mostly sunny in winter, which is
common to the areas on the Pacific.
Fukushima
Joban Expressway
Tohoku Expressway
JR Suigun Line
Tochigi
Nikko City
JR Joban Line
Hitachi City
Hitachi-Ota City
Kasama City
Twin-Link Motegi ●
Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC
JR Mito Line
Port of Hitachinaka
Mito IC
Kasama
Kasama-Nishi IC
Tomobe IC
Iwama
Hitachi-Naka IC
Mito
Tomobe
Tomobe JCT
Iwama IC
Kita-Kanto Expressway
Ibaraki
Ibaraki Airport
Tsukuba City
Tsukuba Express
Joban Expressway
Lake Kasumigaura
Kashima City
Itako IC
JR Joban Line
Abiko
Higashi-Kanto Expressway
JR Narita Line
Tokyo
By train
By car
From Tokyo area
Ueno
New Tokyo International Airport
Chiba
From Tokyo area
JR Joban Line
JR Mito Line
Joban Expressway
Kita-Kanto Expressway
Route 355
（in 70 min）
（in 10 min）
（in 40 min）
（in 5 min）
（in 5 min）
Tomobe
Kasama
By round-trip bus
（in 25 min）Fee［100 yen］
JR Tohoku Shinkansen
JR Mito Line
（in 80 min）
（in 60 min）
Oyama
Tomobe JCT
Tomobe IC
Kasama
From Tohoku area
For the visitors from Sendai area, taking the route shown below is convenient.
From Tohoku area
Koriyama
Misato JCT
Kasama
KASAMA
ENGLISH GUIDE
Tohoku
Expressway
Sendai
Ban-Etsu
Expressway
Joban
Expressway
Route 50
（in 50 min）
（in 20 min）
Koriyama JCT Iwaki JCT
Mito IC
Kasama
Kasama City Office／2-1, 3-chome, Chuo, Kasama City 〒309-1792
TEL：0296-77-1101 FAX：0296-78-0612