Toyama
Spectacular view of the Japanese Alps throughout a year
Toyama prefecture is located in the Chubu region of honshu island along the Sea of Japan.
The Japanese Alps that lies across three prefectures including Toyama offers spectacular sceneries throughout a year.
Hida mountains lie the middle of Honshu island over three prefectures including Toyama and due to its magnitude, it’s also called the Japanese Alps.
It is known for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
The first stop along the Japanese Alpine road is Kurobe dam. As the construction was long and deadly, its architectural achievement is known all over the country.
Amaebi - small sweet shrimps eaten in a raw condition
Hatsuumadango - cocoon-shaped dumplings eaten on the first day of horse (Hatsuuma) in February to pray for good fortune and good harvest
Kobujime - sandwiched sliced raw fish in Kobu, kelp, which is a traditional way of preserving fresh fish that has passed down since the Edo period.
Toyama has historically had an easy access to Kobu made in Hokkaido through trading ships called Kitamaebune.
Takaoka copperware has various items ranging from small indoor ornaments and vases to larger items such as Buddhist statues and temple bells.
Shogawa river was previously used as the transportation of timber from Hida area around 400 years, ago.
Shogawa area developed timber woodcraft production.
LA LA HONEY
Yabu-uchi
LALAHONEY is a cosmetic brand born in Toyama Prefecture. A cosmetic product that uses the blessings of nature, including the pure water from the Tachyama Federation, honey harvested in Toyama Prefecture. The soap we created for our own (※cold process soap) has began with it. We want to deliver products that are good for your skin with a simple formula, without the most synthetic ingredients.
LALAHONEY cosmetic products are made with a concept in making cosmetics that are gentle on the human and the planet, and do not use any additives such as petroleum chemistry, synthetic preservatives, or synthetic colors. We carefully select high-quality materials as the main ingredient of natural vegetable oils, and use a lot of lovely.
SUZU HASHIOKI
Takenaka Douki
The chopstick holder is shaped after the Mukai Tsuru (facing cranes), a traditional Japanese auspicious design. The crane is a symbol of longevity and health, and the two cranes facing each other signifies a harmonious marriage. It is a perfect ornament to brighten the dining table for a hearty gathering, family celebration or any happy occasion. The material is tin, which is malleable and can be bent to change its shape by hand. By slightly bending the crane’s wings and neck upward, the appearance becomes even more festive, and also helps to keep the chopsticks from rolling off. Also, tin is known to be resistant to oxidizing, and when submerged in water, the tin ion keeps the water from spoiling. Thus, another use would be to display it inside a flower bowl or clear vase so that cut flowers last longer. In addition, you can use the space in between the crane’s neck and wings to put up a small message card or seating card. The beautiful chopstick holder is a useful tool for communication with your loved ones, as well as a wonderful addition to decorate a celebratory table.
SAKE PITCHER
MIYAZU Co.,Ltd
The sake pitcher set is each hand made by the skilled artisans of Takaoka casting and lacquerware. Kannabe, a traditional kaiseki course tableware for pouring sake, utilizes the metal’s heat and cold retention properties.
The spirit of omotenashi blossoms on the table with warm drinks in the winter and cool refreshments in the summer with the sophisticated pitcher embodying the techniques of kettle craftsperson Shobe Kita.
The extra lid is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay techniques of Takaoka lacquerware depicting various traditional Japanese motifs and scenery, such as auspicious patterns (Kissho-mon), Mount Fuji and landscapes.
In addition, the sake cup of Takaoka tinware is said to have the effect of taking the edge off the drink to make it softer. At the bottom of the tin cup is an engraving of a single cherry blossom flower, and the pentagonal shaped plum flower cup is also a great gift item with a play on words, as pentagon (gokaku) is phonetically similar to passing an exam (goukaku).