[Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture] A trip to experience ancient Japanese culture! Pottery making experience with ink writing and a special lunch box

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In honor of the oldest pottery inscribed with the Iroha poem, which was unearthed during an excavation at the historic site of Saigū, we will be holding an event where you can write characters on modern pottery with ink. We will also be serving food that is said to have been eaten by princesses in t...

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The entrance to Oise-san, Meiwa-cho. Meiwa Town is a town where the Miyako ``Saikyu'', where the princess of the imperial family, ``Saio'', who served Amaterasu Omikami at Ise Grand Shrine in place of the Emperor, once lived, remains as a historical site.

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[Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture] A trip to experience ancient Japanese culture! Pottery making experience with ink writing

The ruins of Saigū in Meiwa-cho, Mie Prefecture, are a historical site designated as a special national historic site, and are the site of the former Saigū.

The vast ruins cover an area of approximately three square kilometers, and include the remains of a palace, noble residences, ponds, and gardens.

The site offers a glimpse into the importance of ancient Japanese court culture and ceremony, and is especially famous for the discovery of the Iroha Song and many other cultural artefacts.

Among them, there is a piece of earthenware with ink on it called "Sumi-sho-doki," which is said to have been written by a female attendant in the service of the Saio. It is the oldest "Iroha poem" written in hiragana in Japan.

Based on this history, an event will be held in modern times where people can experience making ink-written pottery.

Participants will feel as if they have traveled back in time to the Heian period. After taking a calligraphy or self-writing class, they will be able to write their favorite characters in ink on a piece of earthenware to take home as a souvenir.

A modern take on the flavors of the Heian period! A special bento experience

As part of the historical exploration of the Saigū ruins, the event will also feature a special bento lunch box featuring a modern take on the dishes that are said to have been eaten by the Heian period princess known as the Saiō.

This bento box respects ancient food culture while also adapting to modern tastes, making it a dish that gives a sense of the elegant lifestyle of the aristocrats of the time.

The food is beautifully presented, so why not spend an elegant moment experiencing the history and culture of Saiku?

Reference: About Saigū

Event Dates

    9:30~: Meet at Kintetsu Saiku Station and travel by taxi etc.
    10:00~: Arrive at Saiku Historical Museum
    12:00~: Special bento lunch
    13:00~: Tour of the Iroha pottery excavation site, calligraphy class, practice, ink-writing pottery experience (You can also try on simple Heian period costumes, play Heian period games, etc.)
    15:00~: Visit to Take Shrine (Explanation of how to pray, experience praying)
    15:30~: Disband at Kintetsu-Saigū Station

[October to December 2024] Event fees and reservations

Through this valuable experience, you will be able to experience Japanese history and culture on a deeper level.

Please take this opportunity to participate.

    [Dates] Saturdays and Sundays from October 1st to December 15th, 2024
    [Venue/Meeting place] Saiku History Museum
    [Price] 10,000 yen (tax included)

*Please note that the event will not be held on October 20th (Sunday), 27th (Sunday), November 2nd (Saturday), 3rd (Sunday), 4th (National Holiday), 16th (Saturday), and December 15th (Sunday).

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The entrance to Oise-san, Meiwa-cho. Meiwa Town is a town where the Miyako ``Saikyu'', where the princess of the imperial family, ``Saio'', who served Amaterasu Omikami at Ise Grand Shrine in place of the Emperor, once lived, remains as a historical site.

more
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