Kyoto mountain burning in midsummer, Daimonji and other mountains (August 16th)

Unknown to me, midsummer(around August 15th) is a holiday season in Japan. But summer holidays differ from company to company, or from person to person. The company I work for doesn't set any holidays in this season. Instead, I can set an holiday week any time in the year.

Anyway, midsummer observes two important memories in Japan. One is that Japan surrendered to the Allies in the world war II on August 15th, with entire nation in ruin. The other is related to Buddhism, in which the spirits of the ancestors visit this world in mid August, occasion being called O-bon. Usually family members living at different places get together in O-bon week. Another occasion when family members get together is new year's holidays. "New year and O-bon coming at the same time" is how Japanese expresses the very busy state.

Kyoto city observes O-bon by burning Chinese characters or figure written on five mountains surrounding the city on August 16th. Most well-known and first to be set fire is Mt. Daimonji. "Dai"(大) of Daimonji means "big" in Chinese character. This event is said to pray the peaceful return of the ancester's spirits that is visiting this(living) world back to another(not living) world. Usually after this event, the scorching heat subsides and usher in autumn. But it seems this year is an exception. We have to endure one or possibly two weeks of another terrible heat in Kansai.

Mt. Daimonji viewed from Kitao-ji bridge around 20:10

Japanese Whisky

When it comes to whisky, or whiskey if you prefer Irish spelling(inclusion of "e"), Scotland dominates its reputation. But recently, I have been hearing that Japanese whisky, especially Suntory's whisky, is getting recognition and even globally prestigious awards.

Suntory has two main distilleries, one in Yamazaki(Kyoto prefecture) and one in Hakushu(Yamashina prefecture). On Sunday, I visited Suntory's Yamazaki distillery, the border town of Kyoto prefecture and Osaka prefecture.

It is said that quality water and humid climate in Yamazaki contribute to the quality whisky of Suntory. The most distinguished tea master Sen-no-Rikyu had tea house in Yamazaki in 15th century, because water in Yamazaki was perfectly suited to make sublime tea.

There is a free distillery tour in Yamazaki with advance booking, it is fun and better yet as the tour ends with whisky tasting session. On Sunday, free tasting includes whisky(Yamazaki) with soda, whisky(Yamazaki) with ice, and whisky(Hakushu) with soda. I have not often tried whisky with soda, but it was really refreshing when taken in Yamazaki. I found new way to enjoy whisky. Thank you, Suntory Yamazaki.

Aside from water, this area has been an important traffic route between Osaka(biggest merchant city) and Kyoto(the imperial capital), so there were historical battle taking place around this area and nearby mountains. Rich in history and rich in quality water with hiking course, you can make a good excursion from Kyoto or Osaka.

Rows of whisky casks in Suntory Yamazaki distillery