All Aboard the Nara Deer Train

this week's most popular posts and other tidbits from around Japan

"Damp Earth, Humid Heat" (Microseason 35) This is the time of year when the summer heat is the most brutal. Feverish moisture seems to emanate from the earth under our feet as the sun's strong rays relentlessly beat down on the land.  Our attempts to avoid the heat include going to air-conditioned museums and movie theaters, eating kakigori and taking cold baths. Amazingly, the trees and plants seem to be unbothered by the heat as they continue to flourish. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Nara Deer Train We begin our newsletter in Nara, known for several things including their gorgeous temples and exquisite parks. But the historic Japanese city has another major tourist attraction: their devious deer. If you're heading to Nara, be sure to try and board Kintetsu Railway's new Deer Train! Read more... Komaeyu Bath House The number of public baths, or sento as they're referred to in Japan, have been in chronic decline since the late 1960s. But Komaeyu is part of a budding movement to rethink the role of sento for contemporary lifestyles and preserve sento culture. Read more... Fender's Flagship And lastly, we end in Harajuku where the iconic guitar brand Fender has opened its first-ever flagship store. The store's mission is to attract both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers and nurture the love for playing guitar. Read more... Now through August 6, Japan Society is presenting the 16th annual JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film. This year's festival features over 25 films from major blockbusters to indie darlings. (sponsor) tidbits from all corners of Japan The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, held this weekend for the first time in 4 years, seen from Tokyo Sky Tree. An estimated 1 million people turned up for the event. At Odawara Station there seems to be an unspoken rule allowing people to leave a personal item to keep their place in line while avoiding the strong rays of morning sun From the Shop The Perfect Dessert Bowl Whether you're keeping cool with ice cream or kakigori, the perfect dessert bowl does exist. The elegant curves of the hand-turned SINAFU dessert bowl are the work of artisans steeped in the "kijibiki" wood turning technique. This traditional shape embodies the spirit of hospitality that has been used for over 700 years to welcome traveling visitors. explore the Gato Mikio collection Copyright © 2023 Spoon & Tamago, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Spoon & Tamago 253 Tompkins Ave Brooklyn, New York 11216 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.