Daikan: Tour Report of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on January 20, 2024

Thank you for choosing our tour at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on January 20, 2024. We welcomed 20 guests from UK and Australia. I hope all of you enjoyed and shared interesting conversations with us during the tour. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached to remember the fun times we had.

Despite the chilly weather and rain, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour with our guests. The period of 15 days from January 20th to February 3rd is known as “Daikan.” But what exactly is “Daikan”? It is considered the coldest period of the year. During our tour, we observed the early blooming of plums, possibly influenced by global warming. In recent times, the Japan Meteorological Agency has faced challenges in accurately predicting the peak blooming season for plums, peaches, and cherry blossoms in the spring.

Customary practices are conducted during the “Daikan” period. “Kangeiko” or “Kansyugyo” involves martial arts training aimed at enhancing mental health and skill improvement. It is believed that consuming “Kannomizu,” water with spiritual properties, during this period is beneficial for maintaining good health. Japanese sake and soy sauce are produced using “Kannomizu,” known for its absence of bacteria and impurities, ensuring high-quality products.

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(Posted by Yutaka)