Journey Through Time: Exploring Hakuba Valley's Salt Road Festival
Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Japan’s Hakuba Valley lies a hidden gem of history and tradition: the Salt Road Festival. While Hakuba Valley is renowned as a premier ski destination, its roots delve much deeper into the annals of time. Long before skis graced these slopes, the mountainous terrain was traversed by local farming communities, weaving a rich tapestry of culture and heritage.
At the heart of this heritage is the ancient Salt Road, a lifeline connecting landlocked Nagano Prefecture to the bountiful Sea of Japan coast. This 120-kilometer trading route was the conduit through which salt and preserved seafood flowed inland during the Edo Period, sustaining communities along its path. In Hakuba Valley, this cultural exchange gave rise to traditional delicacies like salted squid and dried seaweed, imbuing local cuisine with flavors steeped in history.
Today, the spirit of the Salt Road lives on through the annual festival—a three-day extravaganza celebrating the valley's storied past. Held each year from May 3rd to 5th, locals and visitors alike don traditional attire, following in the footsteps of their ancestors along the historic path that links Otari, Hakuba, and Omachi. From folk songs echoing through the valleys to the rhythmic beats of taiko drums, the festival offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, where tradition and community intertwine in celebration. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Hakuba Valley, where history is not just remembered but joyously embraced.
In a world of rapid change, the Salt Road Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hakuba Valley—a place where the echoes of the past resonate through the ages, inviting all who wander its paths to embark on a journey through time.
source/s: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/news-blog/hakuba-valleys-salt-road-festival/
https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id12244
４月になり新しいクラスがスタートしてしまったから、もう今から英語学習を始めるのは遅いと思っていらっしゃる皆さん、まだ間に合います！レッスンは第３週目に入りましたが、新学期は基礎構文から始まる為、新入生の生徒さんでも無理なく学習が行えます。また、担当教師やスタッフがしっかりサポートをさせて頂きますので、ご安心ください。迷う前に、まずは来校・見学、そして体験レッスンで英語学習の楽しさを実感してください。
アミティーでは、レッスン以外にもお家でしっかり英語学習に取り組むことをお勧めしています。
レッスンの宿題に加えて、ドリルに少しずつでも毎日コツコツとりくむことにより読む力書く力を養い、4技能をバランスよく伸ばしていく目的です。一宮校ではドリルを継続して沢山取り組んだクラスのお友達には、定期的に表彰をしています。
おうちの方は、お子様のドリルを毎回ご確認いただき、まるつけをしていただくとお子様が今どのくらい力がついているのかの把握にもなりますし、お子様のモチベーションにもつながります。どうぞご協力をお願いいたします。
はじめての習い事におススメ！スターターコースのご案内
「英会話に興味はあるけど毎週のレッスンはまだ心配」そんな方にアミティーのスターターコースがおススメです！
月２回のレッスンで無理なくご参加いただけます。
【スターターコース】※4/27（土）締切
月２回レッスン
対象：６ヵ月～年少さんまで
月額：４，８４０円
好評につきお席増設中です！
開講スケジュールはこちらのメールに返信の上お問い合わせ下さい。
春から英語をはじめたい方におススメ！
アミティーでは春期生最終受付中です。
今ならスタート月（4月または5月）のお月謝半額キャンペーン実施中♪
学校見学・体験レッスンなどお気軽にお問い合わせ下さい。
第３回英検に合格された方をアミティー広場で発表しています。
⇒アミティー広場
今回合格された皆さん、おめでとうございます！
２０２４年度第1回試験より、３級以上のライティングで試験内容が変わります。
しっかりと対策を行い試験に臨みましょう。
Bella Devyatkina: The Amazing Young Polyglot
Watch the video -->
The 7-year-old polyglot
Meet Bella Devyatkina, an eight-year-old girl from Russia who can speak eight languages! From Russian and English to Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, and even Russian Sign Language, Bella's language skills are truly impressive.
Bella's talent for languages started when she was very young. With the support of her parents, Bella learned languages in a fun and natural way. She didn't use textbooks or memorization—instead, she learned by talking to people and experiencing different cultures.
Bella's language abilities have caught the attention of people all over the world. She has appeared on TV shows where she effortlessly speaks multiple languages, impressing everyone with her skills.
Bella's story shows us how language can bring people together. Even though she speaks many different languages, Bella shows us that communication is about more than just words—it's about understanding and connecting with others, no matter where they come from.
Photo Source: https://gcpawards.com/blog/8-year-old-girl-speaks-eight-different-languages-bella-devyatkina
新学期がスタートし、新しいクラスメイトと一緒にわくわくドキドキ楽しくレッスンを受講されています。まずはクラスに慣れる事が一番大事ですが、レッスン内容を事前に理解できているとレッスンを受ける際の気持ちが違います。予習として動画視聴をする事で、自信も付いてとても積極的にレッスンに取り組めるのです。レッスンが終わった後は復習として視聴すれば定着度もアップ。ドリルやワークブック同様に、今年は動画視聴を習慣にして下さ。
Contrasting April Cultures in the Philippines and Japan
In April, the Philippines and Japan showcase distinct differences in climate, culture, and natural landscapes. In the Philippines, April marks the onset of the dry season, characterized by warm temperatures and clear skies. It's a time when many Filipinos celebrate Holy Week, with various religious observances and traditions taking place across the country. Beach destinations like Boracay and Palawan are popular among locals and tourists alike during this time, offering opportunities for sunbathing and water activities.
In contrast, April in Japan signals the arrival of spring, a season celebrated for its iconic cherry blossoms, known as Sakura. As temperatures gradually rise, cherry blossoms bloom across the country, transforming parks and streets into breathtaking displays of pink and white flowers. Japanese people partake in Hanami (flower-viewing) picnics beneath the cherry blossoms, enjoying food, drinks, and camaraderie amidst nature's beauty. April in Japan also coincides with the start of the academic and fiscal year, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts.
While April in the Philippines brings dry, sunny weather and religious festivities, April in Japan heralds the arrival of spring with its enchanting cherry blossoms and cultural celebrations.
Experiencing Sakura season in Japan for the first time as a Filipino English teacher was like stepping into a fairy tale. Everywhere I looked, delicate pink cherry blossoms adorned the streets and parks, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. As I walked beneath the blossoming trees, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty surrounding me. Sitting beneath the Sakura trees, I found peace and joy in the simple pleasure of being immersed in such natural splendor. It was a moment I'll always cherish, a beautiful memory that symbolizes the magic of new beginnings and the joy of exploring new places.
4/1より新しい年度がスタートし、先週は新しいお友達との初めてのレッスンでした。
初めは普段より少し緊張している様子の子もいましたが、あっという間にみんな仲良くなり元気にレッスンに参加することができました。
今年度も皆で楽しく元気に英語を学習しましょうね！
レッスン時間だけでなく、おうちでも動画やドリルを活用し、英語に触れる時間を増やしましょう！
