Topic
Photo posts and Tokyo photo walks from around Japan.
105 posts · page 2 of 6
Ishiyama Temple （石山寺） in Shiga Prefecture, said to have been constructed around 762, is the place where Murasaki Shikibu began writing The Tale of Genji, a well known Japanese literature piece. The Temple can be reached easily from Kyoto Station traveling on the Keihan Railway. The large rock formations and well preserved temple structures make for a nice visit.
The Kamo river (kamogawa) runs through Kyoto, historically providing an important water supply, but also now allowing people to relax and enjoy nature whilst still being in the heart of the city. It is said the rivers course was diverted to its current location when the palace was constructed in the 8th century when Kyoto was the Heian Capital.
Takamatsu is the one of the gateway cities to Shikoku . Trains coming across the Seto Ohashi bridge as well as ferries coming from small islands and the main land, arrive at Takamatsu. It is an open planned city with beautiful parks and old style shopping arcades. A great base to explore the Setonaikai from, it also has its own rich history and culture.
We had snow in Tokyo tonight. Normally we get a bit of snow between January and March, but it doesn't normally settle so easily. I expect by the morning…
I visited Suzumushi Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto in Summer and enjoyed the speech given by the monks there. It was not a large Temple and the grounds were not extensive, but many people were queued up to get inside and the monks prepared tea and sweets to enjoy as they explained the history and humor of the Temple.
Glover Garden is a park in Nagasaki, overlooking Nagasaki Harbor. It was built for Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish entrepreneur who first came to Japan in 1859. He had good relations with various Samurai clans and assisted in toppling the Tokugawa Shogunate. He contributed to the modernization of Japan in shipbuilding, coal mining, as well as establishing the forerunner of Kirin Brewery. Glover House is the oldest Western style house surviving in Japan today.
This CM came out a while ago, but its really nice to see this compilation showing names of places in Tohoku, as a genki call to them to recover from a…
Dougo Onsen is located in Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku. The Onsen is well sometimes referred to as Botchan Onsen in reference to its featuring in the novel by Natsume Soseki of that name. The Onsen has separate male and female baths as well as a bath exclusive for the Emperor. You can take a tour of this area and the museum.
Nijo Castle (Nijojo) in Kyoto is a great place to visit in any season. The gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk, and the Ninomaru Palace in the grounds is well worth seeing and hearing the guides explanation of historical life at this site. The Castle was built in 1603 and is now a World Heritage site.
The Onaruto Bridge is located near Shikoku and is on the highway connecting Kobe with Tokushima. It spans from Tokushima to Awajishima. It is quite well known for the whirpools that are created by underwater ridges, which can be seen from the bridge.
Kodaiji Temple (高台寺) established in Kyoto in 1606 is a beautiful Temple located near Yasaka Hokanji Temple. I visited Kodaiji in the evening when it was lit up and enjoyed seeing the gardens in a different way to normal.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is a Shrine built over the grave of Michizane Sugawara, also known as the God of calligraphy. It is located near the Bay of Hakata in Fukuoka. It is well known as a Shrine to visit in order to wish for success in exams and studies.
Eiheiji Temple, located in Fukui-ken, was founded over 800 years ago, although the temple was rebuilt a number of times over the years. It is still an active temple today training monks in its teachings. It is possible for anyone to stay at the temple overnight and join in the routine and lessons of the monks.
Naoshima is a small island in the Setonaikai. It takes 20 minutes by Ferry from Uno, near Okayama or 40 minutes from Takamatsu, Shikoku. The island has become well known recently for its many works of art, both inside and outside and is the centerpiece of the Setouchi Art Festival.
Shirakawago (白川郷) in Gifu-ken is a World Heritage listed village. The area is known for the gassho zukuri (合掌造り) architectural style, with a thatched slanting roof. In winter, when there is heavy snowfall, the houses are able to withstand the severe weather thanks to this design.
The Tojinbo Cliffs are a natural collection of jagged rock faces about 30 meters tall. A popular sightseeing spot, there are also many regular suicides here (it is said to have the highest rate of suicides with about 25 per year).
On my recent trip to Shikoku I had some wonderful food, particularly produce from the Setonaikai. The taste of everything was fresh and the service was great. Often the food looked so good I ate it before taken a picture. Here are some items that I captured before eating them.
Ostuka Pharmaceutical have built a wonderful art museum in Naruto which holds over 1,000 pieces of Western masterpieces reproduced on ceramic boards. The museum building and the work gone into the creation of these boards is outstanding.
