tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62382433009746515572024-03-14T21:26:39.074+09:00Cognoscenti JapanA travel curator's thoughts on travel, destinations and art.Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-48791677462604388022023-08-27T17:20:00.001+09:002023-08-27T17:20:55.828+09:00Himeji Castle <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: medium;">If you ask one castle in Japan that is the
most elegant and dignified, many people would think of Himeji Castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of Japan's first two UNESCO World
Heritage sites registered in 1993 (the other one was Horyu-ji Temple in Nara.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUAQmy28AbEEvsDw546y33Ye3aDBv7z56VfNyfN3lNNzzofXcLCjUmac87_PkL3vGzDmaeiJEnov4T5YceDv0hRbiADrZg4CO551eWUh3sF9bmtOH0akv2wRLnO6PEFZ6ymJN678m5_Y4Zg0ZeZNKzJWDLwufXiAHaQIhgWoZQAZIIdhs7jcq10csHiZF/s2790/IMG_6571%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1899" data-original-width="2790" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUAQmy28AbEEvsDw546y33Ye3aDBv7z56VfNyfN3lNNzzofXcLCjUmac87_PkL3vGzDmaeiJEnov4T5YceDv0hRbiADrZg4CO551eWUh3sF9bmtOH0akv2wRLnO6PEFZ6ymJN678m5_Y4Zg0ZeZNKzJWDLwufXiAHaQIhgWoZQAZIIdhs7jcq10csHiZF/w400-h272/IMG_6571%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">The seven-storey keep (including one floor below ground) that we see today was
built in 1609, and miraculously survived the bombings during WW2. Through large-scale rennovations every few
decades, the "white egret" castle maintains the unparalleled beauty
and durability.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5z-8ckhGAwYfmLA7yLzjqfAQHmlYYsY2avMWxDkH3KoRCvd02-qGBPDLCdQ1XHglHzr4dN6Sj6h03Z1CG6qjfw_Rulo1h7kZ6Q0VU46lxJTdZcGi6wbu68MmJFLuFcSk2KrNHjrpPgMo12k7kkgrFqdseUcp7Xfci9VSOL0BDsRD_eRBplOyUdyF3UwX/s6000/DSC06562.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5z-8ckhGAwYfmLA7yLzjqfAQHmlYYsY2avMWxDkH3KoRCvd02-qGBPDLCdQ1XHglHzr4dN6Sj6h03Z1CG6qjfw_Rulo1h7kZ6Q0VU46lxJTdZcGi6wbu68MmJFLuFcSk2KrNHjrpPgMo12k7kkgrFqdseUcp7Xfci9VSOL0BDsRD_eRBplOyUdyF3UwX/w266-h400/DSC06562.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The white plastered walls look so bright
outside that you may be surprised at the subdued, temple-like wooden interior. You can walk up the
steep stairs to the top floor, from where you can command a view of Himeji City
just like the ancient lords did.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Cap96OemRFu7FnwWHQGXQORnkMhEKMsKohrYTQV7mj4yZ6LihkItBvIB8kxVxnVxj99auD47OqC_4G6AGKQWNh-RlqMsVlWsAI2187xueSlW0UiICQeftlnXVi9GqbMoQ3KuifgnfjXgDl6PP4Btg6exg5y7etkDfY-UVxZKHzUiZrG1AgROS4gLUs1S/s3768/DSC06569%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="3768" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Cap96OemRFu7FnwWHQGXQORnkMhEKMsKohrYTQV7mj4yZ6LihkItBvIB8kxVxnVxj99auD47OqC_4G6AGKQWNh-RlqMsVlWsAI2187xueSlW0UiICQeftlnXVi9GqbMoQ3KuifgnfjXgDl6PP4Btg6exg5y7etkDfY-UVxZKHzUiZrG1AgROS4gLUs1S/w400-h266/DSC06569%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The most close-up photo opportunity comes
when you finish the visit of the main keep. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xaoHgrVISqEZ-fsbETzw0B2U-wK-eoQemjhd4Sbhb2Y8F0RZTf8CthcdgQxnlFUKj8Fi9IzDJf-ExDxFeH8alIeqjeyt9WMj19gv2QG6BS1lBPDdmWUQ8EcoRp7C4fnLu2cdC-LG_pNK3uBQsRgu4PZaDxnO2YXX27vzwVHEPnFoC7F4lCJFJPZPRMCT/s3503/IMG_6576%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3503" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xaoHgrVISqEZ-fsbETzw0B2U-wK-eoQemjhd4Sbhb2Y8F0RZTf8CthcdgQxnlFUKj8Fi9IzDJf-ExDxFeH8alIeqjeyt9WMj19gv2QG6BS1lBPDdmWUQ8EcoRp7C4fnLu2cdC-LG_pNK3uBQsRgu4PZaDxnO2YXX27vzwVHEPnFoC7F4lCJFJPZPRMCT/w400-h274/IMG_6576%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is more than the main
keep. The site presents the remains of the entire fort structure. It
is suggested that you allocate two to three hours if you plan to cover
the whole site. If you visit only the main
keep, a little over one hour may do. Himeji tends to be less crowded than other major tourist destinations such as Kyoto or
Hiroshima, and is just as accessible by shinkansen train. </span></p><br /><p></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-15438471347231681152023-05-04T21:39:00.000+09:002023-05-04T21:39:18.902+09:00Moss Garden at Hakone Museum of Art<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hakone offers not only abundant hot spring but also numerous art museums. Exhibited art includes Japanese ukiyoe prints, paintings, sculptures, European impressionist, traditional crafts, contemporary and more. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have seen enough of paintings and sculptures, you may still appreciate Hakone Museum of Art, not necessarily for the indoor exhibits but for the garden Shinsenkyo. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhXnBj6WVUgQeO7g1UgFmfA4xWaVFIgJhlmeKdgNCbVn-dEQYYl5bLFA_L8frizQcN9q7gryIJGn0EUTJZGblEBriWCgeJpZb5crcwW8p36XJ1l6cRtgWur1_CnwL3wJ93Mi0eHdFzTcv18Ibm-tnZ0GSVyfupJDZzOR1Jp4SCE9sdRz65OtMjBedvg/s6000/DSC06467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhXnBj6WVUgQeO7g1UgFmfA4xWaVFIgJhlmeKdgNCbVn-dEQYYl5bLFA_L8frizQcN9q7gryIJGn0EUTJZGblEBriWCgeJpZb5crcwW8p36XJ1l6cRtgWur1_CnwL3wJ93Mi0eHdFzTcv18Ibm-tnZ0GSVyfupJDZzOR1Jp4SCE9sdRz65OtMjBedvg/w400-h266/DSC06467.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Shinsenkyo, meaning the land of the divine and immortal, is a constellation of several landscape gardens and traditional architectures. Though the architectures are not open to public, you can stroll along the paths throughout the gardens. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxnDttcnnGCKz93hHq24G6fu0c3-RbzqM088zqTUks7eCXbOdsfYP2hlLcAe0TexPvFTQJOfPNv5RXyTxEf-a0j3LftJkcqfYBcRveHipqOGJpqkTJ9GL-2O7ORJAxchS_JtzwpBSgUA6qCr25TrRtAqLSI4o7yAkIZV6fRl3hCS_rnJR1sB19xm4bw/s4032/IMG_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxnDttcnnGCKz93hHq24G6fu0c3-RbzqM088zqTUks7eCXbOdsfYP2hlLcAe0TexPvFTQJOfPNv5RXyTxEf-a0j3LftJkcqfYBcRveHipqOGJpqkTJ9GL-2O7ORJAxchS_JtzwpBSgUA6qCr25TrRtAqLSI4o7yAkIZV6fRl3hCS_rnJR1sB19xm4bw/w300-h400/IMG_6112.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After walking through the rock garden, you will come to the moss garden. The ground is covered with 130 different kinds of moss (though it is hard to tell one from another!) With over 200 maple trees, the garden presents a beautiful scenery of fresh green in spring, and colored leaves in autumn. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kMLGbgI8b1yRkOVlBKXhMlnXHZv5oxAsAvzFYUa4Sx1ol4xLCfewspE2rsRGHI1Tk9r9gNHXISiwNbmSGz4PVV8hyS6zgltL9tNoliPOMB1QAQ61UsKOI0OvFK1kbtMvneiKbZoIeJT_rlIOag7yXihxO60HylmVnBuKymBmrLgRRyPMpc5mz3kEbg/s6000/DSC06469%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kMLGbgI8b1yRkOVlBKXhMlnXHZv5oxAsAvzFYUa4Sx1ol4xLCfewspE2rsRGHI1Tk9r9gNHXISiwNbmSGz4PVV8hyS6zgltL9tNoliPOMB1QAQ61UsKOI0OvFK1kbtMvneiKbZoIeJT_rlIOag7yXihxO60HylmVnBuKymBmrLgRRyPMpc5mz3kEbg/w400-h266/DSC06469%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was quiet and peaceful in Shinsenkyo on a day in late April. A walk in the moss-and-maple forest was a refreshing experience. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-27141497334530566182023-03-14T15:16:00.002+09:002023-03-14T15:16:53.934+09:00Helicopter cruise to Mt. Fuji <p>If you are staying in Tokyo and wish to go to Mt. Fuji but have only a few hours, a helicopter cruise is an answer. Of course, even if you have an entire day, or if you have been to Mt. Fuji before by ground, the option is worth a try. </p><p>I recently had a chance to join a two-hour heli cruise departing Tokyo Heliport, cruising over the cities and suburbs, then around Mt. Fuji, and coming back along the coastline. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvC50YHqqsmeKhtI385Rfj1QV9H8G5kFXsHFAl6PBlj0UDQkq6COGrkRcxfEecvKV8SPvTAYBq7HH1rnoxSjnsa4uO5Du9e6fgG26DdneJwjEpAL0MkjEHATzIa_jn9nPIzH-AmWBm6C20zFfFKAhZS-F0JKkDSq-3U383sFwUtKQXbnrwWTkHV3cFA/s3893/IMG_5575%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="3893" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvC50YHqqsmeKhtI385Rfj1QV9H8G5kFXsHFAl6PBlj0UDQkq6COGrkRcxfEecvKV8SPvTAYBq7HH1rnoxSjnsa4uO5Du9e6fgG26DdneJwjEpAL0MkjEHATzIa_jn9nPIzH-AmWBm6C20zFfFKAhZS-F0JKkDSq-3U383sFwUtKQXbnrwWTkHV3cFA/w400-h300/IMG_5575%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Having lived in Tokyo for decades, I had never seen the metropolis from the perspective. It looks so vast and flat, and continuing without an end. Still, unlike from an airplane, I am close enough to recognize familiar places.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Mt. Fuji... You would never feel so close. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUMgZYb0z_nsqISLJIsZj105fKJYqtjMnkon6ZfhGSe-S9h3x--mEwsWFRbMYN6CCf0bNcS_R8aGUrfMisVvWDtHuAhHLl5CHR9ZIQWLMxhX9VXJZh7hrK7T7PY8wg3ujcB_F68AIMnj0HnP9Z-nbbXnB7aRk6NbXar9q0lwxq-zJIdXwlvEOi1GMIA/s3579/IMG_5584%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="3579" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUMgZYb0z_nsqISLJIsZj105fKJYqtjMnkon6ZfhGSe-S9h3x--mEwsWFRbMYN6CCf0bNcS_R8aGUrfMisVvWDtHuAhHLl5CHR9ZIQWLMxhX9VXJZh7hrK7T7PY8wg3ujcB_F68AIMnj0HnP9Z-nbbXnB7aRk6NbXar9q0lwxq-zJIdXwlvEOi1GMIA/w400-h300/IMG_5584%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The helicopter circled around the mountain so that we could see it from every angle. Such a luxury. <div><br /></div><div>Then over Lake Ashi in Hakone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mfocEyPWSXE8Uta1f8FVXB-GoU8T9i12-rZZV9ktOxt4GbfbZ4xbdED8iU2grJZBEwkFM3fYN-30TecNiCe8ldjHq9komw4HblmRUQYCIM0Z1GFtcom-sJOv_JS43wQayaotejnGQX3oi0OXzY_D7VRSJPShv6wng_Zlz-Gt5QL1ppIxo5tRYgJDWQ/s3349/IMG_5597%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="3349" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mfocEyPWSXE8Uta1f8FVXB-GoU8T9i12-rZZV9ktOxt4GbfbZ4xbdED8iU2grJZBEwkFM3fYN-30TecNiCe8ldjHq9komw4HblmRUQYCIM0Z1GFtcom-sJOv_JS43wQayaotejnGQX3oi0OXzY_D7VRSJPShv6wng_Zlz-Gt5QL1ppIxo5tRYgJDWQ/w400-h300/IMG_5597%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was interesting to see not only the landmarks but the whole topography. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xTNdzf-vnBkIgw5h4AUfqsRC7VUpBnm6aosCezbxTLMyNuopRiiiaaUiN3PB8QOsfbMamenUy5JK4f96C4K0KsfSyPlQiCeMcqZ7IHrSnr3z8IbvjKdTzsdMNBdF1saE4YULRRshBJdnz4GVMs2fX7HVOJQYMzmESYw1jnbwcHNFTv5aH-uiSWnKwQ/s3873/IMG_5604%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="3873" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xTNdzf-vnBkIgw5h4AUfqsRC7VUpBnm6aosCezbxTLMyNuopRiiiaaUiN3PB8QOsfbMamenUy5JK4f96C4K0KsfSyPlQiCeMcqZ7IHrSnr3z8IbvjKdTzsdMNBdF1saE4YULRRshBJdnz4GVMs2fX7HVOJQYMzmESYw1jnbwcHNFTv5aH-uiSWnKwQ/w400-h300/IMG_5604%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji. I had never thought of the combination in one photo.... </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGov1Aw1bhJXaCMsyoP16117jdU7-2yDOI3VTisWqLYsY4PnOjFQt8uFonkt2o7LtH9NKzGe_wygPI7rjPyXm5HBRNWskMQ3YjGWVMxbpcUXhCRhyiYJZ3f3QiKuLi2zbGeQpAGpPsK_JBia8NPkF9x-jEo6gRiVMWPOytmRuFvRLCvo8S8Y6X4DDPQ/s3917/IMG_5615%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2937" data-original-width="3917" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGov1Aw1bhJXaCMsyoP16117jdU7-2yDOI3VTisWqLYsY4PnOjFQt8uFonkt2o7LtH9NKzGe_wygPI7rjPyXm5HBRNWskMQ3YjGWVMxbpcUXhCRhyiYJZ3f3QiKuLi2zbGeQpAGpPsK_JBia8NPkF9x-jEo6gRiVMWPOytmRuFvRLCvo8S8Y6X4DDPQ/w400-h300/IMG_5615%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Want to fly? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-7452716982103353842022-06-10T22:59:00.001+09:002022-06-11T00:06:20.377+09:00Sengan-en in KagoshimaKagoshima is probably best known for Sakurajima, but Sengan-en offers a lot more than just a view of the volcano. <div><br /></div><div>Built in 1658, the former residence of Shimazu clan (the lords of Satsuma Domain) boasts an extensive Japanese garden and a close-up view of Sakurajima. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM40nvarvVI0gm5XwTS3GIEHqdQg2CIcbKuIxVaaKasX8-733fgXw_phINCrF3ZVLaPpxxQ8T9dZ5PWxveIBriLBxASc8V0Wqo8rS2R5KmmVOzu08PaTu9aw2cW-qr96w4x_axEBJvSDHnKjPuhBcm4T_glEE3Tdakve82cC_gzOAFe29HvbMEvphsw/s6000/DSC05927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM40nvarvVI0gm5XwTS3GIEHqdQg2CIcbKuIxVaaKasX8-733fgXw_phINCrF3ZVLaPpxxQ8T9dZ5PWxveIBriLBxASc8V0Wqo8rS2R5KmmVOzu08PaTu9aw2cW-qr96w4x_axEBJvSDHnKjPuhBcm4T_glEE3Tdakve82cC_gzOAFe29HvbMEvphsw/w400-h266/DSC05927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Even if you think you have seen enough gardens around Japan, Sengan-en is unique, dynamic and well worth a visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eD77B4x2koLSVQsB0odi_wRW5kCUa7LnXuAK1nGJPPv_VHl7K8y6Q8lWP9jDu5dOCKgJNQHkUgmfE-YVkPsQUhdeGnw7rJwncdJqfcjWNCnxtSqvImC4w_fZxWUpxePQCNcxheA4cYv5ctiGm0ucl9Bvs3Tz2YDgXzaKQRTKBxV03awRmQ5xHyukw/s6000/DSC05926.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eD77B4x2koLSVQsB0odi_wRW5kCUa7LnXuAK1nGJPPv_VHl7K8y6Q8lWP9jDu5dOCKgJNQHkUgmfE-YVkPsQUhdeGnw7rJwncdJqfcjWNCnxtSqvImC4w_fZxWUpxePQCNcxheA4cYv5ctiGm0ucl9Bvs3Tz2YDgXzaKQRTKBxV03awRmQ5xHyukw/w400-h266/DSC05926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Water meanders through the garden. Kagoshima is located at the southern end of Kyushu (excluding smaller islands further south such as Amami and Okinawa.) Its lush green presents some tropical atmosphere (at least to someone from Tokyo like myself.) For a moment you may feel as if you were deep in a valley. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZP1MO35gQ8GG27s4biAYD4_jg_7-EmzQ6ir85VXuXtQeAEShowBqQIL7W8GVHs6lUgFr6zw3goEFrAlYHcK26Zp8uvVuvI32u7rFV87mFBmNQrd6sPyXQ2tnNfohtewT46Prg_wuItTBYxReFNWGrXIWyt3S6mw8nLLuDkd-Y1x3453wBBgDCLeoLA/s4032/IMG_4361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZP1MO35gQ8GG27s4biAYD4_jg_7-EmzQ6ir85VXuXtQeAEShowBqQIL7W8GVHs6lUgFr6zw3goEFrAlYHcK26Zp8uvVuvI32u7rFV87mFBmNQrd6sPyXQ2tnNfohtewT46Prg_wuItTBYxReFNWGrXIWyt3S6mw8nLLuDkd-Y1x3453wBBgDCLeoLA/w300-h400/IMG_4361.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Chinese influence can be seen such as the large characters (11 meters high) carved into the rock cliff. I had never seen anything like it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJCDhZ_2Oanx-kuD0tknG0-hnYnHNcYIHhBqsF7y0ttwV367S05vau8Pq4NmI7IzSP6a2bp7_QQIx3cGfQceLM1Uw5S5hz-JyuWhTw-P1GelrEy5Wx-eNh52HQXnN7PMkEX8OAv14kWNaIlkWL9uZzL57Q7VpjxYZ1fd69EI5xabK_yqShAYZfEhW5A/s2967/DSC05930%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="2967" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJCDhZ_2Oanx-kuD0tknG0-hnYnHNcYIHhBqsF7y0ttwV367S05vau8Pq4NmI7IzSP6a2bp7_QQIx3cGfQceLM1Uw5S5hz-JyuWhTw-P1GelrEy5Wx-eNh52HQXnN7PMkEX8OAv14kWNaIlkWL9uZzL57Q7VpjxYZ1fd69EI5xabK_yqShAYZfEhW5A/w400-h266/DSC05930%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The bamboo grove started from two stalks imported from China through Ryukyu (Okinawa) in the 18th century. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5l-ZiNnObZ8_IqykeAi1mGSGQYgcqPh5pQWqWcJxkrosb6in0Ah3eMdhYBAeah_YteDGbTHqzxQjRAKQjiYuVh4vfgCthqumN93yTXEBdQCIJexVxdKtj4PFVsqZcGsFECYRvKClxSowEjgc21gFqFMeilXON46qpzGios0RvnL9BR97gcfCd4PkqQ/s6000/DSC05941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5l-ZiNnObZ8_IqykeAi1mGSGQYgcqPh5pQWqWcJxkrosb6in0Ah3eMdhYBAeah_YteDGbTHqzxQjRAKQjiYuVh4vfgCthqumN93yTXEBdQCIJexVxdKtj4PFVsqZcGsFECYRvKClxSowEjgc21gFqFMeilXON46qpzGios0RvnL9BR97gcfCd4PkqQ/w400-h266/DSC05941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sengan-en also showcases the prescience of Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th lord of Satsuma Domain. He spearheaded industrial modernization in the mid-19th century in order to strengthen military power and counter threat by the West. The remains of reverberatory furnace and adjacent Shoko Shuseikan Museum (closed though to the end of October 2024) form a part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Sites of Meiji Industrial Revolution." </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTh5yHb6VjnzOiv5P42mosZEGG8_SUUHug67W2FEP-yaLWyBYCP0EbsUmm4Mw-IaUQzjQJ4l_TO4S_dn-lSaqUSaZAJjyThFMtO_630DfBIsFpPRRitn9H2XU-yorlP9KoL8FHIGwurwJqLfSHRTPbeeGIJsg3ip2P0-ADDqnoyZBnYzBzibH4DQg8g/s6000/DSC05923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTh5yHb6VjnzOiv5P42mosZEGG8_SUUHug67W2FEP-yaLWyBYCP0EbsUmm4Mw-IaUQzjQJ4l_TO4S_dn-lSaqUSaZAJjyThFMtO_630DfBIsFpPRRitn9H2XU-yorlP9KoL8FHIGwurwJqLfSHRTPbeeGIJsg3ip2P0-ADDqnoyZBnYzBzibH4DQg8g/w400-h266/DSC05923.JPG" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>After visiting the garden, you can walk to Satsuma Kiriko crystal glass factory next door. The Satsuma Kiriko was one of the trades launched by Nariakira but was discontinued after his death. Then it was reestablished by the current Shimazu family in the 1980's. You can see how the high-quality glassware is handmade by artisans today. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4cfj6Lfg3s6uO3axGLvEPTZxkDS7Igp5is2RDF8vsrvCan6wc9L2wJ7qtTfflInGjhKRV94c9636O_TECGbrnb_gy6QH_rFNMmQ0JQKUAmmFRXpPcw0_Ci2P5lqiN6uhhuh4tso77sYDiP-ssHZbecc5DrNpL6w_06DRrVbDFTtSP85OAtddxv-A8g/s6000/DSC05947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4cfj6Lfg3s6uO3axGLvEPTZxkDS7Igp5is2RDF8vsrvCan6wc9L2wJ7qtTfflInGjhKRV94c9636O_TECGbrnb_gy6QH_rFNMmQ0JQKUAmmFRXpPcw0_Ci2P5lqiN6uhhuh4tso77sYDiP-ssHZbecc5DrNpL6w_06DRrVbDFTtSP85OAtddxv-A8g/s320/DSC05947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br />Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-39454050702792299612021-11-08T15:45:00.002+09:002021-11-08T20:53:10.135+09:00Time Travel to Kawagoe Time seems to have stopped in Kawagoe. It is an old castle town in the current Saitama Prefecture and is less than an hour train ride from Tokyo. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7hhjG64tXA/YYjExhlUq4I/AAAAAAAAEx8/DW7aY9yLHpcvwHuouznvylW7KstEpAL2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5174/DSC05342%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3450" data-original-width="5174" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7hhjG64tXA/YYjExhlUq4I/AAAAAAAAEx8/DW7aY9yLHpcvwHuouznvylW7KstEpAL2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05342%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The main street is lined with magnificent two-storied historical buildings. Without modern skyscrapers in sight, it even looks like a perfect movie set, but the town is alive. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6vjMLvN2VU/YYjE5COCDyI/AAAAAAAAEyA/V3S0qws3EcMFhbF4DGeyOu-OBhpGoyVzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6vjMLvN2VU/YYjE5COCDyI/AAAAAAAAEyA/V3S0qws3EcMFhbF4DGeyOu-OBhpGoyVzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Kawagoe flourished as a commercial town during the Meiji Era. After the much of the town was destroyed by a fire in 1889, they built fire-proof "kura-zukuri" (warehouse style) houses which remain until today. The symbolic wooden bell tower was also rebuilt then. It was fortunate and miraculous that the town survived the war without major bombing. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLT5pfG0X9k/YYjE_7BNfVI/AAAAAAAAEyE/QpcgH6MKQqs8jjKv38IP4wIT7WnQITIgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLT5pfG0X9k/YYjE_7BNfVI/AAAAAAAAEyE/QpcgH6MKQqs8jjKv38IP4wIT7WnQITIgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>You will find many shops along the street selling sweets and snacks made of sweet potato, a local specialty. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khaJACvaqlE/YYjFEmXLkKI/AAAAAAAAEyM/cPIDsBbD1YIwpHl1tTfS8ziufbAU6kWtACLcBGAsYHQ/s4333/DSC05357%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="4333" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khaJACvaqlE/YYjFEmXLkKI/AAAAAAAAEyM/cPIDsBbD1YIwpHl1tTfS8ziufbAU6kWtACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05357%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Honmaru Goten (main hall) of Kawagoe Castle still remains on the original site. It is the only honmaru goten building remains in Eastern Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAVVkh-VDTE/YYjFKeicd_I/AAAAAAAAEyU/a1Pk-2grcwsuqNF53UUaxEcrwel5b_QvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5344/DSC05402%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3562" data-original-width="5344" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAVVkh-VDTE/YYjFKeicd_I/AAAAAAAAEyU/a1Pk-2grcwsuqNF53UUaxEcrwel5b_QvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05402%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Kawagoe Shrine is also worth a stop. There are various types of omikuji (fortune slips) sold. The fishing one is fun and the most popular. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6viwQYuWg/YYjFQ-phs5I/AAAAAAAAEyc/81CXEtF8W1EUY4wRLTrTpLuJsx-W12_HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5084/DSC05409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3389" data-original-width="5084" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6viwQYuWg/YYjFQ-phs5I/AAAAAAAAEyc/81CXEtF8W1EUY4wRLTrTpLuJsx-W12_HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It is a picturesque town easily accessible from Tokyo. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-2641657623761831332021-10-24T12:50:00.001+09:002021-10-24T12:50:23.763+09:00Photogenic Kamakura <p>Kamakura is a popular daytrip destination for both locals and tourists. It is just a little over an hour train ride from Tokyo, yet it presents a completely different scenery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sxgaHuDO5U/YXTV1Jvs4WI/AAAAAAAAEw0/ixz6s5WHvGcgS4doXAkS-bZewBRQsAFWACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sxgaHuDO5U/YXTV1Jvs4WI/AAAAAAAAEw0/ixz6s5WHvGcgS4doXAkS-bZewBRQsAFWACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC05268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Surrounded by mountains and facing the ocean, Kamakura was chosen as the the seat of the samurai government at the end of the 12th century and so remained for 140 years. Later it was developed as a sophisticated resort and residential town and has been loved by intellectuals. </p><p>Kamakura has too many sites to cover, so let's mention just a few photogenic spots. </p><p><b>1. Hokoku-ji Temple </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_jMGAGTcQ/YXTUd887ZAI/AAAAAAAAEwA/rOdbAlfwfUAq3aw0zGpkZDkob7H5fS6WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_jMGAGTcQ/YXTUd887ZAI/AAAAAAAAEwA/rOdbAlfwfUAq3aw0zGpkZDkob7H5fS6WgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The zen temple was established in 1334 and is known for its beautiful bamboo forest which has 2,000 Moso bamboos. You can walk through the garden, and have matcha green tea at the tea shop facing the forest. A tranquil, relaxing moment. The bamboos remain green all through the year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdT6v_kCcmg/YXTUmVN36ZI/AAAAAAAAEwE/C-XqKEv6owMPq5imTM4qx-JHm5i4czLTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdT6v_kCcmg/YXTUmVN36ZI/AAAAAAAAEwE/C-XqKEv6owMPq5imTM4qx-JHm5i4czLTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC05244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>2. Sugimoto-dera Temple </b></p><p>Built in 734, Kamakura's oldest temple has subdued colors but but presents magnificent atmosphere. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa-3_yDx11c/YXTU1RbK_5I/AAAAAAAAEwI/IvzLlZ3RmAIonmfxmwEQQvv0fKcYZUHcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa-3_yDx11c/YXTU1RbK_5I/AAAAAAAAEwI/IvzLlZ3RmAIonmfxmwEQQvv0fKcYZUHcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC05257.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>The Nioh statues are said to be the works of Unkei. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_i9jq3Fmtc/YXTVDYAMGwI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/kAXUJpU_C8IY8i3dftyhlYVLmKEvtaEmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_i9jq3Fmtc/YXTVDYAMGwI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/kAXUJpU_C8IY8i3dftyhlYVLmKEvtaEmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC05261.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>The iconic moss stairs leading to the main building are not in use anymore (because it is obviously slippery!) You can take stars that run parallel to them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B05FwYbYc8A/YXTVNDLtn2I/AAAAAAAAEwY/cXwVgF__SzYxeiRlin9W5N15SlDRIk9ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B05FwYbYc8A/YXTVNDLtn2I/AAAAAAAAEwY/cXwVgF__SzYxeiRlin9W5N15SlDRIk9ggCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The thatched main building is awesome. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>3. Sasuke Inari Shrine</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ_pa8tU9Uo/YXTVVgoRXsI/AAAAAAAAEwg/tfEuiocRiS4pYQhXc2Cs7V7uGUdUpMOagCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ_pa8tU9Uo/YXTVVgoRXsI/AAAAAAAAEwg/tfEuiocRiS4pYQhXc2Cs7V7uGUdUpMOagCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC05318.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>The shrine sits quietly in a residential area. The tunnel of red torii gates leads up to the main shrine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf2ia1I5n-Q/YXTVdt83RnI/AAAAAAAAEwo/WwPn_Z9FnYEOjhClazAdDPhwJ88HgPoywCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf2ia1I5n-Q/YXTVdt83RnI/AAAAAAAAEwo/WwPn_Z9FnYEOjhClazAdDPhwJ88HgPoywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The precinct is filled with numerous figurines of white fox, which are believed to be the God's messengers. </p><p>It is said that the Gods of the shrine bring mercy to people who pray for career success, good matchmaking, and their pets' happiness. Wide-ranged benefits. </p><p><br /></p><p>Kamakura is especially popular in the seasons of cherry blossoms (spring) and autumn colors, but it has beauty in every season. If you have a free day in Tokyo, a short excursion is worthwhile. </p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-43871266697835706892021-10-16T17:40:00.001+09:002021-10-16T17:40:56.924+09:00Sawanoi - A Sake Brewery in Tokyo<p>Tokyo may not be among Japan's top sake producing regions, but it does have several sake breweries in the suburbs that are accessible from the center of the metropolis. </p><p>One of them, Sawanoi is in the Okutama area and sits along Tama River. The sake brewer was established in 1702, nearly 320 years ago. It has a longer history than many Champagne maisons in France! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95Xq49EqW68/YWqNMKtm6jI/AAAAAAAAEvA/lmIFqBfFCJ4CfSdcpYoOvQebDu8HBdx1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s5063/DSC05225%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3375" data-original-width="5063" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95Xq49EqW68/YWqNMKtm6jI/AAAAAAAAEvA/lmIFqBfFCJ4CfSdcpYoOvQebDu8HBdx1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05225%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>If you walk from the nearby Sawai Station, you will notice a slight sweet aroma of malt in the air. Your journey into the sake world has already begun. </p><p>The Sawanoi Garden complex includes restaurants, shops and a tasting bar, but what is likely to get your attention first is the clear water stream down the slope. Good sake requires good water. At this privileged location, you can soak in the beautiful scenery of the river surrounded by mountains, and can even enjoy a hike along the trail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7PQ2QXIQ18/YWqNeJOVjRI/AAAAAAAAEvI/NTSGV3kUd_Ubpwh2HAaJNSEH3jpE759EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7PQ2QXIQ18/YWqNeJOVjRI/AAAAAAAAEvI/NTSGV3kUd_Ubpwh2HAaJNSEH3jpE759EQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The sakagura (sake factory) tour is provided free of charge and requires pre-booking as of Oct. 2021. The guide leads a small group into the factory. There are no windows that would let sunlight in, and it feels a little cooler than outside. You may recall wine or Champagne cellars. Some huge tanks hold over 8,000 litters of sake each. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHtLUJbmSck/YWqN2QXP8AI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/wFnq2vUwg_QUanA7vBVG2t8ss6KlSdr-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHtLUJbmSck/YWqN2QXP8AI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/wFnq2vUwg_QUanA7vBVG2t8ss6KlSdr-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The mother water is taken not direct from the ample river water but from the natural well deep inside a cave. Slowly coming out through the thick ancient bedrock, the spring water is rich in minerals. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuL1-PkD8PE/YWqOKM6KHoI/AAAAAAAAEvY/kMYv7uzKd8sDL-D52MyJljaFklQh7RFrACLcBGAsYHQ/s4919/DSC05209%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4919" data-original-width="3279" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuL1-PkD8PE/YWqOKM6KHoI/AAAAAAAAEvY/kMYv7uzKd8sDL-D52MyJljaFklQh7RFrACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC05209%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>Though most sake is sold and consumed fresh, here they also have aged sake. Some are over 20 years old. The vintage sake is amber colored and has a unique aroma. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBW-tTl-XjQ/YWqOrdVH28I/AAAAAAAAEvs/vuzPK9bHs9ge6l3-W6jm5qfxY__9g9feACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBW-tTl-XjQ/YWqOrdVH28I/AAAAAAAAEvs/vuzPK9bHs9ge6l3-W6jm5qfxY__9g9feACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Visit the tasting bar after the tour. They serve 10 different kinds of sake including their signature daiginjo "Koh" and the aged "Kuramori" (selection may change.) </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUxuhAYjT8/YWqOYUl7C8I/AAAAAAAAEvc/fAmWSO876mkkScgmp3_dxms_9_hdBCGiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3885/DSC05157%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="3885" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUxuhAYjT8/YWqOYUl7C8I/AAAAAAAAEvc/fAmWSO876mkkScgmp3_dxms_9_hdBCGiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05157%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It takes only 1.5 hours of train ride from central Tokyo. A pleasant day trip to fully enjoy both nature and good drink. <p></p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-78080697208239390172021-10-08T16:39:00.004+09:002021-10-08T16:47:59.576+09:00Rikugien Garden<p>Rikugien Garden is another magnificent Japanese garden in Tokyo. It was built by Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa, a retainer of the 5th Tokugawa Shogun Tsunayoshi, and took 7 years to build at the turn of the 17th and the 18th centuries. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-4D_Sdxexw/YV_1Lj6QaTI/AAAAAAAAEtk/CtGyIdK68DU_P-mmPqYIKsyOi9mHP-GwACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-4D_Sdxexw/YV_1Lj6QaTI/AAAAAAAAEtk/CtGyIdK68DU_P-mmPqYIKsyOi9mHP-GwACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The garden is a short walk from Komagome Station. It has a pond in the center surrounded by trees and walking trails. Like many other gardens built by daimyo (local lords) of the Edo period, it represents a natural mountain scenery condensed in the premises. </p><p>The large weeping cherry tree near the entrance gate bears beautiful pink blossoms in spring. The picture is featured on the entrance ticket. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2CN52NrF-c/YV_zS3ZMHvI/AAAAAAAAEtA/D_Dmj9FpYIs523xORWzfWbKZDP7Iy_2IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2CN52NrF-c/YV_zS3ZMHvI/AAAAAAAAEtA/D_Dmj9FpYIs523xORWzfWbKZDP7Iy_2IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skMJRAVWX78/YV_zUeP82YI/AAAAAAAAEtE/_yhiDcosnjwrV8cq7D8r-NV0yTsT6baJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s632/211006%25E5%2585%25AD%25E7%25BE%25A9%25E5%259C%2592%25E3%2583%2581%25E3%2582%25B1%25E3%2583%2583%25E3%2583%2588_trimmed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="632" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skMJRAVWX78/YV_zUeP82YI/AAAAAAAAEtE/_yhiDcosnjwrV8cq7D8r-NV0yTsT6baJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/211006%25E5%2585%25AD%25E7%25BE%25A9%25E5%259C%2592%25E3%2583%2581%25E3%2582%25B1%25E3%2583%2583%25E3%2583%2588_trimmed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Walking along the trail, you will encounter a small waterfall as if you found it deep in the mountain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqVqYBxdNEU/YV_zkWXVdPI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/rrYMp3NPx10jOiSHxbvl4PYtjXNwefVRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqVqYBxdNEU/YV_zkWXVdPI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/rrYMp3NPx10jOiSHxbvl4PYtjXNwefVRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>It is recommended that you stop at the Fukiage tea house along the pond and appreciate the view, sipping matcha green tea and tasting traditional sweets. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQCHpkz7zFs/YV_0SWKUNRI/AAAAAAAAEtY/1JSFYc1tAuw7MFfNXyWW8rHyxE4ENbLTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5201/DSC05134%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3467" data-original-width="5201" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQCHpkz7zFs/YV_0SWKUNRI/AAAAAAAAEtY/1JSFYc1tAuw7MFfNXyWW8rHyxE4ENbLTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05134%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Aside from the cherry blossom season, autumn is also a great time to visit the garden for the beautiful colored leaves. At the time of my visit early October, some leaves were just starting to turn red. </p><p>From the corner called Deshio-no-Minato, you can view the whole garden with no modern buildings in sight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRTriRh-_PU/YV_0-U2JxFI/AAAAAAAAEtg/Klwr0vHdgwI3fYTLW1qthZUrnURGpEwxACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC05142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRTriRh-_PU/YV_0-U2JxFI/AAAAAAAAEtg/Klwr0vHdgwI3fYTLW1qthZUrnURGpEwxACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC05142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The garden is a perfect place for a short walk and a trip into a small isolated universe. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-75892666852836122422021-07-07T17:48:00.000+09:002021-07-07T17:48:25.509+09:00The Wood Carvings of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple <p>Shibamata is an neighborhood at the eastern edge of Tokyo. It is known as the hometown of a 20th-century movie character "Tora-san" and has a nostalgic atmosphere that remains unchanged for decades. </p><p>By walking along the main street lined with traditional "kusa dango" (tansy sweets) shops, you will arrive at the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEXEByumZYE/YN1tgeC_-hI/AAAAAAAAEfI/DyYGsB8Gw8AOeW0tCyZ6u6UnblM5Sd5sACLcBGAsYHQ/s5670/DSC04246%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3779" data-original-width="5670" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEXEByumZYE/YN1tgeC_-hI/AAAAAAAAEfI/DyYGsB8Gw8AOeW0tCyZ6u6UnblM5Sd5sACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04246%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GtbVbHejZM/YN1sv6o4DvI/AAAAAAAAEew/xAX23wRKWvYGSIHFSYLee6UjWFCxwI3VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04305.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GtbVbHejZM/YN1sv6o4DvI/AAAAAAAAEew/xAX23wRKWvYGSIHFSYLee6UjWFCxwI3VwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Also called the "temple of carvings," Taishakuten boasts numerous fine wood carvings that wrap around the architectures. The "Chokoku (carving) Gallery" presents a series of artworks carved on ten thick cypress boards, narrating Buddha's teachings. The carving works are so detailed that they look deeper than they really are, and vivid without any coloring. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFoVWkhmV8g/YN1s49ihI0I/AAAAAAAAEe0/HjnueQjwpkIU06sBtRt1YOump2hO6hcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFoVWkhmV8g/YN1s49ihI0I/AAAAAAAAEe0/HjnueQjwpkIU06sBtRt1YOump2hO6hcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The admission fee to the Chokoku Gallery also gives you access to the Suikeien Garden. You will walk along the corridor that surrounds the garden. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3zxrQMukFc/YN1s-jAHxQI/AAAAAAAAEe4/Xqt-9bXgtDI99cr0tUsYshxgIyDr-Z2_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3zxrQMukFc/YN1s-jAHxQI/AAAAAAAAEe4/Xqt-9bXgtDI99cr0tUsYshxgIyDr-Z2_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>A nice short trip from the center of the metropolis for a change of pace. </p><p></p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-29422471091134893012021-07-03T17:52:00.000+09:002021-07-03T17:52:41.419+09:00Higo-Hosokawa Garden<p>In Tokyo's quiet Mejirodai neighborhood lies the Higo-Hosokawa Garden. It is a public garden managed by the local municipality. It used to belong to different samurai families during the Edo Period and the last owner was the Hosokawa family from Higo (current Kumamoto Prefecture,) hence the name. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8UUYo3dX98/YOAjC1ja0lI/AAAAAAAAEfg/rmgnb7W2gn8f06cpdIWYt4lPK2kIRsqjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8UUYo3dX98/YOAjC1ja0lI/AAAAAAAAEfg/rmgnb7W2gn8f06cpdIWYt4lPK2kIRsqjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuObCeq1A20/YOAjUj5MKfI/AAAAAAAAEfo/h0mpMB6h2lAa7YnL-s1XGYU7tIW0OdLawCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuObCeq1A20/YOAjUj5MKfI/AAAAAAAAEfo/h0mpMB6h2lAa7YnL-s1XGYU7tIW0OdLawCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC04404.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The traditional-styled garden has a large pond in the center surrounded by hills and walking trails. It uses the changes of elevation to represent real mountains, creating a downsized natural scenery. You would also find spring water along the trails and wonder if you are hiking in a mountain of some countryside.<p></p><p></p><br />Admission to Higo-Hosokawa Garden is free. It is close to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo and St. Mary's Cathedral. In spring, the adjoining Kanda River will be lined with cherry blossoms creating a lovely promenade for a walk, but the garden has its charm for all seasons. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bn_QMzMU3Ck/YOAkVcd8oJI/AAAAAAAAEfw/5C_aftAeb_A3IxRJWC_OXc70SRDxAsMBACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bn_QMzMU3Ck/YOAkVcd8oJI/AAAAAAAAEfw/5C_aftAeb_A3IxRJWC_OXc70SRDxAsMBACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos taken in April 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-68970790173066330162021-07-02T10:20:00.000+09:002021-07-02T10:20:13.146+09:00St. Mary's Cathedral by Kenzo Tange<p>St. Mary's Cathedral is in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo and is in walking distance from the subway Gokokuji Station. The neighborhood is surrounded by a number of schools and universities. It is also close to the Higo-Hosokawa Garden that used to belong to a feudal lord family. </p><p>The cathedral was designed by the late architect Kenzo Tange and was built in 1964. It does not look like any other church. No cross is attached but the building itself is cross-shaped. You will see it once inside. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0xmlDdi75g/YN17uzs69RI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/-Yw9fU4qWcQYHfNqLHkFwLKoML9-eZiUACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04387.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0xmlDdi75g/YN17uzs69RI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/-Yw9fU4qWcQYHfNqLHkFwLKoML9-eZiUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The interior of the cathedral is simple, dark and solemn, looking even like a secret fort. When you look up, you will see a cross-shaped top light and realize that you are in a church. Photography is not allowed inside, so please visit the cathedral yourself and see the futuristic architecture. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbHL7eBMw8/YN2DOwy1kRI/AAAAAAAAEfY/a-D3sdDQdY4wEEARmjk2l99rzKiQWI1UACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbHL7eBMw8/YN2DOwy1kRI/AAAAAAAAEfY/a-D3sdDQdY4wEEARmjk2l99rzKiQWI1UACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-81870042905992184602021-07-01T09:55:00.003+09:002021-07-01T09:55:58.119+09:00The Imperial Palace and the Lotus Moat<p>Amid the rain season in Tokyo, a walk along the Imperial Palace moat turned out to be a imaginary exploration into a lush exotic forest. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7RyM9thXgk/YN0Nwg00sWI/AAAAAAAAEck/3eshqfK3Bc4fdyLEwkajwm8wN1aLaUs4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7RyM9thXgk/YN0Nwg00sWI/AAAAAAAAEck/3eshqfK3Bc4fdyLEwkajwm8wN1aLaUs4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_3158.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The water is covered by pink lotus flowers and green algae carpets. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKD8ZTeYhHc/YN0N6Boxh_I/AAAAAAAAEcs/QqCHSIMva3sPJHsNYXr7ojEmCfAzG16YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKD8ZTeYhHc/YN0N6Boxh_I/AAAAAAAAEcs/QqCHSIMva3sPJHsNYXr7ojEmCfAzG16YQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_3179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The narrow sidewalk is lined with willow trees swaying in wind. The paved surface is often uneven and bumpy because of the tree roots pushing up from under the ground. </div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AshKNaCyvk/YN0NowTq3jI/AAAAAAAAEcg/SrykWOqPTxIfZxMkWfcGRuuGjn1Ww03FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AshKNaCyvk/YN0NowTq3jI/AAAAAAAAEcg/SrykWOqPTxIfZxMkWfcGRuuGjn1Ww03FACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_3181.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /> Summer is around the corner. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-43658426365783933952020-12-15T16:33:00.000+09:002020-12-15T16:33:04.835+09:00Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa<p>If you feel like seeing something historic in Kyoto but not temples, shrines or castles, the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa is an option. It sits in the south of the Shimogamo Shrine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYB4a1I7_uA/X9hgvxUg1vI/AAAAAAAAEL4/jfP7o_RTaOAZvcubskEL6Ffix4ScAwstQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYB4a1I7_uA/X9hgvxUg1vI/AAAAAAAAEL4/jfP7o_RTaOAZvcubskEL6Ffix4ScAwstQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The three-story wooden villa shows a good example of classical Japanese residence built by a wealthy family in the Meiji and Taisho eras. The main part of the building dates back to 1880 and was moved to the current location when the villa was built in 1925. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-F-yjrKBiY/X9hi8HeuTFI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/4_q4R1vMQpUQq9IXauW7PjN9WZ8tmZJ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-F-yjrKBiY/X9hi8HeuTFI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/4_q4R1vMQpUQq9IXauW7PjN9WZ8tmZJ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>A watchtower is located on the 3rd floor It is normally closed and is occasionally opened to the public for a limited time. The stairs to the watchtower are so narrow and steep that you need to hold on to the rope. The watchtower overlooks the garden that has a gourd-shaped pond, and also commands a view of the Higashiyama mountains. The views must have provided an important essence of luxury to the life in the villa. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLgRMktNVM0/X9hhJI9U-zI/AAAAAAAAEMA/nkM8JqqHL5EqLq_xk7gKGCXAtyKypFIhACLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLgRMktNVM0/X9hhJI9U-zI/AAAAAAAAEMA/nkM8JqqHL5EqLq_xk7gKGCXAtyKypFIhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSC04163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Seen from the front the house is 3-stories, but from the side it looks 4-stories due to the small space between the 2nd floor and the watchtower. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjiCcmXrPQk/X9hix2y8ulI/AAAAAAAAEMM/defy9b1FcrM1NI_DQ2-Q_D8dIzZlvN52gCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC04170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjiCcmXrPQk/X9hix2y8ulI/AAAAAAAAEMM/defy9b1FcrM1NI_DQ2-Q_D8dIzZlvN52gCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/DSC04170.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p>A place that gives a flavor of elegance of the early 20th century. </p><p><br /></p></div>Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-50341322294868258432020-02-29T16:03:00.001+09:002020-02-29T16:03:40.842+09:00Shibuya Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Shibuya in Tokyo has been undergoing a significant redevelopment - not just a face-lift but a true renaissance. <br />
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The area was considered to be young-generation focused, which still holds true, but Shibuya is now opening their arms wide to all types of people. <br />
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One of the newest spots is SHIBUYA SKY, which opened on Nov. 1, 2019. From the open-air observatory deck on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, you have an unblocked 360-degree panoramic view all over Tokyo and beyond. <br />
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Being closer to the cloud than the crowd, you can also look down on the busy Shibuya Crossing. <br />
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Find time on a clear day or night and go up to the Sky. </div>
Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-22215669663001121052017-12-03T13:17:00.000+09:002017-12-03T15:40:06.332+09:00INTERMEDIATHEQUE: Archaeology in Design <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is a unique museum open for everyone. Intermediatheque is in the KITTE building, which was a former post office in front of Tokyo Station's Marunouchi exit. It is run by Tokyo University and exhibits the university's collection of specimens. Yes, like bones and fossils, and items of academic interests. <br />
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At this point, you may not feel inclined to visit if you are not a huge archaeology fan, but this museum is worth a visit, especially if you love good design. </div>
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The archaeological specimens are showcased in such a fashionable way in the two-floor space that you may feel like you are in a design store. (Photo is not allowed inside, thus it is a pity that I cannot share images here.) <br />
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It also includes a small corner called Quai Branly Tokyo, a branch of Paris' Quai Branly Museum, which focuses on ethnic art and cultures. It blends well with other archaeological exhibits.</div>
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Even if you are not interested in other academic museums, you will enjoy the display and space of Intermediatheque. And you may find yourself enjoying seeing the exhibits. Admission is free, so you can just drop by between shopping, sightseeing or dining. </div>
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Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-20448479498093795332017-12-01T15:13:00.001+09:002017-12-01T15:13:23.635+09:00Enoura Observatory - A Place to Experience <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is no one word that can aptly define the place. Hiroshi Sugimoto's Enoura Observatory is a place to experience. <br />
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About 90 minutes away from Tokyo, the Observatory stands on a quiet hill in Odawara overlooking Sagami Bay. The sea is stunningly blue despite the proximity to the metropolis.<br />
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Odawara is known for sea products, has a castle, and many people pass by the station when visiting Hakone, but the city had almost no connection to art. Sugimoto chose this place because the sea of Odawara was the origin of his childhood memory.<br />
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There are several architectures and exhibits meticulously placed in the large land, often based on astronomy. At dawn on the summer solstice day, the sun penetrates straight through the glass and stone "100-meter gallery, " along which the artist's "Seascape" series is exhibited. <br />
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In the garden around the Roman theater, you will find authentic artifacts from different periods and various areas of the world. They seem so natural like having stood there since long time ago that you may just pass by, but each has a history behind it. <br />
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The artist built the observatory as a place to go back to the ancient times when people observed the stars in order to know where they are, which was the origin of art. <br />
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It is a place to experience. Advance reservation is required to visit. Why don't you take a day trip from Tokyo and travel back in time? <br />
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Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-37239940852731090542016-10-19T20:19:00.001+09:002016-10-19T20:19:42.406+09:00Archi-Depot<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy6BlhC_oFI/WAdUfwPTCBI/AAAAAAAACag/cmo7mge-6jQ1D-BV9j6yV4rGIssTvWesQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy6BlhC_oFI/WAdUfwPTCBI/AAAAAAAACag/cmo7mge-6jQ1D-BV9j6yV4rGIssTvWesQCLcB/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" width="240" /></a>A unique museum recently opened in Tokyo. It is called "Archi-Depot." <br />
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Here you can see a variety of architectural models designed by renowned architects including Kengo Kuma. <br />
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The place started as a storage space where architects kept their architectural models created for presentations and competitions. Then Archi-Depot came up with an idea of archiving and displaying those models at the same time. How brilliant!<br />
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The models are neatly displayed on storage shelves.<br />
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Some models have been realized and others ended as a plan, but all models represent the idea of the architects behind them. </div>
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Each model is very well made, like a work of art. It is just fascinating to look at.<br />
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Archi-Depot is in Tennozu, a little off the center of Tokyo (accessible by monorail or car,) but it is already popular with architecture fans and professionals who intently watch the models. <br />
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The model below must be one of the newest, "Koh-tei" by Kohei Nawa. The real one is in the Shinsho-ji Temple in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is also a must see. <br />
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Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-48193965125189879932016-09-04T00:30:00.003+09:002016-09-04T00:30:53.203+09:00Close Encounter with the Owls <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evQmw4hLl9c/V8rj6buoWaI/AAAAAAAACUc/liP2mNMuVKcvPhGzb8Ce3EHZV79sOP0lQCLcB/s1600/160825IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evQmw4hLl9c/V8rj6buoWaI/AAAAAAAACUc/liP2mNMuVKcvPhGzb8Ce3EHZV79sOP0lQCLcB/s400/160825IMG_0220.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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You may have seen owls before but perhaps only from the distance in the zoo. Here is the place to interact with them. </div>
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Among foreign tourists coming to Tokyo, "owl cafes" are becoming hot destination. They </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are relatively new compared to cat cafes or maid cafes, which are now established as Japan's tourist attractions. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently went one in Harajuku. There were 14 owls, small and large, on the table along the walls. You can touch them and feed them. Some of them may cry and spread their wings, but they do not attack you because they are not hungry being constantly fed by guests and staff. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the large owls were static, they looked almost like objets d'art. They are such beautiful creatures. </span></div>
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You are allowed to touch the owls on the head and also choose one to hold. You will wear a thick glove to protect from the sharp claws. As I was holding the rope tied to the owl's feet, the owl could not fly away but fluttered vigorously. I felt the power direct to my arms. I had never observed an animal so intensely. </div>
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If you are not interested in cats or maids, owls may catch your heart with the round eyes and dignified posture. </div>
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Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-29804761184625476142016-04-07T01:53:00.000+09:002016-04-07T01:53:30.645+09:00Long live the flowers!This year's cherry blossoms are amazing. They started blooming here on March 21, over 2 weeks ago, and they are still everywhere in Tokyo in full bloom! <br />
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It is such a prolonged luxury of spring.Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-73670573360367726092016-03-12T19:20:00.000+09:002016-03-12T19:20:37.287+09:00Visit to Yu-an, the Obayashi Collection Recently I had a fortunate opportunity to visit Yu-an, the private museum that showcases the Obayashi Collection artworks. The museum stands in a quiet residential area, and is closed to the public. <br />
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The owner gave us a tour around the house which was full of commission works of world's finest living artists. The glass and concrete building was designed by Tadao Ando, and the courtyard, covered by over 6,000 shining tiles, was done by Olafur Eliasson,<br />
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Like public museums, the exhibits change every few months, and when we visited, the solo show of Simon Fujiwara was going on, coinciding with his another solo exhibition at Opera City Art Gallery in Tokyo. <br />
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It also serves as the owner's personal two-bedroom guest house where his guests can dine and sleep amid the world's finest artists' works. Tokujin Yoshioka's beautiful glass table reflects the light coming from Eliasson's courtyard and creates a most artistic bar!<br />
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The place was a real hidden gem. <br />
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<br />Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-71920972741407867852015-09-26T20:49:00.002+09:002015-09-26T20:49:42.870+09:00Tokyo Tower Viewing Spot Shiba Park is certainly one of the greatest Tokyo Tower viewing spots. The tower may look like a small-sized replica in this photo, but it is life size, and when you see it under the blue sky, you cannot help stopping for a photo. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Less known is the fact that the park also offers a mini-hiking at Shiba Maruyama Tomb, which is a low hill covered with trees and has a walking trail. A nice place to check on a fine day. </div>
Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-59247308898939417712014-10-20T21:56:00.000+09:002014-10-20T21:56:20.921+09:00Yanaka: Tokyo's Lost Nostalgia<div>
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Yanaka is just an ordinary town in Tokyo and there was nothing special about it 30 years ago. Though Yanaka does not have major tourist attractions, these days tourists come from other parts of Tokyo and even overseas, because of the nostalgic atmosphere that has been lost elsewhere. It seems like the area has chosen to be left behind the rapid progress that Tokyo has been going through.</div>
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Since the area around Yanaka was not destroyed much during the war, a lot of old houses and temples still remain the way they were. </div>
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A wander through small alleys off the main shopping street will take you back in time. You may feel as if you had seen it somewhere a long time ago. </div>
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The silver grass by the temple reminded me of the season. <br />
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Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-29297133499020979372014-04-29T14:09:00.003+09:002014-04-29T14:10:48.640+09:00The Tokyo Skyline over the Imperial PalaceThere are not many places in Tokyo where you can view the entire Imperial Palace from above, but I found one recently. This photo was taken from a restaurant in Marunouchi.<br />
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The vast green area at the very center of Tokyo makes the buildings look so small, and keeps the air fresh. Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-79288956135687856612014-04-29T09:55:00.003+09:002014-04-29T09:56:24.000+09:00Hot Spring in AtamiBathing in the hot spring bath under the sky and watching the fresh green of the mountains...<br />
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Atami may have an image of being an old hot spring resort for elder people, but recently there are some nice accommodations. It is less than an hour away from Tokyo, they have fresh seafood, sea, mountains, and hot spring. What else could I ask for?Cognoscenti Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17618873208661078992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238243300974651557.post-15510012546710383612014-04-01T23:13:00.000+09:002014-04-01T23:13:48.827+09:00Flower Burst!After a long cold winter, suddenly Tokyo is full of flowers! A short beautiful season that cannot be missed. <br />
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