Onsen Feel Japan

Art Tower Mito - Japan

2009-09-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

Mito city in Japan is a little north of Tokyo and can be reached easily by train. In Mito there is an interesting art gallery building which I was able to see briefly. Below are photos of the tower and the complex which has different art displays throughout the year. Mito is a small city compared to Tokyo but has an urban feel which is no doubt supported by hotels. Mito is also the city to one of the three most beautiful Japanese gardens in Japan which I'll post about later.

Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art - Chiba

2009-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art in Chiba prefecture Japan provides a nice location for viewing art and for taking a stroll in parklands and gardens.There is also a restaurant and shop which provide views of the parklands and museum. Below are photos of the parklands, gardens, museum and restaurant building.

The art collection is reasonably good and it even has some Picasso paintings, Chagall, Magritte and other painters. The temporary exhibitions can be found at different times of the year and vary in content.

In summer sunflowers can be found in the parklands.

The Kawamura Museum of Art building (below) sure has a different look to it than most Japanese art galleries.

Below is the restaurant building which overlooks the large pond area.

Part of the walking trail which the museum provides for visitors.

Shiroyama castle - Tateyama Chiba

2009-08-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Shiroyama castle can be found in Tateyama city in Chiba prefecture Japan. It sits on top of a hill in a park in the city and is a smaller castle than the more well kown castles. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get better photos of it due to serious rain falls caused by an approaching typhoon. There are other sights in Tateyama and accomodation can be found throughout the Boso peninsula area in which Tateyama is situated.

Bandai Dali Museum and Goshiki-numa lakes

2009-08-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Mt Bandai area in Fukushima prefecture in Japan is a very nice place to visit for nature and outdoor activities and to see the Dali art museum that features some of Salvadore Dali's art. The museum is called the Morohashi Museum of Art and houses a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Below are photos of the museum building and of Goshiki numa lakes which are small lakes that change colour and can be found opposite the museum by crossing the road. Row boats can be taken for a row and large Koi fish can be seen and fed. A walk by the lakes is possible via a track that is frequented by tourists.

Matsumoto to Shinjuku in Spring

2009-08-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Matsumoto to Shinjuku in Tokyo is a very nice train trip worth taking not only for the destinations but also for the views. In early Spring the snow capped mountains are a sight and even Mt Fuji can be seen if you are looking for it. The photos below were taken from the train so the quality is not so good.

Below and above Mt Fuji can be seen from differnt locations on the trip.

Zenkoji temple in Nagano city

2009-08-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Nagano city in Japan has a famous temple called "Zenkoji temple". The temple complex has a few different sections and a long entrance lane with shops which can be seen below in the photos. The temple houses the first buddhist statue that supposedly came to Japan, however it cannot be seen and only every 6 or 7 years a copy can be seen as part of a special festival.

Matsushiro Imperial headquarters from the outside

2009-07-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

The old Imperial headquaters bunker tunnels in Matsushiro town, Nagano prefecture offers some history for travelers to enjoy. Below are photos of a view from above the complex looking over part of the town and of external entrances that cannot be explored up close.

The photo below is looking back into the mountains, and the bunker complex is to the left as the hill runs past the left side of this photo.

Below is a closed off entrance to the Matsushiro tunnels which is blocked off by a big gate.

Below is another entrance to the Matsushiro tunnels that is blocked off with a gate. Notice how the cement exterior was never finished, and this entrance is quite close to the other entrance.

The bunker complex sits below this hill where the above entrance photos were taken.

The snow capped mountains can still be seen in April even though spring can be quite warm.

To see photos of the tunnels inside my previous post can be seen.

The Old Underground Imperial Headquarters - Matsushiro

2009-04-23T07:31:00.001-07:00

Matsushiro town is a good to place to visit for at least a day. There are many things and places to see, but one particular place is the old Imperial headquarters that were built into mountains near the end of world war two. The headquarters were built to protect the leadership and imperial family and were quite extensive. However, the tunnels in the mountains were never finished so only the unfinished tunnels can be explored if you visit Matsushiro.

The tunnel entrance.

The layout of the grid like tunnel complex in one mountain. Other mountains have similar tunnels. About 500 meters can be explored on foot.

The tunnels were built by using Korean labor so there is a monument to the Koreans who died tunneling.

The tunel conecting to the entrance is quite low so one must wear a hard hat provided by the organisation operating the tunnels.

Steel supports and wood are used to help secure some sections and to prevent any accidents.

Other connecting tunnels are blocked off with wire mesh and strong gates.

The tunnels are lit sufficiently but in places are dark which gives a feeling of what it may have been like tunneling.

In the above photo you can see the end which is an access point to the outside world. Some of the tunnels have outside access.

One of the cross tunnels lit up for inspection.

Looking down a cross tunnel.

The sunlight at the end can be seen. But the tunnel exploration turns left before that point and keeps going deep into the mountain.

Above, a mark in the rock from tunneling can be seen. And below, some drawings on the walls were found which were drawn by the Korean laborers.

The end of the tunnel open for exploration which goes much further into the mountain.

There are some peace cranes at the junction where the walk ends which are a shrine for peace.

The red section is about 500 meters in length. The above shows how extensive the system was supposed to be.

Looking back just before exiting the tunnels.

The small shed where the hard hats are stored for the visitors who want to explore the opened section of tunnel. The tunnels are a 15 - 25 minute walk from Matsushiro station. At the time of visiting the tunnels, they were free and I received a leaflet with information about them.

Matsushiro castle grounds - Nagano prefecture

2009-04-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Matsushiro castle grounds are located near Matsushiro station and give good views of the alps in Nagano prefecture. A lot of the castle walls are restored and the buildings are restored but the feeling from visiting there is good and due to its smaller size than the bigger more famous castles it is pleasant enough to see easily. Matsushiro can be reached by bus from Nagano city which takes about 30 mins, and train which takes a little longer.

The photos above are of the entrance to the center of the castle grounds.

A view of the rear entrance of the castle.

If the cherry blossoms are out and it is sunny it is a nice place.

The alps in Nagano are still quite covered in snow in early April. The lower mountains are free of snow though.

Jigokudani monkey hotspring - Nagano prefecture

2009-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

The hotspring where monkeys can be found in winter sitting in hot water is located near Nagano city in Nagano prefecture Japan. There are about 200 monkeys in the small valley which are looked after by a group of people who maintain the park for viewing by tourists and feed the monkeys. Getting there is 40 minutes in a bus and then 40 minutes on foot through mountain country which was part of the 1998 Nagano winter olympics.

The access track goes through some forest and wildlife can be seen. There are signs encouraging people to look for various animals on the way to the monkey park.

Looking towards the monkey park above, and below looking back towards Nagano.

The small monkeys are enjoyable to watch as they play and make trouble.

A river runs past the hotspring where monkeys can be seen feeding or getting warm in winter.

Above is the site of the 1998 Nagano winter olympics snowboarding slope.

In and around Matsumoto city

2009-04-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

Matsumoto city has great views of the mountains surrounding it and in spring the snow capped mountains are a sight.

As seen from Matsumoto station.

On the way to the Japanese Ukiyoe museum which is just out of Matsumoto.

Street views of Matsumoto in the photos above.

Matsumoto Castle

2009-04-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

Matsumoto city is located in Nagano prefecture Japan and isn't too far from Nagano city. In Matsumoto there is an original castle which still stands after 400 years. Matsumoto castle is one of the best three castles in Japan which I have no reason to dispute. Below are photos taken just before dark in early April.

A Japanese crane can be seen on the red bridge.

A Japanese crane and the moon blend in with the castle building giving a nice scene.

Like most castles in Japan there are Koi fish in the moat.

Nagiso town in the Kiso valley - Nagano prefecture

2009-04-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Nagiso in the Kiso valley and not far from Tsumago on the Nakasendo highway is a place of transport access to the Nakasendo highway walk. In the town there is a large foot bridge which crosses the river and has nice views of the mountains, river and valley.

Some alps can be seen from Nagiso town.

The bridge is perfectly straight.

Nagiso station doesn't have many local trains both to Nagoya and Matsumoto but express trains do pass through and some stop there.

The water in the river is clear and inviting.

A view from the train travelling north from Nagiso to Narai old post town in the Kiso valley.

One of a few stations between Nagiso and Narai post towns.

Narai post town station. I didn't get to visit Narai but would go back there if given the chance.

Magome post town to Tsumago post town - Hiking the old Nakasendo Highway

2009-04-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hiking the old Nakasendo highway is an interesting experience. Below are photos of the hiking route from Magome post town to Tsumago post town which is over 8kms. The scenery changes throughout the walk to Tsumago from Magome and if you start in Magome it is uphill until you reach the prefecture boundary of Gifu and Nagano prefectures. From there it is down hill and more foresty with some good sections of old highway still in the trees.

Looking north towards Tsumago from the edge of Magome post town. The sign above says 7.6 kms to go.

From the northern end of Magome a good view of a 2192 metre high mountain can be had.

A nice butterfly sits in the sunshine on the Nakasendo highway in early April.

The old highway heads uphill passing little streams and fresh countryside.

Looking back downhill towards Magome post town after having climbed the cobblestoned highway.

Along the highway there are old stones which remain and used to be guide stones. In the stones is engraved "Nakasendo".

Above and below, an old lady carries a heavy load on her back in a small village on the old Nakasendo highway.

The prefectural border on the highway is at the top and it is downhill from hereon. Some alps can be seen which look inspiring.

A section of paved highway in the forest on the downhill section to Tsumago.

Many times on the walk you have to cross the road and even walk sections of the road with cars passing by. Then again you duck off into the forest and come out later onto the road again. It's interesting.

One of the waterfalls which can be viewed closer to Tsumago.

One of the few villages which are travelled through on the walk.

Another more interesting section of paved highway in the forest on the Nakasendo.

Nagiso is the next post town which is where the train station is. You can continue walking to Nagiso which is another 4kms or so. On seeing this sign you have made it to Tsumago and can enjoy the old street scenes as you explore the place.

Magome Juku post town on the old Nakasendo Highway

2009-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hiking the old Nakasendo highway in Gifu and Nagano prefectures is a must do if you are interested in Edo history. Most people hike form magome post town to Tsumago post town which is over 8kms and can be done in about 3 hours. Below are photos of Magome post town which is a very interesting start to the hike.

The view from the bus stop at Magome village is very nice. To the south is a large mountain and fields of farmland. One of the first structures you will see is the samurai styled watch tower shown below and after seeing that you get the feeling you are going to be treated with some nice authentic Japanese historical sights.

The signs point to Edo and Kyoto showing the direction of the old Nakasendo highway.

Above is where the highway starts after you get off the bus in Magome post town. The highway heads uphill through a cosy little village atmosphere.

There is a notice board in Magome post town too which was a propaganda device used by the shogun.

Looking back at the notice board and the entrance to magome post town from the north.

More on the hiking trail to Tsumago later.

Tsumago Juku- old post town on the Nakasendo Road

2009-04-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Below are photos of the village known as Tsumago which lies on the old Kiso Kaido road (Nakasendo road) which was part of the inland route from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo) used by traders and samurais over 400 years ago. The vilage is an old post town which was part of a series of post towns that provided travelers with accomodation, food and even had important Edo governmental post boards, or edict notification boards, which stated what was allowed and not allowed by the shogun.

Later I'll post my hike from Magome post town to Tsumago and detail the route. Tsumago was the destination of my hike and truly worth the visit as it was much like going back in time to see what it used to be like. Of course there are things like electricity and cars to be seen in the village, but it is still authentic looking.

The first views of the old street scene of Tsumago as one approaches from Magome after the hike.

The sign above is part of the old edict notice board which travellers had to read when travelling through a post town on the Nakasendo road.

You may see some people dressed like pilgrims or old style travelers with traditional hats and clothes on traveling the route.

Nagoya Castle

2009-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Nagoya castle in Nagoya city Japan is a very nice structure indeed. At the top of the building there are two golden dolphin shapes which shine in the sunshine and stand out much unlike other castles in Japan. Access to the castle is easy via subway, or city sightseeing bus, and be sure to get there early to avoid crowds and a long line to get in.

The surrounding moat on the street side is empty and full of green grass. The cherry blossoms look good though in season.
Inside the castle grounds between the inner moat and outer moat of Nagoya castle.
Nagoya castle as viewed from one of the donjons.
From the top of a donjon you can see the Nagoya city station building.

Nagoya city view from the top of Nagoya castle.

Two donjons the lie on the corners of the inner moat of Nagoya castle.

Nagoya city Japan

2009-04-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

The photos below are of Nagoya tower and the station building which is the tallest station building in the world. Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan and has an extensive subway network to get around on along with an above ground railway network.

The building to the right is the Aichi prefectural museum of art in the photo above.

The area around Nagoya station. Below is the JR station building which is the tallest train station building in the world.

Nagoya train station as seen from some back streets in a quiet area.

Harvested terraced rice fields - Abukuma river

2009-02-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Previously I posted about the terraced rice fields in the Abukuma river area in southern Miyagi prefecture near Sendai city.

The pictures below are of the rice terraces after they have been harvested. They have been harvested by hand as they are being hung to dry on stands - machine harvesting is done differently.

Below is a small god like statue in a creek near a small shrine near the terraced rice fields in the Abukuma river area.

Some dog like statues at a small shrine.

A small Tori - shrine gate - near the terraced rice fields in the Abukuma river area of Miyagi.

Another Abukuma river post can be read.

The shrine of the main Tori on lake Ashinoko Hakone

2009-02-23T09:06:00.001-08:00

If you like the color red you certainly would like Japan and it's interesting and and nicely painted red shrine gates, otherwise known as Tori.

The following photos are of the big shrine which sits behind the large Tori that stands in lake Ashinoko in the Hakone mountain area near Tokyo.

Looking toward lake Ashinoko from the top of the shrine grounds.

Some Koi fish in a pond near Lake Ahinoko.

Hakone mountain area and lake Ashinoko

2009-02-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Hakone mountain area west of Tokyo has some good sights such as Mt Fuji, a big lake with tori gates in the water and nice hotsprings. A zigzagging train can be taken up a mountain and then a series of cable cars and ropeways to the summit and then to the lake. The photos below show in order what can be seen in the Hakone Ashinoko lake area.

The zigzag train as seen from within and from the platform.

On a foggy day riding the ropeway looks like flying up into the sky as you can see the ropes extending into the mist and fog.

Heading down from the summit towards lake Ashinoko in Hakone.

Some interesting ships can be boarded to cross lake Ashinoko.

The main tori gate on lake Ashinoko in Hakone.

As it was foggy and wet we didn't have a chance to see Mt Fuji, but the Hakone mountain area had enough to see to entertain. More on Hakone later...

The Old Hiroshima Bank of Japan Building

2009-02-16T06:13:00.001-08:00

The old bank of Japan building in Hiroshima still stands today after surviving the nuclear bomb attack in 1945. Thanks to the beautiful construction of the building and designed for its purpose of storing valuables it does look impressive.

The inside can be viewed including the safe area where money etc used to be stored, photos and the upper levels which have been preserved. It is located near the peace park museum and is a short stroll from the Comfort Inn hotel where we stayed.

Above the old bank of Japan building stands dwarfed by newer and taller buildings. Below is a photo as it looked after the bombing.

Below is the interior of the street level which used to be the main teller section.

Below is the main safe area which is a few floors below the building. The security guard gave us a good tour of the safe area and the building.

In the photo below the circled section shows damage to the security gate hinge which was damaged in the blast of the bombing. The blast came down the elevator shaft and blew out through the doors damaging the lower half of the hinge.

The photo above shows reconstruction of the old bank building while below the photo shows the street level teller section as it used to be.

Art in Tokyo

2009-02-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

Back in November 2008 I went to Tokyo to see some art for a couple of days. First was a stop in Ueno to see the Rimpa exhibition that was dedicated to Ogata Korin at the Tokyo National Museum. Although it was crowded it was good to see some famous Rinpa screen art. I enjoy the art of the Edo period and painters such as Korin, Sotatsu, Suzuki, and Hoitsu are well known by art enthusiasts and historians.

Below are some paintings that were displayed in a gallery near the Tokyo musem which were free to see. I am not sure who painted them but the Japanese landscapes were very good.
Some coloured oil paintings at the same gallery.
Next I visited the Yamatane Museum of Art: http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/ which was displaying some nice Rinpa screens by Hoitsu and Gyoshu which can be seen on their webpage. It was a small gallery but had very good Japanese art to see and the large golden screens of Rinpa style were so relaxing to just sit and look at.

The second day I visited Roppongi Midtown to see the Picasso exhibition that was held in the Suntory Museum of art. The complete exhibition was held at two locatons in Roppongi not far from each other. Each part of the exhibition was an exhibition in itself as there were many paintings and drawings to see. There was even a metal statue of a goat with body parts and all if you know what I mean.

The Roppongi midtown center above.
A street in Roppongi with the Roppongi Midtown center to the left and Tokyo tower in the background.
The entrance to a small gallery in Naka Meguro where the painting below was seen. I went to this gallery after seeing the Picasso exhibitions.

Small street scene with a historical looking restaurant bar looking place in Naka Meguro Tokyo.

Hotel Kanyo Minami Sanriku Miyagi

2009-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hotel Kanyo in Miyagi prefecture near Sendai City and Kesenuma city, which is in the Minami Sanriku coastal area, is a nice place to spend some free time by the ocean. The hotel has hotspring baths outside and inside and the view of the ocean is calm and refreshing. Oysters are grown in the bay near the hotel and the many plots can be seen as lines in the water. The website can be visited in Japanese only but has information on how to get there: http://www.mkanyo.jp/
Below is the room we stayed in.

The train station near Hotel Kanyo with snow on the tracks on new years eve.

Old Kuroiso Bank building - Tochigi prefecture Japan

2009-01-22T06:31:00.001-08:00

The old Kuroiso Bank building which was built in 1916 is an impressive historical building which now stands as a cafe. It is made from Oya stone which was mined near Utsunomiya which is about 50 minutes away by train. Just a few minutes walk from the station it is a nice place to pass some time while waiting for a train. Inside, there is still the original clock on the wall which wasn't working when I visited, but it looked good. Kuroiso is on the main train line between Tokyo and Fukushima north of Tokyo.

The original clock in the old Kuroiso bank building.

Oya Stone Mine Tochigi Japan

2009-01-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

The Oya stone mine can be found near Utsunomiya city in Tochigi prefecture Japan. The mine is now a museum and can be viewed by simply walking into the building and paying a fee.

Some items are on display in the building plus photos of the old days of the mining industry there. Then you can take your time exploring the mine itself. Walking down into it is not too dificult and just requires you to negotiate some stairs before you are met with a great view of the inside of a hill and a mine.

The Oya stone is a stone that was mined for the purposes of building and many buildings in the area can be found made from the stone - the Utsunomiya Catholic church is just one example. The Oya Peace kannon is just a short walk from the mine.

The mine can be reached by bus in about half an hour.

The Oya mine museum where the entrance to the mine is.

Nikko - World Heritage site Japan

2009-01-19T21:10:00.001-08:00

Nikko in Japan is a world heritage site worth visiting if you are in Japan. There are many shrine and temple buildings to see which are beautifully painted and adorned with interesting images and statues carved from wood. Below are photos of the carvings and buildings which were seen in January 2nd which had large crowds for the new year festivities which were taking place.

Nikko is a day trip north of Tokyo, but better visited with a stay in Utsunomiya city where you can see other sites such as the Oya stone mine and Peace kannon statue. Utsunomiya is 40 minutes from Nikko by train.

New year crowds at Nikko world heritage site.

The JR train to Nikko from Utsunomiya station. In Utsunomiya there are two stations that have trains going to Nikko. If you are connecting with the Shinkansen (bullet train) take the JR train. There is a private rail company TOBU which has a shopping centre in Utsunomiya and the station can be found there, but it is far from the JR station.

The famous Nikko bridge near the world heritage site.
Nikko JR station is of historical quality and far more charming than the Tobu station in Nikko.

A bus can be caught from the JR station which stops at the Tobu station and then goes to the world heritage site. It takes about 10 minutes.

A book about dating Japanese women

2009-01-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

There isn't a lot of information about dating Japanese women from a cultural point of view. Many books touch on part of the subject but lack the specific focus on the topic leaving English speaking men confused when they have Japanese girlfriends. Fortunately though, someone has written a book giving a good informative cultural education on how Japanese women should be approached when trying to date them or form a relationship with them. It's not a book about one night stands rather a very helpful guide to building and growing a relationship.

The book can be purchased quickly as an e-book from Japan Dating Tips. It has even been featured in the Japan times due to its relevance and quality of information.

Churches in Japan

2009-01-09T06:03:00.001-08:00

There aren't a lot of churches in Japan but at times one can come across a nice Church especially when not seeking to. Below are two churches that I came across when visiting Nikko and Utsunomiya in Tochigi prefecture.

The Bove church is the Episcopal church of Nikko town which can be found near the main World Heritage site that has interesting historical shrines connected to the shogunate of the Edo period. The church looks very much like a western or European one and is made of stone which gives it an older look and feel, especially from a distance.

Below are photos of the Utsunomiya Catholic church which is near the main shopping area and Tobu station. It is constructed with Oya stone that is mined near Utsunomiya city and the large Peace Kannon statue.

Above the cross is the moon in daylight.
The main entrance of the Utsunomiya Catholic church.
These are two of the better looking churches have seen in Japan.

Oya Kannon Statue

2009-01-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

In Tochigi prefecture near the city of Utsunomiya stands a large Kannon statue which is carved into Oya stone. A 30 minute bus ride west of Utsunomiya will lead you to an area which has a mine and remnants of a once thriving area which appears to be abandoned if it weren't for the locals still living in the area. You can see lot's of carved rock areas and the white looking Oya stone cliffs stand out amongst the trees. It is said the Oya area is the Matsushima of the inland and I can fully appreciate that statement. (more on that later)

The Oya Kannon statue took about 6 years to carve and appears incomplete especially where the hands should be.
The Oya Kannon statue stands pretty tall as can be seen in the photo.

This close up photo of the face of the Oya Kannon statue shows the porous quality of the Oya stone. The stone is light and seems to have a lot of air inside it.
The stairs to the left of the Oya Kannon statue allow you to climb to the top behind the statue. The view from there is good too.

Ueno on New Years Day

2009-01-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Ueno is a city area in Tokyo which has a lot to see even if you are only there for a few hours on New years day. An art gallery was even open and the shopping area was pretty busy with shoppers getting early new year bargains in the Ameyayokocho market area.

The Ameyayokocho market area near Ueno station.

The Ushiku great buddha

2009-01-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

In Ibaraki prefecture not far from Tokyo to the north east, you can see a very large standing buddha statue which is the highest in Japan and the world. It is called the Ushiku great buddha. It makes the statue of liberty look small and the Great Buddha of Kamakura look tiny which can be seen in the photo below comparing the three.

Getting there by bus from Ushiku station takes about 20-30 minutes direct and the bus stops very close to the statue indeed.

I was lucky enough to see a TV show on the statue and, to highlight the size, cleaners that clean the statue on the outside actually exit from the eyes by rope to clean its face. I was totally amazed at this for the sheer size of it. After watching the TV show I had to go and see it. I was lucky enough to go at New Years Day which meant the admission was free.

The bus stop as it is dropping people off. The return bus is closer to the statue and it takes a bit longer to get back than to go there.

The buddha head is a representation of the size of the statue. The actual statue is a thousand times bigger!
The comparison of the Ushiku great buddha to the Statue of Liberty is interesting.

Entsuin light up in Mastushima

2009-01-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

In Matsushima city there is a nice Japanese garden which is viewed all year round. In Autumn they have a nightly viewing session which only is available from late October to late November. The garden is lit up with lights to help highlight the colours of Autumn and it is a beautiful sight indeed. Of particular beauty is the pond which, due to the cold, has a mirror like image reflecting the trees above in crystal clear quality. This is a must see and worth the entry price.

It is called the Entsuin light up in Matsushima and can be reached by an efficient train service from Sendai city which takes about 30 minutes - 40 minutes including walking time to the gardens.

A view of the Godaido in Matsuhima bay which is lit up at night by green lights.
Autumn colors in the Entsuin garden.

Looking toward the Entsuin Shrine which is famous for its connection to Date Masamune the local samurai lord that the prefecture of Miyagi celebrates the existence of.

The entrance is lit up by fire on both sides just where you can buy tickets to enter the gardens. As it is cold the fires are a welcome sight.

Cats and a green man in Kamakura

2008-10-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

The two cats above were sitting and lying around in the summer heat in Kamakura.

A street crossing not too far from Kamakura station.

The Sendai Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

2008-09-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Sendai Jazz festival which is held every year in September has come and gone again. This year, 2008, saw a large crowd in the main areas where multiple bands played at the same time.

In Sendai the Jazz festival is held primarily on Jozenji street and in other areas around the city centre. You can walk around the city and view various bands at the little stage locations, and if you have one of the schedule papers which are handed out you can plan who you want to see and where you want to go. It is impossible to see every band play as there are many bands playing at the same time which can be far apart on other sides of the city centre.

The Sendai Jozenji Jazz Festival not only has Jazz but also Rock, Blues and other music such as RnB, and Gospel. Many people come from all over Japan and the amount of foreigners in the city is surprisingly high.

Enjoy the photos...

The coming Autumn in Japan

2008-09-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

Summer is now over in Japan. Autumn and the beautiful colourful leaves will in the coming months come out. I'll post more later in the coming months. The following photo is from 2006 and shows green and yellow trees in the same street on opposite sides.

More on Kamakura Japan

2008-09-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

These are more photos of the Kamakura area.

Tha sky train is interesting and feels like you are flying in a train. It can be taken to Enshima near Kamakura after a train ride from Tokyo or you can go to Kamakura JR station by train direct.

At Enoshima you can view the area from a viewing platform and also see the various shrines. There is a lively village like atmosphere and some historic British house ruins in the gardens.

From Enoshima take the Enoden train to the Great Buddha and other shrines and temples. In summer it is hot though.

Daibutsu - The Great Buddha in Kamakura

2008-09-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Great Buddha in Kamakura is a great site and worth visiting. There are many tourists visiting the Great Buddha in Kamakura, but it helps add to the atmosphere and provides a bit of excitement to go with the awe. It is a short walk from the station which is serviced by a historical type of train called the Enoden. Take a JR city train from Tokyo to Kamakura and change there to take the historical train.

Abukuma station and River - Miyagi Prefecture

2008-09-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Abukuma river in Miyagi Japan is a nice area to visit for a drive or a train ride. It is scenic and is near the terraced rice fields posted in the previous post. It seems to be a nice place to go riding on a mountain bike as there are many small roads one could explore.

The railway station is interesting and not very busy, and there is a small restaurant there also. You can take trains from Sendai and from Fukushima.

Terraced rice paddies near the Abukuma river - Miyagi

2008-08-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

In Japan terraced rice paddies are not too easy to find but they do exist. Knowing where to go is important to saving time and enjoying the view they can give especially on a clear day.
The photos were taken near Marumori in Miyagi prefecture not far from the Fukushima border and quite close to the Abukuma river. You can get near there by train and a good long walk or by car.

Sendai Tananbata Festival

2008-08-06T22:57:00.001-07:00

Sendai in Miyagi prefecture Japan has a big festival in August every year where they hang big decorations up in two arcades around the city. A lot of effort goes into the decorations and some people spend a good part of the year making them. The Sendai Tanabata festival is a three day festival which started on the 6th of August this year.

Photos copyright to roger at Onsen Feel Japan.

More Hiroshima photos

2008-08-04T20:43:00.001-07:00

The trams in Hiroshima are a good way to get around the city and to get to Miyajima island.

The A-dome can be seen from many angles.

Photos copyright to roger at Onsen Feel Japan.

Miyajima Island

2008-07-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

Looking at Miyajima island from the ferry.
The large shrine gate that is famous in Miyajima for sightseeing stands in water and is exposed at high tide.

A pagoda on the island and cherry blossoms in April.

A view from the summit looking back towards Hiroshima city.

Around the main shrine on Miyajima.

Inside the main shrine just before dusk.

One of the many lanterns inside the shrine.

One of the many lanterns lining the water facing the large gate.

As it is at night all lit up.

Photos copyright to Roger at Onsen Feel Japan

Deer on Miyajima Island

2008-07-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

There are many Deer on Miyagima Island near Hiroshima. They are tame and quite friendly but keep your valuables safe as the deer like to eat anything they can take from you. You may notice above the little deer eating a ticket.

Photos copyright to Onsen Feel Japan.

A pagoda near Jyougi shrine.

2008-07-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

The following photos were taken in Miyagi prefecture west of Sendai city near Jyougi shrine. A car is required to get there as it is in the mountains near Akiu falls but still a drive away from there.

Photos copyright to Roger at Onsen Feel Japan.

Rice fields and the moon at dusk

2008-07-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken in June 2008 - summer.

All photos copyright to Onsen feel Japan.

Akiu hotspring area - Miyagi Japan

2008-07-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Akiu hotspring and falls area of Miyagi japan is a beautiful place to visit.
The two photos below are of Rai-Rai canyon in the central Akiu hotspring area. It is an easy walk but very nice.

The photos below are of Akiu falls and a shrine which is just near the falls. It takes about 45 mins to get there by car from Sendai city. By bus it would take longer.

Copyright Onsenfeeljapan.blogspot.com

Matsushima - Miyagi Japan

2008-07-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Some of the islands in Matsushima bay.

A nice Japanese garden in Matsushima city Miyagi Japan.

A festival held in Matsushima which is one of the biggest boat festivals in Japan.

A series of grottoes and caves near Zuiganji temple in Matsushima.

A rock which has been shaped by water and looks like a wave. This is typical of the Matsushima islands which are covered in Jpanaese pine and are shaped in beautiful formations.

All photos are copyright.

Tokyo

2008-07-22T19:03:00.001-07:00

Rocket Japanese - The Ultimate Guide To Learning Japanese

Photos copyright to Onsen Feel Japan

Japanese high speed trains

2008-07-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some high speed train photos at Odawara station not far from Tokyo.

Photos copyright to Onsen Feel Japan.

Hiroshima City Japan

2008-06-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hiroshima city in Japan is a place worth visiting not only for the history but for the nice Hiroshima yaki! Hiroshima yaki is a local dish that is a variant of other types of yaki soba.

The trams in Hiroshima city are rustic and still give the feeling of a place stuck in time.Not only the way the conductors conduct themselves, but also the sight and sound of the older models of trams is a lot different to what you would see in Tokyo.
You can still see what looks like the original paved tram lines before the atomic bombing.

All throughout the city of Hiroshima there are signs of the atomic bombing and a lot of information to discover. The building above is original and still stands after being partially damaged in the bombing. It was the Bank of Japan branch at that time. It is now a museum and the vaults inside can be viewed by guidance of a guard who only speaks Japanese. More on that later...

Photos copyright to Roger at Onsen Feel Japan.