The weeping cherry tree at Himuro Shrine, Nara, is “mankai” – fully open today.
Takatori Hinasan Festival
I’m at a small town in Nara Prefecture that’s holding a festival for hinasan dolls.
Takatori-cho
Let’s help preserve the old streetscape and prevent fires!
Historical Nagasaki
When many Westerners think of Nagasaki, they think only of the second A-Bomb. Although that’s an important part of Nagasaki’s history, its earlier history of contact with the outside world is far more interesting and engaging.
Ocean Ivory
Here’s a shop in Nagasaki that appears to be selling things carved from whale bone.
Nagasaki Peace Park
It’s kind of surreal to be enjoying cherry blossoms at what was the hypocentre of atomic destruction.
Sakura in Nagasaki
The cherry blossoms have started to bloom. These ones are at a shrine at the bottom of the Mt Inasa ropeway.
Hibiya Park lunch
It’s 20 degrees, sunny, and I’m having lunch in the park. This friendly cat just arrived and sat down next to us, probably wants food!
The three great Daibutsu
I seem to have visited all of Japan’s three largest Daibutsu (Big Buddhas) in the last several months. That is, unless there’s another one out there that I don’t know about.
Tourguide to Enoshima
My parents have come to Japan to visit, and I’ve been babysitting them around Tokyo for the past few days. I’ve tried to introduce them to some of the places in Tokyo that I frequent, and get them out and around to see some of the sights.