This is a photo diary of my trip to Japan in November and December 2006. It's my first visit since leaving over two years ago. What fond memories...
31 December 2006
Welcome!
This is a photo diary of my trip to Japan in November and December 2006. It's my first visit since leaving over two years ago. What fond memories...
Tokufu-ji, Kyoto
Hello Kyoto! I'd visited Kyoto in every season except autumn. I've always wanted to see the brilliant autumn foliage with my own eyes.
The famous teas of Uji
When I came to Uji in 2000 to visit Byodo-in, it was raining heavily. And this time, nearly seven years later, it's raining again! Ore, ame-otoko ka na?
Street light in Nara
After various delays, by the time I got to Nara, there wasn't much daylight left. This photo was taken outside Todai-ji.
Fukuchiyama Castle
Somehow I spent half a day rushing about, only to get stuck here in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a train that comes only every 1.5 hours.
Amanohashidate: bridge to the heavens
One of the 'Three Scenic Views of Japan', Amanohashidate is a natural sand bar a long way north of Kyoto. It's a bitch to get to. I wonder if it's worth the trouble, especially in this gloomy weather...
Hiking from Kibune to Kurama
Kibune-guchi station.
Finally the foliage is at its best. And for the first time on this trip the weather is glorious. The colours are breath-taking.
Kibune-jinja Shrine.
Huffing and puffing across the hills.
Kurama-dera Temple. Simply stunning!
Yubiso hot spring, Gunma
I lived in Gunma for two years, but have never been near this neck of the woods. There isn't much out here, but the ryokan (Japanese inn) is just wonderful. Here's my room...
Gochisosama! I wish I could eat like this everyday.
And of course, it's all about the baths...
Furumine-jinja, Tochigi
Mr Fujie took the day off work and became my tour guide. This shrine is huge! The garden is beautiful. Afterwards we bathed at the onsen in the mountains, shrouded in fog...
The new Meiwa town office!
Meiwa, my home town in Japan! The construction of the new town office was completed after I left. This is the first time I've seen it.
Winter sakura
Mr and Mrs Matsuzawa took me to Shiromine-koen in Saitama to see the fuyu-sakura. Cherry trees usually bloom in spring, but this variety bloom also in winter.
Danako-nabe, an Akita specialty!
We had a party at Mrs Matsuzawa's house, starring Mr Matsuoka's famous 'danako' hot pot. A specialty from the Akita prefecture, this delicious hot pot features hand rolled rice balls. Yum!
Itakura-machi tour, Gunma
Itakura is next to Meiwa. Yet I've hardly ever visited. I never knew there was so much there.
Gunma-no-Suigo, a man made fishing pond by the river.
Students at Toyo University.
Takatori-tenmangu. Buy a cow and pray for good grades.
Gunma-no-Suigo, a man made fishing pond by the river.
Students at Toyo University.
Takatori-tenmangu. Buy a cow and pray for good grades.
Cruising Tone-gawa
My house was three minutes walk from Tone River, but I've never actually been 'on' it until now.
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