Yabusame Shinji at Shimogamo Shrine
Yabusame is the traditional Japanese art of mounted archery. An archer on a running horse shoots three special “turnip-headed”arrows successively at three wooden targets.
Maiko in Miyagawa-Cho, Again
Another tour around Miyagawa-Cho Geisha District.
Maneki-Neko, the beckoning cat
They’re present in each one of our machiya, the Maneki-Neko, “beckoning cat”, welcoming you. If you’ve been in Japan for a few days, you already saw them all around, usually at the entrance of shops and restaurants. Yes, these Maneki-Neko are...
Photo Contest Winner!
I’ve been going to Miyagawa-Cho in late afternoon a number of times now, to try to take pictures of the Maiko and the Geiko walking down the streets, rushing from their Okiya to the Ochaya where they work. I’m very proud as my photo above has just...
And then there were none
This year, the transient beauty of flowers that is so popular in Japan was intense and brief. It started suddenly, earlier than usual, and went all over Kyoto before we could realize we had to hurry to enjoy our favorite spots. And then we had rain and wind. And then...
Osaka Castle, Osaka
Located at a distance of about 50 km, Osaka is a nice day trip from Kyoto. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the...
Haradani-En Garden
Haradani-En Garden is located above Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in the north west of Kyoto. It’s a privately owned garden featuring a large variety of cherry trees to enjoy, especially the late-flowering weeping cherry blossom. This garden offers lovely...
Hanami by night at Hirano Jinja
No doubt, Hirano Jinja is my favorite place for enjoying the cherry blossoms. And no doubt also while it is great by day, it is better by night.
Hirano Jinja, a Favorite Hanami Spot
Hirano Jinja (Shrine) is a very old Shinto shrine — established in the year 794. It is among the most popular spots in Kyoto among Japanese people for its gardens and numerous cherry trees, for viewing the flowers, singing and drinking.
