Cherry Blossom Season

Blossoming is a weather driven event, so there are long term forecasts in Japan as to the first day of cherry blossoms in the various regions of Japan.  Here is a map provided by Otenki.jp.  The dates are month / day.  You can follow the wave of...

Godzilla

He’s an ever-popular movie star in Japan.  Here he is peeping over the parapet of a new Cinema Megaplex in Shinjuku.

“Shugaku-In” Retired Emporer’s Villa

Shugaku-in was originally constructed by the retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, starting in 1655, with the initial construction completed in 1659.  At every turn, a new perspective of exquisite gardens and buildings awaits.

Go’o Shrine Naoshima

Go’o Shrine The Go’o Shrine 『護王神社』is an Art Project designed by photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, erected circa 1998 on the island of Naoshima.  It is a re-interpretation of a style of Shinto Shrine architecture. The name Go’o means something...

Firefly wall

This unique patterned wall was found  at the preserved home of 17th century Haiku poet Kyorai Mukai. Located in a quiet area of Arashiyama, Kyoto, with rice paddies nearby, the home and its garden is well worth a visit for an introduction to...