Photo of the Day: Mt. Fuji… Again

Like the Daibutsu, Mt. Fuji is probably going to make more than just a few appearances. It's just so... there. This photo was taken at Hiroyama Park in Zushi. It's one of Kaede's favourite places to play as in addition to a playground, it has some animals. From spring to fall, kids also try their … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Mt. Fuji… Again

Photo of the Day: Ume Bloomin’

Spring in Japan blooms on trees, with ume (plum) in February and sakura (cherry) in late March being the most eagerly anticipated. Having grown up in Canada, I'm used to spring sprouting from the ground and up through the last of the snow in late March to early April, not bursting forth from trees in … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Ume Bloomin’

Photo of the Day: Bubble Buddha

The road to the Daibutsu at Kotoku-in is lined with souvenir shops, a few of which have large gum ball machines full of bouncy balls. These are no ordinary bouncy balls, however. No—these are Buddha balls (and Enoden train balls). Seems a bit sacrilegious to me, but that's just the way Kamakura rolls.

Photo of the Day: Tunnel Ho!

Just up the road from us is Gokuraku-ji, a small temple. In front of the temple is Gokuraku-ji station on the Enoden line. While mere mortals using their mortal feet must walk up a steep (but thankfully fairly short) road to reach both, the Enoden trains take a tunnel through one of Kamakura's many hills … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Tunnel Ho!

Photo of the Day: Magenta Dreams

Anyou-in practically glows during peak azalea season. I've never seen so many brilliantly coloured azalea in all my life—everywhere you look is pink. Azaleas bloom in late April/May, with the peak being a bit towards the middle/end of the month, give or take depending on weather. Some bloom later—as do the related rhododendron—so even into … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Magenta Dreams

Photo of the Day: Fish Bowl

One of my favourite things about Japan—fish everywhere. And not just to eat! Fish ponds, giant fish bowls, fish everything. My first winter, I worried they'd all freeze. And while some people bring their fish inside for the winter, a surprising number are just fine in their outdoor bowls. This makes our 3-year-old very happy. … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Fish Bowl