I feel a bit cheeky [I think that deserves an emoticon —> (>.<)] posting this photo, and not just because "a baker's dozen" is an exaggeration. This is another photo from last summer's mikoshi (float) battle festival on the Zaimokuza side of Yuigahama Beach. For those unfamiliar with Japanese festival culture, men often wear fundoshi, … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Baker’s Dozen
Photo of the Day: Flying Kites II
The good kind of kite this time 'round! I believe this photo is from around Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) in May of last year. Japan has a day for pretty much everyone, though how intensely they're celebrated varies wildly. There's a Girl's Day (Ohina Matsuri) on March 3rd. Families with daughters set out a … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Flying Kites II
Photo of the Day: Fortunes for Sale
Omikuji (fortunes) left at a temple (or shrine—I can't quite remember where this is). I've only ever bought one omikuji, and it was a pretty good one. Not all are good, though—some predict pretty rough patches ahead.
Photo of the Day: Anchor Away
There's an awful lot of fishing equipment at the edge of the beach. It's not really "on" the beach, but rather on a concrete landing raised above the beach. It's out of the way, but still accessible for a wee peek with curious toddlers and the like. Fairly perfect, actually. While exploring the other day, … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Anchor Away
Photo of the Day: Flying Kites
There are fun kites—the kind you fly on a windy day, and then there are these kites—scavenging nightmares that will steal the food right out of your hands (or mouths!). And believe you me, they really don't care if they accidentally take a bit of flesh off you, too. If you eat outdoors anywhere near … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Flying Kites
Photo of the Day: Silhouette
Just up the road from us in Inamuragasaki is a park area that, on clear days, offers a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji. Not so much on the day I took this photo... Regardless of whether Mt. Fuji is visible or not, though, the view is spectacular.
Photo of the Day: Wakame, Phase Three
Once wakame season really gets underway, it's no longer soft enough to eat fresh as shabushabu. I already posted a photo of the first dry, wakame hanging on clothes pins and blowing in the wind. After, it's laid out in rows and left to dry a bit more. To keep it from flying away in … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Wakame, Phase Three
Photo of the Day: Kamakura From Afar
The city of Kamakura seen from the seaside path heading towards Inamuragasaki and Enoshima. The path makes a lovely (if a little noisy thanks to the street that runs parallel to it) morning run. The bonus is just up and over the hill—on clear mornings, Mt. Fuji suddenly rises up to cheer you on.
Photo of the Day: Reaching New Heights
The rustling sound bamboo makes in the wind has been a favourite of mine since I arrived in Japan. Having grown up in rural Ontario, Canada, it was a sound I'd never heard—believe me, it's not quite the same as the sound of maple leaves in the wind. A subtle difference perhaps, but a difference … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Reaching New Heights
Photo of the Day: Barnacles
A working beach means ropes, nets, boats and anchors—and barnacles. Lots and lots of barnacles. The inn is located across the street from one of the working areas of Yuigahama Beach. It's still open for water sports and play—and it's actually pretty good, since when summer merrymakers crowd the beach, they tend to stay over … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Barnacles