Usually, mikuji (fortunes) are sold at temples and shrines. But sometimes, you can get them out of a gum machine. Because, why not?
Wisteria Season
Just as the last of the cherry blossoms fall to the ground, the wisteria vines start to bloom. While there are a few gorgeous wisteria vines in our neighbourhood, by far my favourite is the vine (are the vines?) on this house. It looks to me like the wisteria might topple it over at any … Continue reading Wisteria Season
Fallen Petals
As much as I love sakura blossoms still on the tree, I have a special place in my heart for the ones covering the ground. They remind me of soft pink snow.
Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Kosoku-ji, a small temple not far from Hasedera, has absolutely fantastic gardens.Even before you get to the gardens, though, there are absolutely fantastic cherry trees - and today, they were pretty much at their peak. I admit to setting this next shot up. Not at first, but I decided that the blossoms that were already … Continue reading Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Early Sakura
We visited Kosoku-ji, a small temple with amazing gardens just down the street from us, the other day, and were surprised to see a few cherry trees had already bloomed. Unfortunately, I only had my iPad mini on me, and the trees were rather far away, so the photos aren't as clear as I wish … Continue reading Early Sakura
End-of-season Wakame
I mentioned in a previous post that this year's wakame harvest has been poor. The ryōshi (fisher people) along our beach have managed to bring in a few days' worth of it, though. In this photo, you can see the wakame hanging from laundry clips to dry.
Yuigahama Love
We had a few days of gorgeous weather last week, and the beach was full of people. Kaede and I were collecting shells when we came across this heart of stones. I just now realized that Kaede's shadow made it into the shot—that wonderful stripey skirt must have caught my attention and kept it.
Enoden Green
It may not be the flashiest of trains, but the Enoden is still pretty attractive for a large hunk of moving metal.By the by, that's Hisashi in the silver jacket through the middle-right window.
Sunday Morning Surfing
The best Sundays involve nice, gentle waves, and a bit of mist.
Wakame Harvesting
This year has been a bad year for wakame. Last year, the harvest was good. It was so good that the beach was strewn with wakame, both farmed and wild. Early mornings would see neighbourhood ojisan and obasan out gathering it in overflowing shopping bags. We had wakame shabu shabu time and again in the … Continue reading Wakame Harvesting
