Again with the green. This is from a beautiful pine outside Kaihinso, one of Kamakura's older ryoukan (Japanese-style inn) that's known for its combination of Japanese and Western architecture.
Photo of the Day: Little Fishies
I thought it was about time we had another fish photo. These guys live in a gorgeous pond outside a gorgeous soba restaurant. I have no clue how good the soba is, but their landscaping is fabulous.
Photo of the Day: It Came From the Deep
Now, I knew this was a turtle, and I guessed that it was a "suppon", a Chinese soft-shelled turtle. But, I thought it would be more fun to let my imagination run wild. What could you imagine it to be? As an aside, suppon are a kind of snapping turtle, so best not to get … Continue reading Photo of the Day: It Came From the Deep
Photo of the Day: Hachiman Gardens
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu is famous for its lotus flowers. It has two huge ponds overflowing with them. Sadly, they bloom at the hottest time of year—and the busiest—so we didn't make it out to see them. Last week, the weather finally cooled down and we headed out to see what we could see. Not too many … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Hachiman Gardens
Photo of the Day: Growing Persimmons
Well, it's beginning to feel a bit like fall. Persimmons are a fall fruit in Japan. When I first came to Tokyo almost ten years ago, I had never seen one before. I didn't even know what colour "persimmon" was. My first trip home, I was surprised to see a whole display of them at … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Growing Persimmons
Photo of the Day: Aloe
Aloe in Japan grows to monstrous size. Growing up in a cold-climate country, I'd only ever seen aloe grown indoors in pots. Boy, was I surprised when I got here and saw it waterfalling out of gardens and overflowing from pots.
Photo of the Day: Indigo Crane
There's a really neat little shop between Hasedera and Kosoku-ji that sells all sorts of Japanese goods. Behind this curtain is the shop's display room. In late February and early March, an antique set of Girls' Festival dolls are set up. Now, merchandise is displayed where the dolls sat, but the various sandals, kimono and … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Indigo Crane
Photo of the Day: Goya
Goya, or bitter melon (not "bumpy cucumber" as I first called it), grows in profusion here. People give it away the way I remember neighbours begging us to take zucchini off their hands as a kid. It's bitter, but delicious. We mostly eat it in goya champuru, an Okinawan dish with tofu and... Spam. I … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Goya
Photo of the Day: Nights on the Beach
Summer is coming to an end, and beach house season, too. It was nice while it lasted, but it will be good to have the beach quiet again.
Photo of the Day: Narrow Alley
It's no secret that Japan is, in many places, a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways. We even have one of our own, just in front of the inn. Sure, it's pretty short, and only a tiny bit winding, but it is narrow enough that even a kei-car would get stuck halfway through. It's a popular … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Narrow Alley
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 