Kenrokuen
Written by: adekun on 6 December, 2009 4:37 pm - Filed under: japan — No Comments »
Kasumigaike Pond
Across from the castle, Kenrokuen, for me was all the more appealing. Quite at odds to how I felt in Kyoto at Ryōan-ji; vivid colours (even under the bleak sky), countless trees and water features. Perhaps the sky made a good contrast for the gold and deep red leaves.
The park offers a good opportunity to see a technique called yukitsuri. Trees in need of protection the heavy snow, are supported with a conical array of rope. Some are given further help with bamboo struts. Continue reading
Kanazawa Castle
Written by: adekun on 30 November, 2009 7:57 pm - Filed under: japan — No Comments »
Hashizumemon
Kanazawa Castle seems a lot less like a castle without a keep; more so as it sits in such large grounds. After numerous fires and rebuilds, only a few structures remain. The brochure said they were restored recently using traditional construction methods. However, the inside of the watchtowers and interconnecting warehouse looked as if they fell victim to one of the popular “house reform” television programmes. Continue reading
Takoage
Written by: adekun on 9 November, 2009 11:01 pm - Filed under: japan — 1 Comment »
The plume from the paper factory provides a reliable indication of wind direction and force.
Throughout the year many kite flying events are held across the country. The festival has a long history dating back to the Eiroku era. Perhaps now, the gatherings, kites and armies of happi clad flyers are not as big as they used to be (see Takoage Gassen). Still, it is a fun activity to watch or participate in.
Yonago City usually hosts an uncompetitive competition early November. Continue reading
Snow on the hills
Written by: adekun on 4 November, 2009 4:54 pm - Filed under: blog — No Comments »
Snow capped Daisen
The start of the week brought snow. On the news yesterday, there were many marvellous scenes from around the country; vivid autumnal leaves contrasting snow. These in turn were marred by horrific road traffic accidents. It’s likely a good many drivers were caught out without snow tyres/chains. Although it’s probably a good month before the snow makes an impact here, I should take heed of the images.
A new hope
Written by: adekun on 31 August, 2009 7:18 am - Filed under: blog — 4 Comments »
The red team wins the election. Minshutō (DPJ) has unseated Jimintō (LDP), gaining toward three times the seats of the incumbent. The change brings an end to an almost unbroken half century reign. It also signals a real change in voters attitude; content to choose the untested in the direst of times. As a result, Taro Aso resigns as party president.
Election Day
Written by: adekun on 30 August, 2009 8:37 am - Filed under: blog — 2 Comments »
It is Election Day here in Japan. The month long ordeal of maddening speaker vans has come to a close. Turnout is expected to be high. Who will the people choose? The grandson of a former Prime Minister or the grandson of a former Prime Minister. A political and industrial elitist or a political and industrial elitist et cetera.
Obon rained off
Written by: adekun on 14 August, 2009 10:09 pm - Filed under: blog — No Comments »
I think the usual dance over obon was close to being called off. The weather was typical of the year’s summer. I took Kento and an umbrella, determined not to let the rain spoil the meet.
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