Azalea at Godaison Tsutsuji Park | OGOSE
Azalea Ogose – beautiful azalea sightseeing spot in Ogose town, Saitama. It is a little sad when the prunus (plum, cherry, peach blossoms) finish in Japan. But only a wee… Read more »
Category: SHRINES & TEMPLES
Only in Saitama: unusual Komainu
Komainu are usually referred to as lion-dogs in English. They are the guardian stone statues you see near the entrance to a shrine. One on either side of the walkway…. Read more »
10 famous places for “Hatsumode” in Saitama
Hatsumode Saitama- Hatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or a temple, an important and much practised tradition of new year celebrations in Japan. There are… Read more »
Shoden Temple | HIDAKA
Komazan Shoden’in Shorakuji commonly called Shoden Temple (Shoudenin | Shoden-in | Shodenji) stands proud at the top of the Koma peak in Hidaka. It is like a beacon for all… Read more »
Shoboji’s Legendary Gingko Tree | Higashimatsuyama
Shoboji’s Legendary Gingko Tree at Shoboji Temple, Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama ( previously Hatoyama) Previously I wrote about a summer drive we took in the Hatoyama and Higashimatsuyama area where I saw the… Read more »
Something different in Saitama: Santome PART 1 | MIYOSHI
Something different in Saitama – We had so many adventures in 2017 and enjoyed each in different ways. However, in terms of new locations for families in the Saitama area,… Read more »
Naritasan Temple (& Rilakkuma amulets) | KAWAGOE
Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Hongyoin Temple is a branch of the Naritasan Shinsoji Buddhist Temple of Narita, Chiba. It has a very interesting, but complex history with many layers of detail…. Read more »
Fuku Daruma / Daruma Market | KAWAGOE & TAKASAKI 【GUNMA】
Daruma / Daruma Market – I often get asked about Japanese New Year’s traditions. There are a lot, but one close to my heart is the ancient tradition of purchasing… Read more »
Mt Takao with children (includes New Years data) 【TOKYO】
Mt Takao with children – The first time I went to Mt Takao with my 4 kids, they were all under 7 at the time. The youngest had just turned… Read more »
Chichibu Night Festival | CHICHIBU
At 2.02 am today, December 1st 2016 the Chichibu Night Festival, specifically the traditional music and performances of the festival, along with 32 festivals in Japan were confirmed and recorded as… Read more »