Begonia are called “Shukaido” in Japanese, ‘a flower that blooms in Autumn’. As such they are a harbinger of Autumn. I went to visit my favorite spot for begonia on September 1st, 2021, to welcome Autumn. I was on my break from blogging at the time (haha) so I didn’tRead More →
Shinrin Park (aka Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park) confirmed on September 6th, that they are planning to host their annual Halloween night in the Forest, despite the coronavirus. Whoop, I am so happy! They did last year too, for the record, and we were able to keep up our oneRead More →
A new gelateria “Japan Gelateria Asanoha”opened in Kawajima town on Friday July 30th. The gelateria is just one of four businesses in what they have called “Ebisu 1st Place”, an initiative by the Soh Corporation. The other three are a barbecue service, a fish restaurant “Jiro Charcoal Grill” and aRead More →
Information on Hanashobu, Ayame, Kakitsubata Iris flowers in Japan. In addition, information on when and where to see them in Japan. Plus bonus information for Saitama Prefecture. Iris are quite a popular and significant flower in Japan. Their bloom is said to mark the start of summer. Irises were traditionallyRead More →
Seasonal flowers at the Shimoyatsubayashi flower field where flower picking is allowed and free Flower picking Unlike in my home country, you can’t pick flowers in Japan unless you have permission to do so. Not even flowers growing on the side of the road. Like Singapore, Japan also frowns onRead More →
Photogenic Cherry blossom spot in Hatoyama Town: Oshamoji Yama Park Oshamoji Yama Park Oshamoji Yama Park is not the type of place you would go out of your way to visit. It is located in a very small park centered around a look out tower. It has no car parkRead More →
Each year in early April, we are absolutely spoiled for choice for things to see in Saitama. There are so many flowers and blossoms in bloom. And accordingly there are literally hundreds of flower festivals on. Usually the cherry blossoms steal the limelight, but their ‘sister’, the peach blossoms, areRead More →
Nature, hiking, flowers, Cats, horses, playground, “Health Road”, an honesty shop, seasonal events and a picking farm with a quaint cafe and antique store. All atop a hill in Yatsu no Sato, Namegawa Town. In September 2019 when visiting Hilltop farm and cafe I walked across the road to investigateRead More →
Kijin shrine: one of a few shrines nationwide dedicated to demon. Hot on the heels of the New Year celebrations, is Setsubun. Setsubun is a festival marking the end of winter and coming of spring. It is celebrated annually on the 3rd of February. However, for the first time inRead More →
Autumn leaves 紅葉, Ranzan valley / Gorge Ranzan Valley (also known as Ranzan Gorge or Ranzan Keikoku in Japanese) is a beautiful nature spot with several hiking routes in the Hiki area of Saitama Prefecture. It is particularly popular in Autumn when the leaves are in various shades of red,Read More →