Ranzan Autumn leaves festival, walk and gourmet at Ranzan Gorge, also referred to as Ranzan Valley. Here’s hoping that ‘third time’s a charm’. The event was cancelled in 2019 after substantial damage from Typhoon Hagibis. And it was cancelled in 2020 on account of the Coronavirus outbreak. The event isRead 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 →
Hydrangea Temple Kinsenji, Ranzan. Kinsenji: the Hydrangea Temple 2021 information: unfortunately, just like last year, viewing of the hydrangea is not permitted in 2021 on account of the coronavirus. They apologize for any inconvenience caused. Official notification. The hydrangea of Kinsenji Temple have created quite a name for themselves. ThanksRead More →
Visiting Japan’s largest lavender field at Sennen no Sono, close to Tokyo. Where the Ranzan Lavender festival is held annually in a beautiful rural town of Saitama Prefecture, Japan. (Please note that in 2021 there is no Lavender Festival and the fields are off limits). Sennen no Sono Lavender FieldRead More →
Review of Fukurou No Mori, glamping style barbecue and outdoor cafe with dog run in scenic Ranzan Valley Fukurou no Mori, an outdoor cafe and barbecue site with dog run in Ranzan, celebrated its one year anniversary this month. Last year I shared the official website information about the openingRead More →
Review of the Ranzan Valley BBQ Area on the Tsuki River Ranzan Valley barbecue area is a popular riverside day camp destination in the scenic area of the countryside in Hiki District, Saitama. It is commutable from Tokyo and attracts day trippers from around the Kanto plain. Please note thatRead More →
See the national butterfly of Japan in its natural habitat It’s amazing what you learn when you spend your days out and about exploring your adopted second home. Who knew that the Great Purple Emperor “Oomurazaki” Butterfly is the national butterfly of Japan? I didn’t and wouldn’t have, had itRead More →