Country-Japan has presented information on various tourist attractions of the country side of Japan since 5th December 2016 when it was officially released, and obtained many fans and supporters. However, it was recognized that the display was not very “smart” for smartphone users as Country-Japan was firstly designed for PC users. Now, the display of the Top Page… Read more →
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Season’s topic – Fruits on leaves (2017-07-02)
Webmaster visited Ibaraki Prefecture, north to Tokyo, last week. And he found Japanese Helwingia (hanaikada, Helwingia japonica) shrubs are bearing fruits. As shown in the previous blog (2017-05-18) , hanaikada is an indigenous shrub in Japan which has flowers on its leaves. Consequently, they have fruits on their leaves. Doesn’t it look curious? When… Read more →
Spot report – Shinsho-ji Temple in Narita (2017-06-21)
Webmaster overnighted at Narita on his business trip last week, and had a short visit to Shinsho-ji Temple early in the morning before starting his duty. Access: Tokyo (local train 1:10) Narita (walk 0:15) @ Somon Gate at the entrance. The second Niomon Gate can be seen from Somon Gate. Niomon Gate. After… Read more →
Season’s topic – Iris is flowering (2017-06-14)
Now, Japanese iris (Hanashobu, Iris ensata var. ensata) is now flowering in many gardens. Webmaster visited Sagamihara Park (Sagamihara-koen) this week which has an iris garden. Access: Tokyo (local train 0:14) Shinjuku (local train 0:32) Sagami-ono (bus 0:20) Sagamiharakoen-mae @ When Webmaster visited the garden in April, iris was still small. But,… Read more →
Spot report – Yokohama Shizenkansatsuno-mori (2017-06-11)
Webmaster visited Yokohama Shizenkansatsuno-mori this week, which is one of eight bird/nature sanctuaries run/managed by Wild Bird Society of Japan, to enjoy hiking and bird watching. Access: Tokyo (local train 0:50) Ofuna (bus 0:25) Yokohama-reienmae (walk 0:07) @ or Tokyo (local train 0:25) Yokohama (local train 0:18) Kanazawa-hakkei (bus 0:12) Yokohama-reienmae (walk 0:07) The entrance of the sanctuary.… Read more →
Spot report – Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden (2017-06-08)
Last weekend, Webmaster went to Shiga Prefecture for his personal business and had a short visit to Hikone Castle and adjacent Japanese garden called Genkyu-en. Access: Shin-osaka (shinkansen 0:35) Maibara (local train 0:05) Hikone (walk 0:15) @ or Tokyo (shinkansen 2:30) Maibara (local train 0:05) Hikone (walk 0:15) @ The donjon of the castle is designated as National… Read more →
Season’s topic – Swallow is breeding (2017-06-07)
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a summer bird in Japan. They migrate to Southeast Asia to escape the winter and return in spring for breeding. A nest with a brood of four young birds. Their nest is made of mad and dry grass mixed with their saliva. We Japanese traditionally care for swallow. It is considered as a beneficial… Read more →
Spot report – Samukawa-jinja Shrine (2017-06-02)
Webmaster visited Samukawa-jinja Shrine a few weeks ago. Access: Tokyo (local train 0:50) Chigasaki (local train 0:17) Miyayama (walk 0:10) @ Samukawa’jinja Shrine is regarded as the protective shrine of Kanto Region and set to protect against inauspicious direction from Edo (present Tokyo). Because of this historical background, the shrine has earned faith from the people of the… Read more →
Spot report – Fuji Bamboo Garden (2017-05-29)
Webmaster visited Fuji Bamboo Garden (Fuji-takerui-shokubutsuen) last week. Access: Tokyo (shinkansen 0:53 or local train 1:55) Mishima (local train 0:13) Nagaizumi-nameri (walk 0:30 or taxi 0:10) @ Admission:￥500 for adult. Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. The entrance of the garden According to Fuji Bamboo Garden, there are some 500 species of bamboo planted and… Read more →
Season’s topic – Flower on raft (2017-05-18)
Webmaster found Japanese Helwingia (hanaikada, Helwingia japonica) when went hiking before last week. Hanaikada is an indigenous shrub in Japan. The similar species (same genus) distribute in East Asia from Himalayan region to Southern China. It widely distributes in forests in hilly and mountainous area, but is not very common. Curiously enough, this shrubby species has flowers… Read more →