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Friday, December 28, 2012

Kobe KitanoTown


 These were taken in Kitano Town, Kobe city. This town was developed by the foreign settlers as residential area just after Japan's opening to the world in the late 19th century, with the cosmopolitan atmosphere. The view from the hillside is so wonderful.
I dedicate this to Floral Friday Fotos and Skywatch Friday.


Saturday, December 22, 2012

Reflection and Napoleon fish

 
I've already posted about this architecture, the Umeda Sky Building. But I can't stop posting it because every time I see different reflection. This is part of Weekend Reflections.
Plus today I'd like to show you this video which I took at the Kaiyukan Aquarium today. This napoleon fish stayed still at the bottom of the tank with only his eyes moving. So funny!
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

MIHO Museum



 

MIHO Museum stands in the midst of mountains in Shiga Prefecture. After walking through the winding tunnel from the entrance gate for about ten minutes, we reach the great museum building. I think the building itself is the best work here, which was designed by I M Pei. I can feel sunlight everywhere in this building. Love it.
I post this to Thursday Challenge. This week's theme is "light".

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Japanese Persimmon


Persimmon is one of my favorite fruits. And I love to see orange persimmons left on the tree against the gray sky. The symbolic image of the winter start. These pictures were taken in Nara Park yesterday.
This is part of Our World Tuesday.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Ruby Ornaments




This brick-like house stands at the lobby of Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka on the 22nd floor. This hotel is proud of its wonderful view of Osaka city from every room. Ruby ornaments for Christmas caught my eyes.
I dedicate this post to Ruby Tuesday 2.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Maple Pool




Some maple leaves still survive here at the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka. Look at the harmony of  Christmas trees and autumn colors.
How about visiting and joining Weekend Reflections?

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Winter Sunlight


This isn't a black and white picture, but  a color one. The sunlight spreading to the ocean was amazing. This was taken from the Hinomisaki Lighthouse last week (I post about it two days ago).
I post this to Outdoor Wednesday and Water World Wednesday.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Hino-misaki Lighthouse



This white lighthouse is called Hino-misaki Lighthouse which is located in Izumo city, Shimane Prefecture and the tallest lighthouse in Japan (43.54 meters). We can go up as many as 160 stairs (too many!) to the top and enjoy the wonderful view from there. I really enjoyed the panoramic view feeling the strong wind.
This is part of Scenic Sunday.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Sunset Reflection




I'm back after five-day business trip to Matsue city, Shimane Prefecture. It is a quiet castle town which lies on the coast of Japan Sea. I was lucky to enjoy the beautiful sunset during the trip. I'm planning to show you some pictures there from today.
I dedicate this post to Floral Friday Fotos and Weekend Reflections.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

On the Bamboo


Surprisingly fallen leaves are on the bamboo trees. Yes, they were good for me to take a picture.
From tomorrow I will be away from my PC to make a business trip. I don't know how much I can catch up with your new posts or upload my post. But if possible, I will do.
I'll be back next Friday night. I look forward to posting a picture of a different city.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Monkey and Maple




Today I went to Arashiyama in Kyoto, which is famous for its autumn leaves. Some trees are almost bare, some still show off their colors. I love the color mixture of the mountain.
In the last picture, you see two monkeys. This is Iwatayama Monkey Park, located on the top of the small mountain. About 150 monkeys live freely here.
This is part of Skywatch Friday.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Unforgettable Statue


I found this metal statue at the corner of the intersection in Kanazawa city, Ishikawa Prefecture last month. It is a work which took some prize, but I didn't memorize it.
To me, it looks funny, but at the same time it cheers me up. Anyway his legs are unforgettable.
I'll post it to Weekend Reflections.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

My Town




I took these pictures during my walking time. You see a monorail coming.
This is part of Our World Tuesday.
Winter is just around the corner in Osaka. I feel like knitting a comfy scarf.

 

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Fallen Leaves





Fallen leaves are everywhere. On the ground, on the roof and in the water.
Today I went hiking in the mountain in Takatsuki city, Osaka Prefecture, with my friends to see more colors. We visited two Buddhist temples, Kabusanji Temple and Honzanji Temple. Both are not so popular as other places because they are located in the deep mountain. Luckily my friend drove me to the nearby parking place. From there we went up.
I found pink sasanqua camellia blooming. (see the first picture) In this season, to find flowers outside is hard, so these flowers look precious.
This is part of Floral Friday Fotos.

Friday, November 23, 2012

At Eiheiji Temple



Today I visited Eiheiji Temple, which is the head temple of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism. It stands in the wooded hills, about 15 kilometers outside of Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture. (about 3-hour drive from Osaka)
 It consists of over 70 buildings and structures, connected with each other by covered walkways.
Eiheiji is still an active monastery with around 150 practicing Zen monks. They are working hard every day in training including Zen meditation as the same way as in 770 years ago. They also work to help visitors as one of the training. In the second picture, you see two monks.
I was impressed to hear about their austere disciplines.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

More Colors





Today I had a phone call from my friend who knows my love for autumn leaves. She told me an ideal street called "Three-Color Street" in Suita next to my town. Of course, I jumped out carrying my camera to see it with my own eyes.  Maybe the first picture shows the name origin of "Three-Color Street". This street is located in the quiet residential area, but today many people come to see and take pictures by car or on foot.  I had a great autumn day.
I'll post this to Outdoor Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Maple Collection

Today I went to Zuishin-in Temple,  Kajuji Temple in Yamashina ward in Kyoto and the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park to take pictures of Japanese maple leaves. I took lots of pictures to record the seasonal beauty. I couldn't choose one, so I'll post some of my favorites. Which one do you like?
 






This is part of Our World Tuesday and Ruby Tuesday 2.