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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mellow Yellow Monday

I'm still able to follow the autumnal beauty in Osaka. Today the strong wind tore colorful leaves off the trees. This aspen tree is a real beauty with variety of colors and its nuts.
I dedicate this post to Mellow Yellow Monday.

 

Leaf Carpet

Fallen leaves are treats too. Love to crunch through fallen leaves.
I dedicate this post to Shadow Shot Sunday. Have a nice weekend!

Red Maple Leaves

Now in Kyoto the Japanese maple leaves have just turned into red day by day. I think this year we can see the more beautiful color change than usual. I took these pictures in the Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion) today. The red maple leaves are really gorgeous. Don't you think so?

 

 This is a portrait of the cultural exchange. They are a beautiful British couple and Japanese high school girls who are in the school trip from Yamagata to Kyoto. They tried to ask some questions in English and appeal them to come to Yamagata. I'm sure this would be a good memory for both.

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

Floral Friday Fotos

I found these red-and-yellow flowers in the nearby library today.  They look precious expecially in this season, so I dedicate it to Floral Friday Fotos although today is Saturday.
Have a nice weekend.

Skywatch Friday

I took this picture when I drove in the countryside today. I couldn't help but pull over my car to make a shot. Over there you see a village. In the countryside we often see traditional Japanese-style houses, not ferroconcrete buildings.

 Happy Skywatch Friday.

Thursday Challenge...Orange

Now I am enjoying the highlight of autumn colors in Osaka. Everywhere is beautiful with a lot of colors.

In the park, a woman was sitting on the grass and making a sketch.

This is part of Thursday Challenge. This week's theme is 'Orange'.

Morning Wharf

This is Port Island in Kobe. On the weekend, people come to the wharf to enjoy fishing from early morning.
The sunrise time is around 6:20 now in Kobe.

I dedicate this post to Water World Wednesday.

Autumn Color

Now is my favorite season filled with beautiful colors. I love to go out with my camera to imprint them on my memory.
This is part of Ruby Tuesday 2.

Autumn Day

I took this picture this morning in Kobe Port Island. I found beautiful cotton-like clouds in the light blue sky.

These red pictures were taken in the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine in Osaka.

I dedicate this post to Floral Friday Fotos,  Skywatch Friday and Weekend Reflections.

Thursday Challenge...'Dress Up'

This week's theme of Thursday Challenge is 'Dress Up'.
This boy was taken to a Shinto shrine for celebration of his healthy growth. I asked his parents for us to take pictures of him, then he started to pose for us like this. What a handsome boy in kimono!!