Chestnuts are now maturing. Have you ever seen the burrs of chestnut? If you come from Europe, North America, Korea, and China, probably “yes”. If you come from Southern countries, probably “no”. In fact, chestnuts are widely distributed in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Our chestnut (Castanea crenata) is an indigenous tree in Japan and also… Read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →