Life with hubby

Hubby and I visited Dakigaeri Valley on October 11th. Dakigaeri Valley is one of the most scenic valleys situated along Tamagawa River, a tributary of Omonogawa River, in Semboku City of Akita prefecture. The valley is situated at the midpoint of Tamagawa River and runs for roughly 10 kilometers in total. The valley gets its name from two words namely ‘Daki’ which means ‘to hold or to hug’ and ‘Kaeri’ which means ‘turn around’. Before it was paved as it is today, the pathway along the valley used to be extremely narrow. So when two people, walking in opposite directions, met each other along the narrow path, it was necessary for one to embrace the other and turn around, in order to pass and move to the other side of the path. Dakigaeri Valley is also known as the Yabakei of Tohoku region. Along with Lake Tazawako and its surroundings, Dakigaeri Valley is a part of Tazawako Dakigaeri Prefectural Natural Park.

The average altitude of Dakigaeri Valley is not so high. There are virgin forests and waterfalls on the rocks on both sides of the valley. The unique shades of blue color of the waterfalls and Tamagawa River are a beautiful sight to behold. Due to rockslides, the last 7 kilometers of the 10-kilometer path along the valley has been closed off. The accessible sections of the valley has easy-to-walk paved pathway to view odd-shaped rocks, rapids, as well as large and small waterfalls. Near the entrance area of the valley, there is a red-colored suspension bridge named Kami-no-Iwahashi. It is an 80 meters long bridge that was built in 1926, and is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita prefecture. Near the end of the accessible path, about 2 kilometers into the valley, there is a stunning waterfall named Mikaeri-no-taki. From spring to summer, people visit the valley to view the fresh green virgin forests and the beautiful waterfalls of the valley. And in autumn, people visit the valley to view colorful autumn foliage.

Next, I will write about a Shinto shrine named Dakigaeri Jinja located at the entrance area of Dakigaeri Valley. It is a small shrine with an old history. Minamoto clan fought many battles with Abe clan during Zenkunen War in Heian period. In 1062, a Samurai named Minamoto no Yoshiie of Minamoto clan wanted to fight a battle with Abe no Sadato of Abe clan of Kuriyagawa no Saku of Morioka. Yoshiie had to cross Tamagawa River to reach Kuriyagawa no Saku for fighting the battle with Sadato. So Yoshiie took out his personal statue of Buddha called Nenjibutsu and prayed at the location of the present-day shrine. He prayed for the river to be calm while crossing it and also for a safe return from the battle. After his victorious return from the battle, Yoshiie enshrined his Nenjibutsu and made a temple at the location. Somewhere along the centuries, many Shinto deities also came to be prayed at the temple. For example, Dragon-God named Ryujin, Water-God named Mikumari-no-kami, and sericulture guardian deity named Kaikogami were venerated since ancient times. In 1673, Dakigaeri Village (present day Wakamatsu in Daisen City) faced severe water shortages and the rivers in the area dried up. So in 1675 a branch shrine of Niukawakami Shrine of Yamato province was established at the former location of the temple and a deity of Water-God named Mizuhanome-no-kami was enshrined inside. The shrine has been rebuilt many times since then.

On 11th October, hubby and I left our home at about 10 am. Dakigaeri Valley is located about 85 kilometers east-northeast of our home in Yurihonjo City and it took us 1.5 hours of car ride to reach the valley area. We parked our car at a parking lot and walked for about 350 meters to reach the entrance area of Dakigaeri Valley. While walking, we loved viewing the mountains with green vegetation surrounding the valley. We noted at least three places on the mountains where mudslides had occurred in a distant or not so distant past.

I am standing next to the map of Dakigaeri Valley area

I am walking along a road leading to the entrance area of the valley

I am standing next to a stone monument with ‘Tazawako Dakigaeri Prefectural Natural Park: Dakigaeri Valley’ inscribed on it

Distant view of the valley along with the red colored Kami-no-Iwahashi Bridge

A mudslide area (indicated with red arrow) on one of the surrounding mountains

Near the entrance area of Dakigaeri Valley, we started walking along a paved pathway. Dakigaeri Jinja Shrine is located just at the entrance area of the valley. We saw the first Torii Gate of the shrine near this entrance area. After passing through the gate, we saw a small stream flowing by. We crossed a simple wooden bridge over the stream, and walked along the pathway for about 10 meters to reach the second Torii Gate located to our right side. We walked past this second gate and entered the sacred area of the shrine premises. Inside the premises to our right side, we saw a Temizuya which is a hand washing basin with a roof supported by four pillars. We washed our hands with water at the basin and purified ourselves. It is a symbolic act to clean the mind and body of impurity.

I am standing in front of the first Torii Gate of Dakigaeri Jinja Shrine located near the entrance area of Dakigaeri Valley

A small stream flowing by

I am standing in front of the second Torii Gate of the shrine

Temizuya

I am washing my hands with water at Temizuya

Next, we walked up to the main prayer hall named Shaden located right across the second Torii Gate in the shrine premises. Shaden Hall is a small wooden building with intricately carved front area and the ceiling. Thin Shimenawa straw rope hung at the entrance of the hall. A deity of Water-God named Mizuhanome-no-kami is enshrined inside the hall. On reaching the front of the hall, I rang the bell located just outside the hall. Then I offered some coins into the offertory box located in front of the hall, clapped my hands twice, and prayed. I prayed for a safe environment as well as physical well being of my family and friends. I loved the serene atmosphere of the shrine premises. After finishing praying, I noted a pair of stone lanterns located on either side of the pathway in front of the hall, which further added to the tranquility of the shrine.

I am standing in front of Shaden Main Prayer Hall. A pair of stone lanterns are seen on either side of the pathway leading to the hall.

Hubby standing in front of Shaden Hall

Intricately carved wooden front area of the hall and thin Shimenawa straw rope hanging at the entrance of the hall

Inside the main hall

I am ringing the bell located in front of the hall

In front of Shaden Prayer Hall, towards its right side (orientation with respect to the prayer hall), we saw an elongated building named Nagadoko Hall inside the shrine premises. Nagadoko Hall is a wooden building with a roof and has only two walls. It is an open stage building with two walls absent, and is used as a meeting place for various ceremonies by the shrine staff. Several huge wooden Ema votive tablets with paintings of dragons and horses hang on the two walls of this hall. Some of the exhibited paintings are really very old. We loved viewing these Ema paintings.

Nagadoko Hall

A very old painting of a dragon hanging on the wall of Nagadoko Hall

A relatively new painting of a dragon

A painting of a dragon and a horse

An old painting of a dragon

Three paintings of horses

After visiting Dakigaeri Jinja Shrine, we continued walking along the paved pathway located adjacent to the shrine. This section of the pathway is rather narrow and is located on the side of a mountain along with Tamagawa River flowing in the valley below. The pathway has wooden railings on one side to prevent visitors from accidentally falling into the river. The pathway was surrounded by lush green all around those days. From the pathway, we looked down into the valley and saw that the river looked stunningly beautiful with emerald colored water.

Hubby walking along the narrow paved pathway

Hubby clicking photos of the river below

Emerald colored Tamagawa River

Emerald colored river and fresh green leaves of the valley

After about 10 minutes of leisurely walking along the pathway, we reached Kami-no-Iwahashi Bridge located over Tamagawa River. As mentioned earlier, it is an 80 meters long red-colored suspension bridge that was built in 1926. It is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita prefecture. We loved viewing the spectacular sceneries of the valley while standing on either side of the bridge. The blue sky, the fresh green virgin forests, and the emerald colored river looked amazing. The view of the valley from this bridge is really magnificent.

Kami-no-Iwahashi Bridge as viewed from one end

I am standing on the bridge and enjoying the beautiful views to the east side of the bridge

Hubby standing on the bridge along with the valley in the background

View of the magnificent valley and Tamagawa River to the east side of the bridge

I am standing on the bridge and enjoying the beautiful views to the west side of the bridge

View of the magnificent valley and Tamagawa River to the west side of the bridge

View of emerald colored Tamagawa River running though the valley

A beautiful small islet located to the west side of the bridge

We walked across Kami-no-Iwahashi Bridge and reached the other side of Tamagawa River. Then we went down a few stone steps and reached the bank of the river. We walked along the bank and enjoyed the scenic views all around us. We saw that there were too many rocks and pebbles along the bank and realized that it was probably the dried-up portion of the riverbed. I touched the river water which was very cold but the clear emerald color of the water was a mesmerizing sight to behold. We stayed at the bank of the river for about 15 minutes and enjoyed the views.

I am walking down the stone steps that lead to the bank of Tamagawa River. Kami-no-Iwahashi Bridge can be partly seen on the left side of the photo.

I am walking along the bank of the river. Red colored bridge is seen on the left side of the photo.

I am walking along the bank of the river. Many rocks and pebbles are seen.

The water of the river was very cold

Hubby clicking photos of the beautiful sceneries

Hubby clicking more photos

View of the valley and the river to the west side as seen from the bank of the river

View of the valley to the east side as seen from the bank of the river

After crossing the bridge, there is a paved narrow path along the river in the valley that leads to Mikaeri-no-taki Waterfall and a few caves. But we skipped going to the waterfall this time. We returned back to the entrance area of the valley and had softcream at a shop located near the car parking area.

I am having softcream

Hubby relaxing and having softcream

Afterwards we walked back to the car parking area and returned home. We loved visiting Dakigaeri Valley and Dakigaeri Jinja Shrine.

On February 7th, hubby and I went to see professional wrestling in Akita City. New Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion visited Akita City that day and matches were held at one of the huge halls of a building named Akita Terrsa Sports Plaza located in the city itself.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is the largest professional wrestling promotion in Japan and the second largest in the world in terms of popularity, attendance, and revenue (behind WWE). The promotion is known as ‘Shin Nihon Puroresu’ in Japanese and is often referred to as NJPW. NJPW was founded in 1972 and has some of the best in-ring action in the world right now. NJPW is committed to a genuine and grounded brand of professional wrestling, which means this promotion makes the wrestling look as real as possible, emphasizing on chops, marital arts kicks, and submission holds as the fighting style. NJPW, however, is still a carefully constructed piece of scripted entertainment but with fewer theatrics and not as melodramatic as WWE. Storytelling happens inside the ring with brutal affairs of the bouts as well as strategies and mannerisms of the wrestlers. Most of the matches have clean finishes and are treated as a legitimate fight. In NJPW, professional wrestlers are roughly divided into two weight classes with separate championship belts, namely heavyweight and junior heavyweight. Although during my initial stay in Japan I was not at all interested in professional wrestling, over time I gradually developed an interest and became a fan of the sports. This is probably because hubby is extremely interested in professional wrestling and watches almost all the related television programs.

As stated earlier, on February 7th, NJPW wrestling matches took place in a hall of Akita Terrsa Sports Plaza building located in Akita city. We went to the place by our car. We reached in front of the building at about 12.30 pm. To purchase tickets, we stood in a long queue of visitors and after almost two hours of waiting, we reached the ticket counter. As luck would have it, there were a few cancellations of the pre-booked tickets and we could purchase two ‘special ringside’ tickets, each worth 8000 Yen. We were not expecting such special tickets and so were very excited as our seats were immediately beside the wrestling ring and felt that our seats were at an advantageous position to view the matches. Wrestling matches were to begin at 6 pm and we still had about 3.5 hours to kill. So we went to a restaurant at a nearby shopping mall and had a nice relaxed late lunch.

Our ‘special ringside’ tickets

At about 5 pm, we returned to Akita Terrsa Sports Plaza building and bought a NJPW related magazine at a temporary shop set up inside the building. Afterwards we went inside the huge hall where the matches were to take place and sat on our seats. It was really exciting that our ‘special ringside’ seats were just next to the ring and we were fortunate that almost every actions and movements of the professional wrestlers could be observed from such close range. Exactly at 6 pm, the ring announcer of NJPW promotion welcomed the spectators and announced the matches to be held that day. There were six matches that day and all of them were tag team matches contested between teams of multiple wrestlers. Information about all the professional wrestlers in the roster of NJPW can be found in the homepage of NJPW.

I am standing in front of Akita Terrsa Sports Plaza building. NJPW bus is seen in the background (red arrow).

The wrestling ring inside the huge hall as viewed from our seats located just next to the ring

I am standing near our seats located just next to the ring. The NJPW related magazine I am holding was really interesting.

Announcer of NJPW promotion welcoming the spectators

The first match was between two teams, with one team consisting of Komatsu Yohei and Tanaka Sho and the other team consisting of Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. This was the very first professional wrestling match that I watched in my life. So initially I was shocked to see such powerful punches, kicks, and hits. We were sitting just next to the ring, so all the actions and movements of the wrestlers were very clearly visible. Soon I started enjoying the match. The team of Booby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly won the match.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the first match

The second match was between two teams, with one team consisting of three wrestlers Jushin Thunder Liger, Kojima Satoshi, and Tenzan Hiroyoshi and the other team consisting of three wrestlers Mascara Dorada, Tiger Mask, and Nakanishi Manabu. The chops, kicks, punches, and submission holds where wresters wrenched on arms, legs, and necks were too exciting for the audience. We also got into the mood and enjoyed this match immensely. I am a fan of Tenzan, and so was very happy to see his team win this match.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the second match

The third match was between two teams, with one team consisting of four wrestlers Captain New Japan, Taguchi Ryusuke, Shibata Katsuyori, and Goto Hirooki and the other team consisting of four wrestlers Cody Hall, Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and ‘The Machine Gun’ Karl Anderson. By this match, I realized that the audience was silent for long stretches. Sometimes individual voices and screams of people emboldening their favored wrestler could be made out in the otherwise silent hall. Initially I thought that the audience was not much interested in the action in the ring. But seeing people around me, I realized that it is the contrary. People were very attentive and taking in minute details of the wrestlers’ moves and performances. Whenever there was some nice move or action, people came to life and let out a round of respectful applause. Then it was back to near silence and again a round of applause at the next laudable moment. Soon I grasped the timings of applause and other small details and thoroughly enjoyed the match. The team of Captain New Japan, Taguchi, Shibata, and Goto won the match.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the third match

The fourth match was between two teams, with one team consisting of four wrestlers Honma Tomoaki, Naito Tetsuya, Makabe Togi, and Nagata Yuji and the other team consisting of four wrestlers Yoshi-Hashi, Yano Toru, Ishii Tomohiro, and Nakamura Shinsuke. This match was a very brutal affair with full-blown strikes and kicks. It was a dramatic and realistic match, and the audience was very attentive and quiet. I have been following the matches of Nagata Yuji on television programs for many years now, and so was very happy to see his team win this match.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the fourth match

The fifth match was between two teams, with one team consisting of two wrestlers Gedo and Okada Kazuchika and the other team consisting of two wrestlers Takahashi Yujiro and Bad Luck Fale. The ever attentive audience was fully turned on and the high-pitched screams of many young women trying to embolden Okada was a bit hilarious. Okada is a very handsome young wrestler and his in-ring techniques are amazing. But the team of Takahashi and Bad Luck Fale won this match.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the fifth match

The sixth match was between two teams, with one team consisting of three wrestlers Alex Shelley, Kushida, and Tanahashi Hiroshi and the other team consisting of three wrestlers Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson, and Tama Tonga. I am a huge fan of Tanahashi, and so took many photos of him. On making a grand entrance to the ring, he played air guitar for the audience. His showmanship was very entertaining. The match itself was very aggressive and interesting. The audience paid much attention to the strategies and mannerisms of the wrestlers. Many people appreciated and emboldened one of the wrestlers fighting his bitter rival from past contests. I was extremely happy to see Tanahashi’s team win this match. After the match, Tanahashi again played air guitar with the championship belt. His microphone skills were also delightful and entertaining to the audience. It was one of the best and most entertaining matches for me.

A few photos of the wrestling actions of the sixth match

The sixth match was the last of the wrestling matches held that day. After the sixth match, Tanahashi Hiroshi interacted with the audience and shook hands with many people who eagerly waited in a queue. I was very excited to shake hands with him. After shaking hands with me he moved forward a few steps but returned to talk with me! Suddenly there was pin drop silence all around me and I just froze as I never expected him to remember me. Apparently he recognized me from 5 years ago when hubby and I met him and a few other wrestlers in Akita City. On 26th December 2010, NJPW had held wrestling matches in Akita City. That time, by chance hubby saw a few of the wrestlers at a building named Alve in the city and requested for a photo with Tanahashi and Tenzan Hiroyoshi, and both of them had happily obliged. But Tanahashi remembering me from 5 years ago was really shockingly surprising for hubby and me. I guess me being a dark foreigner in a sparsely populated city is remarkable and has its own advantages. Tanahashi has a lifetime fan in me.

With Tanahashi Hiroshi (December 2010)

With Tenzan Hiroyoshi (December 2010)

During the New Year holidays, hubby and I visited a few sightseeing places but the blog posts about those places are pending for a long time. As I wrote in an earlier post, we had been to our home in Ichinomiya City of Aichi prefecture during those holidays. We went there by our car. We started from Yurihonjo City on 28th December 2014, traveled throughout the day and stayed overnight at a hotel in Toyama City. The next morning we visited Toyama Castle in the city.

Toyama Castle is a reconstructed flatland castle located in the center of Toyama City in Toyama prefecture. It is also called Azumi Castle and during the pre-modern times it was located within the borders of Etchu province. The original castle was built in 1543 by the lord of the region Jinbo Nagamoto of Jinbo clan. The castle is generally associated with Sassa clan and Maeda clan and was in use from 1543 to 1871. Presently the castle, its moat, and the surrounding lands are maintained by the government of Japan as a public park named Toyama Castle Park. The park is a popular relaxation spot for locals as well as visitors, and is a famous spot for cherry blossoms during spring. Toyama Municipal Folk Museum (inside the castle tower) and Sato Memorial Art Museum are located in the park, which makes the park an historical as well as a cultural paradise.

The original Toyama Castle was built in 1543 in Muramochi period by a vassal named Mizukoshi Katsushige under the orders of the lord of Etchu province Jinbo Nagamoto of Jinbo clan. In 1581, Sassa Narimasa, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga, became the lord of this castle. He performed large-scale repairs and improved upon the established defenses of the castle. After the death of Oda Nobunaga in Honnoji Incident of 1585, Sassa Narimasa had a falling out with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi attacked the castle with 100000 soldiers and destroyed it. The castle was taken back, decommissioned and abandoned. Maeda Toshiie became the governor of the castle in 1597, and Maeda clan ruled over the region for some time. Later his son Maeda Toshinaga renovated the castle and used it as his retirement home until much of it was destroyed by a fire in 1609. In 1640, Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of neighboring Kaga Domain, was transferred to Etchu province. In 1661, Maeda Toshitsugu, son of Toshitsune, rebuilt the castle again and made it his home. In fact, Toshitsugu founded Toyama Domain and made Toyama Castle his main castle. His descendants ruled over Toyama from here. The castle was home to 13 generations of the Maeda clan until it was dismantled and abandoned in 1871 after the Meiji Restoration. Post-World War II, the castle was reconstructed as a modern concrete structure in 1954. The castle is built on flat land and the remains of the stone wall and the moat of the original castle are still present. The reconstructed main keep donjon does not accurately reflect the original main keep that stood here but is modeled after Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture. The main keep donjon is a concrete structure with 3 levels and 4 floors. The site of the castle has been designated as a national registered tangible cultural property. I really love knowing the history of the places we visit, especially the castles and temples of Japan.

At about 9 am on 29th December 2014, we left the hotel in Toyama City where we had stayed the night before. Toyama Castle is located about 1.5 kilometers south of the hotel, and it took us just 5 minutes of car ride to reach the car parking lot of Toyama Castle Park. Admission to the main keep donjon tower of the castle is closed during the New Year holidays. And since Toyama Municipal Folk Museum is located inside this main tower, unfortunately we could not see the museum artifacts. So we saw the building architecture and appreciated the beauty of the main keep donjon from various positions and angles inside the park.

We entered the castle grounds from the west side of the park and initially saw the castle main keep donjon from the northwest side. The white walls and the dark roofs of the main keep looked gorgeously stunning. Then we walked along a paved pathway located in front of the main keep. To our right side, in a gravel yard in front of the main keep, we saw many stones that made up the foundation of the original castle tower from the Edo period.

Toyama Castle main keep donjon as viewed from the northwest side

Hubby and the main keep as viewed from the northwest side

I am walking along a paved pathway in front of the main keep

A few of the foundation stones of the original castle tower from the Edo period

We continued walking along the pathway and next enjoyed seeing the architecture of the main keep donjon from the northeast side. It seemed that from different angles and positions, the castle tower looked slightly different.

Main keep donjon as viewed from the northeast side

The main keep and I

Hubby walking along the pathway located in front of the main keep

The roofs and the upper floors of the main keep

Sato Memorial Art Museum located in front, that is north, of the main keep

We walked back along the paved pathway and next saw the main keep donjon from the west side. Here I noted that the lower region of the stone wall of the base of the main keep has several huge stones around which normal sized stones are arranged. Such a construction style of rubble masonry is called Warai-zumi.

Main keep donjon as viewed from the west side

I am standing next to a huge stone located in between normal sized stones in the wall of the base of the main keep

We continued walking along the paved pathway leading towards the south side and finally reached outside the castle grounds. We saw and appreciated the architecture of the main keep donjon tower from the south side. We also saw a water-filled moat surrounding the castle tower. We walked along the pathway over this moat and noted that the main keep with its dark roofs, white walls, stone walls of the base, and the surrounding moat made for beautiful picturesque scenery. From this point, we also noted that the contrast between the busyness of the city outside and the serene quality inside the park was simply amazing.

Main keep donjon as viewed from the south side along with the water-filled moat extending towards the east

The moat extending towards the west

Toyama city as viewed from the moat area. The castle is located in the heart of the city.

We loved viewing Toyama Castle and spent about 50 minutes enjoying the architecture of the main keep donjon. Afterwards we left the castle premises and next went to see Shirakawa Village about which I will write in the next post.

As I wrote in the previous post, hubby and I visited Toyama Castle in the morning of 29th December 2014. Later in the afternoon we visited Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a historic village located in Shogawa River valley at the foot of Mount Hakusan in the northwestern part of Gifu prefecture, and is located next to another historic village named Gokayama in Toyama prefecture. In fact, these villages are typical mountain villages that are surrounded by remote mountains and forests, and stretch across the border of Gifu and Toyama prefectures. Shirakawa-go and the neighboring Gokayama villages were declared as UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. These villages are famous for their traditional Gassho-zukuri architectural style farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri architectural style means ‘constructed like hands in prayer’, as the farmhouses are characterized by thatched and steeply slanting roofs resembling two hands joined or pressed in prayer. This architectural style of the roofs developed over many generations and the design is exceptionally strong. This design in combination with the unique properties of the traditional thatching, allows the houses to withstand and shed the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. In addition, the roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Shirakawa-go is widely known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. The picturesque village feels like an old fairy tale world hidden away deep in the mountains. The largest village and the main attraction of Shirakawa-go is Ogimachi. In fact, Ogimachi is the most popular village for the visitors. The quaint settlement offers visitors the opportunity to experience the harmony between the village and nature. Ogimachi village is surrounded by pine tree-covered remote mountains. The village has many rice fields and Shokawa River runs through it. Besides the beautiful scenery of Ogimachi, the unique thatched-roof farmhouses are the center of attraction of the village. The village has 114 Gassho-zukuri styled thatched-roof Minka farmhouses that remain from historic times. Most of these farmhouses along with sheds and barns were built about 200-300 years ago, and remind us of ancient Japan. Many of these houses are still inhabited to this day, and together with their adjacent rice fields, they paint an incredibly picturesque landscape that is a joy to behold and to take a stroll through. The best way to experience the village is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as Minshuku inn.

Hubby and I visited Ogimachi village of Shirakawa-go on 29th December 2014. We went there by our car. As we neared Shirakawa-go, we saw snow covered mountains all around us. In fact there was huge amount of snow everywhere as it was mid-winter season. First we went to Michi no Eki Travelers’ Plaza located few kilometers away from Ogimachi village. The plaza has Gassho Museum where visitors can learn about how the Gassho-zukuri houses are made. In addition, the plaza has an information center as well as local specialty and souvenirs. Unfortunately the plaza was closed due to the year-end holidays. But we liked the building architecture and took rest for some time before proceeding further on our way to Ogimachi village.

Snow covered mountains as we neared Shirakawa-go

Yet another view of the mountains

Michi no Eki Travelers’ Plaza

Our car and snow all around the plaza building

A cute poster warning people to be careful of the snow falling from roofs

Although Ogimachi village of Shirakawa-go is just 4 kilometers south of Michi no Eki Travelers’ Plaza, it took us almost 1.5 hours to reach the car parking lot of Ogimachi. This is because of severe traffic jam due to the New Year Holidays. Near the car parking lot of Ogimachi, we saw many snow covered Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steeply slanting thatched roofs. Most of these farmhouses now serve as souvenir shops or restaurants. We felt that Ogimachi warmly welcomed us with the wonderful sight of such unique buildings in extremely cold weather. Next we walked leisurely over a pedestrian suspension bridge named Deai-bashi located across Shokawa River, and enjoyed viewing the snow covered surroundings from the bridge.

Several snow covered Gassho-zukuri buildings as viewed from the car parking lot of Ogimachi

Hubby standing in front of a map of Ogimachi area located at the car parking lot

The mountains, Shokawa River, and the pedestrian suspension bridge

People walking over Deai-bashi suspension bridge

The bridge and the river

A few Gassho-zukuri buildings as viewed from the bridge

Just after crossing the bridge, we saw a stone Torii Gate of a shrine named Akiba Jinja Shrine. We passed through the gate, and started walking along a road with Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses scattered on either side of the road. To our right side along the road, towards the south, we saw a Gassho-style private residence and a Minshuku inn named Yoshiro. It is a homely inn for a relaxed stay and has Irori hearth for cooking as well as staying warm. To our left side along the road, towards the north, we saw several more uniquely styled buildings, like a private farmhouse residence, Binen Yumeromu Museum far in the background, and a Minshuku inn named Rihee. Binen Yumeromu Museum is 130 years old and its Gassho-style roof was renovated in 2010 after 40 years. The museum exhibits the paintings and wood carvings created by a local artist named Itadani Mineshi. We did not visit the museum this time. Rihee Minshuku inn is 400 years old and has Tsumairi Gassho-zukuri architectural style. We loved the roof of the shed located in front of Rihee Minshuku.

I am standing in front of a stone Torii Gate of Akiba Jinja Shrine

Yoshiro Minshuku inn (left) and a private residence (right)

A private residence (left), Binen Yumeromu Museum (center background) and a portion of the roof of Rihee Minshuku inn (right)

Enlarged view of Binen Yumeromu Museum

The roof of the shed located in front of Rihee Minshuku inn

We continued walking along the road towards the east, and next saw a rather new building named Ebisuya to our right side towards the south. Ebisuya is a famous souvenir shop which has Shirakawa-go related specialty products, like Hida folk art, local Sake, confectionary, and pickles stocked inside. We bought two cute wooden owls as souvenir from this shop. After several more meters of walking we saw a Gassho-zukuri styled grand looking farmhouse named Bunka Kissa Kyoshu to our left side towards the north. The farmhouse Kyoshu now serves as a cafe restaurant.

I am standing next to Bunka Kissa Kyoshu. Ebisuya building is seen on the left side (red arrow). In this photo, both the buildings are viewed from the east.

Ebisuya (left, red arrow) and Gassho-zukuri styled Bunka Kissa Kyoshu (right) as viewed from further east

A pair of cute wooden owls we bought as souvenir from Ebisuya shop

We walked further east along the road for another 50 meters or so and reached a spot where large amount snow was piled up to our left side. We climbed up the 4 meters high piled up snow and enjoyed the beautiful views all around us for some time. We saw two elegant Gassho-zukuri farmhouses to our left side towards the north. One of them is a private residence and the other one now serves as a souvenir shop named Yamaai no Ie stocked with handmade crafts, Hida folk art, and local Sake. We strolled towards the backside of the private residence and saw a small shed and a tiny pond in the backyard of the farmhouse. The snow covered steeply slanting thatched roof of the farmhouse, the shed, and the pond made for an incredibly picturesque landscape that was a beautiful sight to behold. We took several photos of the two buildings from various positions and angles.

Hubby standing on the piled up snow along with Gassho-zukuri styled Yamaai no Ie souvenir shop in the background

I am standing on the piled up snow along with the souvenir shop in the background

Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses: private residence to the left side and Yamaai no Ie souvenir shop to the right side

Snow covered backyard of the private residence farmhouse, a small shed, and a tiny pond made for a picturesque landscape. The Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouse to the right side (red arrow) is the backside of Bunka Kissa Kyoshu.

Standing on the piled up snow, as discussed in the previous paragraph, we saw three Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses standing elegantly in a row towards the east-southeast direction. All these farmhouse buildings looked so exotic in more than 2 meters of snow all around. These farmhouses now serve as Minshuku inn. The inn located farthest to us is named Hisamatsu which was built during the Edo period. It has 4 traditional Japanese-style guest rooms from where the guests can enjoy the view of the mountain and the village. The inn located in the middle is named Furusato. And the inn located nearest to us is named Kidoya that has 5 traditional Japanese-style guest rooms. All these inns have Irori hearth and homemade Japanese-style cuisine is served to the guests.

Gassho-zukuri styled Hisamatsu (left), Furusato (center), and Kidoya (right) Minshuku inns as viewed from the top of the 4 meters high piled up snow

Amazing view of the three Minshuku inns

Hisamatsu (center) and Furusato (right) Minshuku inns

Furusato (left) and Kidoya (right) Minshuku inns

Hubby along with Furusato (left) and Kidoya (right) Minshuku inns in the background

Standing on the piled up snow, we saw Myozenji Kyodokan Local Museum located towards the east. The museum consists of many elegant structures of Myozenji Temple, like Shoromon Gate, Hondo Main Hall, Kuri priests’ quarters, and a yew tree. Myozenji Temple is an offshoot of Jodo Shinshu Otani Sect and was founded in 1748. We wished to have a closer look at the building structures, and so we visited the temple premises. Myozenji Temple is famous for its unusual belfry-gate or the Shoromon Gate. The gate is two storied and the roof is thatched. The first floor has eaves and a bell hangs from the top of the second floor. The gate was constructed by a person named Kato Sadashichi in 1801 and about 1425 people worked to make the gate structure. The original bell was surrendered to the government during World War II, and the present bell was cast by a person named Nakamura Yoshikazu of Takaoka City in Toyama prefecture. After appreciating the gate structure, we walked past it, and saw the Hondo Main Hall of the temple right in front of us. Hondo Main Hall is unique and probably the only one in Japan having Gassho-zukuri styled thatched roof rather than the typical tiled roof seen in most temple buildings. Construction of the main hall began in 1806 when many zelcova trees were cut down for the wood to be used as construction material. It is said that the construction of the hall took about 20 years and was finally completed in 1827. The master carpenter, Mizuma Usuke, was aided by 9191 workers to build the hall. We noted that the thatched roof of the main hall was completely covered in snow and it was such a picturesque sight. I went inside the hall and prayed for the well being of my family. While going out of the temple premises, I saw a fresh green tree with snow all around it near Shoromon Gate. After the completion of the construction of Hondo Main Hall in 1827, vice-master carpenter Yoshiro planted this yew tree sapling as a memorial tree next to Shoromon Gate. The old tree brings harmony to the temple premises and is designated as a natural monument of Gifu prefecture. We came out of the temple premises and started walking along the road towards the north side. While walking, we saw a huge exotic Gassho-zukuri styled thatched-roof farmhouse named Kuri of the temple complex located adjacent to Hondo Main Hall. Kuri is the living quarters of the priests, and is connected to the main hall for easy access by the priests. Kuri was built during Edo period in 1817 by the vice-master carpenter Yoshiro. The upper floor of Kuri is open to the public where a lot of important resources and materials like tools of the local people and temple related materials are displayed. Kuri is designated as a cultural property of Japan. We did not enter inside Kuri but appreciated the exterior architecture of the building.

Myozenji Temple premises as viewed from the top of the 4 meters high piled up snow

Shoromon Gate

Hondo Main Hall of the temple

I am praying inside the main hall

An old yew tree inside the temple premises

Side view of Kuri farmhouse as viewed from the north

I am standing next to Kuri farmhouse

Kuri as viewed from further north

We continued walking along the road and saw many more interesting Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses and stunning snow covered views all around us. I will write about the other buildings that we saw in Ogimachi village of Shirakawa-go in the next post.

This post is in continuation to the previous post about our visit to the scenic historic village of Shirakawa-go located in Shogawa River valley at the foot of Mount Hakusan in the northwestern part of Gifu prefecture. Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional Gassho-zukuri architectural style farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri architectural style means ‘constructed like hands in prayer’, as the farmhouses are characterized by thatched and steeply slanting roofs resembling two hands joined or pressed in prayer. The largest village and the main attraction of Shirakawa-go is Ogimachi, which is the most popular village for the visitors. We also visited Ogimachi village. In the previous post I wrote about various traditional Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses that hubby and I saw in Ogimachi village on 29th December 2014.

After seeing Myozenji Temple premises, we continued walking along the road towards the north in Ogimachi village. Adjacent to Kuri farmhouse building of Myozenji Temple, we saw a Gassho-zukuri styled thatched roof farmhouse named Yosobe to our right side towards the east. Yosobe farmhouse now serves as a Minshuku inn. The inn has traditional Japanese-style guest rooms where visitors can have a relaxed stay. Homemade Japanese-style food is served to the guests. We loved the architectural style of Yosobe farmhouse and took a few pictures of the building from various positions and angles.

Yosobe farmhouse Minshuku inn

Another view of Yosobe farmhouse

Hubby standing in front of the farmhouse

Right across the road, to our left side towards the west, we saw a small and elegant private residence farmhouse building with Gassho-zukuri architectural styled roof. We loved the snow covered steeply slanting thatched roof of the farmhouse very much.

Snow covered roof of the private residence farmhouse

Adjacent to Yosobe Minshuku inn, we saw a comparatively small Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouse named Gasshoan located to our right side towards the east. Gasshoan farmhouse now serves as a souvenir shop selling handmade local products and accessories, small bags made by the owner of the farmhouse, as well as unique local sweets and rice crackers. The farmhouse looked grand surrounded by complete whiteness of the snow. We took a few photos of the farmhouse in such a snowy landscape from different positions and angles.

Gasshoan farmhouse

Hubby is standing in front of the farmhouse. This is the side view of the building as viewed from the north.

We continued walking along the road leading towards the north, and next saw a restaurant named Sobadokoro Nomura located to our left side towards the west. It is a rather new building with normal tiled roof, which looked remarkably different in the village full of Gassho-zukuri styled buildings. Sobadokoro Nomura is a counter-type Soba noodle restaurant with only 17 seats, and so a big queue of hungry visitors is often formed in front of the restaurant. The restaurant serves homemade Soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat ground in a homemade stone mortar and mixed with spring water taken from Mount Hakusan. The deliciously chewy Soba noodles please and satisfy many customers. We were not hungry so skipped going to the restaurant.

Sobadokoro Nomura restaurant to the left side of the photo (red arrow)

Adjacent to Sobadokoro Nomura restaurant, we saw a small Gassho-zukuri styled private residence farmhouse building. The snow covered steeply slanting thatched roof of the farmhouse looked so elegant. In addition, we saw a few scarecrow puppets in the backyard of the farmhouse. The puppets looked so cute in the backyard full of snow.

Snow covered roof of the Gassho-zukuri styled private residence farmhouse

We got an amazing view of the backside of the private farmhouse building along with a few scarecrow puppets in its backyard. The building to the right side (red arrow) is the backside of Sobadokoro Nomura restaurant.

I am standing along with the scarecrow puppets

We walked further north along the road for another 50 meters or so and saw a building named Zensuke with normal tiled roof to our right side towards the east. Zensuke serves as a souvenir shop stocked with Hida folk art, handmade crafts like key rings, and homemade rice crackers and snacks made using rice grown and harvested by the owner. We spent some time inside the shop appreciating all the local products. In addition, right across the road, we saw an interesting spot where large amount of snow was piled up to our left side towards the west. We climbed up the 4 meters high piled up snow and enjoyed the beautiful snowy views all around us for some time. Many children enjoyed riding plastic sleds down the piled up snow.

A portion of Zensuke souvenir shop (left side, red arrow) along with many people enjoying the snowy views from the top of the piled up snow (right side). This photo is clicked from the north. The Gassho-zukuri styled private farmhouse (green arrow) has the scarecrow puppets exhibited in its backyard.

We clicked a selfie from the top of the piled up snow

Standing on the top of the piled up snow, as discussed in the previous paragraph, we saw three grand Gassho-zukuri styled thatched-roof farmhouses standing elegantly towards the north. In fact, this piled up snow area is a favorite spot for photographers to shoot these three grand farmhouses. The farmhouse building located in the front is named Ochudo and now serves as a cafe restaurant. In addition, two farmhouse buildings are located slightly behind Ochudo Cafe; the one to the right side is a private residence and the other one to the left side is named Kanda ke Jutaku or Kanda House. We wished to have a closer look at the three farmhouses, so we got down the piled up snow and walked along the snowy road to explore the exterior architecture of the buildings. In the next couple of paragraphs, I will write in details about the farmhouses Ochudo Cafe and Kanda House.

I am standing next to a snowman near the piled up snow along with the three Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses Ochudo Cafe (1), Kanda House (2), and a private residence (3) in the background

The three farmhouses as viewed from the top of the piled up snow

Enlarged view of the three farmhouses

I am standing along a snowy road. Ochudo Cafe (1) is seen to the left side and the private residence (3) is seen to the right side of the photo. A portion of Kanda House (2) is seen in the background.

Ochudo Cafe (1), the private residence (3), and a portion of Kanda House (2) as viewed from the north side while walking along the road

As discussed in the previous paragraph, of the three grand farmhouse buildings, the one located slightly in the front is Ochudo Cafe. The cafe is a 350-year old Gassho-zukuri styled deeply slanting thatched roof farmhouse and a great place to rest after strolling in the village. On entering inside the building, it is seen that the building is semi-underground. Set around a large Irori hearth, the cafe serves curry rice, green tea, coffee, and confectioneries made using natural spring water. During some special months, a Nabe pot having Zenzai soup is slowly cooked over Irori hearth, and free refills are offered to the customers in the relaxed and cozy atmosphere inside the building. We did not enter inside but appreciated the exterior architecture of Ochudo Cafe building.

Ochudo Cafe

Kanda ke Jutaku or Kanda House is a high-quality Gassho-zukuri styled picturesque farmhouse having more than 160 years of history. It is one of the best preserved farmhouses in Ogimachi and has been turned into a museum. This stately farmhouse is located in the center of Ogimachi village and visitors can get good views of the surrounding houses from the windows of its upper floors. This Gassho-style farmhouse has steep roof trusses, truly advanced room layout, and delicate carpentry work. Due to the extremely high degree of perfection in the construction of Kanda House, it is considered to be one of the top Gassho-zukuri styled farmhouses. Kanda House is a branch of Wada House that is also located in Ogimachi. Kanda House was established in the latter part of Edo period by Wada Sajiemon, the second son of Wada family. He settled here and began the linage of Kanda Family. Earlier there used to be an Ubusuna Hachimangu Shinden shrine at the location of the present-day Kanda House. The Kanji characters of ‘Shinden’ can also be pronounced as ‘Kanda’, so the son changed his family name to ‘Kanda’ in homage to the former use of the land, and later on the son came to be known by the name Kanda Kichiemon. Kanda House is estimated to have been constructed in 1850 by a master shrine carpenter from Ishikawa prefecture and it is said that the farmhouse was constructed over a period of ten years. The building is spread over four floors, and also has a mezzanine level between the first and the second floors. After establishing themselves, Kanda Family built up a Sake brewing industry at the farmhouse. The upper stories of the house were used for silkworm production, and the owners also made fuming nitric acid, an ingredient in the gunpowder of the time, as a commodity to trade for cash. Visitors cannot stay overnight at Kanda House as it is not a Minshuku inn. However, the farmhouse has now been turned into a sort of museum and visitors are allowed to enter inside and explore various floors after paying an admission fee of 300 Yen per person. We did not enter inside the farmhouse but appreciated the exterior architecture of the building.

Kanda House

We continued walking along the snowy road towards the north, and next saw a few Gassho-zukuri styled thatched roof farmhouses in a row along the road. The first farmhouse we saw is a private residence which looked so elegant and splendid in the snow. The second farmhouse is named Tanakaya and now serves as a restaurant. Tanakaya has a rustic interior and features Irori hearth. Visitors can enjoy a quite relaxed meal at the restaurant. Azuki Dango and Sansai Soba noodles of this restaurant are famous. The third farmhouse we saw is an exquisite private residence with a small barn located in front of the main house. We were very impressed to see the snow covered barn stocked with many bundles of straws. All these Gassho-styled farmhouses in the wintry snow looked so surreal.

A Gassho-zukuri styled private residence

The private residence as viewed from a slightly different angle

Farmhouse restaurant Tanakaya

Another private residence with a small barn located in front of the main house (backside)

We immensely enjoyed the slow luxurious walk along the snowy road in Ogimachi village of Shirakawa-go. However, it was too cold and hubby forgot his gloves and cap in the car. So he almost froze after about 2.5 hours of walking in such harsh wintry conditions. Although we wished to see a few more farmhouses like Wada House and Nagase House, we decided to return to the car parking lot. Hopefully we will see these farmhouses sometime in the future.

My birthday was on 19th June. Although hubby and I are not into celebrating birthdays or anniversaries in a grand way, we usually have some simple funny celebrations to create happy memories for us.

Hubby is extremely busy with office work during weekdays. However in spite of his very busy schedule, while returning home on Thursday night (18th June) he bought a few pieces of various kinds of cakes, cream puffs, and puddings from a convenience store located near our home. He reached home at about 10 pm, ate dinner, and fell asleep. In fact, while having dinner he had asked me to wake him up at midnight just in case he dozed off. However, he looked so tired that I just did not have the heart to wake him up when the clock struck midnight. The next morning, on 19th June, hubby felt rather bad about it. I told him that the feeling of unity and support is more important than having the cake exactly at midnight. Finally, we had a mini celebration on the evening of 19th June. Hubby arranged the cakes, cream puffs, and puddings on a plate, and immediately had few pieces of the cakes. He joked that he was checking whether the cakes were good enough for me to have or not! He is so funny and cute. The cakes were delicious. Every year we have some simple and funny celebrations to make memories.

Hubby arranged various kinds of cakes, cream puffs, and pudding on a plate

Hubby ate a few pieces of the cakes before I could have any

Funny memories

Hubby often goes to Thailand for business trips. Every time he returns home, he brings back a present for me and most of the time it is some sort of jewelry. Hubby had been to Thailand during mid-June and brought back a colorful chunky beads necklace and a beads bracelet. I was very happy as I thought they are my birthday present.

Hubby ready for a business trip to Thailand sometime in mid-June

I love the chunky beads necklace and the beads bracelet that hubby brought back from Thailand

On the weekend following my birthday, hubby and I went to a shopping mall named Aeon Mall in Akita city where we often watch Hollywood movies at a theater named Toho Cinemas. We had almost two hours of free time before the movie started. So hubby took me to one of the jewelry shops in the mall. I was very surprised that hubby asked the shop staff to show platinum ring for my finger size. Initially I thought that he was just killing time, but he really bought a ring. Hubby chose the design of the ring, and it is really very cute. Afterwards he told me that the platinum ring is the real birthday present. Thanks hubby for a wonderful present. I am thankful that God put the most wonderful husband in the world in my path. I am very happy and thankful for all the joy of having a loving and understanding hubby.

The shop staff packed the platinum ring in a beautiful white box and gift wrapped it in cute pink wrapping paper

Platinum ring

Thanks hubby for the beautiful ring

Another year has added to my age. I love every moment of my life with hubby. He makes my life happy and so meaningful.

This blog post is pending for a very long time. On 29th March, hubby and I had lunch at a restaurant named Stamina Taro in Akita City. Stamina Taro is a buffet style family restaurant. It is actually a chain restaurant with 129 stores spread across entire Japan. The restaurant chain was established in 1978 and is a 90 minutes all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of over 130 varieties of high quality food items. The restaurant is well known for having tasty food that can be had in a fun environment.

Hubby and I went during lunch time to Stamina Taro Restaurant. At the payment counter of the restaurant, we were given two coupons for two adults, each worth 1523 Yen (including tax). A restaurant staff seated us at a table and explained to us the rules of the 90 minutes all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. After sitting down, we noted that the inside of the restaurant is huge and very clean. The menu is exhaustive with over 130 varieties of food items. The main dishes are meats for Yakiniku grilled at our table by ourselves. About 20 varieties of colorful meats of pork, beef, and chicken are offered. The meat is manually cut at the restaurant and fresh ingredients are offered to the customers. There is also up to 20 varieties of fresh and seasonal Sushi available. Salmon, tuna, eel, and shrimp Sushi are available on a regular basis. The fishes are cut at the restaurant and Sushi with only very fresh fish is offered to the customers. Side dishes consisting of fried foods like chicken Karaage, chicken nuggets, fried potatoes, as well as Takoyaki, Yakisoba, curry, Oden, and apple pie are just a few of the extended list of side dishes. Salad bar consisting of a variety of salads is very popular with women. Rice, pasta, breads, noodles and many different kinds of soups are also available. In fact there is a dedicated section for do-it-yourself noodles where we can cook our own Ramen, Udon, and Soba. In addition, more than 50 varieties of desserts are available such as cakes, ice creams, soft serves, cotton candy, and fruits. Eight flavors of scoop-style ice creams, a crepe/pancake do-it-yourself station, four types of cakes, and a do-it-yourself cotton candy machine makes the place so perfect. Seasonal fruits including grapefruits, oranges, litchis and pineapples are very popular. Cold drinks, water, tea, and many other drinks are available in plenty. We had a lot of grilled Yakiniku meat that we cooked at our table. We also had a few kinds of Sushi, fried potatoes, Karaage, Yakisoba, fried rice, Takoyaki, and breads. Hubby had Udon that he cooked himself. He also made a bowl of soft serve as well as cotton candy at do-it-yourself machines, and we both enjoyed having them immensely.

Various kinds of food on our table

Cooking Yakiniku meat at our table

Sushi

Karaage, fried potatoes, and Yakisoba

Takoyaki, fried rice, and bread pieces

Hubby eating

And he is eating more

I am eating

And I am eating more

Hubby cooking Udon noodles by himself

Cooking Udon noodles

Hubby making soft serve using a soft serve ice cream maker

Hubby making cotton candy using a cotton candy machine

We overate and had way too much food. The food at Stamina Taro Restaurant is really delicious, filling, satisfying, and worth the money paid.

As described in the previous two posts (here and here), on October 25th 2014 hubby and I visited Yamadera Risshakuji Temple located on Mount Hoshuyama in Yamagata City of Yamagata prefecture. In the previous post I wrote that we climbed 1015 stone steps along Sando trail from the entrance area of the temple complex and reached the top of the mountain. It is said that the earthly desires blocking us from enlightenment begin to fade away with each step we take up the stone stairs on the trail up the mountainside. We were rather tired after 75 minutes of climbing up the steps but felt a sense of accomplishment. The mountaintop looked so serene and wonderful. At the end of Sando trail, located at the highest level of Yamadera Temple complex, we saw two hall buildings facing south side. The building to the right side (orientation with respect to us) is called Okunoin Hall and the one to the left side is called Daibutsuden Hall. The mountaintop area, consisting of these two buildings and their surroundings, is called Okunoin precinct.

Okunoin Hall (right) and Daibutsuden Hall (left) located at the top of the mountain

As described in the previous paragraph, we saw a building named Okunoin Hall located to our right side in the northern area of Okunoin precinct at the mountaintop. The formal name of the hall building is Nyoho Do. The original building was razed by a fire in 1871, following which it was reconstructed in 1872 by the 66th head priest named Yuden of Risshakuji Temple. Okunoin is a wooden building with copper Itabuki roof having Hogyo Zukuri architectural style. It has Ketayuki-sanken (3 Ken or 5.46 meters long beam), Harima-sanken (3 Ken or 5.46 meters long crossbeam), and Shomen-ichiken (1 Ken or 1.82 meters space between two pillars in the front) structure. The front of the temple building has Kohai roof (eaves) built over the steps leading up to the building. Kohai wooden nosings called Kibana are decorated with sculptures of Baku elephants and Shishi lions, while the transom part is decorated with dragons. The principal images enshrined inside the hall are Shaka Nyorai and a seated statue of Taho Nyorai. Both these statues are very small and it is said that Jikaku Daishi, the founder of Risshakuji Temple, always carried around these two statues with him during his training in China. Okunoin Hall is also called Shakyo Dojo Hall and is used as a place for the observance of Buddha's teachings as well as for practicing and copying Buddhist Sutras. Sutras are copied according to the prescribed method called Nyoho introduced by Jikaku Daishi. In this method, Sutras are copied on hemp paper with Souhitsu brush made of grass and twigs and by using Sekiboku ink made from graphite. Many such Sekiboku-Souhitsu hand-copied Sutras are preserved inside the hall. We climbed up a few stone steps and about half way up the front entrance of Okunoin Hall, we saw a large cauldron for burning incense sticks located inside a four pillared pavilion. Many Omikuji paper strips are tied to the upper beams of the pavilion. Standing on the steps, I noted that intricate patterns are carved on the ceiling of the Kohai roof and wonderful sculptures adorn the Kibana nosings. Next we climbed up a few wooden steps and reached the front verandah of the hall. I offered some coins into the offertory box and prayed for the well being of my family as well as friends. We saw an old bell of Shoro belfry (described later in this post) stored in the verandah of the hall.

Okunoin Hall and a portion of a lantern (foreground) as viewed from the front area of the precinct

I am standing next to a pavilion with a large cauldron for burning incense sticks. Omikuji paper strips are seen in the upper beams of the pavilion.

Front area of Okunoin Hall where Kohai roof built over the wooden steps can be seen

Kibana nosings decorated with Baku elephants (side) and Shishi lions (front), and transom decorated with dragons

Enlarged view of Baku elephants, Shishi lions, and dragons

I am climbing up the wooden steps leading to the front verandah of the hall

Inside Okunoin Hall

An old bell stored in the verandah of the hall

Next we saw a hall building named Daibutsuden located to our left side in the northern area of Okunoin precinct. In fact, Daibutsuden Hall is located just adjacent to Okunoin Hall. Daibutsuden is a wooden building with copper Itabuki roof having Irimoya Zukuri architectural style. It has Ketayuki-sanken (3 Ken or 5.46 meters long beam) and Shomen-ichiken (1 Ken or 1.82 meters space between two pillars in the front) structure. The front of the building has Kohai roof (eaves) built over the steps leading up to the building. A 5-meter high seated golden statue of Amida Nyorai is enshrined inside the hall. Memorial services for the deceased are held at this hall every day. All people, regardless of their sect, come here to hold such memorial services for their deceased loved ones by offering tall narrow wooden tablet called Sotoba with the name of the deceased and some Sutras written on it. On reaching the front of the hall, I noted that intricate patterns are carved on the front as well as the ceiling of the building. Near the entrance area of the hall we saw a cauldron of burning incense, smoke from which is believed to bestow good health. I lit a bunch of incense sticks to the already fuming stock and with my hands wafted the incense fumes over hubby’s body as well as mine. I offered some money into the offertory box placed near the entrance, and prayed for our health and happiness.

Daibutsuden Hall as viewed from the front area of Okunoin precinct

Hubby standing in front of Daibutsuden Hall

The front of the hall as viewed from another angle

The front of the hall along with the statue of Amida Nyorai partly visible

5-meter high statue of Amida Nyorai inside the hall

I am lighting a bunch of incense sticks

Placing the lit incense sticks into the cauldron

Okunoin precinct has several other structures and buildings like Issai Kyozo Hall, metallic lantern Kanatoro, Shoro belfry, a place called Tashoba, and many other structures. I have written about Issai Kyozo Hall in the previous post. Kanataro lantern is located right in the front area of Okunoin precinct. Kanataro is huge, made of bronze, and has rich intricate designs. The lantern was manufactured in 1895 in Domachi Town of Yamagata prefecture and was cast by a master craftsman named Onoda Saisuke at the request of the 66th head priest Yuden of Risshakuji Temple. It was repaired by the 69th head priest named Joden in 1961. Kanatoro lantern is considered to be one of the three most precious lanterns of Japan, along with the lanterns of Kotohiragu Shrine in Kagawa prefecture and Kinkazan Koganeyama Jinja Shrine in Miyagi prefecture. Towards the east-southeast corner of Okunoin precinct, we saw a place named Tashoba where many stone tablets as well as wooden tablets that were used for the memorial services of the deceased are stored. We also saw Shoro belfry located in the eastern area of Okunoin precinct. Shoro belfry was built in 1863 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the death of Jikaku Daishi. It was built with the donations of a wealthy farmer named Abe Magoichi of Funamachi Town in Yamagata prefecture. We loved viewing the buildings and structures located in Okunoin precinct.

Hubby standing in front of Kanatoro lantern

Enlarged view of Kanatoro lantern

Tashoba

Shoro belfry

As discussed earlier, Okunoin precinct is located at the highest point of the mountain temple complex. After seeing all the buildings and structures at Okunoin precinct, we turned around and started walking down the stone steps of the Sando main trail. We leisurely walked down up to Chushoin sub-temple (see previous post). In front of this sub-temple we saw another trail leading towards the west side of the temple complex. We climbed up the stone steps of this west trail, and after about three minutes of climbing, we reached in front of a sub-temple named Kezoin. As I wrote in the previous post, during Edo period there used to be twelve Junishiin temples located at various points in the upper area of the mountain where many monks used to train. But now only four of these temples remain and are together called Sannai Shin sub-temples. Kezoin is one of the four sub-temples and is one of the olden times Junishiin temples. Kezoin sub-temple was the dwelling place of Jikaku Daishi during the founding of Yamadera Risshakuji Temple. It is a one-storied wooden building with a front facade having Chidorihafu architectural style. The roof of the entrance area has Mukuri architectural style. The principal image enshrined inside the building is a statue of Kanzeon Bosatsu which was carved by Jikaku Daishi.

The front of Kezoin sub-temple

Inside the sub-temple

In the Kezoin sub-temple precinct, we saw a small cavern hall located to the right side (orientation with respect to us) of the sub-temple. A small wooden three-storied pagoda named Sanjushoto is located inside the cavern hall. The pagoda was constructed in 1519 by Jikkoku Jouin at the request of the then chief priest named Joun of Kezoin sub-temple. The roofs of the pagoda have shingled Kokerabuki style and are constructed in Hogyo Yane architectural style. The outer wooden wall is colored in Bengara red, and the wooden butt ends and the metal fittings are golden colored. The height of the pagoda, including the finial, is 2.48 meters, and the distance between the columns is 0.45 meters. The pagoda is very small, built to perfection, and fits entirely inside the small cavern hall. In fact, this three-storied pagoda is the smallest of all the pagodas built by similar manufacturing process in entire Japan. It was designated as an important cultural property in 1952. The principal image enshrined inside the pagoda is a statue of Dainichi Nyorai. Formerly the principal image was Shaka Nyorai. We loved viewing this small pagoda located inside the cavern hall. But it is protected by a glass paneled front door, and so it was difficult to click a proper photo of the pagoda.

The cavern hall inside which the three-storied Sanjushoto pagoda is located

Three stories of the pagoda as seen through a glass paneled front door

After seeing Kezoin sub-temple and the three-storied Sanjushoto pagoda, we walked back down the west trail and returned to the Sando main trail. We continued walking down the stone steps of the main trail and reached adjacent to Konjoin sub-temple (previous post). In front this sub-temple we saw yet another trail leading down towards the west side of the temple complex. We started walking down the steps of this west trail which leads to the two famous hall buildings named Kaizan Do and Nokyo Do. We saw that these two buildings are precariously located on the edge of a sheer rocky cliff named Hyakujo Iwa. I will write about these two buildings in the next few paragraphs. After about two minutes of walking down the west trail, we saw a small hall named Taishakuten Do located to our right side along the trail. Taishakuten Do is a very small wooden hall with all its four sides measuring 2.1 meters. The hall was originally founded by Jikaku Daishi and was rebuilt in 1833 by the 64th head priest named Jishun of Risshakuji Temple. A principal statue of Taishakuten is enshrined inside the hall. We walked past Taishakuten Do Hall, and next saw a cluster of small stone statues and gravestone pagodas located to our right side along the west trail. One of the stone statues intrigued me very much because it looked remarkably similar to a Hindu God named Dattatreya Trimurti. We walked along the trail for another minute or so and reached in front of Kaizan Do and Nokyo Do Halls.

Taishakuten Do Hall

Many small stone statues and gravestone pagodas located along the west trail

Enlarged view of the statues

This statue looks similar to Hindu God Trimurti

Kaizan Do Hall (right) and Nokyo Do Hall (left) as viewed while walking down along the west trail

We reached in front of Kaizan Do and Nokyo Do Halls

Nokyo Do Hall is located on the top left corner of Hyakujo Iwa cliff. The hall building seems to be precariously standing on the edge of the cliff. It is a very small building where Sutras are stored. In fact, Hokekyo Lotus Sutras that are intricately hand-copied over a 4-year period in Okunoin Hall are stored in Nokyo Do Hall. Nokyo Do was constructed in 1599 under the order of the feudal lord Mogami Yoshiaki by one of his retainer named Minowada. A large-scale renovation was carried out in 1705. It is a wooden building having Hogyo Zukuri architectural style. The building has copper-sheet roof with Kawaraboubuki batten seam roofing. It has Ketayuki-ichiken (1 Ken or 1.82 meters long beam) Harima-ichiken (1 Ken or 1.82 meters long crossbeam) structure. The outer wall of the building has horizontal planking and is colored in Bengara red. It is the oldest hall building in the mountain temple complex, and was designated as an important cultural property of Yamagata prefecture in 1953. The building was dismantled and repaired in 1987. We loved the architecture of Nokyo Do Hall and took several photos of the building from various positions and angles. Standing in front of the hall, we got wonderful landscape views out into the valley below.

Nokyo Do Hall and the valley below as viewed while walking along the west trail leading to the hall

The hall as viewed from yet another position

Front side view of the hall

Kaizan Do Hall is located on a flat area at the top of Hyakujo Iwa cliff. This hall is dedicated to Jikaku Daishi, the founder of Yamadera Risshakuji Temple. The present hall building is not the original structure and was rebuilt in 1851 by the 65th head priest named Joden of Risshakuji Temple. It is a one-storied wooden building with copper Itabuki roof having Irimoya Zukuri and Hirairi architectural styles. The front facade has Chidorihafu architectural style. It has Ketayuki-sanken (3 Ken or 5.46 meters long beam), Harima-niken (2 Ken or 3.64 meters long crossbeam), and Shomen-ichiken (1 Ken or 1.82 meters space between two pillars in the front) structure. The front entrance of the building has Kohai roof (eaves) built over the steps leading up to the building. The Kohai roof has Karahafu architectural style. Kohai wooden nosings Kibana are decorated with sculptures of Shishi lions while the transom part is decorated with dragons. Gegyo wooden board of Karahafu roof is decorated with an elaborate sculpture of Houou Phoenix. A seated wooden statue of Jikaku Daishi is enshrined inside the hall. The statue is worshipped, and food and incense offerings are made every morning and evening. In fact, the incense is kept burning perpetually in honor of the founder, and there is constant incense smoke for the past 1150 years. The doors of this hall are usually closed but once in a year on 14th January, the death anniversary of Jikaku Daishi, the hall is kept open to the public for Buddhist memorial service called Hoyo. It should be mentioned here that after the death of Jikaku Daishi in 864, his remains were buried in Enryakuji Temple (check blog posts here and here) on Mount Hiei as well as in Risshakuji Temple on Mount Hoshuyama. His torso was buried in Enryakuji Temple while his head was buried in a natural cave named Nyujokutsu located in the middle portion of Hyakujo Iwa cliff in Risshakuji Temple. The cave is actually located right below Noyko Do Hall but is not accessible to the general public. We loved viewing the design and architectural style of Kaizan Do Hall. I feel that this hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the temple complex. We clicked several photos of the building from various positions and angles.

Hubby standing in front of Kaizan Do Hall

I am standing in front of the hall

Intricately carved front of the hall with sculptures of Shishi lions on the Kibana, dragons on the transom, and phoenix on the Gegyo board

A tablet plaque with ‘Kaizan Do Rei’ written on it hangs from the entrance door lintel of the hall

A portion of the hall and the roof as viewed from its side

Next, we climbed up a few stone steps located adjacent to Kaizan Do Hall and reached another hall named Godai Do. Godai Do Hall is located to the right side of Kaizan Do Hall (orientation with respect to us); slightly above Kaizan Do on the mountain cliff. Godai Do is actually an observation deck that extends out over the cliff with a commanding view of the surroundings and the valley below. It is said that Godai Do Hall was constructed in the year 890, that is, 30 years after the founding of Risshakuji Temple. The hall was rebuilt in 1714 and was renovated in 1852. It is a one-storied wooden building with copper Itabuki roof. The building has Kirizuma Zukuri, Tsumairi, and Butai Zukuri (stage-like construction) architectural styles. It has Ketayuki-yonken (4 Ken or 7.28 meters long beam) Harima-sanken (3 Ken or 5.46 meters long crossbeam) structure. The hall building has only railings but no walls on three sides, so that the scenic views out into the valley can be enjoyed without worrying about falling off the mountain. The principal images enshrined inside the hall are statues of Godai Myoo which are supposed to protect Risshakuji temple. We saw many Senjafuda pilgrim stickers on the inner wall and the ceiling of the hall. Standing inside the hall, we enjoyed the splendid landscape scenery out in front of us. The range of mountains on the horizon along with the town in the valley below looked stunning.

Godai Do Hall (1) is located to the right of Kaizan Do Hall (2). Godai Do Hall is partly seen in this photo clicked from Niomon Gate (previous post) area.

Godai Do Hall

I am standing inside the hall

Senjafuda stickers

Beautiful scenery to our left side as viewed from Godai Do Hall

Scenery in front of us

Scenery to our right side

We enjoyed the scenic views out into the valley from Godai Do Hall for about 10 minutes, and then left the hall. In front of the hall, we saw a tiny altar named Hakusan Hokora located on the top of a huge rock. We also saw a trail leading further into the mountain forest but saw a notice which clearly stated that the trail was dangerous and visitors are not allowed to hike beyond Godai Do Hall.

Hakusan Hokara altar standing on a huge rock

I am standing in front of a notice indicating that visitors are not allowed to go beyond this point

At this point we finished the tour of Yamadera Risshakuji Temple. We loved visiting the temple and seeing many historically and architecturally interesting buildings and structures in the temple complex. We walked down the stone steps along the trail and returned to the car parking area located near the base of the mountain. We were rather tired due to climbing up and then walking down the trail along the mountain. So we had early dinner at a restaurant near the parking area and regained our strength. Afterwards, we returned home after a car ride of about 3 hours.

Hubby very tired and waiting for the food we ordered at the restaurant

Although I immensely enjoyed the winter season during my initial stay in Akita prefecture, I got rather unwell during the severe long winter months the past couple of years. We could hardly visit anywhere or go outside much during the winter months this year. But now that it is summer season, I feel good and energetic. So during the weekends, hubby and I often try out various kind of food at different restaurants and watch Hollywood movies in Akita City. In this post, I will chronicle our life for the past month.

On the weekend of June 27th, hubby and I went for shopping at supercenter Amano in Akita City. While shopping for usual things, I came across a cardboard box containing a set of utensils and equipments for noodle making. It is very rare to find such an item, so we bought it immediately. I love making all kind of noodles like Ramen, Udon, and Soba from scratch, so this set is really useful. I have not yet opened the cardboard box but the box has a cute schematic diagram showing all the utensils and equipments inside. There is a dough flattening board called Noshiita, a rolling pin, a kneading bowl called Konebachi, Houcho knife, positioning and cutting tool called Komaita, and a DVD having expert commentary about how to make noodles. I am looking forward to making noodles using these utensils and equipments. At the shop, we found another very unique item, namely cooking chopsticks equipped with thermometer. Such chopsticks are very useful for controlling the temperature of the cooking oil while deep frying. Nowadays I feel that the Tempura I make is much better due to the proper temperature control of the oil. After shopping we had late lunch and then saw a movie at a theater named Toho Cinemas located at Aeon shopping mall in Akita City. We saw the Hollywood movie ‘Cobain: Montage of Heck’, which is a documentary film about the rock band Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain. Hubby is a huge fan of Nirvana band, so he was looking forward to watching the movie. We really enjoyed the movie.

Hubby making strange face while taking a selfie at home just before we left for shopping

Hubby holding the cardboard box containing a set of utensils and equipments for noodle making

A cute schematic diagram showing all the utensils and equipments inside the box: 1) Noshiita, 2) Konebachi, 3) Komaita, 4) rolling pin, 5) Houcho knife, and 6) DVD

Cooking chopsticks equipped with thermometer

Hubby standing in front of one of the entrances of Aeon shopping mall

Hubby standing near the entrance of the theater Toho Cinemas located inside the mall

Hubby eagerly waiting for the movie to begin

On July 4th, we went for lunch at an Indian restaurant named Lakshmi in Akita City. The restaurant serves authentic Indian food cooked by a Nepali chef and his assistants. Hubby ordered a set menu named ‘A-lunch set’ having chicken curry and Naan bread. I ordered a set menu named ‘Lakshmi Tandoori lunch set’. Hubby and I shared our food so that we could taste both the lunch sets. Chicken curry of ‘A-lunch set’ was delicious and it was fun to eat spicy hot curry. The combination of Naan and chicken curry was perfect. The dishes of ‘Lakshmi Tandoori lunch set’ were served in small bowls on a round steel main tray. On the main tray there was Naan, rice, and a piece of Tandoori chicken. Two types of liquid curries along with yogurt were served in smaller bowls. The taste of the curries was balanced with the right consistency and went fairly well with both rice and Naan. We enjoyed the flavorful and delicious food. After lunch, we went to a public golf practice driving range named Akita Greenhill in Akita City itself. Public driving ranges are very popular in Japan where golf lovers can practice their swing without worrying about the extraordinarily high golf membership fees for usual golf courses. These golf practice ranges are commonly called Uchippanashi which means ‘just hit it’. The driving ranges are big constructions that are wrapped in large green nets and often have two or more floors in order to allow a greater number of players to practice at the same time. Akita Greenhill golf practice range is relatively small in size. Hubby purchased golf balls at a big dispenser machine. He swiped an electronic money card and balls fell out of a slot in the machine, which he collected into a basket placed near the slot. He then put these balls into a small automated dispenser box near the Astroturf mat at the tee station where he practiced his shots. When he switched on a button in the small dispenser box, an arm carrying a ball came out of the box and automatically placed the ball right on the top of the golf tee that was fixed to the Astroturf matting, and then the arm retracted back into the box. After every hit, the arm came out and placed the ball exactly on the top of the tee. Hubby practiced golf shots using clubs like pitching wedge and driver shots. It was fun to watch him practice golf shots and I clicked a few photos of him in action.

Hubby tasting chicken curry

Naan is scalding hot

Lemon is too sour

I am having Lakshmi Tandoori lunch set

Hubby stretching himself before starting practicing golf shots at Akita Greenhill driving range

A few photos of hubby practicing golf shots at the driving range

Tired hubby

Hubby drinking an energy drink and getting ready for the next round of practice

Hubby cleaning and arranging his golf bag after returning home

On July 12th, we went for lunch at a restaurant named Steak Gusto in Akita City. It is a casual family-style restaurant that specializes in beef items. The menu mostly consists of beef dishes like steak and Japanese hamburger steak, though there are a few other dishes like fish, chicken, and shrimp Tempura. Hubby ordered a main dish consisting of a combination of beef steak and hamburger steak. I ordered a main dish consisting of beef steak and shrimp Tempura. The meat was very good and juicy and the sauces were flavorful. Along with the main dish, the restaurant offers an all-you-can eat buffet style salad and side-dish bar that includes fresh salad fare, Japanese curry, freshly baked breads, white rice, soups, and fruits. All-you-can-drink beverages from a self-serve counter are also available at a reasonable additional cost. We ordered beverages too. Along with the main dish, we had a lot of salad, fruits, rice, bread, and cold drinks. We loved the food and overate. The food was really delicious. Afterwards we saw the Hollywood movie ‘Terminator Genisys’ at a theater named Lumiere Akita located in Akita City itself. Since it is a science fiction and action film, hubby enjoyed the movie very much but I dozed off for about 30 minutes or so in the beginning of the movie, so I hardly understood the rest of the movie. Afterwards hubby told me the story. We had a nice relaxed day.

Hubby’s lunch of beef steak and hamburger steak

My lunch of beef steak and shrimp Tempura

Hubby having lunch

I am having lunch

Hubby standing in front of the poster of the movie ‘Terminator Genisys’ inside the theater Lumiere Akita

Hubby driving back home

On July 18th, we had lunch at a food court located on the third floor of Aeon shopping mall in Akita City. After the lunch, we were supposed to see the Hollywood movie ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ at Toho Cinemas theater located inside the mall itself. But hubby ate too much food and dozed off at the table of the food court. By the time he woke up, the movie had already started. It was too funny a situation. So we did some shopping at the mall and returned home.

Some show going on at the center of the mall

Hubby cannot get up as he ate too much food

July 20th is celebrated as Marine Day and is a national holiday in Japan. Hubby and I again went to Aeon shopping mall in Akita City. We had lunch at a Japanese style restaurant named Ohitsu Gohan Shirokujichu located on the first floor of the mall. The restaurant specializes in seafood and fish dishes. I ordered a set menu of Kaisen-don which is a bowl of rice topped with various kinds of seafood Sashimi. Hubby ordered a set menu of Maguro-don which is a bowl of rice topped with Sashimi of tuna fish. We relished the food and it was delicious. For dessert we had chocolate banana parfait. It was a perfect lunch date for us. Since it was Marine Day, we decided to visit Michikawa Beach located about 22 kilometers southwest of the mall. It took us about 30 minutes by our car to reach the beach. Michikawa Beach faces the Sea of Japan and is known for the clean fine white sand. The sandy beach was so serene, beautiful, and peaceful. We enjoyed at the beach and it was so much fun. I entered the sea for the first time in my life and it was so exciting. I will write a separate post about our visit to the beach later on.

Hubby and I inside Aeon shopping mall

My lunch set of Kaisen-don

Hubby’s lunch set of Magruo-don

Hubby having dessert

Hubby standing at Michikawa Beach

I am standing at the beach

The sea water was cold but it was so much fun

On July 26th, we had lunch at a restaurant named Cafe Restaurant Gusto in Akita City. It is a casual family-style restaurant chain and is one of the most popular restaurants in Japan. The restaurant serves western and Japanese style set meals with an emphasis on meat and steak though fish, curry, and pasta are also available. Rice or bread is served in the set menu. Side dishes like salad, soup, and dessert are available on an extra cost. In addition, all-you-can-drink beverages from a self-serve counter are also available at an additional cost. Hubby ordered a set menu of Unagi-don which is a bowl of rice topped with grilled fillets of eel fish. I ordered a set menu of rice and Thailand style chicken Massaman curry. Both our dishes were not on the regular menu but some special food fair was ongoing. We loved the food. After lunch, we again visited Michikawa Beach. I have fallen in love with the sea and the beach. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Hubby’s lunch set of Unagi-don

My lunch set of rice and chicken Massaman curry

Hubby having lunch

I am having lunch

Hubby at Michikawa Beach

Fun time

I am at the beach

Love the sea and the beach

The past month was really nice and fun-filled for us.

Hubby and I visited Matsumoto Castle on 3rd January during the New Year holidays. As I have written in a previous post, we spent our holidays in Ichinomiya City. After the holidays while returning home to Yurihonjo City, we stopped by at Matsumoto City to see the castle. Matsumoto Castle is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City of Nagano prefecture. The castle was built in the sixteenth century and was originally called Fukashi Castle. With more than 400 years of history, it is the most beautiful and visually stunning castle. Matsumoto Castle is one of the 12 extant original castles of Japan that were built during/around Edo period. This original castle is designated as a national treasure along with 3 others castles, namely Hikone Castle, Himeji Castle, and Inuyama Castle. In addition, the ruins of the surrounding fortifications of Matsumoto Castle are designated as a national historical site. The main keep Tenshu (donjon) of this historic castle is the oldest extant donjons in Japan. The Tenshu is original and has never been destroyed though extensive repairs have been carried out. The Tenshu maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. The exterior walls of the wooden Tenshu are black lacquered, which makes the castle look so elegant and gave the castle its nickname Karasu-jo or Crow Castle. The Tenshu is a five-layered and six-floor structure. Matsumoto Castle is a Hirajiro flatland castle because it is built on a plain beside a swamp, and not on a mountain, hilltop or amid rivers. Due to the lack of natural defenses, the castle was extremely well-constructed. Its defense system included large moats, strong and high stone walls of the base of the main keep, inter-connecting walls, and gatehouses. Presently Matsumoto Castle is a popular cherry blossom spot in spring. Many people stroll around the spacious castle grounds and park.

The origin of Matsumoto Castle dates back to Sengoku period. Castle fortifications at the site were first built by Shimadachi Sadanaga of Ogasawara clan in 1504. This fort was called Fukashi Castle and it was the forerunner of what is now Matsumoto Castle. In 1550 Takeda Shingen attacked and took control of Fukashi Castle. In 1582, following the instability of Oda Nobunaga's assassination, the Ogasawara clan repossessed the castle and its name was changed to Matsumoto Castle. Soon after Nobunaga’s death, Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose to power and became his successor. Toyotomi placed Ishikawa Kazumasa of Ishikawa clan as the Daimyo retainer in charge of Matsumoto area and awarded the castle to him. Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga commenced a full-scale expansion of the castle in 1590. They built the main keep, secondary towers, gates, moats, baileys, and other parts of the castle, much as they are today. The main keep that dominates the castle was constructed between 1593 and 1594 by Yasunaga. It is believed that most of the castle was completed by this period. During the Edo period, Tokugawa Shogunate established the Matsumoto Domain, and the castle was ruled by 23 Daimyo feudal lords of the domain for the next 280 years. The Ogasawara clan was transferred to the domain in 1613. Then the Matsudaira Toda clan was transferred here in 1617. Next, the Matsudaira Echizen clan was transferred to the castle in 1633, following which the Hotta clan was transferred here in 1638. The Mizuo clan was transferred to the castle in 1642, and finally the Toda clan was once again installed here as the domain lord in 1726. The palace of the main enclosure burnt to the ground in 1727, following which the palace was rebuilt but in the secondary enclosure. The Matsudaira Toda clan ruled Matsumoto area from the castle until 1868, when they lost in the Battle of Hoketsu to the new Meiji government. The castle was in use from 1504 to 1868, and was decommissioned in 1871. Following the Meiji Restoration, the castle site was sold at an auction for redevelopment in 1872, and many gates of the castle were torn down that time. When the main keep Tenshu was about to be demolished, an influential figure of Matsumoto area, Ichikawa Ryozo, along with other citizens started a campaign to save the building, and purchased the main keep using donations in 1878. However due to lack of funds they were unable to maintain it. By 1902 the main keep developed a dangerous tilt, which was because of neglect coupled with a structural defect. A local high school principal, Kobayashi Unari, decided to renovate the castle and successfully appealed for funds. The castle main keep underwent ‘the great Meiji renovation’ from 1903 to 1913. It underwent another ‘the great Showa renovation’ from 1950 to 1955. Matsumoto Castle was designated a national treasure in 1950. I really love knowing the history of the places we visit, especially the castles and temples of Japan.

As I wrote earlier, Matsumoto Castle is an original extant castle of Japan. It is a flatland castle located 590 meters above sea level. The castle is surrounded by three water-filled moats. The castle premise is divided into three parts, namely the inner Honmaru, the middle Ninomaru, and the outer Sannomaru area, and each area is separated by a moat. The castle keep is located within the central principal Honmaru area. The castle has a unique architecture that does not exist elsewhere in Japan. The castle has a complex structure consisting of five parts, namely the main keep Daitenshu, the small keep Inui-Kotenshu, Watariyagura tower, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura tower, and Tsukimiyagura tower. All these parts are wooden structures and are designated as national treasures. The main keep is called Daitenshu and is the oldest extant keep in Japan. It is a five-layered and six-floor structure, and is 29.4 meters high. Inui-Kotenshu is a small secondary keep located in the northwest direction, and is connected to the main keep by a roofed passage Watariyagura tower. Inui-Kotenshu is a three-layered structure and is 16.8 meters high. Daitenshu, Inui-Kotenshu and Watariyagura were built at the end of the Sengoku warring period in 1593-1594, and were used as strategic points for defense and protecting the territory from enemies. These structures were built specifically for war and fighting the enemies. Tsukimiyagura tower is a one-layered moon viewing tower that is 11.1 meters high, and is connected to the main keep on the southeast side by Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura tower. While the rest of the castle is a fortress, this wing has a beautiful red vermilion balcony and was designed not for defense, but for entertainment and relaxation. Tsukimiyagura and Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura are very graceful and were built much later during Edo period in 1634 by Matsudaira Naomasa. It was a peaceful time and these two towers were constructed with almost no defenses. This combination of structures from two different eras, the Sengoku warring period and peaceful Edo period, is one of the special characteristics of Matsumoto Castle, and is unique in Japan. The black lacquered exterior wall of the main keep and other connected structures is very visually appealing. The exterior stone wall of the base of the main keep and the other connected structures is constructed in Nozurazumi style by stacking natural unprocessed stones as they are. The wall has a shallow incline. The four corners of the wall have Sangizumi style masonry where rectangular stones are stacked in zipper-like long-short-long-short pattern. This method increases the stability of the wall corners.

We visited Matsumoto Castle on the afternoon of 3rd January. We went there by our car and reached a parking lot located near the castle premise at about 12.30 pm. After parking our car, we walked up to the southern part of Ninomaru area and right in front of us we saw the beautiful and stunning black lacquered castle main keep surrounded by the innermost water-filled moat. The black keep looked so elegant and stood out against the magnificent backdrop of the snow covered Japanese Alps. Next, we walked leisurely along the Ninomaru area and enjoyed viewing the castle keep. We started walking from the southern end and continued up to the northwest end of Ninomaru, and saw the main keep and other connected structures from various positions and angles. From the southern end of Ninomaru, we saw the backsides of the main keep Daitenshu, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura tower, and Tsukimiyagura tower. But as we neared the western end of Ninomaru, we saw the backsides of Daitenshu, the small keep Inui-Kotenshu, and Watariyagura tower. While walking we noted the Nozurazumi style stone wall foundation and Sangizumi style corners of the wall of the castle keep. Finally at the northwest end of Ninomaru, we saw a beautiful red lacquered wooden bridge named Uzumibashi located over the water-filled innermost moat connecting Ninomaru to Honmaru area. Unfortunately, walking on this gate was not allowed that day. The picture perfect scenery of the black castle keep, the red bridge, a few white swans in the blue water of the moat, and the castle image reflecting in the moat water simply took our breath away. It was an amazing sight to behold.

I am standing in front of a stone monument in Ninomaru area of Matsumoto Castle

Hubby standing in front of a map of the castle premise

Hubby and I took a selfie along with the castle keep in the background

I am standing at the southeast side of Ninomaru area. The black lacquered castle keep, the innermost water-filled moat, and the snow covered Japanese Alps in the background look stunning.

Backsides of the 1) main keep Daitenshu, 2) Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura tower, 3) and Tsukimiyagura tower as viewed from the south

Hubby is standing at Ninomaru area. Daitenshu, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, and Tsukimiyagura surrounded by the moat are viewed from the south.

Daitenshu, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, and Tsukimiyagura as viewed from the south-southwest

Nozurazumi style stone wall foundation and Sangizumi style corners as viewed from the south-southwest

Backsides of 1) Daitenshu, 2) Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, 3) Tsukimiyagura, 4) Watariyagura, and 5) Inui-Kotenshu as viewed from the southwest

The castle image reflecting in the moat water as viewed from the southwest

Backsides of 1) Daitenshu, 4) Watariyagura, and 5) Inui-Kotenshu as viewed from the west

Daitenshu, Watariyagura, and Inui-Kotenshu as viewed from the west-northwest

The castle image reflecting in the moat water as viewed from the west-northwest

A portion of Uzumibashi red lacquered bridge along with Daitenshu, Watariyagura, and Inui-Kotenshu as viewed from the west-northwest

I am walking along a paved pathway in Ninomaru area adjacent to the innermost moat

Uzumibashi red lacquered bridge across the innermost moat connecting Ninomaru and Honmaru areas in the northwest

Swans in the moat near the bridge

The red bridge along with Daitenshu, Watariyagura, and Inui-Kotenshu as viewed from the northwest

After seeing the keep of Matsumoto Castle from various positions and angles of Ninomaru area, we walked along a stone road located across the innermost water-filled moat in the south, and reached the Honmaru area. In front of us we saw the reconstructed Kuromon Gate structure that consists of two gates namely Ninomon and Ichinomon. The first gate we saw is Ninomon Gate of Kuromon Gate structure. Ninomon Gate has Koraimon style and was restored in 1989. We walked past this gate and reached Masugata square shaped area between the two gates of Kuromon Gate structure. In this area we saw a notice indicating that admission inside the main keep was closed that day due to the New Year holidays. We knew about it and had planned to see just the exterior architecture of the castle this time. Next we saw Ichinomon Gate of Kuromon Gate structure. Ichinomon Gate is also a restored gate and is an important gate to enter the main keep area of the castle. When the original Ichinomon Gate was demolished in 1950, its well-conditioned roof tiles were taken down and preserved. And during the restoration in 1960, such preserved roof tiles were reused. The gate of Watariyagura of Nagoya Castle was used for reference to restore the present Ichinomon Gate of Kuromon Gate structure.

I am standing in front of Ninomon Gate of the reconstructed Kuromon Gate structure

A notice displayed in the Masugata area indicating that admission inside the main keep was closed that day

Ichinomon Gate of the reconstructed Kuromon Gate structure

I am standing near the entrance of Ichinomon Gate of Kuromon Gate structure

In the Honmaru area, we saw the black lacquered castle main keep and other attached structures from the front (east) side. Daitenshu, Inui-Kotenshu, Watariyagura, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, and Tsukimiyagura looked amazing from the front side. As discussed earlier, admission inside the keeps and towers was closed that day due to the New Year holidays, and so we just appreciated the architecture of all these structures and enjoyed the beautiful scenery all around us. We clicked several photos of the front side of the main keep and other structures from various positions. I also took a photo with a feudal era princess and a feudal Samurai dressed in full armor. They are actually people hired by Matsumoto City government to entertain the visitors to the castle.

Hubby is standing in the grounds of Honmaru area. Front side of 1) Daitenshu, 2) Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, 3) Tsukimiyagura, 4) Watariyagura, and 5) Inui-Kotenshu are viewed from the east (front).

I am standing in the Honmaru area. Front side of Daitenshu, Tatsumi-Tsukeyagura, Tsukimiyagura, Watariyagura, and Inui-Kotenshu are viewed from the east.

Hubby and I took a selfie along with the front side of the castle keep in the background

Enlarged view of the front side of the castle main keep and other attached structures as viewed from the east

I am standing with a feudal era Samurai and a princess along with the castle keep in the background

We saw that many people were playing a game called Hanetsuki in the Honmaru grounds in front of the castle keep. Hanetsuki dates back over 500 years and resembles badminton but there is no net. The shuttlecock called Hane is made from a seed with feathers attached, and the paddle called Hagoita is rectangular and made of wood. Hanetsuki is a traditional Japanese New Year game, and so I guess we were lucky to be visiting the castle at that time. We paid 100 yen and played the game for about 20 minutes. It was fun.

I am playing the game of Hanetsuki

Hane shuttlecock and Hagoita paddle

It was fun to play the game

The black lacquered Matsumoto Castle is simply amazing. We enjoyed visiting the castle. Afterwards we left the castle premise and returned to the nearby car parking lot where we had parked our car. Hubby drove for about 7 hours and we reached home in Yurihonjo City in the night time.

Since April of this year, hubby started taking pictures of some of the food items I cook at home and posts them on his social networking site Facebook page. Today while seeing his timeline on Facebook, I realized that he has clicked quite a lot of food-related photos. I feel that he clicks photos of noodles more often than other food items, probably because I usually make all kinds of noodles from scratch. Or may be it just depends on his mood on that particular day. I am sharing some of the photos of home-cooked food items here.

Miso-based Takikomi Gohan (April 13)

Kitsune Udon (April 14)

Karaage (April 15)

Niratama tou Butaniku no Itame - stir fry of garlic chives, eggs, and pork (April 16)

Mabodofu (April 17)

Chashu pork (April 19)

Making of Torigara chicken stock (April 19)

Shoyu Ramen (April 20)

Pirikara (spicy) Miso Ramen (April 21)

Gyudon (April 22)

Hoikoro (April 23)

Hambaagu (hamburger steak) with Wafu (Japanese style) sauce (April 24)

Kakiage Udon (April 26)

Gyoza (April 27)

Kakiage Udon with raw egg (May 17)

Medamayaki Hambaagu (hamburger steak) (May 19)

Tempura Moriawase (Assorted Tempura) (May 21)

Kitsune Soba topped with Tenkasu (May 22)

Clam Chowder (May 31)

Pancakes (May 31)

Chikuwa no Isobe Age (June 02)

Tonkatsu (June 05)

Fukujinzuke pickles (June 08)

Tonjiru (June 10)

Kimuchi Gyudon (June 11)

Menma (June 25)

Pork curry (Japanese curry) and Genmai rice with Fukujinzuke pickles (July 02)

Corn and green peas Kakiage as well as Tempura of Shiitake, asparagus and lotus root Renkon (July 06)

Shoyu-based Takikomi Gohan (July 07)

Wafudashi (Japanese stock) Ramen - Chashu, noodles, Menma, and Torigara soup are all homemade (July 14)

Miso Ramen (July 15)

Piiman no Nikuzume - stuffed bell peppers (July 17)

Raviolis with stuffing of Paneer cheese, sausages, and mixed seafood (July 19)

Asari no Kushiage (August 09)

I hope that you all enjoyed seeing the photos of various home-cooked food items. And I hope to share more photos of home-cooked food items again after a couple of months.

As I wrote in an earlier post in August, hubby and I had been to Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets in Sendai City of Miyagi prefecture on 12th July, and later drove up to Yonezawa City in Yamagata prefecture where we stayed for the night. The next morning, we visited Uesugi Jinja Shrine in the city.

Uesugi Jinja Shrine is located on the site of the ruins of Yonezawa Castle in Matsugasaki Park in Yonezawa City of Yamagata prefecture. The shrine was established in 1876 and is dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, a warlord during Sengoku period and the most prominent Samurai of Uesugi clan. Uesugi Kenshin passed away at Kasugayama Castle in Joetsu City in 1578. During the funeral ceremony, his body was put in a coffin and placed in a tomb in the castle. His successor Uesugi Kagekatsu relocated to Aizu in 1598 and to Yonezawa in 1601 where he founded Yonezawa Domain Uesugi clan. Accordingly the body of Uesugi Kenshin was also moved to Yonezawa Castle. A small Buddhist temple was built in the castle premises in 1612 where Uesugi Kenshin’s body was enshrined in the center along with the statues of Zenkoji Nyorai to the left and Bishamonten to the right. During Meiji period in 1871, the Buddhist temple rites were changed to Shinto style shrine rituals. At that time, Uesugi Yozan was also enshrined along with Uesugi Kenshin in the shrine. Uesugi Yozan was the ninth head of Yonezawa domain Uesugi clan. Yonezawa castle was destroyed by the order of the Meiji government in 1873, and then the shrine buildings were moved to its current location that used to be the inner palace of the main enclosure of the castle in 1876, and thereby Uesugi Jinja Shrine was formally established. In 1902, only Uesugi Kenshin remained enshrined at this shrine because Uesugi Yozan was moved to nearby Matsugasaki Shrine. Uesugi Shrine was burned down in a spreading fire in 1919, following which the present shrine building was designed by the leading expert of shrine architecture named Ito Chuta. The reconstruction of the shrine was completed in 1923. The shrine has a beautiful architectural design and is surrounded by the still intact moats and stone walls of the destroyed Yonezawa Castle. The principal deity enshrined inside the shrine is of Uesugi Kenshin. In addition, the shrine has a variety of important cultural assets.

At about 9 am on the morning of 13th July, hubby and I left the hotel in Yonezawa City where we had stayed overnight and went to Matsugasaki Park where Uesugi Jinja Shrine is located. The park is located just 800 meters north of the hotel and it took us only a few minutes to reach the car parking area of the park. In the park, we walked along a pathway for about 3 minutes and reached the front area of Uesugi Jinja Shrine. There we saw a statue of Uesugi Yozan located on the right side of the pathway. The statue is placed on a stone pedestal and Uesugi Yozan is shown seated in Seiza style.

Hubby standing in front of a map of Uesugi Jinja Shrine precincts

Statue of Uesugi Yozan

Next we started walking leisurely along a paved pathway named Sando that led to the shrine. After about one minute or so, we reached a stone bridge located over the moat of the destroyed Yonezawa Castle. This stone bridge is actually the gateway to the shrine. Standing on the bridge, we enjoyed viewing the water-filled moat and the surroundings. There were a lot of fishes of various colors in the moat and people enjoyed feeding them. We also saw many pigeons gathered at the bridge.

Sando pathway and the stone bridge located over the moat

Water-filled moat as viewed from the stone bridge

People feeding colorful fishes

A pigeon and the moat

We walked across the stone bridge and reached the shrine premises. Towards the end of the stone bridge, we saw two banners located on either side of the bridge. The banner to our left side had the Kanji character of ‘Dragon’ written on it, and the one to our right side had the first character ‘Bi’ of ‘Bishamonten’ written on it. Uesugi Kenshin was a skillful warrior known for being fond of various war banners. The 'Dragon' banner flags were raised on the battlefield when Kenshin wanted his army to charge and attack the enemy. The 'Bishamonten' banner was Kenshin's personal standard and was said to have been reserved for his entrances and victory marches.

'Dragon' (left) and 'Bishamonten' (right) banners

There are many statues and monuments along Sando pathway as well as in the area surrounding the pathway leading to the shrine. We continued walking along the pathway for about 30 steps or so, and then took a slight detour and reached a slightly raised hilly area on the left side of the pathway. There we saw a stone monument named Shokon-hi. The monument was erected in 1878 to invocate the spirits of Samurai warriors and other victims from Yonezawa region who died in Boshin War and Satsuma Rebellion, and also later the warrior victims of Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War.

I am standing in front of Shokon-hi monument

Adjacent to Shokon-hi monument, we saw a small fenced area enclosing a stone monument named Uesugi Kenshin Shido (Mido) Ato. It is the place where Uesugi Kenshin’s body was enshrined from 1612 to 1876, when it was moved to Uesugi clan’s Mausoleum located about 1.5 kilometers west of the shrine.

Uesugi Kenshin Shido Ato

We walked back to Sando pathway and saw a statue of Uesugi Yozan located along the left side of the pathway. The statue is placed on a stone pedestal and Uesugi Yozan is shown in a standing pose. Next to the statue, there is a stone monument with a famous short Tanka poem composed by Uesugi Yozan inscribed on it. The poem is as follows and roughly translates as ‘where there is a will, there is a way’.

Naseba Naru

Nasaneba Naranu Nanigoto Mo

Naranu Wa Hito No Nasanu Nari Keri

Hubby standing in front of the statue of Uesugi Yozan

A stone monument with the short poem Naseba Naru inscribed on it

Next, we took a slight detour and reached the nearby surrounding area on the right side of Sando pathway. There we saw a grand statue of Uesugi Kenshin who, as described earlier in this post, was one of the most powerful warlords during Sengoku period and in whose name the shrine is dedicated. The statue is placed on a stone pedestal and Uesugi Kenshin is shown in a seated pose.

I am standing in front of the statue of Uesugi Kenshin

Enlarged view of the statue of Uesugi Kenshin

We walked back to Sando pathway and saw a statue named Tenchijin located along the right side of the pathway. The statue is rather new and was inaugurated in 2011. There are two bronze statues shown in a standing pose and are placed on a stone pedestal. One of the statues is of Uesugi Kagekatsu who was the founder of Yonezawa Domain Uesugi clan, and the other statue is of Naoe Kanetsugu who was the chief retainer of Uesugi Kagekatsu. In fact Tenchijin is the name of the 2009 48th NHK Taiga drama which was the dramatization of the life of Naoe Kanetsugu.

Tenchijin - statue of Uesugi Kagekatsu (left) and Naoe Kanetsugu (right)

We walked further along the pathway and saw a doll of Naoe Kanetsugu located along the right side of the pathway. The doll is huge and is enclosed in a glass case. The doll is shown in a seated pose, wearing colorful Samurai armor, and holding a helmet with the Kanji character ‘Ai’ (love) emblazoned on the front of the helmet. This doll is probably a spin-off from the hugely popular NHK drama Tenchijin.

I am standing in front of the doll of Naoe Kanetsugu

We walked a few more steps along Sando pathway and reached an elegant stone Torii Gate. Walking past this gate, we saw Temizuya to our left side. Temizuya is a hand washing basin with a roof supported by four pillars. We washed our hands with water at the basin and purified ourselves. It is a symbolic act to clean the mind and body of impurity. We also enjoyed viewing a small exquisite garden in the surrounding areas of Sando pathway. Afterwards we took rest for some time on a stone bench located next to Temizuya.

Stone Torii Gate

Temizuya

Hubby standing next to a stone monument in the shrine premises

Elegant garden

Hubby sitting on a stone bench and taking rest

We enjoyed viewing the serene and exquisite garden for some more time. Next, we saw yet another Torii Gate along Sando pathway near the garden. This gate is an elegant wooden structure. We walked past this gate and continued walking along the pathway.

Second Torii Gate and Sando pathway

The gate as viewed from the backside

Next we saw a gate named Shinmon which is an impressive roofed construction. This Shinmon Gate is of the type called Karamon with intricate gabled architectural style. The gate is an ornate wooden structure and is connected to a wooden fence called Tamagaki which encloses the shrine. In front of Shinmon Gate, we saw a pair of stone guardian statues located on either side of Sando pathway. These guardian statues are lion-like creatures that are supposed to protect the shrine premises from evil spirits. The statue on the right side of the gate (orientation with respect to the gate) is close-mouthed and is called Ungyo Komainu, while the statue on the left side of the gate is open-mouthed and is called Agyo Shishi. We walked past this gate and entered the most sacred area of the shrine premises.

Shinmon Gate, Tamagaki fence, and guardian statues

Ungyo Komainu (left photo) and Agyo Shishi (right photo)

Hubby standing in front of Shinmon Gate

Shinmon Gate as viewed from the backside

We saw the main prayer hall named Haiden located in the most sacred area of the shrine premises. Haiden Hall is a wooden building with intricately carved roof and ceiling. Thin Shimenawa straw rope hung at the entrance of the hall. On reaching the front of the hall, I rang one of the two bells located just outside the hall. Next, I offered some coins into the offertory box located in front of the hall, clapped my hands twice, and prayed. I prayed for safety as well as for the well being of my family and friends.

Haiden Prayer Hall

I am standing in front of Haiden Hall

Hubby standing in front of the prayer hall

I am ringing one of the bells of the hall

Altar inside the prayer hall

At this point, we finished the tour of Uesugi Jinja Shrine. Next, we visited Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum located adjacent to the shrine. The museum is located on the site of Ninomaru (middle ward) of Yonezawa Castle ruins. The museum houses the historical and cultural heritage of Yonezawa City as well as the historical treasures of Uesugi clan. Many art objects and other articles related to the clan are displayed. Some of them are designated as national treasures. We entered the museum building and saw several exhibits related to the warriors of Uesugi clan displayed in the lobby entrance area of the museum. We loved the display of an exquisite Samurai armor. We also saw a Noh stage as well as a doll in Noh costume exhibited in the lobby area. After enjoying viewing these exhibits in the lobby area, we bought tickets worth 400 Yen per person as admission fee to enter inside the museum hall. We loved seeing so many exhibits related to the history of Yonezawa City as well as Uesugi clan. Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside the museum hall.

I am standing in front of the building of Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum

Several articles related to the warriors of Uesugi clan displayed in the lobby area of the museum

Samurai armor

Display of a Noh stage in the lobby area

A doll in Noh costume

While returning to the car parking area we saw a stone monument with a relief image of an Englishman named Charles Henry Dallas and written inscriptions about him. In 1871, he started teaching English at Kojokan Middle School opened by Uesugi Yozan in Yonezawa. Dallas was the first person to eat Japanese beef because people did not eat meat of four-footed animal those days. He was very much impressed by the taste of the beef he ate in Yonezawa. So upon the expiration of his teaching tenure in 1875, he took one whole cow from Yonezawa as a souvenir for his friends to the Foreign Settlement in Yokohama. The foreigners living there were delighted by its taste. And after that a word about the delicious Yonezawa beef soon spread throughout the country and it became very famous. Nowadays Yonezawa City is well known through out Japan for producing Wagyu beef. Near the car parking area, we saw several restaurants and food stalls selling Yonezawa beef delicacies. We bought skewer-grilled beef from a stall and had them in our car. It was delicious.

Stone monument with a relief of Charles Henry Dallas and written inscriptions about him

A stall selling Yonezawa beef delicacies

Skewer-grilled beef

Hubby having skewer-grilled beef inside our car

We loved visiting Uesugi Jinja Shrine and Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum. Afterwards we visited Uesugi clan’s Mausoleum located about 1.5 kilometers west of the shrine. I will write about the mausoleum in the next post.

As I wrote in the previous post, on 13th July hubby and I had been to Uesugi Jinja Shrine in Yonezawa City of Yamagata prefecture. Afterwards we visited Uesugi Clan Mausoleum located in the same city. Uesugi Clan Mausoleum is the final resting place for a long line of the Uesugi Clan. The tomb of the clan founder, Uesugi Kenshin, is located in the center of the mausoleum. And the tombs housing the remains of up to 12 generations of his descendants, who were the lords of Yonezawa domain Uesugi Clan, are spread out to both sides of the central tomb. A small shrine is built on each tomb. Uesugi Clan Mausoleum is spread over an area of two hectares, and covers 110 meters from east to west and 181 meters from south to north. The mausoleum was designated as a national important cultural asset in January 1984.

At about 2 pm on the afternoon of 13th July, hubby and I left Uesugi Jinja Shrine and next visited Uesugi Clan Mausoleum. The mausoleum is located just 1.5 kilometers west of Uesugi Shrine, and it took us only a few minutes of car ride to reach the car parking area located adjacent to the mausoleum. We walked up to the entrance area of the mausoleum, and saw ‘Uesugi Bamboo’ crest adorned on a banner that is displayed at the entrance gate of the mausoleum. ‘Uesugi Bamboo’ was the family crest of Uesugi Clan, and the crest is also known as ‘Bamboo and Sparrow’ crest because it is a combination of bamboo and sparrows. We loved the design of the crest.

I am standing in front of the entrance gate of Uesugi Clan Mausoleum

‘Uesugi Bamboo’ crest adorned on a banner displayed at the entrance gate

‘Uesugi Bamboo’ crest

We walked past the entrance gate and entered inside the mausoleum premises. Inside the premises, we saw a ticket counter located to our left side just next to the entrance area. We bought tickets worth 350 yen per person as admission fee to enter further into the premises. Next we walked along a gravel pathway surrounded by huge cryptomeria trees all around. In fact, the tomb-shrines are located in the midst of a dense cryptomeria grove which provides a hushed and tranquil atmosphere to the sacred site of the mausoleum. While walking, we also saw blooming hydrangea flowers along the pathway.

Hubby standing on the gravel pathway surrounded by huge cryptomeria trees inside the mausoleum premises

I am standing on the gravel pathway

I am standing next to blue blooming hydrangea flowers

Towards the end of the 100 meters long gravel pathway, we saw another gate leading to the most sacred area of the mausoleum where the tomb-shrines of Uesugi Clan are located. Right in front of the gate, we saw two banner flags located at either end of the gate. The banner to our left side had the Kanji character of ‘Dragon’ written on it, and the one to our right side had the first character ‘Bi’ of ‘Bishamonten’ written on it. Uesugi Kenshin was a skillful warrior known for being fond of various war banners. The 'Dragon' banner flags were raised on the battlefield when Kenshin wanted his army to charge and attack the enemy. The 'Bishamonten' banner was Kenshin's personal standard and was said to have been reserved for his entrances and victory marches.

'Dragon' (left) and 'Bishamonten' (right) banners located at either end of the second gate. This gate leads to the most sacred area of the mausoleum premises.

We saw the tomb-shrine of the clan founder Uesugi Kenshin located in the center of the most sacred area of the mausoleum premises. And the tomb-shrines housing the remains of up to 12 generations of his descendants are spread out to both sides of the central tomb. The tomb-shrines of odd-numbered descendant successors are located to the right side (orientation with respect to us) of the central tomb. And the tomb-shrines of even-numbered descendant successors are located to the left side of the central tomb.

View of the most sacred area of the mausoleum premises right in front of us. Uesugi Kenshin’s tomb-shrine is in the center, and the tomb-shrines of two of his descendants are also seen.

View of the mausoleum premises with the tomb-shrines of odd-numbered descendant successors to our right side

View of the mausoleum premises with the tomb-shrines of even-numbered descendant successors to our left side

In the mausoleum standing by itself in the recess at the center is the tomb-shrine of Uesugi Kenshin. Uesugi Kenshin was a warlord during Sengoku period and was the most prominent Samurai and founder of Uesugi Clan. He passed away at Kasugayama Castle in Joetsu City in 1578. During the funeral ceremony, his remains were clad in armor and laid in a large pot-shaped earthenware coffin, and then placed in a tomb in the castle. His successor Uesugi Kagekatsu relocated to Aizu in 1598 and to Yonezawa in 1601 where he founded Yonezawa Domain Uesugi Clan. Accordingly the body of Uesugi Kenshin was also moved to Yonezawa Castle. A small Buddhist temple was built in the castle premises in 1612 where Uesugi Kenshin’s remains were buried. During Meiji period in 1871, the Buddhist temple rites were changed to Shinto style shrine rituals. Yonezawa Castle was destroyed by the order of the Meiji government in 1873, and then the shrine buildings were moved to what used to be the inner palace of the main enclosure of the castle in 1876. At that time Uesugi Kenshin’s remains along with the remains of the descendant successors were moved to the present sacred location in the mausoleum premises. In front of the tomb-shrine of Uesugi Kenshin, there is a wooden roofed Mon Gate with an offertory box placed in front of it. The tomb-shrine is a small elegant wooden building built in Nagare-zukuri architectural style. A simple stone monument is erected in front of the building. The atmosphere around the tomb-shrine was so peaceful and serene. I prayed in front of the tomb for peace and happiness.

Hubby standing in front of the tomb-shrine of Uesugi Kenshin

Wooden Mon Gate of the tomb-shrine

I am praying standing near the Mon Gate

Wooden tomb-shrine building containing the remains of Uesugi Kenshin is seen (partly) in the background and a stone monument is seen in the foreground

Hubby and the tomb-shrine building of Uesugi Kenshin

The tomb-shrines housing the remains of up to 12 generations of Uesugi Kenshin’s descendants are spread out to both sides of the central tomb-shrine of Kenshin. Five tomb-shrines of odd-numbered descendant successors are located to the right side (orientation with respect to us) of the central tomb-shrine. The first tomb-shrine adjacent to the central tomb enshrines the third generation descendant Uesugi Sadakatsu. Likewise, the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth tomb-shrines enshrine the fifth generation descendant Uesugi Tsunanori, the seventh generation descendant Uesugi Munenori, the ninth generation descendant Uesugi Shigesada, and the eleventh generation descendant Uesugi Haruhiro, respectively. The 3rd, 5th, and 7th generation descendants were deposited in the tomb after cremation. Their tomb-shrines are made of Japanese zelkova and built in Irimoya-zukuri architectural style. The remains of the 9th and 11th generation descendants were buried. Their tomb-shrines are made from Japanese cedar and cypress and built in simple Hogyo-zukuri architectural style, which shows the clan’s weaker financial condition at that time.

First tomb-shrine located to the right side of the central tomb enshrines the third generation descendant Uesugi Sadakatsu

Second tomb-shrine enshrines the fifth generation descendant Uesugi Tsunanori

Third tomb-shrine enshrines the seventh generation descendant Uesugi Munenori

Fourth tomb-shrine enshrines the ninth generation descendant Uesugi Shigesada

Fifth tomb-shrine enshrines the eleventh generation descendant Uesugi Haruhiro

Six tomb-shrines of even-numbered descendant successors are located to the left side (orientation with respect to us) of the central tomb-shrine. The first tomb-shrine adjacent to the central tomb enshrines the second generation descendant Uesugi Kagekatsu. Likewise, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth tomb-shrines enshrine the fourth generation descendant Uesugi Tsunakatsu, the sixth generation descendant Uesugi Yoshinori, the eighth generation descendant Uesugi Munefusa, the tenth generation descendant Uesugi Harunori (Yozan), and the twelfth generation descendant Uesugi Narisada, respectively. The 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th generation descendants were deposited in the tomb after cremation, and their tomb-shrines are built in Irimoya-zukuri architectural style. The remains of the 10th and 12th generation descendants were buried, and their tomb-shrines are built in simple Hogyo-zukuri architectural style, which shows the personality and the weaker financial condition of the clan at that time. Also, in between the tomb-shrines of the second and the fourth generation descendant successors, there is a simple stone monument erected in memory of the fourteenth generation descendant Uesugi Mochinori. In addition, in between the tomb-shrines of the tenth and the twelfth generation descendant successors, there is a tomb-shrine of Uesugi Akitaka. He was the biological oldest son of the tenth generation descendant Uesugi Harunori (Yozan), and the adopted son of the eleventh generation descendant Uesugi Haruhiro. Uesugi Akitaka was not the successor lord of the clan as he passed away when he was just 19 years old. The tomb-shrine of Uesugi Akitaka is also built in Hogyo-zukuri architectural style.

First tomb-shrine located to the left side of the central tomb enshrines the second generation descendant Uesugi Kagekatsu

A stone monument (behind the wooden gate) erected in memory of the fourteenth generation descendant Uesugi Mochinori

Second tomb-shrine enshrines the fourth generation descendant Uesugi Tsunakatsu

Third tomb-shrine enshrines the sixth generation descendant Uesugi Yoshinori

Fourth tomb-shrine enshrines the eighth generation descendant Uesugi Munefusa

Fifth tomb-shrine enshrines the tenth generation descendant Uesugi Harunori (Yozan)

A tomb-shrine located in the recess enshrines Uesugi Akitaka

Sixth tomb-shrine enshrines the twelfth generation descendant Uesugi Narisada

We enjoyed the views and the hushed atmosphere of the sacred enclosure for some more time. We saw a stone Stupa located at the west end of the mausoleum premises. Just next to the tomb-shrine of the twelfth generation descendant successor, we saw a massive cryptomeria tree with huge trunk.

Sacred area of the mausoleum premises as viewed from the southwest corner

A stone Stupa

Hubby standing next to a cryptomeria tree located next to the tomb-shrine of Uesugi Narisada

The trunk of the tree is huge

At this point, we finished the tour of Uesugi Clan Mausoleum. At about 4 pm, we started back on our drive home to Yurihonjo City. We had dinner of beef curry with rice and Oyakodon with Miso soup at a restaurant in a highway rest stop. It took us about four hours of car ride to reach our home.

Beef curry with rice

Oyakodon and Miso soup

Hubby having dinner

We loved visiting Uesugi Clan Mausoleum and learning the historical facts about Uesugi Clan.

Hubby and I visited a couple of sightseeing spots during Obon Holidays in mid August, Tokyo Skytree Tower in Tokyo being one of them. We had earlier visited Tokyo Skytree Tower in December 2010, at which time it was being constructed. Also in May 2013, while driving through Tokyo area we got a wonderful view of the majestic tower. At that time we had decided that we would visit the tower during our next trip to Tokyo area. As I have stated in a September blog post, we had some work in Tokyo area on 11th August, so we stayed in Tokyo area for one more day and visited Tokyo Skytree Tower on 12th August. I will write about our visit to the tower in this post.

Tokyo Skytree Tower as viewed by us in December 2010 (left) and May 2013 (right)

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower located in Sumida ward of Tokyo. It has a height of 634 meters, and is the world’s highest stand-alone communication tower. It is also the second tallest structure in the world. The height of the tower is derived from Musashi, which is a historic name of the Tokyo region. The phonetic pronunciation of the word Musashi can be divided into three parts ‘Mu’, ‘Sa’, and ‘Shi’, which mean ‘six’, ‘three’, and ‘four’ respectively; and hence the height of 634 meters. Actually the roof of the tower has a height of 495 meters and the antenna spire reaches a height of 634 meters. The tower has two observatories; the one located at 350 meters is called Tembo Deck and the other located at 450 meters is called Tembo Galleria. These observatories are the highest observation decks in Japan. The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kanto region, and transmits radio waves for digital terrestrial and other forms of broadcasting. Transmission from such a tall tower is unlikely (or less) to be influenced by the numerous surrounding high-rise buildings. The construction of Tokyo Skytree Tower was started in July 2008, completed in February 2012, and opened in May 2012. The tower has already become a major symbol of Tokyo, forming the centerpiece of Tokyo Skytree Town in Sumida ward, which also encompasses a building named Tokyo Skytree East Tower, a complex of shops and restaurants called Tokyo Solamachi, as well as an aquarium and a planetarium.

Tokyo Skytree Tower is a combination of hi-tech forefront technologies and traditional techniques. It is a perfect fusion of neo-futuristic design and traditional beauty. The tower stands on an equilateral triangle cross-section, and as it progresses upwards, it gradually changes to circular cross-section. The circular upper structure fends off forces of winds from any direction. The tower also features forms that incorporate techniques such as the concave Sori curves used in traditional Japanese architecture and the convex Mukuri curves found in temple architecture. In addition, the tower features ‘Shinbashira Seishin’ vibration control system, which is inspired from the traditional five-storied temple pagoda Gojunoto. A 375-meters tall reinforced concrete pillar in the central core of Skytree Tower and the steel-frame tower body that surround the pillar move separately to absorb up to about 50% of the seismic quake vibrations and swaying during high winds. The tower is colored in ‘Skytree-white’ which is an original color derived from the traditional color Aijiro (indigo-white). The faint bluish white on the tower has the luster of white porcelain.

On the morning of 12th August, hubby and I visited Tokyo Skytree Tower. The previous night, we had stayed at a hotel near Haneda Airport. We left the hotel at about 9 am, changed trains a few times, and reached Tokyo Skytree Railway Station at about 10 am.

I am standing inside Tokyo Skytree Railway Station concourse

From the railway station, we walked for about 5 minutes and reached the front entrance area of Tokyo Skytree Tower located at the first floor. We soon realized that this entrance at the first floor was only for people who had purchased admission tickets with advanced reservations. We had to purchase walk-up day-tickets. Since it was a holiday season, there were too many visitors that day. So near the front entrance area, the staff distributed numbered cards with time slots to come back later and use for purchasing the actual tickets. Our slot was between 12.30 pm and 1 pm. We still had about two hours, so we explored the area and the shopping center. We clicked a few photos of the tower and the surroundings from near the east-northeast front entrance area of the tower.

View of the east-northeast side of Tokyo Skytree Tower as viewed from near the front entrance area

I am standing in front of the base of the tower

Hubby standing in front of the base of the tower

Tokyo Skytree East Tower building

Next we walked along the base of the tower towards the west, and again clicked a few photos of the west-northwest side of the tower. We were too near the tower, and we clicked the photos from right below the tower. So it was difficult to view the antenna spire properly. We spent about ten minutes enjoying the magnificent architecture of the tower.

View of the west-northwest side of the tower

Hubby and the tower

I am sitting near the base of the tower

Afterwards, we walked back along the base of the tower towards the east and continued walking eastwards for a couple of minutes. Soon we reached near East Tower building and the shopping complex Solamachi from where we again got a wonderful view of the east-northeast side of Tokyo Skytree Tower. But now we were rather far from the tower, and so we could very clearly see the two observatories and the antenna spire of the tower.

View of the east-northeast side of Tokyo Skytree Tower along with East Tower building to the left side and Solamachi shops to the right side

Enlarged view of the two observatories and the antenna spire of the tower

I am standing along with the tower in the background

Hubby, Tokyo Skytree Tower, East Tower building, and Solamachi shops

Next, we went to Tokyo Solamachi located at the base of Tokyo Skytree Tower. Tokyo Solamachi is a large shopping, dining and entertainment complex that features over 300 shops, many restaurants, a planetarium, and an aquarium. We did a lot of window shopping. I loved a shop selling plastic food samples. A panel displaying many toast samples with various toppings and another panel displaying various kinds of Sushi samples in round Bento boxes were amazing. They looked so real. Next, we went to a souvenir shop and bought a few packets of traditional sweets and cookies as souvenirs for our relatives. Afterwards we had lunch at a restaurant in the complex.

I am standing in front of Tokyo Solamachi complex

Several shops inside Solamachi complex

Hubby inside Solamachi complex

I am very happy to see so many plastic food samples

A panel displaying various kinds of Sushi samples in round Bento boxes

Another panel displaying many toast samples with various toppings

At about 12.30 pm, we returned back to the entrance area of Tokyo Skytree Tower. The tower has the first, the fourth, and the fifth floors as the lower floors. As I mentioned earlier, the first floor entrance to the tower is only for people who have purchased admission tickets with advanced reservations. We had to buy walk-up day-tickets at the ticket counters located at the fourth floor. So we took an escalator up to the fourth floor entrance area, and our visit inside the tower started from this floor. Since it was a holiday season, there was a big queue of visitors in front of us waiting for their turn to buy the tickets. After about 45 minutes of waiting we could buy tickets worth 2060 Yen per person as admission fee for the first observatory Tembo Deck. While waiting in the queue, we saw a 22-meter wide wall art named Super Craft Tree. It exhibits twelve works of art handcrafted with Edo Kiriko cut glass, Kumiko latticework, and other traditional materials and techniques incorporating the culture of Tokyo Shitamachi.

Super Craft Tree located on a wall in the fourth floor of the tower

I am standing in a queue for purchasing tickets

We have almost reached the ticket counters

After purchasing the tickets, we walked up to the front of the elevators located at the fourth floor. These elevators called Tembo Shuttles transport visitors to Tembo Deck Observatory of the tower. In front of the shuttles, there was again a big queue and we had to wait for about 15 minutes for our turn to enter the shuttle. There are four lines of Tembo Shuttles having different decoration featuring spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively. The one we entered had the decoration of spring cherry blossom sky. The other three shuttles have summer Sumida River sky, fall festival sky, and winter sky of hooded gulls. The ambience inside the shuttle was very nice and special. In fact, these Tembo Shuttles are Japan’s fastest 40-passenger elevators and reaches a top speed of 600 meters per minute. We had a fast and very smooth ride, and were transported to the top floor of Tembo Deck Observatory in about 50 seconds.

I am waiting in a queue in front of Tembo Shuttle elevators

Decoration of spring cherry blossom sky inside the shuttle

The highlight of Tokyo Skytree Tower is its two enclosed observatories which offer spectacular views of Tokyo and its surroundings. After the Tembo Shuttle ride, we reached Tembo Deck Observatory located at 350 meters above ground. Tembo Deck has a capacity of up to 2000 people, and spans three levels with great views from all of its floors. The top floor is located at 350 meters above ground level and features tall, broad windows that offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Kanto region. This floor has three 52-inch Tokyo space-time navigation monitors connected at the sides and display breathtaking panoramas of the Tokyo landscape from the deck along with guidance on a touch-panel display. This floor also has a cafe that serves original drinks and softcreams in a standing-only setting. The middle floor is located at 345 meters above ground level and has a restaurant named Musashi Sky Restaurant, which serves Tokyo cuisine having a variety of ingredients and traditional Edo vegetables. The lowest floor is located at 340 meters above ground level and features a glass panel flooring on the ground from where visitors can look all the way down to the base of the tower. This floor has a cafe where tables are available for relaxing and enjoying snacks.

Tembo Deck Observatory as viewed from outside the tower

I am standing near the windows at the top floor of the observatory

I am using Tokyo space-time navigation monitor to learn more about Kanto region

After the Tembo Shuttle ride we reached the southern side of the top floor of Tembo Deck Observatory. First, we just walked around the deck and enjoyed the wonderful panoramic views of Kanto region, especially Tokyo and its surroundings, from the large glass panes. Next, we clicked several photos of the panoramic views starting from the east, and proceeding in a clockwise direction. We saw several important and historically significant structures that I have pointed out and numbered here. Number 1 is Tokyo Tower, number 2 is Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, number 3 is Tokyo Dome, number 4 is Asahi Beer Tower, Super Dry Hall, and Asahi Flame, and number 5 is Sensoji Temple. In addition, Sumida River flowing into Tokyo Bay is so prominently seen. The 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Kanto region allowed us to see many other significant structures and buildings. It was an amazing experience.

Faraway view of Kanto region to the east

View towards the southeast

View towards the southwest

View towards the west-southwest with locations of Tokyo Tower (1) and Ryogoku Kokugikan (2) marked in red arrow

View towards the west with locations of Tokyo Dome (3), Asahi Beer Tower (4), and Sensoji Temple (5) marked in red arrow

View towards the northwest with Sumida River prominently seen

View towards the north

Zoomed in image showing Tokyo Tower (1) and Ryogoku Kokugikan (2)

Zoomed in image showing Tokyo Dome (3)

Zoomed in image showing Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Flame (4)

Zoomed in image showing Sensoji Temple (5)

Next, we took an escalator down to the lowest floor of Tembo Deck Observatory. This floor, located at 340 meters above ground level, has a provision to have the souvenir picture of visitors taken professionally with the panoramic view of the southeast side of the city in the background. We had our picture taken and it came out rather well. We paid 1200 Yen for the printed version of the souvenir picture. This floor also features heatproof tempered glass panel flooring from where we can look all the way down to the base of the tower. We stepped onto the glass floor but it was a bit scary to get a direct downward view of the streets below. Here also we had a souvenir picture of us taken professionally with the steel framing of the tower and the streets below us visible. The printed version of this souvenir picture also cost 1200 Yen.

Souvenir picture of ours taken professionally at the lowest floor of Tembo Deck Observatory

Glass panel flooring along with the steel framing of the tower and the streets below

Professionally taken souvenir picture of ours standing on the glass floor

Afterwards we went up an escalator which took us back to the top floor (350 meters) of Tembo Deck Observatory. At a ticket counter located on this floor, we bought tickets worth 1030 Yen per person as admission fee for the second observatory Tembo Galleria. Tickets for Tembo Galleria Observatory can be purchased on the same day only as advanced reservation of tickets is not possible. After purchasing the tickets, we walked up to the front of Tembo Shuttle elevators located towards the northern side of this floor of the Tembo Deck. These shuttles connect the top floor of Tembo Deck Observatory to the lower floor (445 meters) of Tembo Galleria Observatory of the tower. There are two lines of these shuttle elevators and they have see-through front panel and ceiling. There was hardly any queue in front of the shuttles, and we could enter the shuttle just after two minutes of waiting. We had a fast and smooth ride, and enjoyed viewing the metal framing of the tower seen through the see-through ceiling. We were transported to the lower floor of Tembo Galleria Observatory in about 15 seconds.

Metal framing of the tower as seen through the see-through ceiling of Tembo Shuttle elevator

As discussed earlier, Tembo Galleria Observatory is the upper observatory of Tokyo Skytree Tower. This observatory has a capacity of up to 900 people, spans two levels, and is called ‘the world's highest skywalk’. After the Tembo Shuttle ride, we reached the lower floor of Tembo Galleria Observatory located at 445 meters above ground level. This lower floor features the main attraction of Tembo Galleria, which is a 110-meters long sloping spiral, glass-covered skywalk ramp tube that gains height as it circles the tower. The sloped air-walk ascend is from 445 meters of the lower floor to 450 meters of the upper floor. This spiral tube is constructed of the steel and glass. Such glass-sided tube allows visitors to look down from the giddying height of the tower and also enjoy spectacular views of Kanto region. In fact, glass panels cover even the outer edge portion of the floor of the spiral tube, which makes the visitors feel that they are walking in mid-air. At the top end of the spiral ramp tube is the upper floor of the observatory, which is a conventional observation deck floor with tall windows. The upper floor is located at 450 meters above ground level but there is a slight ascend while walking, and visitors finally reach the highest accessible point called Sorakara Point located at 451.2 meters inside the observation deck.

Tembo Galleria Observatory as viewed from outside the tower

I am standing inside the spiral tube of Tembo Galleria Observatory

Hubby a bit afraid of heights

The Tembo Shuttle ride took us to the northern side of the lower floor of Tembo Galleria Observatory. We then entered the sloped spiral ramp tube which circles the tower. We walked inside the spiral tube and enjoyed the marvelous and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Kanto region, especially Tokyo and its surroundings, from the glass-covered tube. We really felt as if we were walking in the air. It was an amazing experience. We clicked several photos of the panoramic views starting from the north-northwest, and proceeding in an anticlockwise direction. And just like our visit to the lower Tembo Deck, I have again pointed out and numbered several important and historically significant structures as viewed from this observatory also. Number 1 is Tokyo Tower, number 2 is Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, number 3 is Tokyo Dome, number 4 is Asahi Beer Tower, Super Dry Hall, and Asahi Flame, number 5 is Sensoji Temple, number 6 is Tokyo Gate Bridge, and number 7 is Tokyo Disney Resort. In addition, the exotic shaped Sakura Bridge on Sumida River looked so wonderful. We looked down and clearly saw the roof of the lower Tembo Deck Observatory and all the way down we saw the roof of Tokyo Skytree Railway Station. While walking inside the spiral tube, we steadily ascended from 445 meters of the lower floor to 450 meters of the upper floor of the observatory. On reaching the end of the 110-meters long spiral tube, we looked down and saw the starting point of the tube.

View of Tokyo area towards the north-northwest along with Sakura Bridge over Sumida River

View towards the northwest with Sensoji Temple (5) marked in red arrow

Roofs of Tembo Deck Observatory and Tokyo Skytree Station (red arrow)

View towards the west with Asahi Beer Tower (4) marked in red arrow

Faraway view towards the west with Tokyo Dome (3) marked in red arrow

View towards the southwest with Ryogoku Kokugikan (2) marked in red arrow

Faraway view towards the southwest with Tokyo Tower (1) marked in red arrow

Faraway view towards the south with Tokyo Gate Bridge (6) marked in red arrow

Zoomed in image showing Tokyo Gate Bridge (6)

Faraway view towards the southeast with location of Tokyo Disney Resort (7) marked in red arrow

View towards the northeast

View towards the north

The starting point (445 meters) of the spiral ramp tube as viewed from 5 meters above from the end point of the tube (450 meters)

The sloped air-walk ascend inside the 110-meters long spiral ramp tube, took us to the end of the tube. At this top end of the spiral tube is the upper floor of Tembo Galleria Observatory located at 450 meters above ground level. This floor is a more conventional observation deck with tall windows. We felt a slight ascend while walking through the deck, and finally reach the highest accessible point called Sorakara Point of the observation deck. This point is located towards the southwest side at 451.2 meters above ground level, and is marked by Sorakara-chan, the mascot character of the tower.

I am standing near Sorakara Point

Tembo Shuttle elevators located towards the northern side of the upper floor of Tembo Galleria Observatory took us back down to the middle floor of Tembo Deck Observatory located at 345 meters. Then, we took an escalator down to the lower floor of Tembo Deck located at 340 meters. Finally, Tembo Shuttle elevators located towards the southern side of the lower floor of Tembo Deck took us down to the return lobby located in the fifth floor of the tower. At this point we finished the tour of the two observatories of the tower. We loved visiting Tokyo Skytree Tower.

On 15th August, during the Obon Holidays, hubby and I visited Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a stunning and beautiful scenic area located in Anto part of Mikuni Town in Sakai City of Fukui prefecture. It is located within Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Tojinbo is a series of basaltic legendary cliffs composed of huge columns of rocks on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The rocky cliffs are over 30 meters high, stretch for about 1 kilometer, and command an impressive view. The cliff’s rocks are pyroxene andesitic and were formed 12 to 13 million years ago by volcanic activities. The flowing magma solidified to formed pentagonal and hexagonal shaped pillar like crevices. Then through the years of continuous pounding and erosion by the sea waves, the surface and shape of such columnar volcanic rocks called columnar joints were formed. These impressive giant pyroxene andesite columnar joints are a very rare geological phenomenon. In fact, Tojinbo cliffs are one of the only three such rocky pillars of its kind in existence in the world, with the other two being Mount Geumgangsan in North Korea and the western coast of Norway. The astonishing scenery of Tojinbo is geographically and academically extremely valuable and has been designated as a national natural monument and a place of scenic beauty. Tojinbo is a popular tourist spot.

It is said that the name of Tojinbo cliffs comes from a Buddhist priest named Tojinbo. The legend has it that he was a corrupt and powerful priest of Heisenji Temple (English site or Japanese site) in Katsuyama City. He was very unpopular and was despised by other priests and the local people. Tojinbo fell in love with a princess named Aya but the princess had another admirer named Magara Kakunen, and so a great rivalry ensued between Tojinbo and Kakunen. On 5th April 1182, the enraged priests of Heisenji Temple, Kakunen, and the local people lured priest Tojinbo from the temple to the cliff. The corrupt priest was then pushed off the cliff into the sea by other priests and Kakunen. Tojinbo died and haunted the cliff causing violent storms and waves. It is said that every year the storms were incredibly strong on 5th April, the day of his death. Years later, another priest took pity on vengeful Tojinbo and held a special memorial service for him. Since then the evil spirit of Tojinbo was somewhat appeased but his ghost is said to still haunt the area.

Although Tojinbo with gigantic pillar rocks is a stunning and beautiful scenic area, the cliffs also have a dark side. Tojinbo is a well-known place in Japan to commit suicide. As many as 25 people come here annually to commit suicide by jumping off the 30 meter high cliffs, and throwing themselves onto the jagged rocks and crashing waves.

During the Obon Holidays, hubby and I visited our home in Ichinomiya City in Aichi prefecture. On 15th August, we borrowed my father-in-law’s car and left home at about 10 am to go to Tojinbo cliffs. Tojinbo is located about 190 kilometers north-northwest of our home, and it took us about 3.5 hours of car ride to reach there. Usually it takes about 2.5 hours but it was a holiday season and there was a lot of traffic on the road. After reaching Tojinbo, we parked our car at a parking area, and started walking along a paved pathway leading to the cliffs. There are many souvenir shops and restaurants along both sides of the pathway. While walking, we saw a statue of a Buddhist monk along the pathway. We reached the top of the cliff area after about 10 minutes of walking, and the first thing we saw was the blue colored Sea of Japan right in front of us. At the top, we saw a wooden monument indicating that Tojinbo belongs to Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

I am standing along a paved pathway that leads to Tojinbo cliffs

A bronze statue of a Buddhist monk

We almost reach the cliff area and the Sea of Japan is seen right in front of us

Hubby near the cliff area

Hubby looking at a map of the cliff area

I am standing next to a wooden monument indicating that Tojinbo belongs to Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park

Standing on the top of the hilly cliff area, we looked over the Sea of Japan and saw a series of surreal, eerie, huge basaltic cliffs on the rocky coast of the sea. We also saw that the sea is dotted with huge strangely shaped rocks. We enjoyed the dynamic scenic views all around us, and clicked several photos of the gorgeous rocky scenery and the vast sea. From the cliff top, we saw an island named Oshima to our right side to the north-northwest of Tojinbo. Oshima is a small island with a circumference of about 2 kilometers and has a shrine. A 224-meter long red lacquered bridge connects the island to the northern part of Anto, Mikuni Town.

Rocky cliffs on the coast and the blue Sea of Japan as viewed to the south towards our left side while standing on the cliff top

Enlarged view of the rocky cliffs to the south side

Huge cliffs and strangely shaped rocks as viewed to the west side right in front of us

Rocky cliffs and Oshima Island as viewed to the north-northwest towards our right side

Cliffs, Oshima Island, and the red lacquered bridge as viewed to the north side towards our extreme right

Enlarged view showing Oshima Island (left), red lacquered bridge, and northern Anto (right)

Next, we walked along a paved pathway down the hill towards the rocky cliffs located to the west side right in front of us. We walked for several meters and looked down at the rugged precipitous cliffs. We saw four interesting points in the rocks and cliffs, and decided to look at them from a closer range. I have marked the four points as 1 through 4 in two of the photos below. We walked down the rocky slope marked as 3 to observe the other points 1, 2, and 4 in greater details.

View of wonderful huge rocks and rugged cliffs right in front of us. Three interesting points are marked as 1, 2, and 3.

Hubby is standing in front of yet another scenery right in front of us. Two of the interesting points are marked as 3 and 4.

I am standing along the pathway and about to start walking down the rocky slope 3 towards the sea

We started walking down the rocky slope 3 and saw wonderful details of points 1 and 2 to our left side (south). Huge pentagonal and hexagonal pillar shaped rocks called columnar joints looked magnificent. It was the first experience for us to see such columnar rocks and we were really impressed by Mother Nature’s systematic and artistic arrangement of the rocks. We took several photos of points 1 and 2 while walking down the rocky slope 3.

Point 1 (left) and point 2 (right) as viewed from a pathway near the top of the hill just before we started walking down the rocky slope 3

I am standing on the rocky slope 3 along with point 1 in the background

Point 1 as viewed from further down the rocky slope 3

Majestic patterns of columnar rocks at point 1 as viewed from still further down the rocky slope 3

Point 2 as viewed from the upper area of the rocky slope 3

Point 2 as viewed from further down the rocky slope 3

Wonderful columnar rocks of point 2 as viewed from still further down the rocky slope 3

As I wrote earlier, we walked down the rocky slope 3 to have a look at points 1, 2, and 4 in details. Rocky slope 3 has interesting rock formation and arrangement too. All the rocks are so closely and perfectly packed that they look as if they are designed by some supernatural forces. We clicked a few photos while walking down this rocky slope 3. We stayed at the bottom of the slope for some time and enjoyed the beauty of the sea and the strangely shaped huge rocks dotting the sea.

I am walking down the rocky slope 3

Looking back upwards from the rocky slope 3 at the shops and the starting point of the slope

I am walking further down the slope

I have reached the bottom of the rocky slope 3 where the sea meets the rocky beach. The lowermost part of the interesting point 4 is seen to the right side of the photo.

Afterwards we started climbing back up the rocky slope 3. To our left side (north), we saw the details of a huge rocky cliff that I have marked as point 4. The height of the hexagonal and pentagonal pillar shaped columnar joints at the highest point of cliff 4 is about 30 meters, and the western side of the cliff gradually tapers off to the sea. Just looking at the sheer cliff rise nearly vertically from the sea to such dizzying heights was enough to make my legs give way. But hubby had a thrilling experience. He walked along the northern edge of the rocky slope 3 and clicked a few photos of cliff 4 from various positions and angles. We saw many people standing on the edge of cliff 4 and looking downwards. In the absence of any safety railings at the cliff, I was afraid that people might accidentally fall over the cliff edge or I might witness a suicide attempt by someone atop the cliff. It was really an intense and memorable experience for me to see the huge magnificent rocky cliff 4 from so close a range.

Lower part of cliff 4 as viewed from the rocky slope 3

Middle part of cliff 4

Hubby standing on the rocky slope 3 along with the middle part of cliff 4 in the background

Upper part of cliff 4

I have walked back to the top of the hill and am standing on the paved pathway along with cliff 4 in the background

Next, we walked along a paved pathway leading towards the north side on the top of the hill. While walking, we saw a sightseeing boat near the base of the rocky slope 3. The dynamic scenery of Tojinbo cliffs can also be enjoyed from a different angle from the sea. We continued walking for a few tens of meters along the pathway and saw a beautiful arrangement of columnar rocks in the shape of a monument.

A sightseeing boat near the base of the rocky slope 3

I am standing next to the monument-shaped columnar rocks

Enlarged view of the monument-shaped columnar rocks

It had been raining on and off the entire time we visited various spots on Tojinbo cliffs. But soon after we saw the wonderful monument-shaped columnar rocks, it started raining very heavily. So we gave up visiting other interesting spots at Tojinbo that day. We returned to the car parking area and started back on our way home to Ichinomiya. We had dinner at a roadside service area in Nanjo City in Fukui prefecture. Our dinner of Tori-don (chicken over rice bowl) set and Hambaagu (hamburger steak) set was simple and delicious.

My dinner of Hambaagu set

Hubby’s dinner of Tori-don set

Hubby having dinner

We enjoyed our trip to Tojinbo cliffs though I wish the weather was a bit better so that we could have explored several more interesting spots on the cliffs.

On September 27th, hubby and I visited Hamadate Koen Park located in Nishime Town of Yurihonjo City in Akita prefecture. The park is located near the coast on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan. On the top of the hill, there is an observatory from where visitors can see Mount Chokai, Sea of Japan, and Oga Peninsula (please check these two blog posts here and here) at the same time. About 3000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom all around the park during spring season, and local people visit the park to enjoy the majestic beautiful views of cherry blossoms. The park is cool in summer and it is full of dragonfly during autumn. Although we can get wonderful scenic views of mountains and sea from the park, it is little known to most visitors. It is definitely a hidden neighborhood gem.

Hamadate Koen Park used to be the location of a castle residence during Kamakura period. In the year 1298, a person named Yuri Naka Hachiro Masaharu built his castle residence with a territory of 55000 Koku at this place. However, now there is almost no trace of the ruins of the castle residence remaining. Knowing the history of any place is so fascinating for me.

Hubby and I started from our home in Yurihonjo City at about 10 am on September 27th. Hamadate Koen Park is located about 14 kilometers southwest of our home, and it usually takes about 30 minutes of car ride to reach there. Just after 5 minutes of driving, we saw magnificent scenery from our car window. The scenery made me nostalgic and reminded me of my childhood days in India. As a child, I always used to draw nature landscape scenery with mountains, clouds in the sky, a flock of birds flying, a river, a house, and a few trees. The scenery we saw from the car was almost the same except for the absence of the flock of birds.

The scenery we saw from our car window reminded me of my childhood days. Mount Chokai and Koyoshigawa River are seen in the photo.

After 15 more minutes of car ride, we saw a beautiful spot on our way to the park. So we stopped the car and got out of the car to enjoy the scenic views. A red colored bridge with railway tracks surrounded by green trees, blue sky with sparse clouds, and Mount Chokai in the background made for a beautiful view.

Red colored railway bridge and the scenic view

I am standing along with the bridge in the background

Hubby and the scenic view

After yet another 10 minutes of car ride, we reached near the car parking area of Hamadate Koen Park. We parked our car and saw the spectacular blue Sea of Japan located right in front of us to the west side of the parking area. We clicked a couple of photos of the sea from the parking area, and then climbed up a flight of stone stairs to reach the top of the hill of Hamadate Koen Park. While climbing up, we saw flowering Susuki grass all around us.

Sea of Japan as viewed to the west side right in front of us from the car parking area

Another view of the sea

Our car at the car parking area and I am climbing up the flight of stairs leading to the top of the hill of the park

The sea and flowering Susuki grass as viewed to our left side while climbing up the stairs

The top of the hill of Hamadate Koen Park is flat and grassy. While walking on the top of the hill, we saw thousands of dragonflies hovering and zooming low and high over the hilltop. We walked towards the southeast corner area of the flat hilltop, and got wonderful scenic views all around us. To our south-southeast, we saw majestic Mount Chokai and many windmills. It was a sunny day and the blue sky with sparse clouds looked amazing. The scenic view in front of us was so perfect. We also saw flowering Susuki grass on the hilltop as well as along the edge of the hill. The fluffy silvery plumes were glistening in the sunlight and swaying with the wind. In Japan, Susuki is considered an iconic plant of late summer and early autumn, and in former times had greatly enchanted ancient people. In fact, in the eastern part of India also, Susuki has great importance and is usually associated with the beginning of a festival called Durga Puja. So whenever I see flowering Susuki grass in Japan, I am reminded of Durga Puja festivities back in my homeland. Standing at the corner area of the hilltop, we also got beautiful view of the blue Sea of Japan towards our south-southwest.

Scenic view towards south-southeast as viewed from the southeast corner area of the top of the hill

Majestic view of Mount Chokai and several windmills along with flowering Susuki grass in the foreground

Flowering Susuki grass

Hubby taking photo of the scenic view

Sea of Japan towards south-southwest as viewed from the southeast corner area of the top of the hill

Myself along with the blue sea and elegant plumes of Susuki grass

Next, we walked towards the west side of the flat hilltop of the park. There we saw an observatory having two floors. From both the floors of the observatory, we can get 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful sceneries of the area. A strikingly huge statue of Kannon stands on the second floor of the observatory overlooking the sea. We skipped going to the first floor and directly went to the second floor of the observatory, and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery all around us. We loved viewing the splendid Mount Chokai and the magnificent Sea of Japan from the observatory. The interesting point is that Mount Chokai located towards the south-southeast and the Sea of Japan located towards the west side can be seen at the same time while standing at the south side of the observatory. In fact, we enjoyed some of the best scenic views of the area from the second floor of the observatory.

I am walking towards the observatory located at the top of the hill of the park

Two-floor observatory

Mount Chokai (left) and the Sea of Japan (right) as viewed from the south side of the second floor of the observatory

Mount Chokai and the windmills

I am enjoying seeing the sea standing at the west side of the second floor of the observatory

Beautiful view towards the north side

I am standing at the north side of the second floor of the observatory

Hubby and the beautiful views

Huge state of Kannon

While strolling in the park, we saw a few fauna of the area. We saw two types of spiders, a grasshopper, a swarm of dragonflies, and even a snake. Hubby took photos of several of the fauna. And I took a few photos of hubby who was busy clicking away with his camera.

Hubby clicking a photo of a spider

The spider

Another type of spider

Hubby clicking a photo of a grasshopper

The grasshopper

Oh the dragonfly flew away!

Again clicking a photo of another dragonfly

Hubby exclaimed - ah this time I got you dragonfly!

We enjoyed our visit of Hamadate Koen Park. It was a sunny day and the scenic views that we saw from the top of the hill of the park were fantabulous.

Life has been rather quite over the past couple of months. Hubby had been very busy with his office work and brought home a lot of work. But on weekends, hubby and I visited a few sightseeing places in nearby prefectures, and ate at a few restaurants in Akita City. We enjoyed the autumn season immensely, and now it has already started snowing in Akita prefecture. In this post, I will chronicle our everyday life for the months of October and November.

On 4th October, hubby and I had lunch at a restaurant named Kathmandu Kitchen. It is a Nepalese restaurant located in Omachi area of Akita City. First we had Samosa snacks. Then we ordered set-menu lunch consisting of a curry dish, saffron rice, and salad. Hubby’s lunch set had Keema curry and mine had spinach-chicken curry. Both the curries were mild, had rich flavor, and were delicious. We also ordered Coca-Cola soft drink and Mango Lassi to go with lunch. It was nice to have Nepalese food though I found the taste similar to north Indian food but fortunately (for me) less spicy.

Samosa snacks

Hubby having Samosa

Keema curry and salad

Spinach-chicken curry and salad

Hubby having lunch

Mango Lassi (left) and Coca Cola (right)

I had a few errands to run on the evening of 8th October. So I took a local train from Ugo Honjo Railway Station near our home to go up to a station named Nikaho. Ugo Honjo Station is a very small station and serves the local people well. A huge Gotenmari ball hangs from the ceiling at the entrance area inside the station, and really brightens up the place. Gotenmari balls are typical traditional handicraft of Honjo region, and are made of vivid colors and have sophisticated creative designs. While standing at the platform of Ugo Honjo Station, I saw a few scarecrow puppets put up near the back side of the railway station for Kokumin Bunkasai National Cultural Festival (English webpage and a more detailed Japanese webpage) that was going on those days (4th October to 3rd November). In fact, Akita was the host prefecture for the festival this year. The colorful scarecrows looked awesome. Akita is basically an agriculture based prefecture and such scarecrows are an important part of the lifestyle of the farmers here. In fact during the rice harvesting season, I have seen many such scarecrows all around the place where we live. Oh the tranquility and happiness of village life! Anyway I got off the train at Nikaho Station which is just two stops from Ugo Honjo Station. Nikaho Station is even smaller than Ugo Honjo, and is unmanned after 5 pm. At the waiting room of Nikaho Station I saw a huge display of a fictional local hero character named Dewa warrior Ga Saan. This character was also displayed for Kokumin Bunkasai National Cultural Festival. I realized that although Akita prefecture is sparsely populated and does not have much entertainment facilities, people like to celebrate little things in life. After returning home, I saw news on television about the lunar eclipse going on at that time. I opened the window and looked towards the sky, and saw that the moon was in total lunar eclipse and its color was a deep copper red. The moon looked so beautiful.

Huge Gotenmari ball hanging from the ceiling at the entrance area inside Ugo Honjo Railway Station

A few scarecrow puppets put up near the back side of Ugo Honjo station for Kokumin Bunkasai National Cultural Festival

Enlarged view of some of the scarecrows

Enlarged view of the other scarecrows

Fictional local hero named Dewa warrior Ga Saan displayed inside Nikaho Station for Kokumin Bunkasai National Cultural Festival

Moon during the total lunar eclipse as viewed from the window of our home at 19:21 pm

Moon during the partial eclipse phase as viewed at 21:16 pm

On 11th October, hubby and I visited Lake Tazawako Dakikaeri Prefectural Natural Park and Dakikaeri Shrine about which I will write in a later blog post.

13th October was our 9th marriage anniversary day. We just relaxed at home. Hubby modified our home mini-library in the morning. In the afternoon, he cooked our lunch consisting of two kinds of spaghetti dishes. He cooked Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino for me and Spaghetti Carbonara for himself. Of course we tasted each others dishes, and both the dishes were delicious. Then we watched a couple of English movies on cable television. Later in the evening, we bought a Sushi Bento from a nearby supermarket. I also cooked Kitsune Soba noodles from scratch. Our dinner of Soba noodles and Sushi was nice. We spent a nice relaxed day at home on our marriage anniversary.

Hubby modifying our home mini-library

Hubby cooking lunch

Our lunch of Spaghetti Carbonara (left) and Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino (right)

Hubby having lunch

Our dinner of Sushi and Kitsune Soba noodles

Hubby having dinner

On 18th October, hubby and I went to see a Bollywood movie named ‘English Vinglish’ at a theater in Akita City. The movie was renamed as ‘Madam in New York’ for its release in Japan. Although the dialogues of the movie were in Hindi language, there were Japanese subtitles so it was easier for hubby to understand the storyline. It was a comedy drama movie and we enjoyed it immensely. I should mention here that only a few selected Bollywood movies have so far been screened at theaters in Japan, and that too mostly in Tokyo area. So it was really a pleasant surprise that ‘English Vinglish’ was shown at a remote theater in Akita prefecture where comparatively very few foreigners (Indians) live. Also I watched a Bollywood movie at a theater after almost two decades, and it was really a nice experience. On our way back home, we saw beautiful autumn colors right in the heart of Akita City.

I am standing next to the poster of the movie ‘Madam in New York’ located in front of the theater

Autumn colors in Akita City

On 25th October, hubby and I visited Yamadera Temple in Yamagata City of Yamagata prefecture. We went there by our car, and were surrounded by colorful autumn foliage all the way up to the temple. We had to drive for about 3 hours on an expressway and a national highway to reach the temple. The expressway and the national highway were so scenic and beautiful due to the fabulous autumn colors all around. We stopped at a couple of parking areas along the way to click photos of the autumn foliage. I will write about our visit to Yamadera Temple in a later blog post.

Autumn colors near our home in Yurihonjo City

Autumn foliage on our way to Yamadera Temple as viewed from moving car

Autumn foliage as viewed from a parking area along the expressway leading to the temple

Our car and autumn foliage at yet another parking area

Autumn colors near this second parking area

On 2nd November, hubby and I went to see an English movie at a theater in Akita City. We saw that a temporary stage was set up at the first floor of the building where the movie theater hall is located. And Taiko drum performance was held by four performers in Namahage costume and ogre masks. It was an enchanting performance, and was held as an event to mark the closing of Kokumin Bunkasai National Cultural Festival.

A temporary stage along with many Taiko drums

Taiko drum performance by Namahage costume-wearing performers

On 22nd November, hubby and I had been to Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port located in Sendai City. It is the largest outlet mall in Tohoku region and has nearly 120 domestic and foreign brand stores, as well as restaurants and amusement facilities. It took us almost 4 hours of car ride to reach the outlet mall. In between we stopped at a service area along the expressway and had lunch at a restaurant. On reaching the mall, we saw that an entertainment show was going on. A juggler performed many funny tricks with balls, juggling clubs, and knives. We enjoyed the show for about 20 minutes. Later we bought winter jackets and a few other clothes at the mall. That night we stayed at a hotel in a neighboring city. We noted that the Christmas decorations and illuminations were already up everywhere we had been that day, that is, the service area along the expressway, the entrance area of the outlet mall, various shops at the mall, and even the hotel we stayed that night. Everywhere there was Christmas mood. The next day we visited the historical site of Tagajo Fort located in the present day Tagajo City of Miyagi prefecture. I will write about our visit to the site of Tagajo Fort in a later blog post.

Hubby is having lunch at a service area along the expressway. We can see Christmas decorations behind him.

Christmas decorations at Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port

The Christmas trees are so beautiful

A juggler performing funny tricks with knives at the mall

Hubby standing at the mall along with several shops in the background

On 29th November, hubby and I had lunch at a restaurant named Big Boy in Akita City. We ordered set-menu lunch consisting of a main dish, salad, hot soup, dessert, and cold drinks. Hubby’s main dish consisted of stewed hamburger patty, and my main dish consisted of hamburger patty, fried fish, and fried chicken. The food was delicious. Afterwards we had lychee fruit for dessert. I love lychee very much and had them after almost 3 decades. It was a sumptuous lunch and we enjoyed the food very much. In the evening, we drove up to Autobacs store in Akita City itself, and changed the tires of our car to studless snow tires in preparation for the long hard snowy winter of Akita prefecture (it is already snowing heavily now). It was fun to watch the store staffs remove the usual tires of our car and replace them with the studless snow tires. We had to wait for about an hour to get the tires changed as there were many customers that day. We read Doraemon comic book while waiting. Afterwards we bought a few groceries in the city and then returned home. That night hubby made popcorn in a frying-pan. It was the first experience for him to make popcorn and he was very excited and happy to see the corn kernels popping. I compiled a video of the corn kernels popping in the frying-pan.

Hubby’s lunch of stewed hamburger patty

My lunch consisting of hamburger patty, fried fish, and fried chicken

Lychee fruits for dessert

I am having lychee fruits

Autobacs store staffs changing the tires of our car to studless snow tires

Hubby drinking a cup of coffee while waiting during the changing of tires

And reading Doraemon comic book for passing time at the store

Hubby made popcorn in a frying-pan

A compiled video of the corn kernels popping in the frying-pan

It is now snowing heavily in Akita prefecture and is extremely cold. Hubby and I are eagerly looking forward to the New Year holidays.