Kawagoe (川越市) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. It is known also as little Edo because it still has some streets and houses preserved from that period. Kurazukuri Street – Kurazukuri no machinami is a section of a street lined with traditional warehouses constructed in a style called kurazukuri and maintains… Read More Kawagoe
I have to go to the Hospital every month and have a blood test and see a Hematologist. When I first arrived and went to the local Otawara Red Cross Hospital it was an old, dingy building in a pretty bad way, with no cafe and although the people were wonderful, I wasn’t too happy… Read More Nasu Red Cross Hospital
This temple is a Soto Zen temple that is more than 600 years old, it was established in 1404. The 7 thatched buildings are designated of cultural property by Tochigi Prefecture. Some parts from 1448 still exist despite numerous destructions and reconstructionsThe temple is in Kurobane on the east side of the Naka River, it flows from the volcanic Mt.… Read More Daio-ji Temple
This is another of my favourite temples, I love coming here and I often bring visitors to Japan here it is such a beautiful spot. It is near my home, maybe 30 minutes drive I guess, not far at all, near Mt. Yamizo, It is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzaishu sect. I… Read More Unganji Temple
The Sessho-seki (Japanese: 殺生石), or “Killing Stone,” is a famous Japanese story. Allegedly the stone kills anything that touches it. The legend behind the stone is the story of Tamamo no Mae. Tamamo-no-Mae was a courtesan under the Japanese Emperor Konoe (1142 -1155) She was the most beautiful and intelligent woman at court and many including the Emperor fell in love with her.… Read More Sesshou-Seki – The Murder stone
The Momijidani Otsuribashi Suspension Bridge (Maple Valley suspension bridge) is the longest suspension bridge in Tochigi.It spans 320 meters across the Hokigawa river at the Shiobara dam. Its a pedestrian only bridge and has some great views, Especially in Autumn. Apparently its without any solid beams or girders supporting it – so all wire and tension. Admission is 300 yen
Nasu no Yoichi (c. 1169 – c. 1232) was a samurai who fought alongside the Minamoto clan in the Genpei War. He is particularly famous for his actions at the Battle of Yashima in 1184. According to the Heike Monogatari, (The tale of the Heike) based on a historical battle between two top clans in 12th century Japan. The enemy Taira placed a fan atop the… Read More Nasu no Yoichi
Matsuo Bashō (1644 – November 28, 1694), was the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan. During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as a master of brief and clear haiku. His poetry is internationally renowned, and in Japan many of his poems… Read More Kurobane and Matsou Basho
Just Life in Japan 