In Japan this plant is known as the Zen plant because it looks like a hooded monk praying, at least that’s what I gather. As its name suggests it is allegedly a smelly plant, although I couldn’t smell anything but I didn’t get too close. But what is really interesting is it is one of only a few plants able… Read More Japanese Skunk Cabbage or Zen plant
I’ve been curious for a while about a place near Nishinasuno station that is set back in the trees and has a pathway that leads to it, that is absolutely beautiful in autumn and then some woods beyond it that are clearly leading to something significant? The pathway is flamboyant and stunningly beautiful then you… Read More Serendipity – Oyama Gensui
Foundation day in Japan is the 11th February and each year the nearby town of Shirakawa holds a Daruma Festival on that day. A Daruma is round doll that is usually made of papier-mâché and is hollow inside, but weighted at the bottom. So if they fall over they in general “get up” again. The… Read More Daruma Festival Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture
The name translates to ‘small peak’ castle and it is considered one of the three most important castles in the Tohoku region. This lovely castle just north of where I live was severely damaged in the March 2011 earthquake. When I last visited in 2012 it was closed and not much sign of activity, but… Read More Komine Castle, Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture
The Oya-ji Temple, is close to the Oya stone museum and cavern (separate post) and so also a bit north of Utsunomiya, in Tochigi Prefecture. The Temple dates back to 810 and is famous for a number of things, firstly that it is carved into the rock face as part of a natural cave, the… Read More Oya ji Temple, Utsunomiya, Tochigi prefecture
I discovered this amazing place totally by accident. I was headed to Oya-ji Temple (separate story) which is known for its 88 feet high Kannon made from Oya stone and I got a bit lost. The Museum is called the Oya Stone Museum and I figured it was related to the temple, so stopped for… Read More Oya Stone Mine and Museum, Utsunomiya
Just Life in Japan 