Kenrokuen

Written by: adekun on 6 December, 2009 4:37 pm - Filed under: japan — No Comments »

Across from the castle, Kenrokuen, for me was all the more appealing. Quite at odds to how I felt in Kyoto at Ryōan-ji; vivid colours (even under the bleak sky), countless trees and water features. Perhaps the sky made a good contrast for the gold and deep red leaves.
The park offers a good opportunity to see a technique called yukitsuri. Trees in need of protection the heavy snow, are supported with a conical array of rope. Some are given further help with bamboo struts. Continue reading

Tags: ishikawa, japan, travel

Kanazawa Castle

Written by: adekun on 30 November, 2009 7:57 pm - Filed under: japan — No Comments »

Kanazawa Castle seems a lot less like a castle without a keep; more so as it sits in such large grounds. After numerous fires and rebuilds, only a few structures remain. The brochure said they were restored recently using traditional construction methods. However, the inside of the watchtowers and interconnecting warehouse looked as if they fell victim to one of the popular “house reform” television programmes. Continue reading

Tags: castle, ishikawa, japan, travel

Takoage

Written by: adekun on 9 November, 2009 11:01 pm - Filed under: japan — 1 Comment »

Throughout the year many kite flying events are held across the country. The festival has a long history dating back to the Eiroku era. Perhaps now, the gatherings, kites and armies of happi clad flyers are not as big as they used to be (see Takoage Gassen). Still, it is a fun activity to watch or participate in.
Yonago City usually hosts an uncompetitive competition early November. Continue reading

Tags: festival, japan

Sudachi

Written by: adekun on 8 October, 2009 4:24 pm - Filed under: japan — 2 Comments »

Whilst uncommon overseas, here, sudachi is a cheaper alternative to the lime. It is quite similar in taste and smell, perhaps stronger. They are smaller than my impression of a lime. When in season, usual fayre get a dressing, as do chūhais.

Supermarkets prices equate to:

One imported lime = three imported lemons
Three imported lemons = six sudachi

Tags: food and drink

36th Gaina Matsuri

Written by: adekun on 12 August, 2009 9:39 pm - Filed under: tottori — No Comments »

The city summer festival was held over the past weekend. Unsurprisingly, it was humid. There was quite a breeze at times and several spills during the lantern balancing. Continue reading

Tags: festival, japan

World Sand Festival

Written by: adekun on 1 May, 2009 10:43 pm - Filed under: tottori — No Comments »

Back in March on the television, there were a few foreign sand sculptors being interviewed over at the eastern side of Tottori prefecture. They were competing against each other, a deadline, and the unexpected rain. From the Tottori Sand Dunes, the centre is a short shuttle bus ride down the road.

There’s more info and photo’s on the Sultans of Sand website.

Tags: japan

Kōsa

Written by: adekun on 18 March, 2009 12:57 pm - Filed under: japan — 3 Comments »

Presently, the yellow dust clouds that blow over from the Gobi Desert are visible and making headlines. Despite blue skies and temperatures in the low twenties, Mount Daisen has been totally obscured. Here the unwelcome phenomenon is called kōsa (黄砂). Cars and windows soon become filthy. It has got to be what comes with it and for why that is of most concern.

Tags: japan, weather