If you live in Japan, you are familiar with the maneki-neko. For my friends who are not familiar, the maneki-neko {beckoning cat) is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. They come in a variety of colors and some have the left paw raised and some the right paw. It… Continue reading Ōmatsu Daigongen – Cat Shrine
Popote is sweet little bistro up on a hill on the edge of town with great views of the ocean. They use fresh ingredients in all of the dishes they prepare. The Building The building is an old house in a very natural setting. There are flowers placed around the yard area along with cute… Continue reading Popote Bistro in Karatsu
A Falcon Experience? After visiting Karatsu Castle, I walked along the Matsura River heading towards Ichibankan (a pottery store). The walk along the riverfront was lined with Sakura in full bloom. As I walked along, I saw this bird (that looks like a peregrine falcon) circling and dipping down towards the water. He would fly… Continue reading Karatsu-shi… Cherry Blossoms, a Falcon, and Random Sights
The Castle and Grounds Karatsu Castle sits on a hill overlooking the bay in the city of Karatsu in Saga prefecture. I visited Karatsu City near the end of March during my trip around Kyushu Island, which is the third largest island in mainland Japan. I stayed a few days in Imari and took day… Continue reading Karatsu Castle – A Castle With Bay Views
Charming Waterfront Town Tomonoura is a quaint fishing village that is a little off the beaten path on the southern point of the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. It has been a prosperous port since ancient times. This was my second stop on my trip to Fukuyama after my visit to Abuto Kannon. This charming… Continue reading Tomonoura – Fishing Village
Abuto Kannon (Bandaiji Temple) This vermilion temple rising above the blue sea on a jagged cliff is the stuff that Japanese art is born of. Abuto Kannon (also known as Bandaiji Temple) is perched precipitously above the Seto Inland Sea. Ukiyo-e Art This temple was immortalized by ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige. Ukiyo-e art literally means “pictures… Continue reading Temple With a View
About thirty minutes outside of Hagi is a very unique temple where cat sculptures frolic or lie lazily in the sun. The official name for this temple is “Seigetsu-san Unrinji Temple”, but it is commonly known as the “Cat Temple”. There are more than 700 cat sculptures on the temple grounds. Many were carved by… Continue reading Unrinji (Cat Temple) in Hagi
Shigaraki Pottery Village is a little slice of pottery paradise. It’s known for ceramic tanuki statues, but it is so much more. As you drive along the main road, you will see shops with hundreds of the ceramic tanuki (raccoon dog). These figurine/statues are seen throughout Japan in many yards and businesses and are thought… Continue reading Shigaraki Pottery Village
Buttsu-ji Temple in the Fall Momijigari is the Japanese word for “autumn leaf hunting”. I spent an entire weekend on this glorious endeavor. Buttsu-ji was my first stop and it did not disappoint! I had visited several weeks earlier and was entranced with the natural beauty and the truly zen feeling at this temple. I… Continue reading Momijigari -Autumn Leaf Hunting
Oboke and Koboke Gorges As I was on my way to the Nagoro Scarecrow Village I happened upon Oboke and Koboke Gorges on the Yoshino River. I had to stop several times to just take in the natural beauty of this area. The emerald green water against the white rock was just striking! The two… Continue reading Whitewater Rafting and Boat Tours