gate decoration of Matsuyama Castle

A kadomatsu (literally "gate pine") is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year placed in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest. They are considered temporary housing for kami and placed in front of this Castle, too.
Designs for kadomatsu are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.
The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the deity, who will then bring a bountiful harvest for farmers and bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone. Click here for a bigger photo.
Happy New Year!

Matsuyama Castle

This castle was originally built by Kato Yoshiaki in 1603. The current Castle Tower (tenshu) was built between 1820 and 1854. The castle survived the Meiji restoration, but parts of it were destroyed by bombing during World War II. Since 1966, the city of Matsuyama has been working to restore the castle.

Dōgo Onsen

Dōgo Onsen in Matsuyama is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history over 1,000 years. Main building of the bath was designated as important cultural properties of Japan.
It is known to be the favorite retreat of writer Natsume Soseki(1867–1916).
In Soseki's loosely autobiographical novel Btochan, the main character frequently visits the springs.

tangerine Christmas tree, from Matsuyama

belated, but i found a Christmas tree with tangerines in Matsuyama, southern Japan. Matsuyama produces a lot of tangerines.

Christmas tree, origami

It takes some time, but why not give it a shot?

products from white rabbit Japan

white rabbit Japan offers fun products as well as language learning kits.

Kanji of the Year 2013

the annual Kanji of the Year award, sponsored by the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society.
The results were announced on December 12 at Kiyomizu-dera temple (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Kyoto.
　 The winning kanji for the year, receiving a total of 9,518 votes, was 輪 (rin; wa). The character means “ring” and is used in the word for the Olympic Games, 五輪 (gorin)—literally, “five rings.”
This choice was made mainly because Tokyo was chosen to host the 2020 Summer Olympics. But other reasons were cited as well, including the hope that the “circle of support” for the recovery of areas impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami will expand.

Osaka Castle, 3D illuminated

What do you say to 3D projection mapping on the screen of the tower of Osaka Castle .
a show of “light” is available: 2013/12/14 - 2014/2/16
5:30pm - 10:30pm(Special day 11:00pm） *Last admission 10:00pm
Adult 1,600yen Child(4 years to elementary school) 950yen

Hyakusaiji, early winter

The temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in respect for and named after a kingdom in southwestern Korea 4-7 century. Korean peninsular back then was a source of civilization along with China.
the principal image of the temple is eleven headed deity.

Eigenji, early winter temple

at Eigenji　temple, it was a little late for autumn colored leaves.

haiku at zoo

6
While lions are dead asleep
a wolf is howling.
A high rise soars above them, shining.

at zoo on Sunday