Life with hubby

Shirahige Jinja

2012-02-13T03:35:00.003+09:00

We had been to hubby’s ancestral home in Ichinomiya city during the New Year holidays. On 3rd January, hubby and I visited Shirahige Jinja Shrine. Shirahige Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Ukawa town of Takashima in Shiga prefecture. It is said to be the oldest shrine in Omi province. It is the head shrine of the Shirahige Shrines around the country. It is located along the national highway road route 161. This shrine is famous for a large vermilion lacquered Torii gate that stands in Lake Biwa across from the shrine. According to the legend and traditional historical documents, Princess Yamatohime no Mikoto founded the shrine in 5 BC (25th year of the reign of Emperor Suinin). In 674, the shrine was given the name Hira Myojin Shrine by Imperial order of Emperor Tenmu. It is classified as a Kokushigenzaisha Shrine, which means that it is mentioned in Rikkokushi (the six National Historical books). Hira god is mentioned in an article heading of January 18, 865 (old calendar) of Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku (one of the Rikkokushi History book written in Heian period), where it is described that Hira god was given a divine rank of Jushiinoge (junior fourth rank, lower grade). However, the shrine is not listed in Engishiki Jinmyocho (a registered list of shrines).The shrine was repeatedly reconstructed over the centuries. The shrine we see today is the reconstruction carried out in 1603. At that time, the shrine Main Hall Honden, Wakamiya Jinja Shrine (sub-shrine), Ise Ryogu Shrine (the collective term for two main Ise Jingu shrines named Naiku and Geku), and the three shrines of Hachiman were built by carpenters from Harima province under Bugyo Katagiri Katsumoto by order of Toyotomi Hideyori in order to execute the dying instructions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The principal statue of worship at this shrine is Sarutahiko no Okami. The god is personified as an old man with white beard. The shrine derives its name from ‘white beard’ which means ‘Shirahige’ in Japanese. People pray here for long life and longevity. A Noh play named ‘Shirahige’ is a tale about this shrine.

Shirahige Jinja Shrine is located about 120 kilometers west of hubby’s ancestral home and it took us 2.5 hours to reach the shrine by car. On reaching the shrine we parked our car at the parking area inside the shrine premises, and then went to see the famous huge Torii Gate of the shrine that stands in Lake Biwa. The gate in the lake and the shrine buildings stand across national highway route 161, which is a very busy road. However there is no crosswalk to the lake, and I had a tough time in crossing the road to reach the lakeside. The vermilion lacquered Torii Gate is really magnificent, and it is one of the best known landmarks of the lake. A pharmacy dealer from Osaka revived and constructed the gate in 1937, and dedicated it to the shrine. The current gate was reconstructed in 1981. It is located at a distance of 58.2 meters from the national highway. It has a height of 12 meters from the water surface of the lake. Diameter of the pillars is 1 meter and the spacing between the pillars is 7.8 meters. We spent about 30 minutes enjoying the views of Lake Biwa and the Torii Gate.

Torii Gate standing in Lake Biwa

Torii Gate and Lake Biwa

Torii Gate and a plaque with ‘Shirahige Jinja’ written on it

Me and the Torii Gate

Afterwards we crossed the national highway road again and re-entered the shrine premises from another red Torii Gate located right in front of the Hall of Worship named Haiden. The Torii Gate has a plaque with the name of the shrine written on it. Beautiful rotund Shimenawa straw rope festooned with zigzag shaped Shide hung from the gate.

Another Torii Gate at the entrance of the shrine premises

Shimenawa straw rope and zigzag shaped Shide papers hanging from the Torii gate

Torii Gate and a plaque with the name of the shrine written on it

We moved around inside the shrine premises and enjoyed viewing a few buildings and their wonderful architecture. The main shrine building is the Main Hall named Honden. On receiving the dying instructions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this structure was erected using donations from his son Hideyori in 1603. The gabled and hipped roof of Honden Hall is made of cypress bark in Irimoya-zukuri style. The hall building has a distinctive architectural style of Momoyama period. In addition, a munafuda ridgepole tag with the seal of Katagiri Katsumoto dated 1603 still remains in the building. The hall building is 5.45 meters wide and 5.45 meters deep. Honden Hall has been designated as a national important cultural property in 1938. Another building named Haiden Hall of Worship was constructed in front of Honden Hall in 1879. At that time a continuous complex roof was built for Honden Hall and Haiden Hall. Haiden Hall is 6.36 meters wide and 3.64 meters deep. We loved viewing the architectural style of Honden Hall and Haiden Hall, and took a few photos of these halls from various angles.

Hubby standing in front of a map inside the shrine premises

Honden Hall as viewed from the southeast inside the shrine precincts

Beautiful architecture of the roof of Honden Hall

Haiden Hall as viewed from the south

Honden Hall (left) and Haiden Hall (right) as viewed from the west-northwest

Next, I stood in a long queue of worshippers in front of Haiden Hall. It was the third day of the New Year and many visitors had come to do Hatsumode prayers. After waiting in the queue for about 15 minutes, I reached the altar of Haiden Hall. I offered some coins into the offertory box, clapped my hands twice, and prayed for long life of hubby and well being of my family.

I am waiting in a queue of worshippers in front of Haiden Hall

Altar of Haiden Hall

I am ringing the bell that hangs from a rope at Haiden Hall

Adjacent to Haiden Hall we saw a beautiful structure named Temizuya. It is a water filled basin where worshippers wash their hands and mouth as a symbolic purification ritual before offering prayers at Haiden. The copper water basin was donated by a company named Kyoto Enreisha in 1881. The cypress roofed pavilion over the water basin was rebuilt in 1987. Temizuya looked so stately but we did not use it for washing our hands as we noticed it after offering our prayers at Haiden Hall.

Temizuya water basin

Next, we visited a sub-shrine named Wakamiya Jinja which is located to the west of Honden Hall. The foundation date of this small shrine is unknown. According to the records of Shirahige Jinja, this sub-shrine was reconstructed at the same time as Honden Hall by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1603. The current shrine was repaired in 2000. This shrine has been designated as the cultural property of Takashima in 1980. The deity enshrined inside is named Ota no Mikoto. It is considered to be another name or alias of Sarutahiko no Okami. However, some others consider him to be the descendant of Sarutahiko no Okami. I prayed at this shrine while hubby was busy taking pictures.

Wakamiya Jinja Shrine

I am ringing the bell hanging from a rope

On the hill behind Honden Hall, there are ten small shrines that are collectively called Ue no Miya. These small shrines are arranged in several rows with stairs leading up to them. There is a red Torii Gate at the bottom of the stairs from where we got a marvelous view of the shrines on the hill.

I am standing in front of a Torii Gate and stairs that leads up to the small shrines on the hill

After climbing up the stairs for some time, we reached the first row of small shrine buildings. There are three buildings in this row but actually there are five shrines. The building to the left is Hachimansanja no Aidono Shrine which was founded in 1540. This left building consists of three sub-shrines. Hachiman Jinja is located at the center of this building. Kora Jinja and Kamo Jinja are located on the left side and right side of this building, respectively. The adjacent middle building is Tensho Kotaijingu Shrine which is one of the Ise Ryogu Shrine. It is also known as Naiku and the deity worshipped is Amaterasu Omikami. This shrine was repaired in 2001. The building to the right is Toyouke Daijingu Shrine which is another one of the Ise Ryogu Shrine. It is also known as Geku and the deity worshipped is Toyoukehime no Mikoto. This shrine was repaired in 2002. Both the Ise Ryogu shrines are designated as the cultural properties of Takashima. All the shrines in this first row, that is Hachimansanja along with the two Ise Ryogu shrines, were built and dedicated by a feudal lord named Sasaki Yoshitaka. I offered some coins into the offertory boxes of all these shrines and prayed for the happiness and well being of my family.

First row of small shrine buildings

Hachimansanja no Aidono Shrine

Tensho Kotaijingu Shrine

Toyouke Daijingu Shrine

Next, we walked up a few more steps on the hill and reached the second row of small shrines consisting of four buildings. Tenman Jinja Shrine is the leftmost building in this row of small shrines. Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined in this shrine. This shrine was transferred and repaired in 1999. It was formerly located under the southern overhang of the roof of Hachimansanja. The adjacent building to Tenman Jinja, to the right, is a shrine named Namiyoke Inari Sha. The current shrine was repaired in 2005. The third building in this row is Juro Jinja Shrine. A deity named Jurojin is enshrined inside. This shrine was erected to commemorate one of the gods for the West Omi Shichifukujin (seven lucky gods) tour of 1988. The rightmost building in this row is a shrine named Naruko Benzaiten Sha. Benzaiten deity is enshrined inside this shrine. In 1926, this deity was initially installed in the office of Shirahige Jinja and then was moved to the chief priest’s residence. Later the followers from Osaka constructed this small shrine to enshrine the god. I offered some coins into the offertory boxes and prayed at all these shrines.

Hubby standing in front of two red Torii Gates along with the second row of small shrine buildings in the background

Tenman Jinja Shrine

Namiyoke Inari Sha Shrine

Juro Jinja Shrine

Naruko Benzaiten Sha Shrine

Next, we walked further up the steps and reached a small shrine named Iwato Sha. It is located at the topmost part of the precincts. Amano Iwato deity is enshrined in this shrine. Adjacent to Iwato Sha Shrine, to its right, we saw a big stone which is actually an ancient tomb. I prayed at the shrine as well as at the tomb.

I am walking up the hill towards Iwato Sha Shrine

Iwato Sha Shrine

A stone tomb adjacent to Iwato Sha Shrine

I am standing next to the stone tomb

After visiting all the small shrines on the hill behind Honden Hall, we left the shrine premises. We loved visiting Shirahige Jinja Shrine. It was already late evening and so we checked into a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. The next morning, we went to see boat racing in Lake Biwa about which I will write in the next post.

Gifu Castle

2012-01-27T07:03:00.000+09:00

As I wrote in the previous post hubby and I had been to his ancestral home in Ichinomiya city of Aichi prefecture during the New Year holidays. On 1st January we visited Inaba Shrine in Gifu city of Gifu prefecture. Afterwards we visited Gifu Castle, which is located just 15-minutes walk away from the shrine.

Gifu Castle is a mountaintop castle built atop Mount Kinka at 338 meters in Gifu city of Gifu prefecture. The castle is one of the main symbols of Gifu city. A fortress castle was first constructed at the same location by Nikaido Yukimasa of Nikaido clan sometime between 1201 and 1204. After that Saito clan, the head retainer for Toki clan, stayed at the castle. But Saito Dosan overthrew his superiors and claimed the castle in 1539. He renovated the castle and built the donjon. In 1567 Oda Nobunaga claimed the castle from Saito Tatsuoki, the grandson of Dosan, and subdued the entire area. Originally called Inabayama Castle, Nobunaga changed the name of the castle to Gifu Castle. He moved his base of operations from Kiyosu Castle to Gifu Castle and set it as the base of subjugation of the whole country for about 9 years until the construction of Azuchi Castle. In 1600 when the castle was occupied by Oda Hidenobu, the grandson of Nobunaga, the castle probably played its most important role. That year during the Battle of Gifu Castle, which served as a prelude to the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, the castle was invaded by the Eastern Forces loyal to Tokugawa Ieyasu because Hidenobu had joined the Western Forces. The castle was destroyed by the victorious forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The following year, the castle was demolished and several parts like the tower and turret were transferred to Kano Castle. The ruins of Gifu Castle were further damaged by a fire during 1943 bombing of WWII. The current castle was built with reinforced concrete in 1956 as a 3 storied structure with 4 floors inside. The castle was renovated in 1997.

During our car ride from home to Inaba Shrine, we could see Gifu Castle as a tiny spot atop Mount Kinka. After visiting Inaba Shrine, we walked up to the entrance of Gifu Park which is a public park located at the base of Mount Kinka. At the entrance of the park, we saw a huge bronze statue of Oda Nobunaga riding a horse. We walked inside the park for some time to take pictures and wandered around. We saw two staff of the park dressed as samurai and entertaining the visitors. After about 20 minutes of enjoying the views in the park, we next visited the castle atop the mountain.

Gifu Castle seen as a tiny spot atop Mount Kinka during our car ride

A bronze statue of Oda Nobunaga riding a horse at the entrance of Gifu Park

Hubby seeing the map of Gifu Park and surrounding area

Inside the park

The castle tower atop Mount Kinka as seen from the park

I am standing along with two staff of the park dressed as samurai

Mount Kinka offers several hiking trails to Gifu Castle but we took a cable car ride up to the mountaintop. Mount Kinka Ropeway originates in Gifu Park that connects the park to the top of Mount Kinka. We went to the ropeway base Sanroku station located inside the park and bought two round trip tickets worth 1050 Yen per person. At the station, we had to wait for about 40 minutes as there was a long queue of visitors in front of us. The cable car ride itself was very short and we reached the summit Sancho station in just 3 minutes. From Sancho station, Gifu Castle is just a short walk away.

Mount Kinka Ropeway as seen from the mountaintop Sancho station

Ropeway cable car

From Sancho ropeway station, we had to walk along a paved path up to the castle tower. Just after walking a few steps, we saw the first gate towards the castle tower named Tenka Daiichi-no-mon Gate. It is a huge wooden reconstructed gate and this type of gate architecture is known as Kabukimon. The original gate was built during renovations after Oda Nobunaga claimed the castle in 1567. After passing through this gate, we climbed up the stone stairs and walked along the paved path, and enjoyed the views along the path. After walking for a couple of minutes, we reached the remains of another gate named Ninomaru-mon Gate. This gate guarded the castle tower, and fierce battle took place at this gate during the Battle of Gifu Castle in 1600.

Hubby standing in front of Tenka Daiichi-no-mon Gate

Hubby climbing up the stone stairs

Hubby walking along the paved path

Hubby standing in front of Ninomaru-mon Gate

After passing through the remains of Ninomaru-mon Gate, we walked up the trail for a couple of minutes and reached a nice spot from where we got a wonderful view of the castle tower.

Castle tower as viewed from a nice spot on our walking trail

Me and the castle tower

Next, we walked further up the stone stairs of the trail, and reached another spot from where we saw the castle tower from a slightly different angle. This spot at the mountaintop is almost near the tower, and we could clearly see the top floor of the tower along with the beautifully decorated roof adorned with golden Shachihoko. This spot also offered us a breathtaking view of Gifu city below. Walking a few more steps, we reached adjacent to the castle tower and noted the impressive stone base of the tower.

Castle tower as viewed from another perfect spot on our walking trail

Top floor of the tower and roof adorned with golden Shachihoko

Breathtaking view of Gifu city

I am enjoying the views of Gifu city

Stone base of the castle tower

Finally, after about 30 minutes of leisurely walking from Sancho ropeway station, we reached the front of the castle tower at the mountaintop. The tower is a 17.7 meters tall reinforced concrete building with a floor area of 461.77 square meters. It is a 3 storied structure with 4 floors inside. There is a large rock formation in front of the tower. Hubby climbed up the rock and enjoyed the views of Gifu city. I took rest for some time near the rock formation. We took several photos of the castle tower.

Front view of the castle tower

Castle tower as viewed from atop the large rock formation in front of the tower

Hubby enjoying wonderful views from atop the large rock formation

Hubby atop the large rock formation along with the castle tower in the background

Hubby and the castle tower

The Castle Clock, a large-sized turret clock of the early Edo period is exhibited outside the entrance of the castle. The clock is also called daimyo-dokei or wa-dokei. It was made by Japanese clock makers based on the mechanism of the western style mechanical clock but features the animals of the Japanese zodiac.

The Castle Clock

At the entrance of the castle tower, we paid 200 Yen per person as admission fee to enter inside. There are four floors inside the tower. On the first three floors, there are displays of various exhibits like weapons, photographs, paintings, and other artifacts that represent the castle’s past. On the top floor, there is an observation deck.

A wonderful collection of various kinds of weapons are exhibited on the first floor of the castle. Bows and arrows, muskets, cannons, rifles, shuriken, swords, spears, and several other weapons are displayed. We took photos of a few of the exhibits.

Bows and arrows

Muskets and cannon

Cannon and cannonballs

Rifle and shuriken

Swords

I am standing in front of the display of spears

Various kinds of spears

Photos and paintings of the occupants of the castle and their families over the centuries are displayed on the second floor. We loved viewing the paintings of Oda Nobunaga and his wife Nohime. Nobunaga welcomed foreign traders and religious missionaries in to Japan. In fact, we saw a painting of Nobunaga sitting with Christian icons like Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus in the upper left portion of the painting and a Bible right behind him. Sometimes I feel that he was born about five centuries too early in the wrong era. He was truly a global man with futuristic views. His wife Nohime was the daughter of Saito Dosan and was also known by the names Kicho or Lady Noh. Next to the painting of Nohime, we saw a display of a striking red bridal robe called uchikake that is worn over a kimono. This uchikake was worn by an actress who played the role of Nohime in a 1992 NHK drama named ‘Nobunaga - King of Zipangu’. We also liked the paintings of Saito Dosan and his son Saito Yoshitatsu. Dosan was the feudal lord of Mino province during Sengoku period and was considered to be ruthless. Yoshitatsu was the eldest son of Dosan who rebelled against his father and defeated him in the Battle of Nagaragawa in 1556, and obtained control of the castle and the province.

A painting of Oda Nobunaga

I am standing in front of the painting

Another painting of Oda Nobunaga sitting along with Christian icons

This is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of the previous painting. Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus and other Christian icons are seen.

A painting of Nohime

I am standing next to the bridal robe uchikake

A panting of Saito Dosan

A painting of Saito Yoshitatsu

Statues, armors, and various other artifacts related to Oda Nobunaga are displayed on the third floor. This floor is named as Nobunaga Room. On reaching the third floor, we saw a big wonderful statue of Nobunaga on display. We also saw fabulous displays of many armor suits and helmets. We liked the display of various exhibits like telescopes, a globe, lenses, maps, and glasses from Edo period. Nobunaga is known for actively importing European culture. He secured not only muskets and gunpowder (displayed on the first floor) from Portuguese and Spanish traders but also telescopes, eyeglasses, wines, and many other articles. All these exhibits indicate Nobunaga’s ambition to open Japan to foreign trade and ventures.

A statue of Oda Nobunaga

The statue as viewed from a slightly different angle

Display of armor suits

An armor suit and helmet

Another armor suit and helmet

Display of helmets

Display of telescopes, a globe, a lens, and eyeglasses

Globe

Eyeglasses

The top floor of the tower is an observation deck. We enjoyed a 360 degrees fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding areas including the Nagaragawa River.

Fantastic view from the top floor observation deck of the tower

I am enjoying the views of Gifu city from the observation deck

After enjoying viewing various kinds of displays and exhibits inside the castle tower, we left the tower. While walking down towards Sancho ropeway station, we saw a well next to the paved path. This well is called the Honmaru Well or the Well of Gifu Castle. As Gifu Castle is a mountaintop castle, there was extreme difficulty in securing drinking water for the feudal era soldiers taking refuge from the enemy troops. There was not a single source of spring water around, and so to compensate 4 wells were dug into the masses of rocks. The Honmaru Well we saw was used for military purposes only.

Honmaru Well

After reaching Sancho ropeway station, we saw a Squirrel Village named Risu Mura adjacent to the ropeway station. We paid 200 Yen per person as admission fee to enter inside the village park. We saw various species of squirrels moving around inside Risu Mura. One of them looked like the three striped squirrels I have seen in India. We get a chance to feed the squirrels out of our hands if they are hungry enough. Hubby tried to feed one of the squirrels but could not succeed. I compiled a video of a squirrel running around on a horizontal piece of wooden log.

Entrance to Squirrel Village

Inside Risu Mura

A squirrel

Another squirrel

A striped squirrel

A visitor feeding a squirrel

Hubby holding out his hand and waiting patiently for the squirrels to come to him

A compiled video of a squirrel running around inside Risu Mura

There is a restaurant just up from Sancho ropeway station at the mountaintop. We had curry-rice, noodles, and coffee at the restaurant. Afterwards, we left the mountaintop by the cable car ropeway.

Hubby eating curry-rice

We loved visiting Gifu Castle and the Squirrel Village. On 3rd and 4th January hubby and I visited a few sightseeing places in Shiga prefecture about which I will write in the next three posts.

Zenkoji Temple and Inaba Shrine

2012-01-16T16:13:00.000+09:00

During the New Year holidays hubby and I had been to hubby’s ancestral home in Ichinomiya city of Aichi prefecture for about a week. We reached Ichinomiya on 30th December in the afternoon and had dinner with relatives. The next day hubby, father-in-law and his wife went to play golf. I stayed at home and watched television programs the entire day.

The next day was the first day of 2012. Japanese New Year called shogatsu is considered to be one of the most important annual festivals in Japan and is celebrated with many unique customs. There is a tradition during the New Year to visit a shrine or temple. This first trip to a shrine or temple is known as hatsumode. Hatsumode festivities are held at practically every shrine and temple across the country. People often visit a shrine after midnight on December 31 or sometime during the day on January 01. January 1st is considered to be an auspicious day, and so hubby and I decided to visit Zenkoji Temple and Inaba Shrine in Gifu city of Gifu prefecture. We borrowed father-in-law’s car and left hubby’s ancestral home at about 10 am. The shrine and the temple are located about 19 kilometers north of hubby’s home and it took us 50 minutes to reach there by car.

After parking our car at a car parking lot, we walked on a narrow street for about 10 minutes and reached Inaba Shrine. Zenkoji Temple is located within the shrine premises. We saw that a huge crowd had come to do hatsumode and there were many police officers to guide people. The shrine precincts had many food stalls for the special occasion and it was very lively. On entering the premises, we saw a small temple named Anrakuji where many visitors offered their prayers.

A huge crowd inside the shrine premises

Anrakuji Temple

After walking for a few more minutes inside the premises, we reached Zenkoji Temple. Zenkoji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Mino province which is the modern-day Gifu city. The temple is also known as Inaba Zenkoji as well as Gifu Zenkoji. Although it is not known when this temple was built, it is assumed to have been built in the late 16th century when Oda Nobunaga lived in nearby Gifu Castle. The principal image of worship is a statue of Zenkoji Nyorai. The main hall of the temple was burnt down during an earthquake in 1891, and was reconstructed in 1912. We walked up the stairs that led to the verandah of the main hall. On the verandah, we saw a glass structure that looked like a floor lantern with many lit candles inside. Next to it, there was a small stall selling various kinds of white candle charms. I bought a white candle worth 200 yen with ‘shintaikenzen’ (body health) written on it. I lit the candle, placed it inside the lantern, and prayed for good health and well being of my hubby. I hope he continues to have a body which is free of any sickness and disease. Next, I prayed at the altar of the main hall for the peace and well being of my family. Afterwards as we were walking down the stairs of the main hall, we saw a big crowd of people in the temple complex.

Zenkoji Temple and the crowd

Zenkoji Temple

Hubby standing in front of Zenkoji Temple

A floor lantern located on the verandah of the temple

I am holding a white candle with ‘shintaikenzen’ written on it

After lighting the candle, I am placing it inside the lantern

Altar of the temple main hall

Crowd of people as viewed from the verandah of the temple main hall

Next, we walked further up inside the shrine premises and visited Inaba Shrine. Inaba Shrine is a Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Kinka in Gifu city. This shrine is thought to have been established when Emperor Keiko dedicated the land of Tsubakihara (currently Maruyama in Gifu Park of Mount Kinka) in the year 85. The shrine has a history of more than 1925 years. Though the shrine was originally located in Maruyama, it was moved about one kilometer south to the present location by Saito Dosan in 1539. The god Inishiki-Irihiko-no-mikoto is enshrined and worshipped at this shrine. This god is popular as the general guardian deity of the birth place of Gifu. The shrine is also a very popular spot for hatsumode.

As we walked up towards Inaba Shrine, we saw a huge banner with hatsumode written on it. After walking for a few minutes, we saw a torii gate named Otorii. Walking past this gate, we came across another torii gate. There was a large crowd around us. Many police officers were employed to ensure a smooth and orderly flow of people. We had to wait for almost 30 minutes near the second torii gate. As we started moving again, to our right we saw a beautiful statue of a horse called Shinme-zou. Shinme horse is considered to be sacred and divine in Shinto religion.

A banner with hatsumode written on it

Otorii Gate

Another torii gate

A statue of Shinme horse

As we walked further up, we saw a sacred bridge named Shinkyo. This bridge is traditionally the gateway to the shrine. It is a very short stone bridge with a steep graceful arch. Visitors are not allowed to walk over the bridge. So we had to walk up the stairs located adjacent to the bridge. Afterwards we had to wait for 15 minutes for the crowd to move forward. While waiting, we turned around and took a few photos of the bridge and the crowd.

Shinkyo Bridge and torii gate along with a big crowd of people

Shinkyo Bridge

Another view of Shinkyo Bridge

Next, we saw a flight of stairs that led up to a beautiful huge wooden gate named Romon. There were many visitors waiting on the stairs. We took a few photos of this gate.

Romon Gate and the flight of stairs

Romon Gate

Romon Gate and the crowd of people

After passing through Romon Gate, we saw yet another flight of stairs that led to a second wooden gate named Shinmon. Here also, there were many visitors waiting on the stairs. We took a few photos of Shinmon Gate from outside as well as from inside after passing through it.

Shinmon Gate and the flight of stairs

Shinmon Gate as viewed from inside after passing through it

Next, we saw the main prayer hall named Haiden. It is a wooden building with intricately carved roof. Beautiful rotund Shimenawa straw rope hung at the entrance of Haiden Hall. Here again, we had to wait for almost 30 minutes as there was a big crowd in front of us waiting to offer prayers. Finally when we reached the altar of the prayer hall, I offered some coins into the offertory box, clapped my hands twice, and prayed. I prayed for the well being of my family as well as friends. But I could not pray properly as the people standing behind me pushed and shoved to reach the altar. So I moved slightly to the side of the hall and prayed again. Hubby compiled a video of me praying at the altar of Haiden Hall. While moving out of the hall, I noticed that the offertory boxes were full of coins.

Haiden prayer hall

Another view of the prayer hall

Shimenawa straw rope hanging at the entrance of Haiden Hall

People praying at the altar of Haiden hall

Offertory boxes full of coins

A compiled video of me praying at the altar of Haiden Hall

Afterwards we went to a shop located near Haiden prayer hall, and bought a pair of omamori amulets called fuufu-omamori which is supposed to bring good fortune and happiness for husband and wife. We also bought a pair of cute dragon dolls called Kaiun-shofuku which his supposed to beckon better luck. Dragon is this year’s zodiac animal.

Shop selling omamori amulets

Fuufu-omamori amulets

A pair of dragon dolls

After staying near Haiden prayer hall for about 15 minutes, we walked down the stairs and left the shrine precincts. While walking back towards the car parking area, we saw a seemingly endless crowd of people coming to do hatsumode.

Crowd of people we saw while leaving the shrine premises

It felt nice to begin the year by visiting Inaba Shrine. Later in the day we visited Gifu Castle located nearby about which I will write in the next post.

Blume Messe Akita

2011-12-24T03:41:00.000+09:00

Hubby and I visited Blume Messe Akita on November 26th. Blume Messe Akita is a roadside station located in Showa district of Katagami city in Akita prefecture. Here various kinds of fresh and durable flowers, plants, fruits, and vegetables produced directly at the farms of Showa district are available. The roadside station also has local specialty products, a restaurant, a greenhouse, a lawn field, and a golf field. It is a nice place to enjoy with friends and families.

Blume Messe Akita is located about 65 kilometers north of our home and it took us one hour to reach there by our car. We reached the car parking facility of the road station at about 10.30 am. The parking area is located in a lawn flower bed plaza named Shibafu Kadan Hiroba. It is a vast lawn that encompasses a total area of 20000 square meters. Here seasonal flowers are grown throughout the year in flower beds having an area of 3000 square meters. The beauty of tulips in spring, sunflower and tropical sage in summer, and cosmos in autumn are enjoyed by the visitors. Right in front of the car parking area, we saw a beautiful heart-shaped seasonal flower bed made out of 2000 potted ornamental cabbage (kale) in purple-pink color. The Japanese character ‘Kizuna’ was created using white colored ornamental cabbage in this flower bed. Kizuna means bond between people, which incidentally has been selected as the kanji character of the year 2011. We were really impressed by the beautiful display. There were a few other big flower beds in the lawn but we skipped seeing them.

Hubby standing next to a map of Blume Messe Akita

Blume Messe Akita

I am standing in front of the heart-shaped flower bed made out of ornamental cabbage

First we visited a greenhouse named Kansho Onshitsu. The interior of the greenhouse is divided into three sections, each having a different theme. The theme of greenhouse A is the proposal of a green living space. We enjoyed viewing various kinds of flowers and plants in containers and hangings that are made using familiar materials. Also in this section, Santa Claus and his friends are arranged beautifully on a large decorated stage for an ongoing winter event. These displayed objects seemed to welcome the visitors. In addition, there is a corner for cactus plants and Tillandsia (air plants). Hubby enjoyed viewing various kinds of cacti.

I am sitting on a wooden bench in front of flowering plants in containers

I am sitting on a wooden bench in front of a beautifully decorated large stage with many objects

Cacti

More cacti

Hubby along with cactus plants and Tillandsia

The theme of greenhouse B is enjoying the flowers of Akita. In this section, the flowers produced in Akita prefecture are scattered amongst the conifers. Several kinds of seasonal flowers and herbs also adorn this place. We saw blooming Cyclamen plants everywhere around us. In addition, presently a Poinsettia Tower is exhibited for an ongoing winter event. Poinsettia Tower is a giant red tree that is made from Poinsettia plants produced locally in Showa district. About 2800 plants are used which are critically arranged to make a 4 meter tall red tree. The top of the tree is decorated with a cute Santa Claus, his friends, and reindeer. We were very impressed by the giant tree and were already in a Christmas mood although it was just the end of November. The atmosphere in this section was so peaceful and serene. We took some rest here and refreshed ourselves.

Conifers and the flowers of Akita prefecture

I am standing in front of the conifers and the flowers of Akita prefecture

Hubby enjoying the conifers and various colors of Cyclamen flowers

I am standing in front of Poinsettia Tower

I am sitting on a wooden bench in front of the giant red tree

Top of the tree is decorated with Santa Claus and his friends

Hubby walking inside greenhouse B

The theme of greenhouse C is warm green surroundings. This section has a tropical mood where we can enjoy seeing many tropical plants and trees all year round. We saw white bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia), Paphiopedilum, potted mikan plants, banana plants, ferns, and many other varieties of tropical plants. It was really fun to walk around and enjoy various kinds of plants and flowers in this section. Some of the plants and flowers reminded me of India.

I am standing next to white bird of paradise plants

Hubby and the white bird of paradise plants

Hubby pointing a Paphiopedilum flower

I am walking inside greenhouse C

Tropical setting of greenhouse C

Hubby standing next to potted mikan plants

Hubby walking inside greenhouse C

Me, the white bird of paradise plants, and banana plants

Banana saplings and ferns

After enjoying the greenhouse, we next visited Agriplaza Showa. It is a shopping space having a variety of items like durable fresh flowers of Showa district, locally produced vegetables, specialty products of Katagami city, and souvenirs of Akita prefecture. The coming season’s green seedlings and plant saplings are also sold here. Funny and curious items collected from roadside stations of other prefectures, which are hard to come by in Akita prefecture, are also available here. At the front entrance gate of the shop, we saw a striking display of a variety of potted flowering plants with colorful blooms. Inside the shop there was a huge corner selling seasonal potted blooming Cyclamen plants. We bought two potted flowering plants, mochi rice, and locally produced vegetables and fruits from this shop. We also had pear flavored softcream which was refreshing. Near the entrance gate outside the shop, we bought grilled squid from a stall and had it. It was delicious.

Potted ornamental cabbage displayed at the front entrance of Agriplaza Showa shop

I am standing next to various kinds of potted flowering plants at the front entrance of the shop

I am standing next to potted Poinsettia plants at the front entrance of the shop

A corner selling potted blooming Cyclamen plants inside the shop

I am holding a blooming Cyclamen plant

We bought two potted flowering plants, mochi rice, and locally produced vegetables and fruits

Fresh spinach, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, long onion, and pears

Hubby having softcream

Hubby eating grilled squid

We left Blume Messe Akita at about 1 pm. Later we went to Akita city where hubby practiced his batting skills at a baseball batting center named Tennoh Batting Dome. He batted for three games, with each game having 20 pitches. I compiled a video of him practicing in the second game.

A compiled video of hubby practicing batting at a baseball batting center

It was a nice day out with hubby.

Oyasukyo Gorge

2011-12-10T03:09:00.009+09:00

On 5th November, hubby and I visited Oyasukyo Gorge located at the entrance of Kurikoma Quasi National Park in Yuzawa city of Akita prefecture. Oyasukyo Gorge has 60 meters high V-shaped cliffs that continue for about 4 kilometers. The gorge was formed as a result of erosion caused by the rapid currents of Minase River. The river flows through the bottom of the gorge and continues flowing along the base of Mount Kurikoma. The area is very scenic and well known spot for enjoying beautiful fresh green leaves during spring and colored leaves during autumn. There are many hot springs located in this mountainous area. Legend has it that the therapeutic quality of the hot spring water has cured many people and even animals since ancient times.

Oyasukyo Gorge is located about 90 kilometers southeast of our home and it took us 2.5 hours to reach there by our car. We reached the spot at 10.30 am and parked our car at a parking area. Near the parking area, we saw a foot hot spring called ashiyu where many visitors relaxed by plunging their feet in to the hot water. We skipped visiting this interesting foot hot spring.

I am standing at the car parking area

A sign with foot hot spring ‘ashiyu’ written on it

Visitors relaxing their feet in the hot water

We walked up to the entrance of Oyasukyo Gorge which is located near the car parking area. Then we had to walk down about 250 stairs to get to the walking path along Minase River. The views around us were really superb.

I am standing at the entrance of Oyasukyo Gorge

I am walking down the stairs

I am standing on the stairs and taking rest while descending into the gorge

Many more stairs to walk down

After about 15 minutes of descending down the stairs, we reached the walking path along the riverside. After walking along this path for a few minutes, we saw an interesting spot where hot water was bubbling out and steam was coming out from the cracks in the rocks near the riverside. The views around us were breathtaking and so scenic. We took a few photos of the wonderful views and compiled a video of the boiling water and steam coming out from the rocks.

Wonderful view to our left while facing Minase River

View right in front of us

View to our right along with the walking path

A compiled video of water bubbling out and steam coming out from the rocks

As we walked further on the walking path along the riverside, we saw a huge red bridge named Kawarayu over the gorge right above us. To our right, we noticed that hot water was steadily flowing out from many cracks in the cliff. I touched the flowing water and it was almost scalding hot. To our left, the emerald green river offered a beautiful view.

Kawarayu Bridge right above us

Water flowing out from the cracks in the cliff was really hot

Emerald green Minase River

After leisurely walking along the riverside pathway for about 25 minutes, we reached the best scenic spot named Daifunto and enjoyed the dynamic scenery up close. This spot is known as the symbol of Oyasukyo Gorge. At this spot, about ten tons of water as hot as 98 degrees Celsius gushes out fiercely from the cracks in the cliff and forms a horizontal geyser. In addition abundant amount of hot air and steam spews out violently. As we walked along the pathway, we were surrounded by hot and humid steam. There was a strong smell of sulfur everywhere around us. Such a dynamic sight made us feel as if the ground and cliffs were breathing. It was a remarkable experience. We took a few photos of the spot and compiled a video of the water spurting out from the horizontal geyser.

Steam near Daifunto spot

I am standing on the walking pathway

Hot water and steam gushing out fiercely from a crack in the cliff

It was very hot and humid and smelled strongly of sulfur

I am standing on the pathway with Daifunto spot in the background

Daifunto along with Kawarayu Bridge

A compiled video of the horizontal geyser at Daifunto

After walking further along the pathway for another 10 minutes, we noticed that Minase River became considerably narrower and many large rocks were scattered along the river course. After walking for a couple of more minutes, we saw that the stream of the river was hardly noticeable and only rocks could be seen.

Hubby walking along the pathway

River became narrow and many rocks could be seen along the river course

Stream of the river is hardly noticeable and only rocks are seen

At this point the walking pathway along the riverside ended, and we had to start climbing up the stairs leading us back to the car parking area. As we started climbing up the stairs, we reached another beautiful spot from where we got a fantastic view of the gorge lined on both sides by cliffs along with the river and rocks at the base. In addition, there were two waterfalls tumbling off one of the cliffs. The scene was so prefect and superb.

Gorge lined on both sides by cliffs along with the river and rocks at the base

Two waterfalls tumbling off a cliff

Hubby and the gorge

Me and the waterfalls

We, the gorge, and the waterfalls

We had to climb up almost 300 stairs to reach the car parking area. About halfway up the stairs, to our left we got a beautiful view of the cliffs, the river, and Kawarayu Bridge. To our right, we saw that the cliffs were rather steep as compared to our left side. In addition, we could enjoy autumn colored foliage although the colors had already peaked.

Beautiful scenery to our left as viewed from halfway up the stairs

Scenery to our right as viewed from halfway up the stairs

Autumn colors

Vivid autumn colors

A view from the top of the stairs

It took us almost 45 minutes to climb up the stairs. By the time we reached the top of the stairs, I was totally exhausted. So we took rest for some time. Afterwards we walked up to Kawarayu Bridge and leisurely walked across the bridge. From the midpoint of the bridge, we could look at the entire gorge, the river, and even the walking pathway along the riverside. We enjoyed the autumn colors also.

Hubby standing next to Kawarayu Bridge

Gorge and the river as viewed while looking to our left from the midpoint of the bridge

Hubby standing on the bridge

Me and the gorge

Gorge and the river as viewed while looking to our right from the midpoint of the bridge

The river as viewed while looking to our right from the bridge

Walking pathway along the riverside

Next we had lunch at a nearby restaurant. I had a bowl of rice cooked with various kinds of mountain vegetables. Hubby had a bowl of Inaniwa udon, a specialty of Yuzawa city. Afterwards we went to a souvenir shop located near the restaurant and bought a pair of cute ceramic owl couple as souvenir.

Our lunch

Hubby having Inaniwa udon

A pair of cute owl couple

We left the gorge area at 2 pm and returned back home at about 5 pm. It was really fun to visit Oyasukyo Gorge.

Autumn colors

2011-11-19T04:48:00.000+09:00

On 22nd October, hubby and I went to autumn leaves festival (momiji matsuri) at Hottai-no-taki. Hottai-no-taki is a waterfall in the southern part of Yurihonjo city in Akita prefecture. This waterfall is one of the most popular spots for autumn leaf viewing in Akita. Hottai Waterfall is about 60 kilometers away from our home, and more than half of the way is curvaceous mountainous road. It took us about two hours to reach there by our car as hubby had to drive very slowly. At the beginning of the curvaceous road near the base of the mountainous area, we noted that the forests were still rather green in color. There were colored leaves here and there but not that significantly striking to our eyes. But as we neared the waterfall located at a higher altitude, we started seeing a fabulous display of autumn colored leaves.

We reached Hottai Waterfall at about 10.30 am. Near the car parking area we saw a colorful banner with ‘momiji matsuri’ written on it. We expected a huge crowd at the festival site but there were only a few people around probably because it was a very cold and cloudy day. The view around us was wonderful and the waterfall looked fabulous. From the parking lot, we walked across a large grassy area and reached near the waterfall. The serenity of the waterfall along with the sound of falling water was very relaxing and peaceful. At the waterfall and the surrounding area, we saw a fabulous display of autumn colored leaves of red, orange, and yellow mixed with green. The view was amazing and I found myself transfixed by the majestic beauty of autumn colors. We stayed near the waterfall and enjoyed the beautiful stunning view for about half an hour. We took several photos of the waterfall and the surrounding area.

‘Hottai Waterfall’ written on a monument sign located at the car parking area

The waterfall and the surrounding area as viewed from the car parking area

I am standing next to ‘momiji matsuri’ banner

The waterfall as viewed while walking along the grassy area

The waterfall and surrounding area

A mountain range near the waterfall

Hubby standing in front of the waterfall

Close-up view of the waterfall

I am standing in front of the waterfall

Hubby standing in front of the colored leaves near the waterfall

Me and the colored leaves

After viewing the autumn colored leaves, we had lunch at a restaurant located near the waterfall. We had noodles, a winter dish named oden, and a delicious grilled river fish named Iwana.

Oden

Grilled Iwana fish

While driving back home, we took a different route down the mountain. We enjoyed a spectacular view of forest trees covered with autumn colored leaves during our drive throughout this mountainous road. The fiery display of vibrant autumn colors on both sides of the road was really grand and splendid.

Vibrant autumn colors along the mountainous road

During our car ride down the mountain, we stopped at an observation platform along the road. From this platform we got a beautiful and amazing view of autumn colors. The effect of color gradation was magnificent, which took our breath away.

Stunning panoramic view from the observation platform

Enlarged view of the left side of the panoramic photo

Enlarged view of the middle portion of the panoramic photo

Enlarged view of the right side of the panoramic photo

When we reached the base of the mountainous area, we saw a bridge with an observation platform. We stopped our car and climbed a few steps that led to the platform. The platform protruded out from the bridge and it was a bit scary to look down. But the views around us were superb. The autumn colors had not yet peaked at this lower altitude. We saw colored leaves here and there along with a lot of fresh green color in the mountainous forest.

Forest and a bridge at the base of the mountainous area

Forest with autumn leaves that are not yet colored to its fiery best

After driving down the mountainous road, we had to drive for another hour to reach home. On our way we saw several horses grazing in a farm field. Hubby was very happy to see horses grazing so peacefully.

Horses grazing in a field

More horses

Hubby enjoying watching the horses

We loved the colored foliage and enjoyed every moment we spent viewing the autumn colors.

Omagari Fireworks Festival

2011-11-04T15:28:00.073+09:00

On 27th August, hubby and I went to see Omagari Fireworks Festival in Daisen city of Akita prefecture. It is one of the major fireworks festivals in Japan that has been held since 1910. It is an annual national fireworks competition held on the dry bed of Omonogawa River, where selected fireworks artists from all over Japan compete to show off their techniques. The competition is divided into three categories, which are daytime fireworks hiru-hanabi, 10-gou warimono (30 centimeters round shell fireworks), and creative fireworks sozo-hanabi. Sozo-hanabi was introduced in 1964. This year was the 85th edition of Omagari Fireworks Festival, and about 17000 fireworks were displayed. The festival attracted about 700000 spectators from entire Japan to Daisen city. For those who are interested, the details about Japanese fireworks, shapes, and sizes can be found at this homepage (please click here).

We started from our home at about 10 am and took two foldable picnic chairs and a picnic sheet with us. It took us about 1.5 hours of car ride to reach Daisen city. Hubby had to park our car at a parking area that was very far from the fireworks display venue. So we had to walk for almost an hour to reach the venue. On reaching the festival site, we searched for an open area for seating and were lucky to get a nice place to sit within ten minutes of our search. After getting a seating area, we realized that it was just 1 pm and still many hours remained for the fireworks display to begin. It was a sunny and hot day, and impossible for us to sit under direct sunlight for another 4.5 hours. So we left the fireworks venue and went to a nearby place where there were many trees with shades. We spread a picnic sheet and sat under one of the trees. Hubby bought yakisoba, yakitori, kakigori, and cold drinks from a nearby food stall. We had a picnic and enjoyed eating and drinking while relaxing in the shade of the tree. We spent about four hours in the tree shade.

Hubby relaxing

Hubby relaxing in the shade of a tree

The trees were huge

The display of daytime fireworks hiru-hanabi started at 5 pm but we skipped seeing it as we were not much interested. At about 5.45 pm, we walked back to the fireworks venue and sat at the seats that we had reserved earlier in the day. There were so many people around us and all were busy eating and drinking with friends and relatives.

Many people around us at the fireworks display venue

I am relaxing at the seating area we reserved at the fireworks venue

At 6.50 pm the nighttime fireworks display started with an ‘opening event’. Hubby took a few photos and I compiled a video of this fabulous fireworks display.

Various fireworks patterns of the ‘opening event’ of the fireworks display

A compiled video of the ‘opening event’ of the fireworks display

Next, the national creative fireworks competition sozo-hanabi started. This year twenty seven fireworks artists and manufacturers from all over Japan competed and showed off their techniques. There were spectacular displays of fireworks that used latest and highly advanced fireworks technology and very intricate techniques to form various kinds of colorful shapes and patterns in the night sky. Hubby took many photos of the fireworks patterns and I compiled three videos of some of the creative fireworks displayed.

Hubby enjoying one of the creative fireworks display

Various fireworks patterns of the creative fireworks competition

More patterns of the creative fireworks competition

Several more patterns of the creative fireworks competition

Yet more patterns of the creative fireworks competition

A compiled video of a few of the creative fireworks displays

Another compiled video of a few more of the creative fireworks displays

Yet another compiled video of a few more of the creative fireworks displays

In between the creative fireworks competition, there were a few grand displays called ‘special event’. These fireworks displays were not included in the competition but were wonderful and choreographed to exciting popular music. The fireworks rose into the sky one after another and then exploded into spectacular colorful patterns. Hubby took a few photos of the fireworks patterns and I compiled a video of one of the ‘special events’ of the fireworks display.

Various fireworks patterns of one of the ‘special events’ of the fireworks display

Several more patterns of the ‘special event’ of the fireworks display

A compiled video of the ‘special event’ of the fireworks display

In addition, there was a fireworks display called the ‘main event’ where different fireworks artists and manufacturers collaborated to give an exquisite display of colors, lights, patterns, and sound. The theme of the six-minute event was ‘Oshu shoko - yukyunaru ougon no inori’ which means ‘a new dawn for Oshu - eternal golden prayer’. This theme of the ‘main event’ was to remember and pray for those lost in the March 11 earthquake disasters and expressing hope for a recovery of the disaster struck areas. We were overwhelmed by the masterpieces and passion of the fireworks craftsmen that were on grand display. Hubby took many photos of the fireworks patterns and I compiled a video of this fireworks display.

Various fireworks patterns of the ‘main event’ of the fireworks display

More patterns of the ‘main event’ of the fireworks display

Still more patterns of the ‘main event’ of the fireworks display

Hubby overwhelmed by the ‘main event’ of the fireworks display

A compiled video of the ‘main event’ of the fireworks display

The display of creative fireworks by various fireworks manufacturers continued after the ‘main event’. At about 9.30 pm, there was a ‘final event’ where a fantastic display of mostly round shell fireworks was carried out. We left the fireworks venue before the display of the ‘final event’ began but saw it while walking back towards the car-parking area. Hubby took a few photos of the fireworks patterns.

Various fireworks patterns of the ‘final event’ of the fireworks display

It took us about one hour to walk back to the car-parking where we had parked our car. It was about 0.15 am of the next day when we reached back our home. We loved Omagari Fireworks Festival and the grand display of color, sound, and light.

Relatives

2011-10-17T04:02:00.056+09:00

From 12th to 16th August, hubby and I had been to his ancestral home in Ichinomiya city for Obon festival. Obon is an annual Buddhist event to commemorate our ancestors. It is believed that each year during Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to this world in order to visit their relatives. Traditionally, lanterns are hung in front of houses to welcome the spirits of ancestors, graves are visited, and food offerings are made at family altars. At the end of Obon, floating lanterns are put into rivers, lakes, and seas so that the spirits can return back into their world. The customs followed vary considerably from region to region. Obon is celebrated from 13th to 15th August every year.

On the afternoon of 12th August, we left Akita by flight and reached hubby’s ancestral home in Ichinomiya city at about 9 pm. We soon retired to bed as we were a bit tired due to the travel. The next morning my hubby, father-in-law, and his wife got up at about 4.45 am, got ready, and left home at 5.30 am to go for playing golf. I preferred to stay at home and relax as I am not much interested in golf. They went to play golf at Springfield Golf Club in Tajimi city of Gifu prefecture. Tajimi was the hottest city in Japan that day but my relatives enjoyed playing golf as they really love the game. Hubby took a few photos and videos of his relatives hitting tee shots. So hubby is not seen in the photos and the compiled video of the game that are uploaded here.

Father-in-law hitting tee shots

Father-in-law’s wife hitting tee shots

Hubby’s uncle hitting tee shots

A compiled video of my relatives playing golf at Springfield Golf Club in Tajimi city

As I wrote in an earlier post, on the morning of 14th August hubby and I visited Kiyosu Castle. The same day in the afternoon we visited my mother-in-law’s grave and offered our prayers. Hubby cleaned the gravestone with water, offered flowers, and lit some candles and incense sticks. We also visited the home of my father-in-law’s eldest brother who lives nearby hubby’s ancestral home. In fact, it is the main ancestral home of ‘Nagata family’. They have an amazingly exotic family altar. We offered some food items at the altar, lit incense sticks, read some sutras, and prayed to welcome the souls of our ancestors. In the evening we went to see Nobi Fireworks Festival about which I have written in the previous post. 14th August was a really busy day for us.

Hubby cleaning his mother’s grave with water

Hubby standing in front of his mother’s grave

Family altar at the home of the eldest uncle of hubby

Food offerings at the altar

On 15th August, hubby, father-in-law, and his wife again went to play golf at Springfield Golf Club in Tajimi city and returned back at about 2 pm. I spent the entire morning lazing around. I read a few pages of a novel and watched television. At about 3 pm hubby’s sister and her family, who live nearby, visited us. It was a very hot and humid day, and the daughters of my sister-in-law wished to play in a pool. So father-in-law and hubby set up an inflatable pool at the front yard of the house. It took about 15 minutes to inflate and almost an hour to fill with water. Father-in-law, hubby, and his nieces had lots of fun playing with water inside the pool.

Father-in-law and daughters of my sister-in-law having fun inside inflatable pool

Hubby holding a parasol sunshade

Hubby too joined the fun

Nieces playing with their uncle

My beautiful sister-in-law

At about 6 pm, we along with my sister-in-law’s family went for dinner at a local Chinese restaurant named Koufukuen. We ordered various kinds of Chinese dishes. The food was really delicious. It was nice to chat with relatives and play with the daughters of my sister-in-law. We had a nice evening and enjoyed having a tasty dinner.

Chinese restaurant Koufukuen

Kids enjoying dinner with grandparents

We all having dinner

Dinner and chatting

Hubby having dinner

We returned back to Akita on 16th August. Every year hubby and I visit his ancestral home during Obon festival. It gives us a sense of fulfillment in carrying out our traditional family duties.