Japanese Silver Grass

There is a field of Japanese silver grass in Sengokubara, Hakone. I visited there today. Hakone is located in the west end of Kanagawa prefecture and famous for hot spring resort. It took 30 minutes by bus from Hakoneyumoto station of Odakyu line. A few minutes walk take you to the field.
Japanese silver grass (“susuki” in Japanese) is a plant of poaceae and its scientific name is Miscanthus sinensis. They say the grass shines gold or silver when the sun rises. Today it was rather cloudy; I was a little disappointed.

Lycoris Again!

Lycoris is called “higanbana” in Japanese, because it blooms around fall higan. Higan is Buddhist ceremony cerebrated during fall equinoctial week. They say in the old days lycoris was used as food in the case of famine, since the bulb is starchy. That may be why Lycoris is usually seen around paths between rice fields.

Today I went to Hinata-yakushi, the countryside of Kanagawa prefecture. It took about 30 minutes by bus from Isehara station of Odakyu line. A lot of aged people came to see higanbana. Some farmers are just harvesting rice.

Yufuin

It is only once that I visited Kyushu, but a friend of mine sent me the photos of Yufuin. Yufuin is located in Oita prefecture and famous for mountains and hot springs. Different from the neighboring Beppu hot springs, it has a quiet and countryside atmosphere. These photos were taken when my friend climbed Mt. Yufudake. Mt. Yufudake is otherwise known as "Bungo Fuji." Bungo is the old name for Oita prefecture.

For more photos, access to my Website:
http://www.realjapan.org/photo/Yufuin/index.html

(Mt. Yufudake)

(Yufuin Station)

(Yufuin, Quiet Town Surrounded by Mountains)

Lycoris

It was the second time that I visited Kinchakuda. Kinchakuda means a rice field in the shape of drawstring bag, which was formed by the Koma river snaking through. It is now famous for lycoris in clusters. A scientific name is lycoris radiate. Flaming red flowers!

The nearest station is Koma, which was named for Goguryeo. In the old days, people who moved from Goguryeo had settled down.

I hear they started to make a charge for admission of 200 yen last year. They were very friendly.

Today's Sky

Today I had expected a blue sky just after typhoon, but quite cloudy. After I went to see how the rice fields were, I went to Enoshima. Enoshima is one of my favorite places.

Enoshima is a small island located in the south of Kanagawa prefecture and connected to the main land with a road bridge. As it was windy, there were a few visitors. I have relaxed, seeing seagulls flying in the sky.

(Sky over the Rice Field)

(Harbor Light at Enoshima)

(Flying Seagulls)

Do You Know Iwashiro Town?

Typhoons are in season now in Japan. There seem to be a lot of disasters caused by typhoons and torrential rains this year.

In recent years, more and more people have started to think about moving into the rural countryside, away from the city life. Some long for rural life because it’s richly endowed with nature. Some do so because there is milk of human kindness. Others do so because living expenses are low.
Some rural cities and towns try to absorb such people positively. It will result in the revitalization of regional community.
There also are some people who would like to support to work as a bridge. These photos were provided by such a person who is a friend of mine.

Iwashiro is a small town with a population of about 10,000, located at the center part of Fukushima prefecture and east of Mt. Adatara. People try to protect and develop nature and traditional Japanese culture.

For more photos for Iwashiro, access to my website:
http://www.realjapan.org/photo/Iwashiro/index.html

(Weeping Cherry Tree at Historic Battlefield)

(Mt. Fuji View from Mt. Hiyama)

(Annual Festival of Bannin Komori Jizoson (Guardian Deity of All Children)

Enjoying the Cool Evening Breeze in Yokohama

From the end of July to the end of August I was enjoying the cool evening breeze. Especially near the harbor it was cooler. I was practicing an energy-saving action during this summer. At the same time I was enjoying beautiful night views, which were somehow energy-consuming.
I have posted photos at Yokohama Harbor at my website. Please enjoy them.

My WebSite RealJapan:
http://www.realjapan.org/

Yokohama Night Stroll:
http://www.realjapan.org/photo/YokohamaNightStroll/index.html

Yokohama Mysteries:
http://www.realjapan.org/photo/YokohamaMysteries/index.html

(Yokohama Rhapsody)