Meiji Jingu - Iris Garden

Meiji Jingu Iris Garden is in full bloom.  The irises in this garden were planted by the order of Emperor Meiji for Empress Shōken in 1893.   There are about 1500 iris plants of 150 different kinds of irises and the blossoms are counted every day by the staff.

Beauty of the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

The cherry blossom holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture and has been celebrated for many centuries.  The Japanese celebrate this time of year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.  Hanami can just be a walk in the park but traditionally it involves a picnic party under the blossoming trees.

The cherry blossoms are everywhere, in the parks, sidewalks, between high-rise buildings, next to shrines, in hotel foyers, florists and also celebrated in the Japanese food.  Almost like a "pink cloud" of petals have settled over Tokyo.

A visit to Kawagoe

Kawagoe is a city in the Saitama Prefecture and is about a half hour train ride from Tokyo.  A town of history and culture with old storehouse merchant houses, great flea market and Temples.

First we took a walk through Kitain Temple which is a 15 minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station.   

     

Located in a small separate courtyard on the temple grounds you can also find the Gohyaku Rakan statues, 540 stone statues and each with its own facial expression.

Next stop was the very well known Kawagoe Fleamarket in the grounds of the Narita-san          Betsu-in Shrine - lots of colour!!!!

A few pictures around the Narita-san Betsu-in Shrine    

    Lunch - Yaki Onigiri (grilled rice ball) - oishi (delicious)

Traditional Embroidered Temari balls - form of folk art that originated from China and were introduced to Japan in the 7th century.  Parents and grandparents traditionally gave then to their children on New Year's day as a special gift. 

 

Kawagoe's Warehouse District, Fireproof storehouses built around 1720 - Kurazukuri Street

To complete our wonderful day we came across a traditionally dressed wedding couple walking around Asakusa and riding a rickshaw.

Hakuba - Winter Wonderland

We loved our very first experience in really deep snow!!!  Being South African and living most of our life in the Southern Hemisphere explains our wonder.  God's beauty was everywhere and the world looked so pure and peaceful.  The snow seems to find the child, the mischievousness in you and it all fills you with wonder and a playfulness.   We stayed at the Sierra Resort Hotel which is set in its own secluded forest and made the experience even more extraordinary.                                             

The Hakuba valley is set deep within the Japanese Alps inside the Nagano Prefecture and considered Japan's premier alpine resort destination, perfect for enjoying a thrilling winter holiday.

Then at nightfall.....

On the slopes and the beauty continues!!!!