七夕祭 (Tanabata matsuri) in 平塚 (Hiratsuka, Japan) on 08 July 2012

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2012-07-08_jp-hiratsuka_tanabata.htm

[EN] Festival on 08 July 2012 ・ [FR] Festival le 08 juillet 2012 ・ PHOTOS ・ SUGGESTIONS

[EN] 08 July 2012: 七夕祭 (Tanabata festival) in 平塚 (Hiratsuka, Japan)

I discovered 平塚 (Hiratsuka, Japan) on 08 July 2012, third/last day of its 62^nd 七夕祭 (Tanabata festival) honouring two heavenly lovers, then relaxed at a nearby beach.

Joyful Japanese people crowded streets vividly decorated from the station to a distant plaza, buying food, drinks, toys and souvenirs to friendly shopkeepers. Some children, young ladies and even dogs wore 浴衣 (yukata, summer kimono)! At the plaza, skilled groups including children with funky hairstyles performed modern dances, cheerleading or traditional dances under giant flags. In a peripheral alley, a professional DJ in kimono gave a cyberpunk touch to the event :)

This great cut from my heavy workdays motivates me to return or attend 仙台 (Sendai)'s even more famous celebration in 2013.

⟹ LEARN MORE (20 PHOTOS, 2 SUGGESTIONS)...


[FR] 08 juillet 2012: 七夕祭 (festival Tanabata) à 平塚 (Hiratsuka, Japon)

J'ai découvert 平塚 (Hiratsuka, Japon) le 08 juillet 2012, troisième/dernier jour de son 62^ème 七夕祭 (festival Tanabata) honorant deux amoureux célestes, puis me suis détendu à une plage proche.

Des japonais heureux emplissaient les rues décorées de couleurs vives de la gare à une place distante, achetant nourriture, boissons, jouets et souvenirs à d'amicaux commerçants. Des enfants, de jeunes femmes et même des chiens portaient des 浴衣 (yukata, kimono d'été) ! A la place, des groupes doués incluant des enfants aux coiffures funky exécutèrent des danses modernes, spectacles de pom-pom girls ou danses traditionnelles sous des drapeaux géants. Dans une allée périphérique, une DJ professionnelle en kimono apportait sa touche cyberpunk :)

Cette remarquable coupure d'un quotidien lourd en travail me motive à revenir ou à assister au festival encore plus réputé de 仙台 (Sendai) en 2013.

⟹ EN SAVOIR PLUS (20 PHOTOS, 2 SUGGESTIONS)...

Annular solar eclipse in 東京 (Tokyo, Japan) on 21 May 2012

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2012-05-21_jp-tokyo_eclipse.htm

[EN] Eclipse today ・ [FR] Eclipse aujourd'hui

[EN] Annular solar eclipse in 東京 (Tokyo, Japan) on 21 May 2012

Despite clouds over 東京 (Tokyo, Japan), I saw the most beautiful scene in my life around 07:30 today: an annular solar eclipse. The sky darkened, the temperature dropped, the dogs went silent... The moon only let a thin sunny ring illuminate the sky and earth. I was deeply moved!


[FR] Eclipse solaire annulaire à 東京 (Tokyo, Japon) le 21 mai 2012

Malgré des nuages sur 東京 (Tokyo, Japon), j'ai vu la plus belle scène de ma vie vers 07:30 aujourd'hui: une éclipse solaire annulaire. Le ciel s'est assombri, la température a chuté, les chiens se sont tus... La lune n'a laissé qu'un fin anneau de soleil illuminer le ciel et la terre, ce qui m'a profondément ému !

Trip to 청주 (Cheongju, South Korea) on 11 July 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-07-11_kr-cheongju_unbo-house.htm

I discovered 청주 (Cheongju, South Korea) on 11 July 2009 thanks to my local colleague 남규 (Namkyoo), who wished to show me the house of 김 기창 (KIM Ki-Chang) aka 운보 (Unbo), a Korean painter notably known for drawing 세종대왕 (Sejong the Great) on ₩10.000 banknotes. A grey sky accompanied heat and humidity, a usual mark of the rainy season in South Korea.

After eating my best sushis in the country so far, 남규 (Namkyoo) drove me, his wife and daughter to 운보의 집 (Unbo's house). I appreciated the garden, compact but not overloaded, designed with talent and well maintained. I contemplated landscapes weaving nature with man-made artefacts and lotuses floating over miniature ponds carved in rock statues. I was surprised by the presence of numerous bonsais, which I solely associated to Japan, before admiring the artist's paintings at the gallery, enjoying his simple but deep colorful style. A few minutes away, we stopped the car near a long wall painted with scenes of the four seasons then again to face impressive sculptures made of junk, including an easily-recognizable version of the manga robot マジンガーＺ (Mazinger Z). Finally, we visited 청주 고인쇄박물관 (Cheongju early printing museum), which exhibited ancient artefacts and documents and exposed history using automata.

This day in good company was exciting and stimulating, and I only regret that my Korean language abilities were insufficient to chat with my colleague's young daughter.

Trip to 西表島 (Iriomote island, Japan) on 31 October - 03 November 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-10-31_jp-okinawa.htm

I visited 沖縄 (Okinawa, Japan) for the second time from 31 October to 03 November 2008 to explore jungles, walk among traditional houses, and tour beaches far from the main island. My three sunny days and a rainy day at 26-31°C there with François were a great experience.

Contrasting with 沖縄本島 (main island of Okinawa, see Post 29 March 2008), 西表島 (Iriomote island) is quite wild, with vast protected lands, a unique road at the periphery, and beautiful seas around. We spent Friday on a tour there canoeing a river bordered by mangroves and trekking in the jungle. We encountered numerous fishes, miniature crabs, white ants (aka termites), lively lizards, and a sleeping 波布 (Habu viper) before reaching ピナイサーラの滝 (Pinaisara waterfalls), where the aerial view was captivating. After a short immersion at the bottom, we canoed back then relaxed at the mild 西表島温泉 (Iriomote-jima spa).

We started Saturday contemplating the sea while eating breakfast on the terrace of the friendly and cheap ペンション星の砂 (pension Hoshi-no-suna). Afterwards, we examined the starry sand of 星砂の浜 (Hoshisuna beach), and swam at the warm 月ヶ浜 (Tsukiga beach). Before lunch, we crossed the sea in a cart pulled by a water buffalo to stroll in the botanical garden of 由布島 (Yubu island), where one can enjoy the vegetation as well as butterflies. Finally, we drove to 南風見田の浜 (Haemida beach), where we witnessed impressive natural light shows.

For our last hours at 西表島 (Iriomote island) on Sunday, we cruised 仲間川 (Nakama river) to see mangroves, and incidentally spotted ferocious 南黒鯛 (Minami-kurodai piranhas). We then sailed for 竹富島 (Taketomi island), where we walked among traditional houses, and saw numerous flowers, beautiful waters at コンドイビーチ (Kondoi beach) and a calming sunset at 西桟橋 (Nishisanbashi). Silent, dark and unusually shaped, the village revealed itself mysterious at night.

To wrap up our vacations on Monday, we walked in the streets of 竹富島 (Taketomi island) early morning then sailed for 石垣島 (Ishigaki island), where the rain awaited us, simplifying our visit to a drive around the island. We still had sun at 玉取崎展望台 (Tamatori cape viewing platform) but got much rain afterwards. During a lull, we visited ヤエヤマヤシ (Yaeyama palm tree groves), then drank fresh guava juice while waiting for typhoon-like rain to stop. We finished the day at 川平湾 (Kabira bay) and 川平石崎 (Kabira-ishizaki) before sleeping at the sympathetic やいま日和 (Yaima Byori).

Trip to 鋸山 (Mount Nokogiri, Japan) on 14 September 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-09-14_jp-nokogiri.htm

I travelled to 鋸山 (Mount Nokogiri, Japan) for the first time with めぐみ (Megumi) on 14 September 2008 to see the tallest statue of Buddha in Japan. Other memorable sights at 日本寺 (Nihon-ji temple) were the 30.3m-tall 百尺観音 (Hundred-shaku Kannon), 千五百羅漢 (1500 small statues of Arhats), and views of the surrounding lands and sea from the observatory. Before leaving, we relaxed at the closest coffee shop, just after a tunnel on the way to 浜金谷駅 (Hamakanaya station), which had a charming ambiance and a great view over the sea for sunset.

Trip to 富良野 (Furano, Japan) on 03-08 July 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-07-03_jp-furano.htm

I visited 北海道 (Hokkaido, Japan) for the third time in July 2008 to see the famous lavender fields of 富良野 (Furano) and to hike the nearby mountains while no snow prevented it. I spent four full days there with François, including two with 亮 (Ryo), then enjoyed alone a more urban ambience in 札幌 (Sapporo).

On the contrary to 本州 (main island of Japan), 北海道 (Hokkaido) lacks train lines and frequent buses so François and I rented a car from Friday. We first visited the large 旭山動物園 (Asahiyama zoo), which offered panoramic views thanks to its slope and open sky. The animals lived in narrow spaces but looked healthy. I observed much wolves, pandas, baby monkeys, and a black panther, and I hope to see such animals in the wild someday. For a change, we continued with museums dedicated to clothing and snow: 国際染織美術館 (International Dyeing and Weaving Art Museum), 優佳良織工芸館 (Yukara Ori Folk Craft Museum) and 雪の美術館 (Snow Crystals Museum). The first was the most impressive, with well-preserved garments from several countries exhibiting diverse lifestyles and concepts. 亮 (Ryo) joined us in the evening for a great dinner at ハローウィン (Halloween).

On Saturday, we strolled in the splendid lavender fields of ファーム富田 (Farm Tomita) and in the diverse flower fields of 四季彩の丘 (Shikisai-no-oka); superb photos of these landscapes were as usual exhibited at 拓真館 (Takushinkan museum). In another style, 富良野チーズ工房 (Furano cheese factory) offered a unique experience with its robotic milking cow! The best moment of the day though was a delicious chocolate fondue at ジャンゴ (Jungo).

On Sunday, we hiked several hours in 旭岳 (Asahidake), the highest mountain in 北海道 (Hokkaido). The landscapes alternated grass, ponds, flower fields and patches of snow, and are worth a two- or three-days hike... To properly end the day, we visited the small but high-quality 川村カ子トアイヌ記念館 (Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum) dedicated to the indigenous people アイヌ (Ainu), where reading Japanese is quite instructive.

After the departure of 亮 (Ryo) on Monday morning, François and I drove to 十勝岳 (Tokachi-dake), enjoying local beef and grapes juice on the way. The large open space and the green and orange scenery were impressive even with a few clouds. Hiking several days there would be quite an experience. Anyway, 十勝岳温泉 (Tokachidake Onsen) is a must do, and we quietly relaxed there with a view of the valley from the outdoor spa. Finally, François and I enjoyed great coffee in 美瑛 (Biei) at 北工房 (Kita Kouboh).

Trip to 那覇 (Naha, Japan) on 25-29 March 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-03_jp-okinawa.htm

I travelled to 沖縄 (Okinawa, Japan) for the first time on 25-29 March 2008 to give a talk at the 22nd International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications in 那覇 (Naha) with Christian. We drove nearby to discover the landscapes, relax on the coast, and reach great coffee shops and restaurants. The climate was so warm at night that I barely slept without air conditioning.

Christian and I were globally satisfied by the most famous places of the island. We were impressed by the depictions of war at ひめゆり平和祈念資料館 (Himeyuri Peace Museum) and by the live 7.9m-long whale sharks of 美ら海水族館 (Churaumi Aquarium), which is a great and unique aquarium. Nearby, the less well-known 熱帯ドリームセンター (Tropical Dream Center) was also worth a visit. However, we were disappointed by 首里城 (Shuri castle), a UNESCO world heritage, which was crowded and radiated a theme-park aura; we enjoyed much more the modest and quiet 識名園 (Shikina garden).

After several cold months in 東京 (Tokyo), this stay was a pleasure. Although moving without a car is unrealistic, the pace is slower and the food delicious. I recommend カフェくるくま (Café Kurukuma), オリーブの木店 (Olive tree restaurant), 花人逢レストラン (Restaurant Kajinbo) with its funny menu written on a fan, ブリリアント・モトブヒルズ (Brilliante Motobu Hills), and above all the extraordinary ぱいかじ上之屋店 (Paikaji Uenoya restaurant). Beware however of the アメリカンビレッジ (American village): we enjoyed an interesting ambiance but had terrible food there.

[Update 04-Nov-2008] I explored jungles, walked among traditional houses, and toured beaches in several Southern islands of 沖縄 (Okinawa) during my second trip there, from 31 October to 03 November 2008 (see Post 04 November 2008).

Trip to 北海道 (Hokkaido, Japan) on 31 January - 04 February 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-02-01_jp-hokkaido.htm

My second trip to 北海道 (Hokkaido, Japan) was in February to attend winter festivals, and East to see the Russian islands disputed by Japan. I landed with François for three full days in the cold evening of Thursday 31 January (-14°C) and took-off on 04 February morning; 亮 (Ryo) stayed a bit shorter. François and I immediately savoured a great cheese fondue at the bar STAX in 釧路 (Kushiro) then slept at ラビスタ釧路川 (La Vista Kushirogawa hotel), which features an outdoor spa with a nice view over the city.

Friday, we enjoyed a gorgeous breakfast at the hotel then rented a Nissan car, very useful due to the rarity of local buses and trains. Driving was a pleasure: very nice machine, very nice shapes, and very nice pink :) The sea on the way to 納沙布 (Nosappu) was frozen and white near the coast but fluid and blue beyond. On arrival, we heard the gravel-like sound of icy waves. The Russian islands called 北方領土 (Hopporyodo) by the Japanese were clearly visible thanks to the dry winter air, and we got a worthy aerial view from an observation tower after a short walk. On our way back to the city, we admired the sunset and spotted impressive herds of deers walking in the snow. We met 亮 (Ryo) in 釧路 (Kushiro), checked the ice and snow statues of 釧路氷祭 (Kushiro ice festival) then dined at the funny 七人の小人 (The Seven Dwarves) and finished with a cheese fondue at the bar STAX.

On Saturday, we composed our breakfast at the fish market, filling rice bowls with our preferred raw fish, shells and eggs, which was expensive but good with crab soup. We then returned to the park to see the statues in daylight, where I was impressed by the ice statue of Pegasus. A short drive then led us to a huge cemetery by the sea, with Buddhist, Christian and 神道 (Shinto) tombs. After lunch, we drove to 阿寒湖 (Lake Akan), with a stop to drink hot local milk. We dined at ホテル阿寒湖荘 (Hotel Akankoso) then watched fireworks of 阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル (Akan ice festival) from the nearby frozen lake before relaxing at 木の香 (Fragrance of trees) outdoor spa, where the cold air was breath-taking.

Sunday, we enjoyed a snowy road on our way to 摩周湖 (Lake Mashu), a splendid UNESCO world heritage site, where I could watch shadows and reflections all day long. However, we had planned to see red-crested cranes and thus moved to 釧路湿原国立公園 (Kushiro shitsugen national park), where wild animals are visible in vast flat lands using binoculars. We quickly spotted deers on a frozen river but not cranes. However, a local recommended us a nearby spot called 鶴見台 (Tsurumi-dai) where we observed huge groups of wild red-crested cranes eating, singing and flying. Satisfied but cold, we drank delicious hot chocolates and discussed our adventures at the nearby どれみふぁ空 (Do-re-mi-fa-so-la). After driving 亮 (Ryo) to the airport, everything seemed over but François and I continued with a delicious dinner at 焼肉つすみ (Korean barbecue Tsurumi), and a drink at a local jazz bar that turned out to be great!

Ski at 野沢温泉 (Nozawa-onsen, Japan) on 29-30 December 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-12-29_jp-nozawaonsen.htm


I first travelled to 野沢温泉 (Nozawa-onsen, Japan) on 29-30 December 2007 with thirteen friends from スペドラ (Spedora) to ski and relax in hot springs. Our night bus left 東京 (Tokyo) around midnight under the rain and arrived in early morning under a cloudy sky. We had to wait a few hours before skiing but then enjoyed great snow on the ground and in the air; snowfalls were a pleasure. The following day was sunny, which allowed the skilled ones to speed down the most exciting tracks. Before leaving, we tried different free old style 温泉 (hot springs); the one I chose was a bit cramped and very hot, but its great atmosphere sent me back in time.

Fashion exhibition in 東京 (Tokyo, Japan) on 09 September 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-09_jp-tokyo_wakita-expo.htm

I attended a fashion exhibition entitled 情報の官能 (The Senses of Information) in 東京 (Tokyo, Japan) on 09 September 2007 in company of 倫太朗 (Rintaro) to see artistic prototypes of smart clothes. This first exhibition of textiles and garments by 脇田研究室 (Wakita laboratory) featured binary ("0"s and "1"s)-based compositions, tools and artistic works such as color-changing dresses exploiting the Fabcell technology and the Wearable Synthesis concept. 脇田玲 (WAKITA Akira) founded the laboratory at 慶應義塾大学 (Keio university) in 2004 to investigate the future of information design; it is thus involved in fashion, communication and interactions.

Fabcell is a square textile invented in 2006 by 渋谷みどり (SHIBUTANI Midori), woven from flexible non-emissive yarns connected to electronic components, which color varies with temperature. There, the exhibited dress turned from green to red in a few minutes when electric current was applied to its conductive yarns. This technology is potentially useful for fashion or to inform about e.g. a wearer's emotions. However it is not yet ready for use in everyday life because the strong voltages used to quickly change the color are dangerous, the textile resists badly to washing, and small cells are still difficult to create.

The Wearable Synthesis concept defines clothes and accessories as modules with both input (e.g. temperature sensor) and output (e.g. colored lights) that communicate to generate various effects. For example, a dress may change its color according to other worn items, or to the presence of a friend. Such a model was exhibited but out of order when I went by.

Hike at 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) on 05-06 August 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-08_jp-fuji.htm

I hiked 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) for the second time on 05-06 August 2007 with fourteen friends to see the sunrise from the top, which was a success thanks to a wonderful weather. Like the previous time (see Post 02 July 2006), we climbed from 五合目 (the fifth station) until we reached a shelter, where we dined. Most of us slept but I remained awake and could thus talk with hikers in the main room, watch thunder in the clouds outside, and later have a look at the stars, red moon, and city lights around the lakes. Leaving at midnight, we reached the top of the mountain just before sunrise, which was beautiful. After a two-hours stop in a frosty wind at the top, we slowly descended then headed for ゆらり温泉 (Yurari spa), which we all enjoyed much.

Trip to 群馬 (Gunma, Japan) on 27 May 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-05_jp-gunma.htm

I travelled to 群馬県 (province of Gunma, Japan) for the first time on 27 May 2007 with eight friends to see 白根山 (Mount Shirane) and relax in hot springs. We drove a mini-van from 東京 (Tokyo) in four hours but got caught up in traffic jams on the way back. Anyway, the incredible emerald-green crater lake 湯釜 (Yugama) at 白根山 (Mount Shirane) was worth it. We hiked a bit in the area and even spotted snow and ice. Later, we drove to 草津温泉 (Kusatsu hot springs), where we watched the traditional 湯もみと踊り (Yu-momito dance) that was created to cool down the water of the local hot springs. We then bathed lazily at 草津大滝乃湯 (Otaki-no-yu), imagining how hot the pool would naturally be...

Trip to 富士五湖 (Fuji five lakes, Japan) on 28-29 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-fujigoko.htm

I visited 富士五湖 (Fuji five lakes, Japan) for the first time on 28-29 March 2007 to enjoy its great landscapes with 明日香 (Asuka). We first crawled into the icy 鳴沢氷穴 (Narusawa cave) and 富岳風穴 (Fugaku cave) then hiked the warm 青木ヶ原樹海 (Sea of Trees). Surprisingly, we spotted monkeys in mountains near 西湖 (lake Saiko); no photos of them: they stayed away and ran quickly. After a divine dinner at café M, we spent a lovely night at サニーデビレッジ (Sunnide village). In the morning, we walked around 河口湖 (lake Kawaguchi), and after lunch we visited 浅間神社 (Sengen shrine), which used to serve as a starting point for pilgrimages to 富士山 (Mount Fuji). The weather was extraordinary all along and we had great views of the mountain on the way.

Hike in 鎌倉 (Kamakura, Japan) on 18 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-kamakura.htm

I hiked 天園ハイキングコース (Ten-en hiking course) in 鎌倉 (Kamakura, Japan) on 18 March 2007 with 明日香 (Asuka) to breath fresh air and admire statues of 天狗 (tengus). The weather was fine for our five kilometers across the forest, with clear views over 横浜 (Yokomaha) in the north-east and the sea in the south. We walked from 鎌倉 (Kamakura) station to 鶴岡八幡宮 (Tsurugaoka-hachimangu shrine) then checked several temples on the way to 瑞泉寺 (Zuisenji temple). There, we started the hike, which took us to 建長寺 (Kenchoji temple); its buildings and statues were great rewards after the physical effort.

Walk in 桜木町 (Sakuragicho, Japan) on 11 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-yokohama.htm

I walked in 桜木町 (Sakuragicho, Japan), a popular area of 横浜 (Yokohama), on 11 March 2007 to enjoy the sunset and night scene. I discovered this place in 2002, during my first stay in Japan, and keep going there because I love its open spaces, relaxing atmosphere, and lovely-human-fauna.

Snow festival in 札幌 (Sapporo, Japan) on 08-10 February 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-02-08_jp-sapporo.htm

I visited 札幌 (Sapporo, Japan) for the first time on 08-10 February 2007 to attend 札幌雪祭 (Sapporo Snow Festival) and to discover 北海道 (Hokkaido). The festival is famous in Japan for its ice and snow statues but there is more to see, and the trip is really worth it. I was lucky with the weather as it snowed every day, sometimes heavily, but with periods that allowed clear photos. I enjoyed the city and the locals, even spontaneously being talked to by customers at a coffee shop, which never happened in 東京 (Tokyo).

Alone, I freely wandered in town the first day, exploring the streets, relaxing with a warm coffee, and watching statues on day time and night time. The following day, I went up the nearby 藻岩山 (Mount Moiwa) to enjoy beautiful but slightly foggy views from its top. There, I stumbled upon a bar completely made of ice and snow by artists: the bar The Ice, where I had a drink and chatted with the staff and fellow tourists. On my last day, I relaxed and enjoyed views away from the city, at 豊平峡温泉 (Hoheikyo hot spring), an open-air hot spring surrounded by snowy foresty mountains that I definitely recommend.

Trip to 伊豆半島 (Izu peninsula, Japan) on 20-21 January 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-01-20_jp-izu.htm

I visited 伊豆半島 (Izu peninsula, Japan) on 20-21 January 2007 with 明日香 (Asuka) to discover a new part of Japan and enjoy an open-air hot spring with an oceanic view. To avoid resorts, we directly reached 下田 (Shimoda), where we strolled a while and visited temples; we particularly appreciated the view over the bay from 寝姿山 (Mount Nesugata). In the evening, we rode a fun train to 蓮台寺 (Rendaiji), and spent the night at 金谷旅館 (Kanaya ryokan), which was expensive but huge, with a gorgeous hot spring. The next day, we enjoyed the landscapes of the peninsula by bus. We stopped at 堂ヶ島 (Dogashima) to bath in the tiny 沢田公園露天風呂 (Sawada-koen open-air hot spring) and to see the coast by boat. We then rode a bus to 修善寺 (Shuzenji city), where we visited 修善寺 (Shuzenji temple), and paddled in a mineral hot spring situated on a rocky promontory in the middle of 桂川 (river Katsura) called 独鈷の湯 (Tokko-no-yu).

Trip to 伊勢 (Ise, Japan) on 03 January 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-01_jp-ise.htm

I traveled to 伊勢志摩 (Ise-shima, Japan) on 03 January 2007 with 明日香 (Asuka) for a New Year visit to one of the most famous Japanese holy places: 伊勢神宮 (Ise-jingu). The city was extremely crowded, which I expected because Japanese from all over the country pray here during the first days of January for a good year. After our pilgrimage, we walked in 二見 (Futami), breathing the invigorating air of the sea, and enjoying 夫婦岩 (Wedded rocks), a famous pair of rocks connected by a holy rope near 與玉神社 (Okitama shrine), which is my preferred local spot.

Trip to 奥多摩 (Okutama, Japan) on 14 November 2006

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-11_jp-okutama.htm

I relaxed and enjoyed 紅葉 (autumn colours) in 奥多摩 (Okutama, Japan) on 14 November 2006 with eight Japanese friends. We quietly walked to 武蔵御嶽神社 (Musashi-ontake shrine) then strolled near a lake surrounded by mountains, appreciating the warmth and the calmness of the area.

Trip to 白川郷 (Shirakawa-go, Japan) on 04-06 August 2006

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-08_jp-shirakawago.htm

I visited 白川郷 (Shirakawa-go, Japan) for the first time on 04-06 August 2006 in company of 明日香 (Asuka) to discover this UNESCO world heritage famous for its unique houses built in 合掌造り (Gassho-zukuri) style. We relaxed two days in the village, including an excellent dinner and a refreshing night in a traditional house. The weather was extraordinary all along and, far from the big cities, we appreciated the whispers of the wind and the songs of the insects.