Nostr notes by Camellia Tea Ceremony

61) DOGS (2)🐕 Mitsuke Tenjin's (見付天神 aka ...

2026-09-02T08:06:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…2x76
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61) DOGS (2)🐕

Mitsuke Tenjin's (見付天神 aka Yanahime-jinja 矢奈比賣神社) omikuji is inspired by the legend of a dog called 'Shippei-taro' (しっぺい太郎). With the help of a young warrior he defeated an evil mountain spirit preying on local girls.
Oh, and this one has a table tennis paddle.

60) PIGEONS (5)🕊️ Pigeons are familiars of Hachiman ...

2026-09-02T07:24:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…ku35
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60) PIGEONS (5)🕊️

Pigeons are familiars of Hachiman (八幡神), god of war and warriors.

In 859 the god instructed Gyōkyō (行教) to found a shrine (Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū 石清水八幡宮) for him in Kyōto, so he might guard the imperial city. A golden dove led the monk to a suitable spot.

59) KAPPA🥒 A kappa (河童) basically looks like a humanoid ...

2026-09-02T07:21:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…vaq4
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59) KAPPA🥒

A kappa (河童) basically looks like a humanoid turtle. Dwelling by fresh water, these amphibious yōkai have a deep love for cucumbers and wrestling.
Although dangerous, one can escape a kappa by emptying the water-filled depression on its head.

58) LOBSTERS🦞 The Japanese spiny lobster is better known as ...

2026-09-02T07:11:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…tywa
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58) LOBSTERS🦞

The Japanese spiny lobster is better known as 'Ise-ebi' (イセエビ), named after one of the few places they are caught in Japan.
Okage-yokochō (おかげ横丁), a shopping street that leads to Ise Jingū's (伊勢神宮) inner shrine, sells these adorable lobster omikuji🥰

57) SEA BREAM🎣 In Japan 'tai' (鯛 'red sea ...

2026-09-02T06:34:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…g843
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57) SEA BREAM🎣

In Japan 'tai' (鯛 'red sea bream') is a symbol of good luck because its name is associated with the word 'medetai' (めでたい), which means 'congratulations'.
The god Ebisu is often seen holding a giant sea bream.

Sorry Hogarth, it's not a real fish😾🐟
#Japan

56) MT. FUJI🗻 Mt. Fuji (富士山) omikuji can be found all ...

2026-09-02T06:18:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…p49j
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56) MT. FUJI🗻

Mt. Fuji (富士山) omikuji can be found all over Japan😊

🌸'Konohanasakuya-hime' (木花咲耶姫) is the goddess of Mt. Fuji and volcanoes. As the 'Cherry Tree Blossom Blooming Princess' she symbolizes how delicate life on earth is, and *importantly* keeps Mt. Fuji dormant🌸

55) SUGAWARA-NO-MICHIZANE🐂 Tenmangū shrines are dedicated to ...

2026-09-02T06:08:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…x9cf
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55) SUGAWARA-NO-MICHIZANE🐂

Tenmangū shrines are dedicated to Sugawara-no-Michizane (菅原道真 845-903), deified as Tenjin (天満天神), the 'god of scholarship'.
Toyama's (富山) ruling Maeda clan claimed descent from Michizane, and enshrined him at Ōta-jinja (於保多神社) in 1263.

54) RABBITS (2)🐇 Prince Uji-no-Wakiiratsuko (菟道稚郎子 ...

2026-09-02T05:47:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…6s0c
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54) RABBITS (2)🐇

Prince Uji-no-Wakiiratsuko (菟道稚郎子 d.312) got hopelessly lost whilst traveling through the mountains to his palace in Uji, but was saved by the appearance of a rabbit guide!
Uji-jinja (宇治神社) immortalizes the event🧭👣

53) EGGPLANTS🍆 In 2021 Kamigamo-jinja (上賀茂神社) ...

2026-09-02T05:38:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…ga4p
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53) EGGPLANTS🍆

In 2021 Kamigamo-jinja (上賀茂神社) launched its 3rd unique omikuji, inspired by a type of eggplant that originated in the local neighbourhood.
Famous for their round shape and juicy flesh, 'kamo-nasu' (賀茂なす) are popularly eaten during the summer.

Percy models Yuki-jinja's (由岐神社) tengu head omikuji ...

2026-09-01T08:18:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…0a70
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Percy models Yuki-jinja's (由岐神社) tengu head omikuji (which doubles as a keychain).

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #天狗 #tengu #Yukijinja #由岐神社 #Kurama #鞍馬 #火祭

52) TENGU (2)👺 Yuki-jinja (由岐神社), at the base of Mt ...

2026-09-01T07:42:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…ewy2
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52) TENGU (2)👺

Yuki-jinja (由岐神社), at the base of Mt Kurama, is home to the 'Hi Matsuri' (鞍馬の火祭 'Fire Festival' - October 22nd), 1 of Kyoto's "3 Eccentric Festivals" (京都三奇祭).
The shrine's 50m tall great cedar (大杉社 'Ō-sugi') is thought to be 600-800 years old.

51) TENGU👺 Mt Kurama (鞍馬山) has long been considered to ...

2026-09-01T07:28:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…3zq2
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51) TENGU👺

Mt Kurama (鞍馬山) has long been considered to be the home of tengu (天狗), semi-divine creatures that protect the forests and mountains.
It is said Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune (源義経 1159-89) was trained here by the tengu king Sōjōbō (僧正坊).

🐘🐓🦀FAMILIARS AND FORTUNES 2🐏🐈‍⬛🦎 My ongoing ...

2026-09-01T06:29:48Z

🐘🐓🦀FAMILIARS AND FORTUNES 2🐏🐈‍⬛🦎

My ongoing quest to find weird and wonderful omikuji holders from around Japan🗺️🔍👀😅

Omikuji are folded strips of paper that are picked blindly. Each 'sacred lot' is printed with a random fortune (from 'great blessing' to 'great curse').

#Kyoto #omikuji #おみくじ

Ok this one is slightly cheating... Natsukan-tō (夏柑糖) are ...

2026-08-26T07:13:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…cumc
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Ok this one is slightly cheating...

Natsukan-tō (夏柑糖) are made from whole natsumikan.
A hole is cut in the top so the fruit & pulp can be carefully scooped out.
Agar & sugar are added to the squeezed out juice to make a smooth, clear jelly, which is then poured back into the natsumikan as dish!😋

Kameya Yoshinaga's (亀屋良長) adorable ...

2026-08-26T06:57:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…f0q3
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Kameya Yoshinaga's (亀屋良長) adorable 'hito-suzumi' (ひと涼み 'cooling off') was the perfect treat for July 27th's 'Suika-no-hi' (スイカの日 'Watermelon Day')!🥳🍉🙌

The pattern on a watermelon's skin is likened to a rope... 'natsu-no-tsuna' (夏の綱 = な (7) つのつ (2) な (7)) = 'summer rope' (July 27th)😲🍉🫤
#スイカの日

Kameya Tomonaga's (亀屋友永) cute little 'yakiguri ...

2026-08-26T06:48:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…9lu2
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Kameya Tomonaga's (亀屋友永) cute little 'yakiguri shōro' (焼栗松露) contain chopped pieces of chestnut. 'Yakiguri' (焼栗) are roasted chestnuts, and shōro (松露) is a type of edible fungus...which the sweets resemble.

#wagashi #和菓子 #Kyoto #京都 #松露 #焼栗 #chestnuts #Japan

A pumpkin of sorts... Tsuruya Yoshinobu's (鶴屋吉信) ...

2026-08-26T06:39:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…ur2n
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A pumpkin of sorts...

Tsuruya Yoshinobu's (鶴屋吉信) Halloween 'jack'o'lantern' (パンプキン) and 'ghost' (ゴースト) are as adorable as they are delicious!
#wagashi #和菓子 #ハッピーハロウィン #Halloween

An apple a day...🍎😋🩺 Toraya's (とらや) ...

2026-08-26T06:13:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…34jr
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An apple a day...🍎😋🩺

Toraya's (とらや) 'apple' (林檎形) has a history that dates back to 1840! An outer layer of yōkan (羊羹 - a jelly made from red bean paste, agar and sugar) covers a white bean paste filling. The sweet is finished with some delicate brush work🖌️

Harvest season is almost upon us, and autumn brings with it a ...

2026-08-26T05:27:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…5g4z
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Harvest season is almost upon us, and autumn brings with it a bounty of fruit and vegetable inspired sweets.
Kagizen's (鍵善) 'sato-no-aki' (里の秋 'autumn countryside' or 'autumn village') depicts a wonderfully plump little persimmon.

#Kyoto #京都 #wagashi #和菓子 #persimmon #柿

🔥Superstition 1: 🍶Take a cup of saké, tilt it until ...

2026-08-17T03:18:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…gqgg
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🔥Superstition 1:

🍶Take a cup of saké, tilt it until Daimonji (大) is reflected on the surface of the drink, and sip.
Doing this is thought to bring good luck, and an illness free life.

#Japan #五山送り火 #京都 #sake

🔥🍆SUPERSTITIONS OF THE SEND-OFF FIRES🍶🪵 With our ...

2026-08-17T03:00:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…rhsp
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🔥🍆SUPERSTITIONS OF THE SEND-OFF FIRES🍶🪵

With our ancestral spirits safely back in their own realm, the last of Kyōto's great summer festivals is over and autumn creeps closer.

Like many Japanese celebrations, the Gozan-no-Okuribi has a few unique superstitions...

Carve a hole in an aubergine, peer through it when Daimonji is ...

2026-08-17T02:19:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…z53j
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Carve a hole in an aubergine, peer through it when Daimonji is fully alight, and it is said you will have healthy, strong eyes for the next year.

Fingers crossed!
#大文字 #京都

Grab your eggplants. It's that most wonderful time of year ...

2026-08-17T01:31:30Z

Grab your eggplants.

It's that most wonderful time of year again!🔥👻🙏👋

#Kyoto #大文字 #Daimonji #gozannookuribi #五山送り火 #🍆 #eggplant

Mibu-dera's dance is known as 'Chūdō-ji Rokusai ...

2026-08-13T02:30:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…dtqn
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Mibu-dera's dance is known as 'Chūdō-ji Rokusai Nenbutsu' (中堂寺六斎念仏). As this is Obon it coincides with the temple's 'Mantō Kuyō-e' (万灯供養会 'Ceremony of the 10,000 lights'), a ritual to honor the dead and welcome them home for a brief holiday.
#Japan #Obon #Kyoto #お盆

At the core of each style of Rokusai Nenbutsu is chanting (of the ...

2026-08-13T02:22:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…9z2y
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At the core of each style of Rokusai Nenbutsu is chanting (of the Nenbutsu), drumbeating, and dance.

Over time the performances came to play an important role in Obon and the memorial services held at this time of year.
Nowadays 15 associations perform Rokusai Nenbutsu in the city.

There are 2 types of Rokusai Nenbutsu. The monk Dōkū (道空) ...

2026-08-13T01:47:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…yaev
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There are 2 types of Rokusai Nenbutsu.

The monk Dōkū (道空) preserved the dance's original form with his Hoshina-dera style (干菜寺系), whereas the Kūya-dō style (空也堂系) created spectacle from Muromachi times by incorporating Noh, Kyōgen, folk songs and other entertainment.

Peachy🍑... my mean peach tree nice and chubby with blossoms ...

2026-08-13T01:32:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…wsvh
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Peachy🍑...

my mean peach tree
nice and chubby
with blossoms
苦桃の花のほちゃほちゃ咲にけり
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1809.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.

#peach #桃 #桃の日 #Kyoto #京都 #Japan #haiku #kobayashiissa #小林一茶

This is a great excuse to once again show Nao-san making tea ...

2026-08-12T06:56:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…z9ms
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This is a great excuse to once again show Nao-san making tea beneath the plum blossoms in her garden🥰

#Kyoto #梅の花 #ume #京都 #blossoms #plumblossoms #Japan

In the traditional calendar March 11th-15th is known as 'momo ...

2026-08-12T06:37:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…2n2h
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In the traditional calendar March 11th-15th is known as 'momo hajimete saku' (桃始笑 'first peach blossoms'). As the peach trees flower just after the celebrated ume blossoms, and before the world famous cherry blossoms, they're often mistaken for other blossoms or overlooked😩

Jurōjin (寿老人), one of the Shichifukujin, is god of the ...

2026-08-12T05:11:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…xcmm
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Jurōjin (寿老人), one of the Shichifukujin, is god of the elderly and of longevity.
A popular subject with Zen Buddhist painters between the Muromachi and Edo periods, he is often depicted sitting under a peach tree or holding a peach, as the fruit was thought to prolong life.

Nagao Tenmangū (長尾天満宮), guardian shrine of Daigo-ji ...

2026-08-12T04:58:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…wssw
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Nagao Tenmangū (長尾天満宮), guardian shrine of Daigo-ji (醍醐寺), sells peach-shaped omikuji (Percy's not a fan).

#peach #桃 #桃の日 #Kyoto #京都 #Japan #NagaoTenmangū #長尾天満宮

In China peaches were symbols of longevity, and peach wood was ...

2026-08-12T04:30:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…72gt
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In China peaches were symbols of longevity, and peach wood was used as a charm against evil.

The ancient chronicles 'Kojiki' (古事記) and 'Nihon Shoki' (日本書紀) both recount a tale in which a peach was used to exorcise a demon.

#晴明神社 #安倍晴明 #AbeNoSeimei #Kyoto #陰陽師

Before Seimei-jinja's (晴明神社) main hall is a large ...

2026-08-12T03:33:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…2q94
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Before Seimei-jinja's (晴明神社) main hall is a large bronze peach known as 'Yakuyoke-momo' (厄除桃 lit. Peach to Ward-off Evil).

The faithful smooth the fruit's surface in the hope it will purify and protect them against misfortune.
#Kyoto #白桃の日

This rather luxurious kakigōri (かき氷) can be found at Nijō ...

2026-08-12T02:57:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…lntn
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This rather luxurious kakigōri (かき氷) can be found at Nijō Wakasaya's (二條若狭屋) store on Teramachi. Mixed into the peach syrup are plump and juicy pieces of fruit😋🍑

This is a half size portion!😲

#白桃の日 #WhitePeachDay #Japan #Kyoto

🍑A LUCKY FRUIT🍑 Barely a day goes by without another ...

2026-08-12T02:43:19Z

🍑A LUCKY FRUIT🍑
Barely a day goes by without another holiday to promote or sell some item or other.

White peaches (now in season) are celebrated from August 8th-10th because...you guessed it...wordplay.

8 = 'ha' (八)
9 = 'ku' (九)
10 = 'tō' (十)
White peach = 'hakutō' (白桃).

'Rokusai-nichi' were days when it was thought that evil ...

2026-08-11T06:52:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…vkdk
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'Rokusai-nichi' were days when it was thought that evil spirits posed most of a threat to human life, walking abroad and threatening devilry.
By performing pious acts, staying home, and behaving modestly on these days, it was thought you could avoid danger.
#Kyoto #京都 #六斎念仏

Kūya would perform on the 6 unlucky days of each month, known as ...

2026-08-11T05:20:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…6r6x
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Kūya would perform on the 6 unlucky days of each month, known as 'Rokusai' (六斎日 - 8/14/15/23/29/last day). Because of this the dance became known as Rokusai Nembutsu (六斎念仏).
The first reference to these unlucky days is in 691, detailed in the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀).
#Japan

🙌ROKUSAI NENBUTSU👏 As part of his proselytising Kūya ...

2026-08-11T05:09:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…xq4w
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🙌ROKUSAI NENBUTSU👏

As part of his proselytising Kūya (空也上人 903-72) created an energetic style of chant and dance called the 'Yoyaku Nembutsu' (踊躍念仏 lit. 'Leaping About Nenbutsu').
By making his message simple and entertaining he hoped to make religion more accessible.

Mirroring the tradition at Rokudo Chinnō-ji (六道珍皇寺), ...

2026-08-11T04:59:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…szg0
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Mirroring the tradition at Rokudo Chinnō-ji (六道珍皇寺), for a short time Mibu-dera's (壬生寺) bell becomes 'Mukae-gane' (迎え鐘), the 'Welcoming Bell'.
Worshipers ring the bell to invite the spirits of their ancestors back to the world of the living for Obon (お盆).
#Obon #お盆

🥁LEAPING FOR LIFE, DANCING FOR THE DEAD👏 Since Kamakura ...

2026-08-11T04:42:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…9fyc
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🥁LEAPING FOR LIFE, DANCING FOR THE DEAD👏

Since Kamakura times, from August 9-16th, Mibu-dera has performed special dance called Rokusai Nenbutsu (六斎念仏) for Obon.
The religious dance originated from an old belief that demons wandered the land for 6 days of the month (六斎).

70% of Japan is covered in mountains, and this landscape has ...

2026-08-11T03:51:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…r6kz
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70% of Japan is covered in mountains, and this landscape has deeply shaped Japanese religion and culture.

Kyōto is enclosed by mountains on three sides. These help to give the city its micro-climate: exceptionally hot and humid in summer, dry and bone-achingly cold in winter.

Despite being Japan's newest national holiday, there has long ...

2026-08-11T02:28:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…hvg3
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Despite being Japan's newest national holiday, there has long been a tradition in mountainous regions of celebrating this date to honour sacred peaks.

It has been suggested that August 11th was chosen as the characters for the date look like a forested mountain (八11).
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

🌄MOUNTAIN DAY🙌 dawn comes quick to their crowns... Higashi ...

2026-08-11T01:27:34Z

🌄MOUNTAIN DAY🙌

dawn comes quick
to their crowns...
Higashi Mountains
明安き天窓はづれや東山
-小林一茶, 1814.

Today is 'Yama-no-hi' (山の日 'Mountain Day')!
The day is intended to provide "opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate their blessings..."

Obon starts early in Kyōto and lasts longer than many places. ...

2026-08-10T03:01:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…hqaa
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Obon starts early in Kyōto and lasts longer than many places.

The ringing of Rokudo Chinnō-ji's (六道珍皇寺) Mukae-gane (迎え鐘) welcomes the spirits of the dead back to this world on August 7th.
On August 16th the Gozan-no-Okuribi (五山送り火) guides them back to the Netherworld.

🙏🔔THE DEAD RETURN🪦👋 For a few days in August, with ...

2026-08-10T02:51:15Z

🙏🔔THE DEAD RETURN🪦👋

For a few days in August, with the simple ringing of a temple bell, our ancestors are once again invited back to the world of the living for a brief vacation.

It is a happy reunion of remembrance, lanterns, dance and (in Kyōto) giant mountain bonfires.

Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子 1943-55) is one of the most ...

2026-08-06T04:58:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…ykzg
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Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子 1943-55) is one of the most well-known 'hibakusha' (被爆者 'atomic bomb survivor').
Nine years after the bomb Sadako developed leukemia. While in hospital she began folding paper cranes, in the belief she would be cured if she made it to 1000.
#広島

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park's ...

2026-08-06T04:45:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…wyyx
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park's "Genbaku-no-ko-no-zō" (原爆の子の像 "Children's Peace Monument") was erected on Children's Day 1958 to comfort the soul of Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子 1943-55) and the children who died of atomic bomb related diseases.

#HiroshimaDay #Hiroshima #原爆の子の像

Rather astonishingly, three trees survived the atomic blast ...

2026-08-06T04:16:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…jd64
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Rather astonishingly, three trees survived the atomic blast within the grounds of the castle: a willow, a eucalyptus and a holly.
They are alive to this day.

'Hibakujumoku' (被爆樹木 aka 'survivor trees') describes trees that survived the atomic blasts.

Fukushima Masanori (福島正則) became lord, but was replaced ...

2026-08-06T03:45:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…6g6d
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Fukushima Masanori (福島正則) became lord, but was replaced by Asano Nagaakira (浅野長晟) when he repaired the castle (after a flood) without bakufu permission in 1619.

The atomic blast likely destroyed the original castle's lower pillars and it collapsed.
It was rebuilt in 1958.

Hiroshima-jō (広島城), also known as Ri-jō (鯉城 'Carp ...

2026-08-06T03:30:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…4z0c
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Hiroshima-jō (広島城), also known as Ri-jō (鯉城 'Carp Castle'), was built between 1592-1599 by Mōri Terumoto (毛利輝元).
Mōri sided against Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康) at the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い), and having lost, abandoned the castle in 1600.
#Hiroshima #広島

Everyone inside the Promotion Hall, which was almost at the ...

2026-08-06T03:12:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…mtuw
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Everyone inside the Promotion Hall, which was almost at the epicenter of the blast, was killed instantly.

Following the city's destruction the hall was scheduled for demolition, but in 1966 it was decided that the renamed 'Atomic Bomb Dome' (原爆ドーム) would become a memorial.

all alone in silence at the dome, Hiroshima Day ...

2026-08-06T02:30:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…3yrk
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all alone
in silence at the dome,
Hiroshima Day
黙然とひとりドームにヒロシマ忌
-Shigemoto Yasuhiko (重本泰彦).

Perhaps the most iconic anti-nuclear symbol of our times, the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was built in 1915 and was immortalized on August 6th 1945.

The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Flame -which will burn until ...

2026-08-06T01:42:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…jsu5
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The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Flame -which will burn until nuclear disarmament- as seen through the Memorial Cenotaph (慰霊碑).

The epitaph reads:
安らかに眠って下さい過ちは繰返しませぬから
'Rest in Peace, for the error shall not be repeated'
-Saika Tadayoshi (雑賀忠義).

"Japan learned from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ...

2026-08-06T01:19:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…3750
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"Japan learned from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that the tragedy wrought by nuclear weapons must never be repeated and that humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist."

-Daisaku Ikeda (池田大作 1928-2023).

#Hiroshima #HiroshimaPeaceMemorialMuseum #広島 #HiroshimaDay

A watch frozen forever at 8:15am, the moment an atomic bomb ...

2026-08-06T01:04:18Z

A watch frozen forever at 8:15am, the moment an atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima on Monday August 6th 1945.

#Hiroshima #August6th #HiroshimaPeaceMemorialMuseum #広島 #HiroshimaDay

🪙THE GOLDEN PAVILION🔥 True beauty is something that ...

2026-08-05T02:09:47Z

🪙THE GOLDEN PAVILION🔥

True beauty is something that attacks, overpowers, robs, and finally destroys.
-Mishima Yukio (三島由紀夫).

In 1950, almost bald of gold, and having survived the Ōnin War, Kinkaku-ji was burnt to the ground by Hayashi Yōken, one of its own novice monks.

Today's another chance to share one of my favourite gachapon ...

2026-08-04T05:53:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…hmgn
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Today's another chance to share one of my favourite gachapon collections...

'Kabuki Owls' (カブクロウ 'Kabukurō')🦉👺

#InternationalOwlAwarenessDay #owls #kabukiowls #OwlAwarenessDay #Japan #カブクロウ

Although Tatarimokke are generally harmless, and more often than ...

2026-08-04T05:36:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…afzr
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Although Tatarimokke are generally harmless, and more often than not treated with respect, depending on how the child died, the yōkai might well seek revenge or retribution🦉😨😱

I'll let the wonderful @matthewmeyerart tell you more⬇️
https://yokai.com/tatarimokke/

#yokai #妖怪 #owl

Not all owls are what they seem. There is a yōkai (妖怪) in ...

2026-08-04T05:02:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…tstl
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Not all owls are what they seem.

There is a yōkai (妖怪) in Japan known as a 'Tatarimokke' (祟り蛙 lit. 'cursed infant'). These 'owls' have been possessed by the spirit of a dead baby or young child, and will stay close to the family home.
#祟り蛙 #妖怪 #tatarimokke #owl #yokai

Owls make a regular appearance in Beniya Miyake's ...

2026-08-04T04:40:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…s7pl
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Owls make a regular appearance in Beniya Miyake's (紅谷三宅) annual line-up.

Last autumn's creations were known as "owls that bring good fortune" (幸運を呼ぶミミズク)🦉😋

➡️https://beniyamiyake.com/
➡️https://instagram.com/beniya_miyake/
#wagashi #和菓子 #フクロウ #梟

Through a play on words, in Japan owls have come to be celebrated ...

2026-08-04T04:01:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…wqf9
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Through a play on words, in Japan owls have come to be celebrated as bringers of luck and relievers of suffering.

🦉'Fukurō' (梟 'owl') can be broken down into homonyms for...
🍀'luck comes' (福 'fuku' /来 'ku' /郎 'rō').
🤕'without hardship' (不 'fu' /苦労 'kurō').
#Japan #梟

Happy "Owl Day"!🦉🙌 the horned owl's opinion- ...

2026-08-04T03:49:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…sa3w
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Happy "Owl Day"!🦉🙌

the horned owl's opinion-
every day
is long
木兎は不断日永と思ふ哉
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1807.
Trans. David Lanoue.

#OwlAwarenessDay #InternationalOwlAwarenessDay #owls #フクロウ #Japan #ukiyoe #浮世絵

What we know as mitarashi dango originated at the Kamo Mitarashi ...

2026-08-03T07:36:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…ectm
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What we know as mitarashi dango originated at the Kamo Mitarashi Chaya 'Tea House' (加茂みたらし茶屋), situated to the west of the shrine grounds.

It became tradition at Shimogamo-jinja to symbolically offer dumplings to the gods before eating them for luck.
#Kyoto #みたらし茶屋

During one of Go-Daigo's outings to Shimogamo-jinja, 5 ...

2026-08-03T07:10:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…5vl8
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During one of Go-Daigo's outings to Shimogamo-jinja, 5 bubbles appeared in the water as he purified his hands.

Interpreted as the human body (五体-head, arms and legs), it was taken as a fortuitous sign.

The emperor offered 5 rice dumplings (4 big & 1 small) to the shrine gods.

In its traditional form, mitarashi dango is made up of 5 small ...

2026-08-03T07:00:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…0wws
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In its traditional form, mitarashi dango is made up of 5 small rice dumplings...skewered, grilled, and served with a sweet soy sauce glaze.

Legend has it that the inspiration for the snack came from a miraculous incident involving Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇 1288-1339).
#Kyoto

🍡MOREISH MITARASHI😋 Today is the beginning of a three-day ...

2026-08-03T06:44:55Z

🍡MOREISH MITARASHI😋
Today is the beginning of a three-day period celebrating mitarashi dango (みたらし団子)!🎉

Actually, this happens every month from the 3rd-5th because...
3= 'MI' (み)
4= 'taraSHI' (たらし)
5= 'danGO' (だんご)

Tenuous wordplay? Yes.
Fun? Also, yes.
#Japan

Reikō' (冷コー) is a shortening of 'tsumetai ...

2026-07-29T03:07:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…ppz2
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Reikō' (冷コー) is a shortening of 'tsumetai kōhi' (冷たいコーヒー), a name popularly used in Kansai from the Shōwa period. The word has mostly died out now, replaced by the all too familiar 'iced coffee' (アイスコーヒー)😕

It's nice this little sweet is keeping the name alive.

🌞GREATER HEAT🔥 Summer in the city, and there's only one ...

2026-07-29T02:11:30Z

🌞GREATER HEAT🔥

Summer in the city, and there's only one good way to start each day...with an iced coffee and a bite of something sweet🤔
Or you could always combine the two🙌

The all too adorable 'reikō' (冷コー) from Nijō Wakasaya (二條若狭屋)☕️
#二條若狭屋

'Watermelon Day' is celebrated on July 27th and, this ...

2026-07-27T03:20:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…zans
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'Watermelon Day' is celebrated on July 27th and, this being Japan, we have a play on words to thank for this date.

The pattern on a watermelon's skin is likened to a rope... 'natsu-no-tsuna' (夏の綱 = な (7) つのつ (2) な (7)) = 'summer rope'😲🍉🫤
#スイカの日 #watermelon #Japan

🍉WATERMELON DAY🥤 Kameya Yoshinaga's (亀屋良長) ...

2026-07-27T02:53:52Z

🍉WATERMELON DAY🥤

Kameya Yoshinaga's (亀屋良長) adorable 'hito-suzumi' (ひと涼み 'cooling off') are the perfect treat for July 27th's 'Suika-no-hi' (スイカの日)!🥳🍉🙌

#wagashi #和菓子 #suikanohi #スイカの日 #watermelonday #Japan #Kyoto #京都

👅MELT-IN-THE-MOUTH MORSELS💦 Wibbly-wobbly warabimochi ...

2026-07-24T03:18:08Z

👅MELT-IN-THE-MOUTH MORSELS💦

Wibbly-wobbly warabimochi (わらび餅)☺️

A popular summer snack in Kansai, the melt-in-your-mouth warabimochi is a jelly-like sweet traditionally made from bracken starch (わらび粉 'warabiko').
It's covered with sweet, toasted soybean flour (黄粉).

blooming lotuses where sewer water pours ...

2026-07-24T02:40:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…r6ca
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blooming lotuses
where sewer water
pours
さく蓮下水下水のおち所

amid the muck
a lotus defiantly
has bloomed
泥中の蓮と力んで咲にけり
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1822.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.

#Kyoto #京都 #haiku #小林一茶 #KobayashiIssa #Japan #ハス #lotus

Formed of huge megalithic rocks, the waterfall was only unearthed ...

2026-07-24T02:24:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…c9lq
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Formed of huge megalithic rocks, the waterfall was only unearthed in 1968 during 2 years of excavations by the garden historian Mori Osamu (森蘊 1905-88). It is currently slightly shorter (3m) than when finished in 1133.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #waterall #森蘊 #法金剛院 #Hokongoin

'Seijo' (青女 lit. 'The Blue Woman') is the ...

2026-07-24T02:17:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…wsmv
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'Seijo' (青女 lit. 'The Blue Woman') is the goddess of snow and frost who appears in the ancient Chinese text 'Huainanzi' (淮南子 'The Writings of the Huainan Masters').

#青女 #Seijo #淮南子 #Huainanzi #Kyoto #京都 #Japan

The gardens and waterfall were laid by the Ninna-ji monk Rinken ...

2026-07-24T01:57:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…qmlw
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The gardens and waterfall were laid by the Ninna-ji monk Rinken (仁和寺/林賢).
3 years later Empress Taikenmon'in (待賢門院) employed Jōi of Tokudai-ji (徳大寺/浄意) to increase the height of the waterfall from 1.5m to 3.6m, an astonishing height for the time.
#仁和寺 #徳大寺

🧗‍♂️THE BLUE WOMAN WATERFALL💦 Now dry save the ...

2026-07-24T01:43:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…70tc
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🧗‍♂️THE BLUE WOMAN WATERFALL💦

Now dry save the wettest weather, Hōkongō-in's (法金剛院) 'Seijo-no-Taki' (青女の滝 'Blue Woman Falls') is the oldest manmade waterfall in Japan for which we know the names of both patron and builder.

#Hokongoin #Kyoto #法金剛院 #青女の滝 #Japan

The empress was buried beneath the Sanmai-dō (三昧堂) of ...

2026-07-24T01:34:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…y2p0
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The empress was buried beneath the Sanmai-dō (三昧堂) of Hōkongō-in. This site is now the 'Hanazono-no-Nishi-no-Misasagi' mausoleum (花園西陵), north of the current temple on Mt. Goi (五位山).

Taikenmon'in was the mother of emperors Sutoku (崇徳天皇) and Go-Shirakawa (後白河天皇).

Taikenmon'in (待賢門院) spent her last years at the ...

2026-07-24T01:16:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…gmcw
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Taikenmon'in (待賢門院) spent her last years at the temple as a nun by the name of Shinnyohō (真如法).
During her long stays at Hōkongō-in it is said she carried on an affair with the poet Saigyō (西行法師), who had a residence beneath Mt. Ogura in Sagano (小倉山).
#西行法師

Opened in 1130, Taikenmon'in dedicated the temple to the ...

2026-07-23T08:22:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…wwwc
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Opened in 1130, Taikenmon'in dedicated the temple to the recently deceased Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇 1053-1129), her grandfather-in-law.

Shirakawa had acted as Taikenmon'in's foster father, but more than this is said to have fathered some of her children.

#Kyoto #京都 #ハス

Taikenmon'in rebuilt the temple (the name Hōkongō-in dates ...

2026-07-23T07:32:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…tt9l
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Taikenmon'in rebuilt the temple (the name Hōkongō-in dates to this time) as an enclave of nearby Ninna-ji.
Like Ninna-ji, the position of abbot was held by a member of the imperial family. At the same time she employed a Ninna-ji monk, Rinken (林賢), to re-landscape the garden.

A large fire in 974 marked a decline in the temple's ...

2026-07-23T06:49:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…8syz
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A large fire in 974 marked a decline in the temple's fortunes.

For a long time it remained a ruin, until Empress Taikenmon'in (待賢門院 1101-45), Emperor Toba's consort (鳥羽天皇), began work on restoring Tenan-ji's beautiful gardens in 1129.
#法金剛院 #Hokongoin #Kyoto #京都

Emperor Montoku (文徳天皇 827-58) ordered the temple ...

2026-07-23T06:32:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…msr0
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Emperor Montoku (文徳天皇 827-58) ordered the temple expanded, adding an imperial prayer hall called Tenan-ji (天安寺).
Montoku's will would later provide enough for a community of 80 monks at Hōkongō-in. This considerable number hints at the temple's size and prestige!
#法金剛院

Emperor Ninmyō was so taken by the gardens that he bestowed the ...

2026-07-23T06:11:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…67wh
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Emperor Ninmyō was so taken by the gardens that he bestowed the courtly 5th rank on the nearby mountain (which he often climbed) to protect it, so the view would never be ruined.
As a result the mountain became known as 'Goi-zan' (五位山 '5th Rank Mountain').
#Hanazono #五位山

The rare flowers that grew in Kiyohara's gardens drew the ...

2026-07-23T04:58:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…m4dz
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The rare flowers that grew in Kiyohara's gardens drew the attention of emperors Saga (嵯峨天皇 785-842), Junna (淳和天皇 786-840) and Ninmyō (仁明天皇 808-50), who became regular visitors.
Soon the entire neighbourhood became known as 'Hanazono' (花園 the 'Flower Garden').
#Kyoto

First known as Narabigaoka-dera (双丘寺), Hōkongō-in was ...

2026-07-23T04:11:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…443n
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First known as Narabigaoka-dera (双丘寺), Hōkongō-in was created from the villa of Kiyohara-no-Natsuno (清原夏野 782-837) after his death in 837.

During his lifetime Natsuno filled the gardens with many rare plants, and covered the nearby hillsides with bush-clover.
#Kyoto #Japan

Hōkongō-in (法金剛院) is affiliated with Tōshōdai-ji ...

2026-07-23T03:28:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…g5mc
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Hōkongō-in (法金剛院) is affiliated with Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) in Nara, and is one of the few Ritsu sect (律宗) temples in Kyōto.

Enshrined in the main hall is a seated image of Amida, said to protect those born in the Year of the Dog (2006/2018...) and Boar (2007/2019...).

In spring the temple's beautiful shidarezakura erupt in an ...

2026-07-23T02:53:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…ef5m
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In spring the temple's beautiful shidarezakura erupt in an explosion of pinks. The famed poet Saigyō (西行法師 1118-90), who loved cherry blossoms and wrote countless poems about them, is said to have visited the temple numerous times to illicitly meet Empress Taikenmon'in.

Over the years many kinds of lotuses have been collected from all ...

2026-07-23T02:20:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…spwc
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Over the years many kinds of lotuses have been collected from all over the world, potted specimens covering every inch of spare ground.
Because of this the temple is better known as 'Hasu-no-dera' (蓮の寺 the 'Lotus Temple') and 'Hana-no-dera' (花の寺 the 'Flower Temple').
#lotus

🪷THE TEMPLE OF LOTUSES📿 A remarkable transformation takes ...

2026-07-23T01:38:35Z

🪷THE TEMPLE OF LOTUSES📿

A remarkable transformation takes place at Hōkongō-in (法金剛院) shortly before the Gion Festival. The temple's muddy, rather nondescript pond suddenly bursts into life, and for a short time it is one of the most famous lotus viewing spots in Kyōto.
#Kyoto #京都

At its heart Motomiya-sai (本宮祭) celebrates the spread of ...

2026-07-22T01:39:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…swrd
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At its heart Motomiya-sai (本宮祭) celebrates the spread of the Inari faith.
Inari Ōkami (稲荷大神), god of agriculture, industry, prosperity, worldly success, rice, fertility, tea, saké and foxes, is said to have been enshrined in over 100,000 'shrines' across Japan & the world.

🏮🦊FOXLIGHT🦊🏮 Typically on the first Sunday (or ...

2026-07-22T01:25:09Z

🏮🦊FOXLIGHT🦊🏮

Typically on the first Sunday (or national holiday) after 'doyō ushi-no-hi' (土用丑の日 'midsummer day of the ox'), Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷大社) celebrates its biggest festival.
Over 8000 lanterns are illuminated on the eve of 'Motomiya-sai' (本宮祭).
#Kyoto

This sea-themed thread is a great excuse to share some of my most ...

2026-07-20T05:56:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…52yl
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This sea-themed thread is a great excuse to share some of my most treasured gachapon. A little bit creepy, but I'm a fan.

As they're advertised...'cute on the other side' (エイの裏側かわいい)😳🤣

#ガチャぽん #ガチャ #アカエイ #Japan #gachapon #stingray #aquarium

Although many of the 'funaya' (船屋) have now been ...

2026-07-20T05:39:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…yt77
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Although many of the 'funaya' (船屋) have now been renovated into holiday homes, shops and cafés, originally they wouldn't have been used as houses but rather as storage sheds.

Fishermen would have had a family home slightly inland, and used the funaya for work needs.
#船屋 #京都

As the famous Hokuriku saying goes "even if you forget your ...

2026-07-20T05:29:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…qmdc
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As the famous Hokuriku saying goes "even if you forget your lunch, don't forget your umbrella" (弁当忘れても傘忘れるな)🌂

The region's silk fabrics have long been praised for their quality, in part thanks to the moist microclimate which keeps silk threads supple and strong.

About 230 'funaya' (船屋) now circle Ine Bay. In order ...

2026-07-20T04:10:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…9tks
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About 230 'funaya' (船屋) now circle Ine Bay.

In order to protect the fishermen's boats from rain, rot and insects, the houses were designed so that the boat could be lifted out of the water onto the ground floor.
Nets and gear would be stored on the floor above.
#伊根 #Japan

'Chinzao' (台湾茶専門店靑竈) does not have a ...

2026-07-20T03:51:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…5qkm
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'Chinzao' (台湾茶専門店靑竈) does not have a menu. Rather the owner produces a selection of teas for each guest from the 100 or so Taiwanese varieties kept in stock.

The experience is designed to be a meditative one, and you should put aside at least 1 hour for teatime.

Last time we were here a squall arrived as tea was ...

2026-07-20T02:52:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…n6hd
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Last time we were here a squall arrived as tea was served...disappearing before the cup was even empty.

The Tango Peninsula is famed for its microclimate. 'Uranishi' (うらにし) is a sudden wind that blows across the waters from autumn to winter, bringing with it sudden changes in weather & heavy rain.

What better way to celebrate 'Umi-no-hi' than a drive to ...

2026-07-20T02:38:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…pgvh
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What better way to celebrate 'Umi-no-hi' than a drive to Ine (伊根) to enjoy Taiwanese tea🌊🚣‍♀️🍵☺️

The fishing village is well known for its 'funaya' (舟屋), traditional houses designed so that boats could be lifted onto the ground floor.

#Ine #伊根 #海の日

🌊🦀DAY OF THE SEA🏖️⛵️ Happy 'Marine ...

2026-07-20T01:32:44Z

🌊🦀DAY OF THE SEA🏖️⛵️

Happy 'Marine Day'!😅
Umi-no-hi (海の日) was first celebrated in 1996 as a day of gratitude for the blessings of the oceans.
As an island nation, the seas have played an important role in the development of Japan.

#海の日 #MarineDay #Japan #Kyoto #uminohi

Miso, bean paste and Japanese pepper are mixed together and left ...

2026-07-17T05:16:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…afmw
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Miso, bean paste and Japanese pepper are mixed together and left to rest for a month so that the flavour softens and deepens.

A day before the gyōja mochi go on sale local confectioners gather to help make crepe-like 'funoyaki' (麩の焼き).
By July 16th 8000 sweets will be ready😲