Category Archives: History

Design, Environment, 静岡県, 観光, History, Japan, Kakegawa City, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Traditional Japanese Houses: Shimizu Bank Branch in Kakegawa City!

February 11, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

In Kakegawa City on the way to the Kakegawa Castle you will discover and old traditional house with some interesting story!

On a bright day it does provide a great sight for photography!

All facades will show you a different facet of the architecture!

Wait for the green light before crossing! LOL

This is a story which was actually the source for the name of a local sake brand!
Kazutoyo built Kōchi Castle. His life spanned the closing years of the Sengoku period, the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and the beginning of the Edo period.
Just four years after he became Lord of Tosa, Kazutoyo died without issue aged around 60, and was succeeded as Lord of Tosa by his nephew Tadayoshi.
Chiyo, as a wise and beautiful wife, helped her husband Yamauchi Kazutoyo up from an ordinary samurai to the governor of an entire province, Tosa.
In 1590, Lord Yamauchi Kazutoyo 山内一豊, a great horse lover had been looking for a special mount of his own.
His wife spent untold time and efforts until she found, brought and gave a great horse to her beloved husband.
The story is also the source of the 45th NHK Taiga drama (2006), a dramatization of the life of Kazutoyo, with his wife Chiyo as the central character!

Lord Kazutoyo and his wife, Chiyo!

Another facade!

We are certainly thankful to the Shimizu Bank for preserving such a beautiful traditional Japanese house!

Even this Shimizu Bank sign is an antique!

Beautiful latticed windows!

I didn’t have much time on that da, but I’m sure there are a lot more pictures on offer!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Environment, 静岡美食, 観光, Fujieda City, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 23: Fujieda City

January 30, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

Beautiful mint Fujieda City manhole cover!
They actually come into two colors

The same, a bit old, near Fujieda JR Station south exit!

Another beautiful mint with a different background color!

The same again, a bit old, near Fujieda JR Station south exit!

The same, without the colors!

The one without the color is usually found in the middle of roads!

A sewer manhole cover with Fujieda City motif in the center!

An older type!

A round fire hydrant manhole cover!

Another rectangular fire hydrant manhole cover!

Another rectangular older type fire hydrant manhole cover!

A little beauty!

A gas manhole cover. Probably for private use as the symbol is not that of Fujieda City!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Environment, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Tourism

The Ancient Site of A Samurai House (Nomura Family) in Kanazawa City!

January 16, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

On the third day of our stay in Kanazawa City we decided to have a small tour of Naga District, which is famous for its ancient houses and architecture!

These walls actually are featured on every guidebook!
The walls are protected with fresh straw against the snow which will fall soon!

It gives a great insight of the city rich quarters in feudal times with the moats and stone abutments!

Some of the properties are enormous by Japanese standards!

The entrance of “The Ancient Site of A Samurai House (Nomura Family)”/official English name!

The first thing you notice is the large kura/warehouse, a prerequisite in a rich samurai house!

The actual entrance to the residence!

Japanese and English pamphlets are available, and although the translation is amateurish, the explanations are sufficient:

These are the ruins, or more aptly said the remains of a samurai house formerly owned by the Nomura Family.
Lord Meda Toshiie took over the Kanazawa Castle in 1583, and ensured a long and prosperous reign of the Kaga clan which spanned over three centuries thanks to his followers producing 5 million bushels (one million koku) annual rice yield.
At that time , one of his high-ranked followers, Nomura Denbei Nobusada, was granted by Lord Toshiie a fief of one thousand koku which was furthermore promoted to twelve hundred koku.
His descendants also served as senor retainers, each given a 1,000 tsubo (3,305square meter) estate.
The old family estate was retained until the 12th generation by the time of the Meiji Restoration.

Past the the portal and into the real entrance.

However, because of the break-up of the feudal system. many samurai houses were destroyed, some changed into vegetable gardens or others sold out.
Only parts of old gates and walls around these ancient houses are left as they were.
The Nomura Family did not escape the same fate.
The last piece of property was bought in the early Showa period by a local industrialist, Kubo Hikobei, who lived in Hashidate Village in southern Ishikawa Prefecture and traded with people in Hokkaido.
Kubo Hikobei moved the drawing room, part of a beautifully constructed old house from Daishoji town near his native village inside the House.
Today visitors can understand the prosperity of the industrialist in olden times through the gorgeous architecture and at the same time imagine the way of life of ancestors of the city when discovering the beautiful garden attached to the formal samurai house.

in March 2009 the Michelin Green Guide Japon awarded a 2-star ranking to the garden and in 2003 the American Journal of Japanese Gardening ranked the Nomuara House garden as the 3rd best in Japan!

Past the entrance you will discover a genuine samurai full armor in the lobby!

From the side!

The skirt and greaves (hip, thigh and leg armor)!

The Nomura Family mon/crest was a fan!

A magnificent rice cake New Year offering!

The living room with the tokonoma/alcove!

Invaluable ancient wood carvings!

Antique painted partitions!

Buddhist altar!

Intricate wood and paper windows!

Halberd!

There is a whole room designed as a museum!

Old coins!

1 gold ryo old koban coin!

Samurai swords!

Antique hanging scroll!

A lacquer work inkstone box!

Antique Kutani vase!

You have free access to the garden (although you are not allowed to walk inside!)!

The snow protection straw mats were already attached!

For a fuller view!

Beautiful pond!

Another corner of the garden!

You can climb an ancient stone stair leading to the upstairs tea room!

Garden view form the stairs!

The tea room is really tiny!

And the entrance is very low!

One can catch an overview of the graren through a wide bay window!

Great details of the roofs!

The last view before departing….

A SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF NOMURA FAMILY
(one of the Ruins of Samurai House)
Above is the”official” naming!

Kanazawa City, Naga machi, 1 Chome, 3-32
Tel.: 076-221-3553
HOMEPAGE</strong>

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 20: Eastern Shizuoka Prefecture 2

January 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

A beautiful mint water access manhole cover in Fuji City!

This is the second part dedicated to the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture!

The same without the colors!

Beautiful mint of another Fuji City type manhole cover!

Kaguya Hime Legend on a beautiful fire hydrant access manhole cover in Fuji City!

A sewer manhole cover in Fuji City!

Another beautiful mahole cover similar to the Fuji City one but in different colors found in Yoshiwara which has been merged into Fuji City since then!

Another sewer type manhole cover in Atami City I have just found!

Manhole cover in Gotemba City!

The same a above in Gotemba City but in white and black!

The same again in Gotemba City but without the colors!

Another beautiful mint manhole cover in Shimizu Cho!

The same as above in Shimizu Cho without the colors!

A gas access manhole cover in Shimizu Cho!

A cute manhole cover in Oyama Cho!

Not strictly east of Shizuoka Prefecture but in Izu peninsula. Beautiful black and white evrsion of a manhole cover in Amagi Yugashima, since then merged in Izu City!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

金沢市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Tourism

Old Houses in Nishi Chaya Street and Vicinity in Kanazawa City!

January 11, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

There are two streets and their vicinity that you must absolutely in Kanazawa City: Nisahi Chya/Wets Tea Houses Street and Higashi Chaya/East Tea Houses Street!
Today let me take you around Nishi Chaya Street.
Next time you visit Kanazawa City, I’m sure you will find thousands of spots to photograph!

All these tea houses, dating back hundred of years, are recognizable to their peculiar window rows on the second floor which allow tea ladies and customers to see each other!

This ancient building is actually the seat of the Tea Houses Association and is still actively used by tea ladies for practicing dancing and playing diverse instruments!

The same house with its access alley!

This grand house has been completely renovated by the owners of the sweet beans shop on the ground floor!

A Tea House of a different style. Expensive!

This house is owned by the famous beef store called Tengu!

tengu is a kind of deity in Japan.
Can you spot its red mask?

Its mask always bear a long nose!
Now. this nose is an inspiration for a variety of symbols! LOL

An ancient house probably used as a warehouse.
Note the mon/crests on the roof!

A beautiful portal!

Tamura Tea House!

Yuki No Juku Tea House!

More tea houses!

An elegant entrance!

The back entrance to Nishi Chaya Street with many shops!

Some shops like Rakugan are famous all over Japan!

In the vicinity some old houses are still restored in between modern buildings!

An old and small temple and and house from across a bridge!

I’ll take you along Higashi Chaya Street next!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kura, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Yui

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 7

January 3, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Kura” (in japanese 蔵 or 倉) means “warehouse” or “Storehouse”.
In traditional Japan, especially during the Edo Era, as most of buildings and urba/village structures were made of wood, fires were the bane of society by and large.
However well-protected a fire would consume a house or buildings and all its properties within minutes.
Hence a special building or warehouse was needed to protect goods and properties against such a catastrophe.
But erecting a storehouse solely made of concrete, stones and some metal cost a vast amount of silver and gold and only rich merchants and nobility could afford them. Even castles could not be built entirely of stone then.

I was reporting on a local festival in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, when I discovered two more kuras!
Actually there are many of them in Yui, especially along and the Old Tokaido Road where they were the first refuge against typhoons and tsunamis.
But most of them have now been transformed into hangars, shops and abodes with their second floors shaved off and using only the solid first floor as a base.
Therefore there only a very few with their roof intact!

I noticed this one by pure chance as it was completely surrounded by buildings of all kinds!

It was obviously used either as an abode or as a storeroom, and I managed to a peek at this window as the inhabitants seemed to be away during the New Year Holidays!

I found this old one along the same street. As it was surrounded by a car park I had an easier access to it!

The entrance was being repaired but the whole building, although small, seemed very till very solid!

The window and the roof were in good repair!

These iron supports are found in most kuras. They are there to keep the roof securely onto the walls in case of stong winds. Typhoons can easily send the tiles flying!

For all the lack of color and decoration it was very well-preserved!

Now, that window lock really looks ancient!

Now some of these kuras can very small indeed!
I found this one near my home!

Small but very old as shown by all the rust on the window!

At first I didn’t think that this long building was a kura!

I nonetheless decided to investigate!

For all the imposing solidity the large steel windows were old!

No openings at the back!

They had reformed the entrance, though!

It is effectively used as a kura by the local fire station!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Yui

Koike Village Chief House in Yui!

January 1, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Because Shizuoka City and Prefecture were more an area of intense travelling than Kyoto or Tokyo where people gathered and built according to the size of their population (and money), it seems that our region lacks in historical and cultural assets.
Actually, until Tokugawa Ieyasu made his retreat at the beginning of the 17th Century in Sumpu (Shizuoka City) travelers had still to stay there overnight and eat and drink. Accordingly, many old houses and lodgings can still be discovered along the Old Tokaido Route.
Tourists should not overlook them as their smaller size, easier access and cheap/free entrances provide them with a rare glimpse of life of past times. Sometimes such sightseeing off the beaten tracks is more rewarding than grandiose but crowded monuments!
One house worthy of a visit lies along the Old Tokaido Route in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, only a few minutes away on foot from Yui JR Station: Koike Village House which was incidentally registered as a National Important Cultural Asset in October 1998.

The entrance!

Note the “namako/seaslug wall”!

Time to study Japanese! Don’t worry most of what is written on the board is mentioned in this article! LOL

The entrance and the noren/暖簾/entrance curtain!
Such a village house would also serve as a registar house in Edo Times hence another historical source of importance!

A small room has been refurbished into a small museum you will get into through another noren!

Take time to look at old pictures of Yui Village!

Through the bay window of the small museum you will discover a tiny but adorable Japanese garden!

Important documents are still preserved there!

Life articles of a time past!

The modest size of the very well preserved living quarters will give you a chance for great photogtraphy of a true Japanese abode of yore.

You actually may walk inside if you take your shoes off! That will permit you to not only take great photographs but experience a real feel under the soles of your feet!

Contrary to the interminable lodgings of ancient nobles, it has the merit to introduce you to a real size living house!

If you are am antique buff you will be surprised to find this very heavy antique shave ice machine worth a fortune at auctions!

Take all your time to admire the small exquisite garden full of surprises!

I have never seen that lantern-supporting sumo wrestler anywhere before!

Every season will offer you a different glimpse!

Very unusual moss!

An ancient well!

Having a second look before departing…
Irori/firplace!

Mobile partition!

Old hanging scroll!

I would advise you to take a good camera along as the place is dark inside, but you must have also a look at the raftings, the ceiling and theattic!

KOIKE VILLAGE CHIEF HOUSE/小池邸

421-3112 Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Yui, Terao, 464-9 (10 minutes on foot from Yui JR Station. Proceed left of the Station exit!)
Tel.: 054-376-0611
Opening hours: 09:30~16:30 (March~October), 09:30~16:00 (November~February)
Closed on Mondays and National Holidays (except if happening on week-ends), December 26th~January 5th
Entrance: free
Parking for 6 cars

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

由比, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Fish, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Sakura ebi, Sakura shrimp, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism, 桜海老

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 3: Yui JR Station and Vicinity

December 22, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Some stations, even larger ones, are better left alone, but one should give at least one chance to any you venture to get off as there is always a chance that such a station and its vicinity contain enough helpful information, especially in a touristic spot.

Yui is such a station along the Tokaido Railway Line about 20 minutes from Shizuoka JR Station in the east direction and found between Okitsu and Kambara Stations.
After all Yui has always been an important stage along the various routes coursing Japan between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto as superbly described in many ukiyo-e/woodblock prints.
So, although the railway station is tiny, keep your eyes open (and don’t forget you can espy Mount Fuji from the overhead tracks bridge!)!

I know a lot of stations which don’t bother, but you will find a window display of the local products typical of Yui.
Bear in mind that Yui was a city of its own before being recently merged with Shizuoka City and Shimizu Ku!

Ogura Co. specializes in processed sakura ebi/cherry shrimps and fish!

Yui Cannery Co. is famous all over Japan for its “White Ship” olive oil tuna cans!

Inaba Co is another big tuna cannery!

Kakusa Co specializes in processed fish products, especially dry and liquid fish dashi/soup stock!

The Yui Cake (Japanese cakes) Association is also featuring their products!

With all that fish around Yui is home to high end brand of dog and cat food producers!

Yui is also home of famous kamaboko/steamed fish paste and kuro hanpen/black sardine fish paste cakes, the latter found only in Shizuoka Prefecture as demonstrated by the Yui Kamaboko Makers Association!

Next time you visit Yui buy some in the many shops along Sakura Ebi Street as an unusual souvenir! Great with sake or beer!

The small but renown Hiroshige Museum hang their posters inside to inform all-comers of their events!
A must visit in Yui!

Yui might be small but you will gratified to discover that most signs are bi-lingual (sometimes with funny renditions!)!

A must take picture: the Sakura Ebi Portal at the the entrance of Sakura Ebi Street!
The contraption was only moved there recently!

You will find the double Yui Emblem of Sakura Ebi and Mount Fuji everywhere, so keep your eyes open for some interesting shots!

You will find big signs hung by local establishments but like in any touristic spots big signs do not always guarantee the best of quality. To take with a pinch of salt! After all there is plenty around!

Past the exit on your right you will find this first map board. Have a look at it even if you do not understand Japanese as more bilingual boards are near!

It will give you a first idea of what to look for!

Tokai Nature Trail bilingual board! Take your time to consult it!

Take good note!

You must take a look at Village Head Koike’s Mansion on Tokaido (meaning “Village Head/Chief’s Mansion along the Tokaido route. Free entrance) that I will talk about in an article soon to be posted and the Museum of Light, one of the only three lighting (candles and so on) museums in Japan! (entry 500 yen including coffee and an oral and manual demonstration!)!

The Yui Edo Period Lodging Stations Guide Board!

Take your time and read it!

And don’t forget the sakura ebi & Mount Fuji emblems, they are everywhere, even on manhole covers!

FOR MORE REPORTS ON YUI AND SAKURA EBI do consult the following reports:

–Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps: Catching Season Opened in Yui!
–Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps Catching in Yui. Still Hard Work!”
–Japanese Crustacean Species 7: Sakura Shrimp-Sakura Ebi-桜海老
–O Taiko Festival at Toyosumi Shrine in Yui, Shizuoka City on the New Year!
–Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 14: Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Design, Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kura, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 6: Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City with Atsuko Kurata!

December 15, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

We will have to check this ivy-covered kura again in the summer!

“Kura” (in japanese 蔵 or 倉) means “warehouse” or “Storehouse”.
In traditonal Japan, especially during the Edo Era, as most of buildings and urba/village structures were made of wood, fires were the bane of society by and large.
However well-protected a fire would consume a house or buildings and all its properties within minutes.
Hence a special building or warehouse was needed to protect goods and properties against such a catastrophe.
But erecting a storehouse solely made of concrete, stones and some metal cost a vast amount of silver and gold and only rich merchants and nobility could afford them. Even castles could not be built entirely of stone then.

This posting again features sights by my good friend, Mrs. Atsuko Kurata who is turning into a real detective when she found no less than five of them in her native Shimizu Ku in Shizuoka City!
No wonder as Atsuko’s family name includes the word Kura/倉, the modern form of kura/蔵!

I certainly wouldn’t mind living there!
It stands in Hon Machi (Main District)

Another old kura in Minato machi (harbor District)!

You must remember that Shimizu has had always been and still is a major harbor in Japan.
It may have seen better days as there were enough rich people in need of such warehouses!

But Atsuko thinks that this particular one might be haunted!

This particular kura was owned by Yohei Suzuki, the founder of Suzuyo Company, the largest transport company in Shizuoka Prefecture and the owner of Fuji Dream Airline!

Atsuko also discovered this cute kura in Hon machi!

The first owner must have been rich as it is a double kura!

A far view of the roof!

View of a window with its shutters open!

The “inner” kura which saw its first floor transformed a long time ago!

Atsuko also found this brown kura in Hon Machi near Shimizu Municipal Nursery(清水区立清水保育園)!

The pole sign indicating the address: Hon Machi 11!

The colors white and brown are the most popular colors as some owners wanted to be noted whereas others did not!

Even the shutters had been painted brown!

Care to join Atsuko in her search?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

静岡県, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 13: Hamamatsu City After Merger with Surrounding Cities and Towns

December 15, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Sewer manhole cover in Maisaka!

Hamamatsu City is the largest city in Shizuoka Prefecture both in area (Number 1 in Japan, too) and population in Shizuoka Prefecture and counts a lot of varieties in manhole covers , especially accounting for towns and cities recently merged!

Manhole cover in Maisaka, same a s above, but in different colors!

An unusual rectangular manhole cover in Maisaka over a fire hydrant access!

A mint sewer manhole cover in Hamakita!

The same without the colors!

A mint water access manhole cover in Hamakita!

the same without the colors!

Another mint water access manhole cover in Hamakita!

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Haruno!

The same without the colors!

A splendid mint manhole cover in Hosoe with an ancient bell motif!

The same without the colors!

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Inasa describing it as the “Greenery and Flowers City”!

The same without the colors!

A mint water access manhole cover in Sakuma with the Sakuma Dam!

The same without the colors!

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Tenryuu!

A manhole cover over a fire hydrant in Tenryuu!

A sewer manhole cover in Yuuto!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese stamps, Mount Fuji, Philately, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Stamps, Tourism

Mount Fuji on Stamps 1: 1922~1934

December 15, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

There is a very interesting way to know more about Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (and also Yamanashi Prefecture) by collecting or studying stamps which were issued on this subject inside Japan (there are of course more in the rest of the world)!

There are certainly more than one may think first as the Japanese Post Office printed regular not only commemorative stamps but also regular stamps well before WWII!

Here is an account spanning up to 2004.
Past that year, I’m sure it will be a lot easier to investigate!

Fuji Shika Regular Series (Mount Fuji and Deer Series) 1st Issue, January 1st 1922 (First stage-Old plate)

4 sen dull yellow green

8 sen, red

20 sen, light blue

Fuji Shika Regular Series (Mount Fuji and Deer Series) 2nd Issue, September 1st 1929 (First stage-Old plate)

4 sen, reddish orange

8 sen, greyish yellow brown ( no picture)

20 sen, brownish violet

Fuji Shika Regular Series (Mount Fuji and Deer Series) 2nd Issue, March 1st 1930 (First Stage-New plate)

4 sen, reddish orange (no picture)

8 sen, greyish yellow brown (no picture)

20 sen, dull reddish violet

Fuji Shika Series( Mount Fuji and Deer Series) 2nd Issue, April 1st 1937 (Second Stage-Showa wool paper)

4 sen, dull green (no picture)

20 sen, light blue (no picture)

Fuji Shika Regular Series (Mount Fuji and Deer Series) 2nd Issue, 1937 (Watermarked Showa paper)

4 sen dull yellow green (May 11th)

8 sen, yellow brown (July 20th) (no picture)

20 sen light blue (May)

Great Kanto Earthquake Emergency Regular Series (dragonfly, cherry tree and Mount Fuji)
Issued on October 25th 1923. No perforation.

4 rin, grey (no picture)

1 1/2 sen, dull blue

2 sen, dull violet

3 sen, dull red

4sen, dull grey (no picture)

5 sen, dull blue (no picture)

6 sen, dull violet (no picture)

Views Regular Series (Mount Fuji)
Issued on July 5th, 1926. Showa paper. Watermarked

2 sen, dull green

2 sen, greyish yellow green

Ashinoko Lake Airmail Series
Issued from 1923 to 1934

8 1/2 sen, 8 1/2 sen, 16 1/2 sen, 18 sen, 33 sen

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Culture, Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Statues, Tourism, Ukiyo-e

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 31~45

December 3, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Wood Block Print 31)
Hamamatsu (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

SYNOPSIS

Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese: 歌川広重), also Andō Hiroshige (Japanese: 安藤広重; 1797 – 12 October 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes, such as the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō.

Although you can see all 53 wood block prints at the Hiroshige Museum in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, did you know you can see 45 (at the final check today!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

I’m preparing a total compilation of the ukiyo-e only, including the ones missing, that is a total of 53+2= 57!

Before I proceed with the last ukiyo-e of this series I want to show you a few more pictures of art works created with them!

Gofuku Cho Street Sign at the entrance of Gofuku Cho Street!

Double bar bench?

Geisha’s Face!

Geisha and Suitor’s faces!

Alright, let’s proceed to the pedestals and wood block prints!

Pedestal 31)
Geisha in the Wind!

Pedestal 32)
Traveling Porter!

Wood Block Print 32)
27th Station: Fukuroi (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 33)
Traveling Mother and Child!

Wood Block Print 33)
25th Station: Nissaka (presently in Kakekagawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 34)
Shamisen-Playing Geisha!

Wood Block Print 34)
23rd Station: Shimada (Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 35)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back!

Wood Block Print 35)
21st Station: Okabe (presently in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 36)
Mother Carrying her Son on her Back!

Wood Block Print 36)
19th Station: Fuchu (presently Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 37)
Two-Sword Samurai in the Wind!

Wood Block Print 37)
17th Station: Okitsu (presently in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 38)
Housewife!

Wood Block Print 38)
10th Station: Hakone (Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture)!

Pedestal 39)
Farmer’s Wife Carrying Produce on her Head and Son on her back!

Wood Block Print 39)
5th Station: Totsuka (presently Totsuka Ku, Yokohamam City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 40)
Porter!

Wood Block Print 40)
2nd Station: Kawasaki (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 41)
Resting Mother and Two Children!

Wood Block Print 41)
Not a Station but the starting point at Nihonbashi, The Bridge o Japan in Edo (presently Tokyo)!

Pedestal 42)
Young Girl with Umbrella!

Wood Block Print 42)
1st Station: Shinagawa (presently in Tokyo)!

Pedestal 43)
Horse Rider!

Wood Block Print 43)
4th Station: Hodogaya (presently Hodogaya Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 44)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back under Unbrella!

Wood Block Print 44)
6th Station: Fujisawa (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 45)
Mother and Grandmother Playing with Child!

Wood Block Print 45)
11th Station: Mishiima (Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 21~30

December 2, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Wood Block Print 21)
Sanjo Bridge at Keishi (Kyoto). Not a station but the end of the Tokaido Trail!

SYNOPSIS

Although you can see all 53 wood block prints at the Hiroshige Museum in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, did you know you can see 47 (at the last double check yesterday!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

Pedstal 219
Soap Bubble Playing Boy!

Actually, these ukiyo-e/Wood Block Prints by Hiroshige is only part of a whole city decoration concept including statues and benches made of similar material with Edo period “Characters”. I found more for your interest yesterday!

Monocycle?

“Wa”!
In Japan a full circle also means “peace” or “harmony”!

Thinking about it again the ring is probably supposed to roll along that contraption!

Alright, let’s go back again to the prints!

Pedestal 22)
Old Lord Looking up!

Wood Block Print 22)
53rd Station: Otsu (presently, Otsu City, Shiga OPrefecture)!

Pedestal 23)
Resting and Thinking Traveler!

Wood Block Print 23)
50th Station: Minakuchi (presently Koka City in Shiga Prefecture)!

Pedestal 24)
Traveler in the wind and rain!

Wood Block Print 24)
47th Station: “Ski/The Barrier” (presently in Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture)

Pedestal 25)
Foot Travelers!

Wood Block print 25)
45th Station: Shono (presently part of Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 26)
Mother and Child!

Wood Block Print 27)
42nd Station: Kuwana (presently kuwana City, Mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 27)
Crouching Old men!

Wood Block Print 27)
40th Station: Narumi (presently part of Midori Ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 28)
Traveler!

Wood Block Print 28)
38th Station: Okazaki (presently Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 29)
Geisha in her Parlor!

Wood Block Print 29)
35th Station: Goyu (presently port of Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 30)
Relaxing Geisha!

Wood Block Print 30)
32nd Station: Shirasuka (presently in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

To be continued…

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Museums, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Shizuoka Tourism: Shizuoka City Zagyo-So Museum Saionji Kinmochi Villa in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 28, 2013 dragonlife 6 Comments

Saionji Kinmochi/西園寺公望 (1849~1940) was a prominent diplomat for Japan especially in France who witnessed the passage of japan from feudalism to modern times.
He was born in October 1849 as the second son of Tokudaiji Kinito, the Minister of the Right. One of Japan’s modern elder statesmen, he live d a long life spanning the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods as a liberal politician until the age of 91 when he passed away in November 1940.

Zagyo-So named by Viscount Chifuyu, was built facing the scenic Kiyomi lagoon in 1919 when Saionji was 70 years old as a place to lead a quiet life in his later years.

Times change and on March 18th, 1971, Zagyo-So was moved to Museum Meiji Mura located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. It is still shown today as a National Tangible Designated Cultural Asset.

Now a reproduction of Zagyo-So has been created on the land where it once stood thanks to the strong will of Okitsu (Shimizu Ku) people, the business world and the full cooperation and guidance from the Meiji Mura Foundation!

To reach Zagyo-So get down at okitsuJR Station along the Tokaido railway Line, go straight to the main street, turn right and walk past Seikenji Temple.
You will eventually find the sign above on your left-hand side. You v\can’t miss it!

A sign both in Japanese and in English will exlpain where you are!
Incidentally visits are free and volunteer guides (Japanese only usually) are on hand to show you around!

Walk towards the entrance.

The place is not that big, so take your time to notice the small details!

The entrance!

The back garden side facade!

Past the entrance!

Kaguya Hime Dolls!

The whole place is very much naturally lighted in daytime!

Photographs of the original Zagyo-So and Saionji Kinmochi in his late years!

Time slip!

Main room with Tokonoma!

A well-lit “tsurou/hall”!

the small musueum dedicated to the life of Saionji Kinmochi!

Many pictures taken during his long life!

Saionji Kinmochi as a samurai at 17, a student in Paris, an Ambassador in Germany at 40 and as a Minister for Culture in the 2nd Itoh Prime Minister Cabinet!

More pictures, especially as a foreign diplomat who met French Minister Georges Clemenceau many a time!

Personal artifacts and personal seals!

Apparently he had a special liking for amanatto/sweet fermented beans confectionery!

More original photos!

The traditional Japanese bathroom!

The washroom besides the toilets!

Walking around the place gives you a good idea of traditional Japanese households before WWII!

More recent pictures of the original building!
The guide told me it had to be moved and replaced as it was nearly falling apart!

Emperor and Empress Showa visited the place in Novemeber 1957!

Detailed pictures of the reconstruction!

City workers pruning the trees in the garden!

A so simple and so beautiful Tokonoma!

Another view to give an idea of the room!

One of the studies!

Japanese style wall cupboard with Japanese tea box!

Traditional Japanese toilets!
The guide told me it must have been hard on the old man’s knees!

The traditional Japanese kitchen!

Another time slip!

Valuable utensils, especially tea ceremony ones were washed in this separate basin outside the kitchen.
The guide told me that the Master of The House washed his hands there, too!

A space dedicated to Saionji Kinmochi’s personal maid, the second most important person after his spouse!

A picture of the phone they were using at the time!

Shizuoka City Zagyo-So Museum Saionji Kinmochi Villa

424-0206 Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Okitsu, Seikenji Cho, 115
Tel. & Fax: 054-369-2221
Visiting hours:
Weekdays: 10:00~17:00
Saturdays, Sundays & national Holidays: 09:30~17:30
Closed on Mondays (or the day after if a National Holiday) and from December 29th thru January 3rd
Free entrance

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tombs, Tourism, Tumulus

Miikeidaira Tumulus: Keyhole Tomb in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 27, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!

If your are keen on Japanese history, and I mean ancient history, it might be an excellent idea to combine tourism and study by visiting one of the few remaining funeral tumuli left in Japan by visiting the Miikeidaira Tumulus/三池平古墳 in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

one easy way is to take the bus to the National Training Center from Bus Platform 4 on the west side of Shimizu JR Station (bear in mind there is only one every hour!) and go till the last stop!

And check the return schedule!

National Training Center in Shimizu Ku is a vast (by Japanese standards) training center especially dedicated to high level soccer teams from all over Japan!

You should be able to see the tumulus and find the right way to walk uo there!

The tumulus is not only visible but its surroundings are well equipped including washrooms!

Check the map before climbing the stairs!

now, do you understand why it is also called a “keyhole tomb”?

Plenty of indications!

As you climb the tumulus you will realize that you can benefit of vast views at the same time!

The tumulus!

Take your time and read the explanations both in Japanese and (somewhat quaint) English!

The Miikedaira Tumulus was built as a key-holed shaped mound tomb at the beginning of the 5th century A.D.
The total length/diameter of the tumulus is 68 meters.
The inner/underground structure reveals a type of tomb belonging to comparatively ancient times and the like of ones very few in Shizuoka prefecture and even in the entire West Japan.

Have a good look at the diagram!
Such tombs are not open to the public and even scientists and historians need a permission to inspect them.

These stones were brought here more than 1,500 years ago!

A sobering thought!

You will be able to admire a view extending as far as the Izu peninsula beyond the ocean!
Walk down the other side to discover what’s beyond!

Mind your steps!

Steeper than the front!

Well indicated again!

You will discover a very old Shinto Shrine dating back to the beginning of Edo Era!
What you see in the forefront under blue tarp is a sumo wrestling mound!