Tag 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!

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-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
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-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

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静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Okabe, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Great Inn Kashibaya in Okabe, Shizuoka City!

February 6, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Okabe, now merged with Fujieda City used to be the 21st Station along the Old Tokaido Route, actually the most used one of four that existed at the time as it mainly followed the coast between Nihonbashi in Edo/Tokyo to Keishi/Kyoto

Inns were vital for the well-being of travelers of the time, generally of so-called middle class, especially merchants, and such a one can still be found just near the “Okabeshuku Kashibaya Mae” bus stop.
As for reaching it, one cheap way is to take a bus either from Shizuoka City JR Station North Exit or Fujieda City JR North Exit!

Difficult to miss as it stands by a park!

You will also find a souvenir shop open from 09:00 to 17:00 and a lunch restaurant open from 11:00 to 14:00 located at the back!

The front access!

Don’t forget here is also one more attraction also at the back in the shape of old traditional Jpanese warehouses or “lura”!

Note the owning family crest/mon at the top!

The lobby with a noren/entrance curtain!
You will pay a small entrance fee there and be handed a pamphlet either in Japanese or in English!

From the inside!

omebody will be on hand to introduce the whole building!

What you see above is a small box inside the wall containing a paper lantern that was used for night arrivals!

The guide explained us the handling of the front entrance!

As well as of the front windows which can be completely closed at night or in bad weather!

The wooden curtain would prevent any rain or unwanted visitor during the night!

Before entering the actual premises visitors/travelers would first sit in the mise/welcome space where they would introduced to the inn and tier lodgings and fees.

Like in Japanese traditional inns nowadays, board included dinner and breakfast and were not that cheap. Customers were mainly of the lower to higher middle cass, including merchants and samurais and their retinue.

The indoor kitchen!
Actually a lot was also prepared outside and in annexes!

The owners had their own quarters on the ground/first floor.

Domestic scene!
The owner’s wife would paint her lips in black as a mark of her status!

The whole place is a museum.
The present inn was rebuilt in 1836 and had to be again after two fires struck the whole of Okabe.
It was registered as a National Intangible Cultural Asset in 1998.

Candles and lanterns!

Portable stove to heat water or sake!

An incense clock!
The powdered incense would take a determinate time to burn inside that contraption!

Valuable hairpin collection, some of them made of tortoise shell!

Money and purses of the time!

Traveler’s portable gear including inkstone and so on!

Access to the upper floor!

You tour the whole place in a predetermined order!

Kamidana/Home Shrine!

A fireman’s gear of the time!

I told you it was a true little museum, didn’t I?

A biwa, my favorite Japanese music instrument!

Traveling gear!

Traveling clothes!

Lower middle-class guests on the upper floor!

Back to the owner’s “business room” on the ground floor!

Ceiling rafters!

A genuine ukiyoe/woodblock print of the Old Tokaido Road reaching Okabe!

More copies of ukiyoe of the era!

A relief map of Edo Era Okabe!

An Edo Era scene of the Inn!

Japanese carps in the pond of the small outdoors garden!

A cute garden!

Don’t forget to visit to the museum inside the kura behind the Inn as the owner was also a licensed pawn shop owner!

Great Inn KASHIBAYA
Fujieda City, Okabe, Okabe Cho, 817
Tel.: 054-667-0018
Opening hours: 09:00~17:00
Closed on Mondays and end and beginning of the year. If Monday is a National Holiday the following Tuesday is a closing day
Entrance fee: 300 yen for adults, free for children under junior high school, 240 yen each for groups of over 20 people.

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Traditional Japanese Houses and Inns in Utsunoya, Shizuoka City!

February 5, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Utsunoya was an intermediary stage between the two Old Tokaido Route stations, Mariko in Shizuoka City, and Okabe in Fujieda City.
Even during the Meiji Era travelers had to go through it before climbing up and down steep slopes between the two stations.
Accordingly many visitors stopped overnight in one of the “Shuukuba or Kashiya/inns.
Such establishments can be seen for the sole pleasure of the eyes learning the history of the region.

The access is now very easy!
Just take a bus to Fujieda City from platform 7 in front Shizuoka Jr Station and get off at Utsunoya Iriguchi bus stop just before the Fujieda Tunnel.
Cross the large road by using the overhead bridge and start walking up the street!

You will walk past this beautiful Shizuoka City fire hydrant manhole cover!

The first houses you will meet are not the inns of Utsunoya but they will prepare you to the further sights!

These houses have been for a long time and often repaired but you can catch glimpses of old wooden architecture!

Depending on the season they will make for great photography!

Just walk at an easy pace as your goal is not that far!

This sign indicates one of the great soba restaurants in this Prfecture called Kishigami!

The all-important sign!
Take the left-hand path!

Getting near!

You have reached Utsunoya which was depended on the Mariko Old Tokaido Route Station!

A little historical reminder: travelers had to climb past Utsunoya Pass before the Meiji Toll Tunnel was opened in 1870!

Enter Utsunoya!

On that particular occasion we walked through it on a beautiful winter afternoon, but you ought to imagine the same location in all seasons and weathers!

Rare blue glazed roof tiles!

All these former inns had names finishing with “ya/屋”

They share all the same wooden architectural design!

One can still discover stone foundations even older than the houses!

Antique rain water stone jars!

A postcard view!

now the owners have generally turned to farming!

I can’t start to imagine the work involved to build those inns atop stone walls on such steep slopes!

Walk the stairs keeping an eye for interesting details!

A typical example of the old architectural design of the tiled roofs!

Try and imagine tired travelers stopping there overnight!

Looking down on your tracks up the slope!

How many had these tiles to be replaced/ It is a cold part of Shizuoka City and exposed to the natural elements!

Even now it is worth visiting for the sole purpose of eating at traditional Japanese restaurants: Udon Restaurant!

Soba Restaurant!

Souvenir Shop and restaurant!

And don’t forget to visit the Meiji Tunnel only a little distance away!

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Meiji Tunnel in Utsunoya, Shizuoka City!

February 4, 2014 dragonlife 1 Comment

Shizuoka Prefecture being located between Tokyo and Nagoya had always been crossed by very busy routes forcing the Meiji Government to dig out many tunnels for faster and easier access and transport.
The Meiji Tunnel in Utsunoya, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City is not only one of them but had the distinction to be first toll tunnel in Japan!

One easy way to visit this piece of engineering history is to take a bus bound to Fujieda from Shizuoka JR Station North exit platform N0′ and to get off at Utusnoya bus stop just before the Fujieda Tunnel. Cross the road to the right hand side and walk along the well paved street. Walk across Utsunoya and turn left when you find the sign above!

You will also find this wooden sign board indicating the Old Tokaido Route/Track through the mountains.

Of course you can walk/climb along the old route through mountains, passes and forests but you will nee a backpack!

There are plenty of indications to keep you on the right track!

You are on the right path!
Take your time as it is not a long way away and depending on the seasons there are plenty of pictures to take of the environment!

You’d better have a good look at this map!

You will discover that for many reasons there are more than one tunnel in the area!
On the map above the Meiji Tunnel is the second one from the bottom in yellow.
The second tunnel was dug out in the Tasho Era, the one at the very bottom.
A third tunnel was dug during the Showa Era, the third from the bottom.
The latest tunnel was dug out in the Heisei Era, The fourth from the bottom.
The last two are very busy thoroughfares.

There is small space before the entry of the tunnel equipped with a public washroom, but also with a great relief map!
Take the time to check it and realize the scope of the work invovled in digging out these tunnels!

You will notice that only pedestrians (and cyclists?) are allowed through these days!

It is the oldest toll tunnel in Japan! According to the records, it was first opened as a wooden tunnel in 1876. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed it in 1896. It was reopened in 1904 as a brick tunnel!

Don’t worry! There are no ghosts there! It is lit 24 hours a day!
Actually many lovers walk through it! LOL

It is actually relatively dry and cool inside!

Within the space of this tunnel yo walk out of Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City directly into Okabe, Fujieda City!

The mMiji Tunnel is registered as an intangible Culture Asset!

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Kanazawa City Symbol: Kanazawa Kenroku Park Stone Lantern!

January 9, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

This stone lantern in Kenroku Park is the symbol of that City!
You will see on every tourism pamphlet.
I know that some buffs take picture of that single art piece every season in every weather!

The city is very proud of it and does hesitate to show it at your feet!

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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

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Cinema Museum: Shichi Bura Cinema Street in Shizuoka City!

December 14, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

Before the movie theaters were closed and moved to Cenova Department Store and consequently their buildings pulled down the City of Shizuoka, following the example with the Hiroshige Ukiyo-e in Gofuku Cho Street, had the great idea to create an open air museum along Shichikrn Street just after it crosses the Showa Street!

The pole indicating the starting point of Shichi Bura Cinema Street!

They even indicated the project on the wrought iron grids surrounding the trees!

Also announced on each display box!

Like in Gofuku Street they use the same red granite abundantly even on the pavement to show the emblem bird of Shizuoka City,…

the emblem tree of Shizuoka City. or…

the emblem flower of Shizuoka City!

Each display pedestal is flanked with seats made of the same red granite. Unfortunately their access is somtimes blocked by bicycles or nearby building works!

The displays inside the boxes are really intriguing and deserve some research: reverse film apparatus!

Great sight in store!

Ancient movie camera!

What’s next?

Sun spot!

Now, what are those two?

Enormous microphones!

The works on the right are a real eyesore!

Suspension flight light and solar spot light!

Machine head!

And to finish a genuine antique 1971 movie program poster!

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静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, Illuminations, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Hiroshige Illuminations in Gofuku Street, Shizuoka City!

December 11, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

I Have already introduced the 45 (out of 53 + 2) Ukiyo-e By Hiroshige (Utagawa Hiroshige), the last great ukiyo-e/wood block prints master in Japan that you can find on red granite posts all along Gofuku Street in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

Gofuku Street at night.

Now at night the same red granite posts are surmounted with large lights with the same motif of the ukiyo-e represented below!

The Ukiyo-e below!

The Ukiyo-e above!

They certainly look better than those garish, expensive and bad taste illuminations in Aoba Street that Gofuku Street runs across!

Let me show you some more examples:

Above!

Below!

The “introduction” post!

Below!

Above!

Let me show you just a few more:

Above!

Below!

Above!

Below!

Above!

Below!

I’ll let discover/rediscover the others!
There 45 + 1 in all!

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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)!

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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…

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Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 11~20

November 29, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Wood Block Print 11)
28th Station: Mitsuke (Tenryuu, presently Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

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 42 (that what I counted and took in pictures yesterday although I’ll double check today!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

Actually I double checked and found a few more!
Moreover, the indications to find them were slightly wrong!
You will find all these ukiyo-e and more from along Gofuku Cho Street in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, past the first crossing up the street from Gofuku Cho Scrmable, that is where Gofuku-Cho Street crosses the main Street called Egawa Street up the Shizuoka Bank headquarters!

Geisha Visage!

Boy!

Pillared bench!

Dancing Geishas!

Edo Travelers!

Riding Boy!

Mount Fuji overlooking Shizuoka City, formerly called “Fuchu” or “Sumpu”!

Ball Bench!

Hole and rest Bench!

Ring Bench!

Handle Bench!

Alright, let me take you back to the Wood Block Prints!

Pedestal 11) Two-sword Samurai!

Wood Block Print 11)
28th Station: Mitsuke (Tenryuu, presently Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 12) Traveling Woman!

Wood Block Print 129
30th Station: Maisaka (presently part of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 13) Porter!

Wood Block Print 13)
31st Station: Arai (presently part of Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

pedestal 14) Sitting Woman!

Wood Block Print 14)
35th Station: Yoshida (presently part of Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 15) Woman with Umbrella!

Wood Block print 15)
36th Station: Akasaka (presently in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 16) Traveling Samurais!

Wood Block Print 16)
39th Station: Chiryu (Chiru City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 17) Wooden Sword Fencing Practice!

Wood Block print 17)
41st Station: Miya (presently part of Atsuta ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 18) Porter!

Wood Block Print 18)
43rd Station: Yokkaichi (Yokkaichi City, mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 19) Sword dancer?

Wood Block print 19)
46th Station: Kameyama (Kameayama City, Mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 20) Child dancer?

Wood Block Print 20)
52nd Station: Kusatsu (Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture)!

To be continued…

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, Japan, Japanese Culture, Museums, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Ukiyo-e, Wood Block Prints

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 1~10

November 28, 2013 dragonlife 3 Comments

Wood Block Print 1)!
15th Station: Kambara (presently Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City) in the snow!

Map of old Sumpu/Shizuoka City at the crossroads by the Mitsukoshi-Isetan Department Store.

“Fuchu”

They concentrated on both sides of Gofuku Cho Street between Mitsukoshi-Isetan Department Store and Shizuoka Bank Headquarters Building.
As far as I know, the order seemed haphazard and I found only 42 of the 53 wood bock prints but I will hav e to double check!

I just realized yesterday I had been walking past them for years. The reason for this crazy miss is that people have the habit of stacking their bicycles against the red granite pedestals on which they stand.
A real pity as the stands themselves are carved into beautiful reliefs , all different!
I sometimes wish that the Japanese, and the Shizuokaites in particular, gave a little more respect and recognition for their culture…

Alright, there is no point crying about it, let me take you along, then!
And don’t forget your camera or sketch book!

Pedestal 1) A porter?

Wood Block Print 1)!
15th Station: Kambara (presently Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City) in the snow!
Actually Hiroshige never traveled in the snow and drew this picture from his own imagination!

Pedestal 2) Mother and Child

Wood Block print 2)
13th Station: Hara (presently in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 3) Hiroshige traveling on a horse?

Wood Block print 3)
12th Station: Numazu (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 4) Geisha

Note: I started moving bicycles away without any ceremony form that point!
Passers-by just ignored me! LOL

Wood Block Print 4)
14th Station: Yoshiwara (Just between Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City and Fuji City)

Pedestal 5) Farmer Housewife and son?

Wood Block Print 5)
16th Station: Yui, Shimisu Ku, Shizuoka City

Pedestal 6) Young Lord or Kabuki actor?

Wood Block Print 6)
18th Station: Ejiri (presently Shimizu harbor, Shimizu ku, Shizuoka City)

Pedestal 7) Boy hanging onto a branch or bar
How do I know it is a boy/ Look carefully! LOL

Wood Block Print 7)
20th Station: Mariko (presently in Shizuoka City)

The same was reproduced on a Japanese commemorative stamp!

Pedestal 8) A tired porter!

Wood Block print 8)
22nd Station: Fujieda (Fujieda City. Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 9) Servant sweeping with a broom

Wood Block Print 9)
24th Station: Kanaya (presently in Shimada City. Crossing of the Oi River. Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 10) Porter

Wood Block print 10)
26th Station: Kakegawa (Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

To be continued….

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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

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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!

A sumo meet is held there every year in October!

This Shinto Shrine is called Toga Jinja!

The area is famous for its citrus fields and orchards!

Very expensive “dekopon” oranges!

A different type (I found more than half a dozen!) of oranges!
I did taste them (except the dekopon!) and they are about ripe enough!

beautiful, aren’t they?

A visit to combine history, tourism and gastronomy!

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美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sanwa Brewery-Garyubai Junmai Ginjo

October 26, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City has this famous label for one of its Junmai Ginjo representing two drinkers of the Edo Period and I know a lot of people who like to collect it!

Most of their sake are called Garyubai these days, a name which can be traced back to a local temple!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 3
Acidity: 1.4
Bottled in August 2013

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Pears, macadamia nuts, custard
Body: Fluid, slightly sirupy
Taste: Very dry attack backed up by puissant junmai petillant.
Very nutty at first with hints of oranges and custard.
Lingers for a while warming up back of the palate and tongue.
Mellows somewhat with food.
Turns quickly back to strong dryness away from food.

Overall: Straight forward dry sake best suited for food, especially heavy izakaya food.
Sake concept very different from mainstream shizuoka brews. The toji/brewmaster is of the Nanbu School from Iwate Prefecture and never uses the Shizuoka yeasts.
can be enjoyed at all temperatures in spite of its elevated status. Would do well at a BBQ!

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