Shinin' on Eve

So once again, it doesn't seem like we're getting a white Christmas. But the cloudy rainy weather cleared and it's going to be sunny skies this whole weekend, yay!

Christmas in Japan is for mainly couples and children. Couples go out on romantic dates and kids get presents, Christmas cake, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's all very commercial, not that it's a bad thing or anything. I love all the flair of Christmas decorations and songs we get around the city this season.

The number of Christians living in Japan is very few. Of the whole population in Japan, it's said that there are less than 1% who are Christians. I think the most recent number was around 0.7%, which is roughly 1.2 million people. For them, it's also a time to celebrate the birth of Christ with family, friends, and other church members.

But regardless of religion, I do hope everyone has a happy Christmas Eve today!

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Popular Persimmons

Persimmons are one of my favorite fall fruits. I love the simple taste. Walking around Tokorozawa, you'll see a lot of persimmon trees in people's yards. 

And although I'm not the best person to start talking about Japanese literature...I do remember a very famous haiku that almost all Japanese people know or have at least heard of. It's by a famous haiku poet named Masaoka Shiki (正岡子規).

"Kaki kueba Kane ga naru nari Horyuji"

(柿食へば鐘がなるなり法隆寺)

This translates to something like "Bite into persimmon, a bell resounds, Horyuji." Shiki wrote this while he was in Nara during his travels, sitting in a tea room close to Horyuji while eating persimmon, which was said to be his favorite fruit. And although it's said that the sound of bell he refers to is actually from Todaiji, a different temple in Nara, this famous haiku composes a lovely fall scene and remains to be one of the most famous haiku in Japan.

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Hooter Alert

Taking a break from the autumn leaves...here is a cute little owl.

I can almost hear it saying, "HOO wants water?" Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Beauty of a Roof

Here is a close up photo of the Jimyoin Temple roof.

I love the way the old buildings in Japan were traditionally built, the wooden structure and the Kawara roofs. Many of the temples and shrines are built using a traditional wood joinery technique, which were nail-less or used few nails. This technique is not written down on any manual but passed down as a craft from generation to generation.

The roof made from tile is also a very important part of the structure. I read somewhere that the beauty of Japanese architecture lies in the varieties of its roof. I tend to agree.

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Hammer Away

There's a lot of construction going on lately. I love watching construction sights and seeing the houses take shape.

My dad is a really good carpenter, and although that's not his profession, he used to make bunk beds and study desks for us kids when we were little. All the noise at the construction sight brings back memories!

Happy Face

Monday is never an easy day. But these flowers just brightened up my day today.

Hope they cheer you up, too.

Well Ridden

This is Higashiharai Park (東原井公園). It's a teeny weeny park with two benches, a sandbox, and two animals on springs.

When I passed by there was no one there. But, from the looks of the handles, it seems like a lot of kids have ridden on both the panda and koala.

I remember I really liked this when I was little, too. My sister and I used to bounce around like crazy. I'm surprised we didn't pull the thing out of the ground!

I imagine many kids made the same kind of memories here, too.



Veggie Delight

I found this vegetable patch around the corner from Jimyoin Temple.

I really love gardens. But I also know it takes a lot of energy and time to keep a good garden. Which is why all I do is admire my neighbor's garden these days.

But hopefully one of these days...

Down the Street

Just a regular street with a reflection.

See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

Patch of Green

I wanted to get my fill of the green grass while it's still here.

It's 11°C outside today. That's about 52°F. It seems we've skipped fall and jumped head first into winter. But I'm hoping this is just temporary and we'll be able to enjoy at least a week or two of warmer fall weather.

Ji-Myo-In

This gorgeous building can be found in Jimyoin Temple, which is a part of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism.

I happened to stumble upon this temple the other day, just as the chants inside the main temple started. The voices in perfect rhythm with the sound of drums was beautiful. I stood there for a few minutes just listening to their rich deep voices.

There were flowers placed at the foot of a statue, which I'm pretty sure the monks change everyday. These are various types of chrysanthemums, which is a flower traditionally given as offerings to temples. They are also common flowers seen in cemeteries, too.

It was such a beautiful day outside, I ended up taking tons of photos of this main temple.

Rest in Peace

These are the lovely roses that are growing in the Akitsu Fure-ai Park I posted about the other day. There were many types of roses growing around the graves and walkways.

I really liked how the place was like a park, very cheerful but yet peaceful. There were a lot of benches placed along the paths and many families were resting there, sometimes with their dogs, chatting and reminiscing about their loved ones.

Akitsu Bridge

Akitsu Bridge is a very old concrete bridge that passes over the Seibu Shinjuku Line. As there is only space for cars to pass over the bridge, another footbridge was built alongside this one for pedestrians.

You can see the railway below and many train-lovers use this bridge to take photos of trains!





Click below for photos of wonderful bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges hosted by Louis

Sail Away

Took a walk and stopped by Akitsu Fure-ai Park, a local garden cemetery. I'm not sure but I think it's a pretty new concept here in Japan. The non-religious cemetery is very peaceful, filled with flowers and plants.

I found this particular headstone interesting because of the picture next to the family name "Kobayashi." Maybe the person buried here liked to go sailing.

See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

Stop and Shoot

The road said STOP so I stopped...to take a photo!

Head First

I actually didn't notice until I saw this photo on my computer...but it seems I wasn't the only one who thought this was a lovely flower!

Marshmallow Clouds

This is what I saw when I looked up this morning. Seems like a great day to end this week. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.

Empty Road

Just a regular road. But I liked the contrast of the white building and dark wall...

(PS: I haven't been able to comment back to everyone as I'm away from home at the moment. I'll try to drop by soon! Thanks so much for commenting! I very much appreciate it :D)

Big Brother

This pink elephant in front of this pharmacy is Satoko-chan. You can see her older brother, Sato-chan, looking out for her from inside the store.

They are both a mascot for Sato Pharmaceutical, a big pharmaceutical company in Japan. It said on their website that they chose an elephant as a mascot as they are famous for having long lives.

This Satoko-chan is always wearing something different. I noticed she recently changed into this lovely nightgown-ish outfit so I took this photo. Her brother is probably worried the sexy outfit will give the wrong idea to playboy elephants!



See other wonderful reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

Pitter Patter

It finally rained today.

It's been a long while since is last did. I can almost hear this plant saying, "Oh good, finally!."