Matsui Bridge

If you look really closely in yesterdays photo, you'll see a bridge at the far end of the river.

This bridge is actually more like a road with the river running under it. But whatever it looks like, a bridge is a bridge. I took a photo of the name written on the side of the bridge.

This is Matsui Bashi.


Click below for more lovely photos of bridges around the world!

Sunday Bridges

Lantern Lights

Cherry blossoms at night look very different. We call it 'Yozakura' in Japanese, which means something like 'Night Cherry Blossoms.' We Japanese love seeing the cherry blossoms lit up at night just as much as we love to party under the blossoms in the daytime.


There are over 800 cherry trees standing alongside the Azuma River and it's all lit up during the cherry blossom season so you can enjoy Yozakura! Seeing the cherry blossoms under the lantern lights is very beautiful and so is the reflection in the river below. So if you're in the area, now is the time to go!

The Yozakura lights will be up until April 14th from 6-11pm.

River Reflection

I like the reflection of the pretty cherry trees in the river. This is one of my favorite spots during the cherry blossom season. Happy Easter everyone!



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

Creek in Fall

Just out riding my bike and took a short break by the creek. All the trees are cherry trees so it's beautiful in the spring. But, ofcourse, it's still a pretty view now.

I like looking for something in the reflection. Nothing in particular. Just something...

Kumano Shrine

This is the Chozuya (手水舎) at the Kumano Shrine.

This is where they have the water you can use, to wash your hands and mouth, to purify yourself before offering a prayer at the main shrine. The water of this Chozuya comes out of the mouth of a fierce-looking dragon.

Cosmos Pink

This is a Cosmos flower. It's also sometimes called Akizakura ('秋桜' meaning 'Autumn' and 'Cherry Blossom') in Japan. They are very popular fall flowers that a lot of people grow in their gardens.

Cosmos flowers come in a variety of pink shades. But I like the dark pink Cosmos the best.

Just Say Noh

There's a Noh Mask Museum in Tokorozawa, near the Koku Park. I've never been in it, they close pretty early, but will have to find the time to someday.

Don't know much about Noh (Guide to Noh), but I think it's one of the oldest types of theater...kind of like a musical. The masks that they wear are one of it's features.



The museum is open every first and third Saturday & Sundays from 11am to 5pm. The admission fee is 300yen.

Umbrella of Blossoms

I was riding my bike down the road and this was what I saw when I looked up...cotton candy heaven.

Vivid Pink

A whole lot of pink at the end of the road.

Cherry Blossoms At Night

Cherry blossoms at night are fantastic.

And the Azuma River that goes through Tokorozawa shows them off beautifully. About 400 cherry trees are lit up with lanterns from 6pm to 11pm until April 14th. The cherry trees stand alongside the river for over 3km...so if you're planning on enjoying ALL the cherry blossoms, wear sneakers.