Kamakura, Japan - 22nd February 2014
By: cocoaby
We came to Engakuji in Kamakura.
Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the No. 2 of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in 1282.
Temple is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783.
There was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
The temple entrance, which is surrounded by many maple trees, is a particularly popular photo object.
Although it is getting warm little bit here in Kamakura, there is still some snow left on places.
We found white plum flowers and pink plum flowers. I think spring is approaching.
This temple has some national treasure, but can only be seen from a distance during most of the year.
Another national treasure found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (called Ogane).
See you soon.
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Posted Feb 26, 2014, 9:01 am
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Yokosuka, Japan - 26th February 2014
By: cocoaby
We went to Mikasa Park in the afternoon, weather is good too!
This place is located 20 minutes from my host home by bicycle.
There was a monument called "arch of peace", it is height 18m .
Many people admire the sea here, relaxed and lying down on the grass.
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Posted Mar 1, 2014, 11:42 pm
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Yokosuka, Japan - 2nd March 2014
By: cocoaby
March 3rd is celebrated as the Dolls Festival(or the Girl's Festival) in Japan.
It's called "Hina- Matsuri"or "Momo no Sekku(Peach festival)".
It's the day to pray for healthy growth and happiness for young girls.
Most families with girls display dolls called "Hina-ningyo".
People began displaying dolls in the Edo period(about 18 century).
The dolls depict the imperial court of old.
They are dressed in beautiful ancient court costumes(the Heian period 794-1185).
People display graceful dolls in ancient court costumes on a tier of 5 or 7 shelves covered with scarlet cloth.
These dolls represent the Emperor and Empress, the court ladies, the ministers and the court musicians.
I think dolls of ancient costumes is very interesting, isn't it ?
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Posted Mar 2, 2014, 12:58 am
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Yokosuka, Japan - 2nd March 2014
By: cocoaby
This weekend is rainy, We can not go out.
We are playing Japanese card game "Hanafuda"(Nintendo version)!
This Japanese playing cards was called "Hanafuda"or also "Hana Karuta".
"Hana" mean "flower" in Japanese.
The origin of "Karuta" is Portuguese "Carta".
Hanafuda is Japanese playing cards, which has 12 different flowers of 12 months.
January has Pine, February has Plum, March has cherry blossom, April has Wisteria, May has Iris, June has Peony.
July has Hagi, August has Susuki, September has chrysanthemum, October has maple, November has willow, December has Tung.
My host's toys teach me some rules of Hanafuda.
I have a wonderful time.
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Posted Mar 2, 2014, 2:48 am
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Yokohama, Japan - 8th March 2014
By: cocoaby
Konnichiwa!(Hello!)
It is sunny. I found a pay phone in Japan.
Unfortunately, I can not to call mom.
This pay phone is use for Japanese domestic, can not be international calls.
The pay phone also allows we to call the police.
I will push the "110" at that time.
Push on the "119" when you call an ambulance or fire.
You do not need the money at the time of SOS.
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Posted Mar 9, 2014, 8:19 am
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Yokohama, Japan - 8th March 2014
By: cocoaby
We came to the "Minato-no-mieru-oka" park.
The park was opened in 1962.
It is very warm today(+10c).
I found little cute flowers called "north pole"(swamp chrysanthemum)in Japan.
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Posted Mar 9, 2014, 8:58 am
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Yokohama, Japan - 8th March 2014
By: cocoaby
We came to a place called "Yamate" in Yokohama.
There are Western architecture, many Japanese tourists visit here.
We visited 6 Western-style buildings .
We decided take some pictures with each my friends Toy Voyagers at each place.
Yamate 234 bankan(Bluff No.234)with Aura,
Diplomat's house with Jiaojiao,
British House Yokohama with Cassiopeia,
Ehrisman Residence with Chrissi,
Yamate 111 bankan(Bluff No.111) with Betty Bear.
I have visited it is the called "British House Yokohama".
Here was built as the British Consul General's residence in 1937.
Beautiful flowers and "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated.
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Posted Mar 9, 2014, 9:50 am Last edited Mar 12, 2014, 2:31 am by cocoaby
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Yokohama, Japan - 8th March 2014
By: cocoaby
We went to Bluff No.18.
Look at the beautiful Italian garden, Here also "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated.
It about time the end of the search of fun, We went red brick warehouse.
Wow, there were many "Doraemon".
Mom, Do you know "Doraemon" ?
He is a famous character in Japan.
They had come to the events of the movie.
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Posted Mar 12, 2014, 2:26 am
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Yokosuka, Japan - 9th March 2014
By: cocoaby
Hi, mom.
I went to the Kanou shrine. It is said to have been founded in 1181.
The main shrine was rebuilt in 1842. It is amazing wooden sculpture.
Many people have visited this shrine. Because this shrine name "Kanou" is very lucky sounds, and this shrine's Chinese character name.
It is meaning "dreams come true".
Then We ate sushi for lunch at conveyer-belt sushi restaurant.
Tastes really GREAT!
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Posted Mar 12, 2014, 3:12 am
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Yokosuka, Japan - 11th March 2014
By: cocoaby
Chrissi set out for USA on full of hope.
We said "Have a good trip, Chrissi. I wish you the best of luck in your new journey." with big hugs.
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Posted Mar 14, 2014, 8:37 am Last edited Mar 14, 2014, 9:08 am by cocoaby
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Yokosuka, Japan - 14th March 2014
By: cocoaby
Hello Mom, thank you for finding a nice host to me.
This is my last update of Travelog in Japan.
I have to say goodbye.
Everyone gave me a lot of big hugs.
My host gave me a postcard and Kit Kat (green tea flavor).
I had a great time in Japan.
I am little sad, but I am looking forward to go to Italy!
See you soon.
Greetings,
your little Cassiopeia
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Posted Mar 14, 2014, 9:06 am Last edited Mar 14, 2014, 9:10 am by cocoaby
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Torino, Italy - 1st April 2014
By: Blackie
Hello Mum!
I finally got to know my new host Francesca, and gave her the snacks from Japan. She was so pleased! I found out she is very interested in Japan, so I told her everything I saw and did while I was there.
She was so happy!
Then, she asked if I could help with her Japanese homework, and... yes, I could!!!!
Those exercices are so easy after a few weeks in Japan!
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Posted May 17, 2014, 10:59 pm Last edited May 17, 2014, 11:02 pm by Blackie
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Jaspers home, Switzerland - 14th April 2015
By: Jasper
Hello Family,
Today I introduced myself tomcat Timmy.
He hates to be photographed, but my charm he could not resist.
Greetings to all
Cassiopeia
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Posted Apr 20, 2015, 12:32 pm
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