(Photograph collection.)  

To Diary 2004

To Diary 2002

 English / Japanese

23.Dec.2003

TAKAMATSUZUKA KOFUN

At TAKAMATSUZUKA KOFUN in Asuka Nara. 

This is the tumulus grave, located in the Hirata district of Asuka-mura, which became famous as the result of the excavation studies of 1g72 which revealed its artistically executed wall frescoes.
The tumulus, which is only 20 meters in diameter, is one of a small number of terminal period kofun which exhibit a distinctive construction process, found only in Asuka, whereby the mound was built up in alternating layers of clay and sand.
It is thought to have been built at some time between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th century.

21.Dec.2003

Christmas tree

Christmas tree of Porto Bazar in Marine Pia Kobe.

The place is crammed with shops selling fashion, children's wear, household, sundries, shoes, sports and outdoor leisure equipment, and various other items. There is a distinctive seaside ambience due to its location. Here is an economical and satisfying shopping experience. 

12.Dec.2003

Kobe Luminarie

At Kobe Luminarie

I went there in the opening day.


Luminarie known as the Statue of Illumination is a year-end symbolic event in Kobe.

7.Dec.2003

X'mas of Kobe

　Christmas tree in Kobe Harbor Land

A new landmark by the sea with a concentration of shopping, gourmet, amusement and hotel facilities, it is connected with Meriken Park by a promenade, offering spots to enjoy only available in the reborn Kobe, such as an amusement park with excellent views, Mosaic Garden, and a romantic drawbridge.

24.Nov.2003

Suma Rikyu Park

At Suma Rikyu Park in Kobe.

Autumnal leaves were very beautiful.

15.Nov.2003

The Port of Maizuru

At The Port of Maizuru in Kyoto

Maizuru Bay is an inlet located almost at the center of the Honshu coast, with the Sea of Japan reaching far inland. The bay has an average depth of 20 meters and is very calm. It is almost a lake, as the bay entrance is only 700 meters wide.
After the Second World War, over a period of 13 years from 1945, more than 660,000 repatriated soldiers returned to Japan through the Port of Maizuru. 

2.Nov.2003

Porto Europa

At Porto Europa in Wakayama Marina City.

The buildings of this theme park can be divided into three classifications: Spanish old castles, Italian fishery ports, and traditional French streets. 

The park has much to offer including attractions, rides, restaurants and events.

2.Nov.2003

Kataonami Beach

At Kataonami Beach in Wakayama

Wakanoura has been a famous marine resort area since ancient times. Around the inlet is Kataonami Beach, whose beauty was the subject of a poem by Yamabeno Akahito. The area is famous for swimming and gathering shellfish, yachting and other marine activities.

1.Nov.2003

Sunset

Sunset of Suma Kobe

22.Oct.2003

HAT Kobe

At HAT Kobe in Maya Kobe

It is located in a new urban center, "HAT Kobe," in the east of Kobe City, and is elaborately designed to ensure safety, comfort and convenience for residents by applying the lessons learned from the 1995 earthquake.

22.Oct.2003

Hanshin Koshien Stadium

At Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Hanshin Koshien Stadium, renowned nationwide as the home field for the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers, is also the venue for the National High School Baseball Championship in spring and summer.

19.Oct.2003

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden

At Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden.

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, featuring rare alpine plants from around the world.

12〜18.Oct.2003

Hong Kong, China, Taiwan

I went to Hong Kong and China, Taiwan for work.

・The night view of Hong Kong

A neon signature of Hong Kong is beautiful.

・Hong Kong Electronics Fair

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair is a yearly event exclusive to industry insiders from all over the world. Factories, developers and traders are showing all kind of electronic equipment such as TV's, DVD players (or palyers as they call them in chinglish in some flyers and catalogues), and LOTS of videogame accessories.

・Hotel in China

A view from Hotel Goodview Samgem

27.Sep.2003

Takarazuka Garden Fields

At Takarazuka Garden Fields

 Hankyu Corp. has opened the Takarazuka Garden Fields, composed of an English-style garden, a pet park and commercial facilities for families, at the site of the Takarazuka Family Land in Hyogo Prefecture's Takarazuka City that was closed in April.
The English-style natural garden, Seasons, was designed by English garden designer Paul Smither who lives in Tokyo so that visitors may experience English lifestyle in the middle of the 19th century.

23.Sep.2003   -1

Manpukuji-Temple

At Manpukuji-Temple in Uji Kyoto.

This temple was estabilished about 330 years ago by Ingen who is a famous chinese Zen-Buddist.

23.Sep.2003   -2

Nijo-jo Castle

At Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto.

The Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603 as his residence in Kyoto.

14.Sep.2003

Nagahama-jo castle

At Nagahama Castle in Nagahama Shiga prefecture.

The Nagahama Castle is a castle which Toyotomi Hideyoshi made the castle where a feudal lord usually resides for the first time.
The exact form of a castle of those days is not known.
The imitation castle tower reproduced now is reproduced by the guess.

14.Sep.2003

Hikone-jo castle

At Hikone castle in Hikone Shiga prefecture.

This castle in the small town of Hikone overlooks the gorgeous Lake Biwa-ko.
Completed in 1622, it is considered one of the finest remaining castles in all of Japan in its original condition.
Adjacent to the castle is a beautiful Japanese garden with ornamental carp, swans, and a traditional tea room.

14.Sep.2003

Lake Biwa

The night view of the Otsu harbor in Lake Biwa.

Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan.
It's really beautiful lake specially northern part of it.
The Lake Biwa is completely located in Shiga Prefecture.

31.Aug.2003

Jinpukaku

At Jinpukaku in Tottori prefecture.

A western style French Renaissance mansion from the Meiji Era.
Jinpukaku was built where the Tottori Castle used to stand by the former feudal lord, Ikeda.
It was designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.

31.Aug.2003

Tottori Sakyu

At Tottori Sakyu in Tottori prefecture.

The largest sand dunes in Japan. this must be the most famous place in Tottori.
It faces the Sea of Japan.

31.Aug.2003

Enchoen

At Enchoen in Togo Town Tottori prefecture.

An elegant Chinese garden, an unexpected delight in this land of wonderful old Japanese gardens.

31.Aug.2003

Nageiredo

At Nageiredo in Misasa Town Tottori prefecture.

This mysterious and romantic structure, the inner sanctum of the Sanbutsu-ji temple, is built on a seemingly inaccessible basalt cliff (National Treasure).

30.Aug.2003

Kobe Municipal Arboretum

At Municipal Arboretum in Kobe Hyogo.

23.Aug.2003

KANNABE

I reached Mt. Kannabe in Kannabe-kogen Hyogo.

Kannabe-kogen is a highland with a face for every season.
Centered around Mt. Kannabeyama (469m above sea level), it is surrounded by mountains over a thousand meters high.
It is famous as the greatest ski area in the Kansai area, for its abundant high quality snow, yet it offers activities year-round as well, tennis, golf, grass skiing, paragliding in the rich natural environment, and hot springs enjoyed under the bright blue sky.
It is an area that provides amusement and relaxation throughout the seasons.

17.Aug.2003

Ai-ai Park

At Ai-ai Park in Takarazuka Hyogo.

This park was built to reproduce the appearance of Surrey, a regional city in 17th century England.
There you will find oak buildings with a somewhat affected air, manned by an open-hearted staff and visited by elegant guests as the main characters.
It is a spot for information on flowers and greenery.

15.Aug.2003

Hiroshima Peace Park

At Hiroshima Peace Park　in Hiroshima.

The first atomic bomb burst in the sky over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and raised the curtain on the tragedy of mankind's entrance into the Nuclear Age. 
It gave warning that the human race may destroy itself through war.

Photo Album

10.Aug.2003

Minoh Falls

At Minoh Falls in Minoh-city Osaka.

A stream runs from the fall of Minoh which is 33meter high through the forest in the valley.
People enjoy the scenic beauty of each season with the full blooming of cherry trees in the spring and the tint of red leaves of momiji (Japanese maples) in the fall.
Minoh-city is located in north approx. 20km of Osaka Japan.

3.Aug.2003

Airship

The Airship was flying the sky of the Suma beach.

2.Aug.2003

Beach Volleyball

The beach volleyball was held on the Suma beach today.

Baseball watching

I observed baseball in the Yahoo BB stadium today.

27.Jul.2003

Hitokura Park

At Hitokura Park in Kawanishi-shi Hyogo.

In 1982, Hitokura Dam was constructed at the confluence of two rivers, the Tajirigawa and Hitokura-Orojigawa River.
Mt. Chimyo in the north of the dam used to be called Mt. Kimyo, whose meaning "a mysterious mountain" is derived from the fact that it yielded silver and copper.
Lake Chimyo, a manmade lake at the time of the construction, expands its surface area into 1.4 sq. kilometers, about 93 times the width of Koshien Ballpark, at the time of full capacity.
In coordination with its completion , the Hyogo Prefectural Hitokura Park Project was launched on Mt.Chimyo,which extends out into lake.

24.Jul.2003

Tokyo Big Sight

Cable TV 2003 was held in Tokyo Big Sight.

The Tokyo International Exhibition Center, commonly referred to as "Tokyo Big Sight", is Japan's largest exhibition oriented convention center. 
Built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo International Exhibition Center opened in April 1996.

21.Jul.2003

Harvest Hill  Photo Album

At Harvest Hill in Sakai Osaka.

Sakai Greenery Museum, Harvest Hill is a nature museum with the theme of a harvest festival villege overflowing with fresh, safe and delicious agricultural products.

20.Jul.2003

Suma beach

Many people were swimming in Suma beach today.

19.Jul.2003

Sunflowers     Photo Album

Those sunflower were taken at Nanko Town.

Nanko Town is located in the southwest of Hyogo prefecture and is a quiet town in the mountains blessed with a natural environment that has the Chikusa river, listed in the "Selected 100 Famous Waters," running through the center.
The Hayashizaki region located in the southern part of town holds the "Sunflower Festival" each July.

13.Jul.2003

Ako Seaside Park     Photo Album

I took a walk in the Ako Seaside Park where it is raining.
This family park, primarily based on nature, was built on the remains of a vast salt farm of olden days in the west of Ako Misaki.
The park has an exciting amusement facility called "Waku-waku Land" with a 50m tall ferris wheel commanding a view of the Seto Inland Sea, and cozy fun rides, a 16-court tennis garden, a miniature golf course, a man-made lake for yachting, boating and canoeing.

6.Jul.2003

Hattori Ryokuchi Park

At Hattori Ryokuchi Park in Osaka.

Hattori Ryokuchi, located at the western end of the Senri Hills, is a large-scale park, about 33 times the size of Koshien Stadium, and one of the ""Famous Urban Parks in Japan.""About 6 million people visit the park yearly. Hattori Ryokuchi is the largest and by far the most popular park in Osaka Prefecture.

29.Jun.2003  -1

Herb Road Idobe

At Herb Road Idobe in Tottri.

Flower have blossomed.

The sky looks beautiful.

All grass and flower are looking shining.

29.Jun.2003  -2

Flower Gallery

At Tottori Flower Gallery (Hanakairo) in Tottori.

This is a flower park where you can enjoy flowers and greenery all the year round.

28.Jun.2003

The tank of fish

I found the tank of fish in harbor land Kobe.

However fish was the imitation.

This is felt coolly.

22.Jun.2003  -1

Horyuji Temple

At Horyuji Temple in Nara.

The Horyuji Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku and Empress Suiko in the 7th century. The Kondo (main hall) is the world's oldest wooden building. Within the compound are as many as 2000 precious structures and sculptures including national treasures and important cultural properties. Designated one of the world's most important cultural heritages in 1993.

Kondo (Main Hall) and Goju-no-To(Five-Story Pagoda)→

22.Jun.2003  -2

Yatadera Temple

At Yatadera Temple in Nara.

The many petals of the hydrangea, with the variety of colours, reflect the metamorphosis of Jizo-bosatsu (It is said that Jizo-bosatsu changes his figure to save peovle. ) and the transience of human life.

8.Jun.2003

SAPPORO WINE　OKAYAMA　WINERY

I went to the Sapporo Wine Okayama Winery.

Sapporo is a wine maker in its own right.
The company owns two wineries in Japan: Okayama Winery and Katsunuma Winery.
In 1998, further production capacity was added at the Okayama Winery.

1.Jun.2003

Korakuen Garden

I went to the Korakuen Garden in Okayama.

This garden is one of the three most famous garden in Japan.
Covering a huge area of 130,000 square meters (32.1 acres), Korakuen is one of the best known gardens of the Edo period. The garden was created on a sandbank in the Asahi River that flows from north to south through Okayama City. Consequently, the design ingeniously takes advantage of water by diverting river water to create meandering streams, ponds, and cascades in the garden. In particular, there is a building known as Ryuten that incorporates water into the design of the building.

25.May.2003

Harima Central Park

Many roses are very wonderful in Harima Central Park.

Harima Central Park, comprising a total planned area of 381.6 hectares, is located in the hilly region near the middle of Hyogo Prefecture and is close to the Takino Yashiro Interchange of Chugoku Expressway. 164.5 hectare of the park contains cultural and spots facilities, playgrounds, cherry trees, and rose gardens, and it is frequented by many visitors as a suburban recreation spot.

18.May.2003

Suma Rikyu Park

At Suma Rikyu Park in Suma Kobe.

The rose was very beautifully in bloom.

17.May.2003

The Kobe Festival in Suma

The Kobe festival was held in the Suma Rikyu Park.

I appreciated a concert and fireworks.

10.May.2003

Shakunage (Rhododendron) 

I went to the Yamazaki Hana Shoubuen in Hyogo Prefecture.

Shakunage (Rhododendron) 
An evergreen shrub with grey brown bark.
Leaves are alternate, thick coriaceous, entire on the margin, densely with pale brown tomentum beneath.
Beautiful rose colored flowers open in may to June.
This tree is distributed in the subalpine zone and the upper part of the warm temperate zone.
Distribution ; Honshu

4.May.2003

AMANOHASHIDATE 

I went to the Amanohashidate Kyoto 

Amanohashidate is located on the Tango Peninsula in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture .It is a sand-bara,2.3 miles in length and about 566 feet in the maximum width,and is covered withsome 8.000 pine-trees. It is said to look like "the Green Bridge to heaven ."It is famous as one of the tree most beautiful spots in Japan and is crowded withmany tourists all year round.

3.May.2003

Koyaike Park

I went to the Koyaike Park in Itami Hyogo.

Koyaike Park
Located in the center of Itami City in Hyogo prefecture, Koyaike Park has been there for 1250 years fostering rich natural environment. Its nature pleases our eyes in each four season through flowers, insects, birds and others, and is a valuable treasure for us living in the city. Thousands of ducks, which fly in from north in winter and mute swans living in the park, are the symbols of the city.

29.Apr.2003  -1

Ishigadani Park

At Ishigadani Park in Akashi Hyogo.

Many institution is fixed centering on the central gymnastics hall at the 16ha site.

29.Apr.2003  -2

Mikiyama Forest Park

I went to the Mikiyama forest park in Miki Hyogo.

Mikiyama forest park is in the main part of the Miki-cityi.Width is about 20 times of the Koshien Stadium, and 800,000 square meters.
In it, a music hole etc. has many institution.

27.Apr.2003

Musashi Miyamoto

I went to Okayama Prefecture to which the Musashi Miyamoto was born.

Musashi Miyamoto was born in Miyamoto, Ohara cho, Aida gun Okayama Prefecture, on March 12th during the rule of tensho(1584).
At the age of 13, he fought against Kihei Arima, whose sword style was called Shintoryu, From then on he fought over sixty duels but he was never defeated.

20.Apr.2003

Hyogo Prefectural Maiko Park

Maiko Marine Promenade

The Maiko Marine Promenade was opened on April 5,1998 as an auxiliary facility on the Kobe city side of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest Suspension bridge in the world.
The promenade, about 47 meters above sea level, has a total length of about 317meters and projects about 150meters into the Akashi Straight.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Ijokaku)

The Memorial Hall is the only museum in Japan that exhibit the life of Sun Yat-sen(1866-1925),the great Chinese revolutionary leader, politician and thinker.
The building was first opened to the public in November 1984.

19.Apr.2003

Infiorata Kobe 2003

Infiorata Kobe was held by Sannomiya Kobe.

"Infiorata" means "It covers with a flower" in Italian.

The city in Italy is begun and it is often held in the city in Europe.
It will be that "Infiorata" held for the first time in Kobe in 1997.

13.Apr.2003

Awaji Island

I went to the Awaji Yumebutai, and the AKASHI-KAIKYO park in Awaji Island.

Awaji Yumebutai
This park is not only rich with blossoms and greenery, but also provides facilities such as a hotel, restaurants, shops, and even an international conference hall. In Yumebutai's greenhouse you can relax, surrounded by seasonal blossoms and foliage .

Akashi Kaikyo Prefectural Park
This site of the 2000 floral exposition, Japan Flora, has gardens comprised of nearly 200 different types of flowers. The park is divided into three areas; an area for cultural interaction, a beach area, and an observation deck area .
The park will eventually be about 960,000sqm., however as at March 2002, only 30,000sqm. have been completed.

5.Apr.2003

Cherry blossoms

　The flower of a cherry trees were illuminated in the Oji Zoo Park in Kobe.

  - - - - - Oji Zoo - - - - -

　There you will meet two hundred kinds of animals, including rare Chinese "Kinshiko" monkeys and Australian koalas. Caressing cute animals will surely become your cherished memory.

23〜27.Feb.2003

Hong Kong / China

I went to Hong Kong and China for work.

In Hong Kong, it was very warm and temperature was 26 degrees.

16.Feb.2003

Suma Rikyu Park

Many flowers of a Plum bloomed and it was very beautiful in the Suma Rikyu Park.

15.Feb.2003

The Plum Park

I went to the Plum park in Mitsu Hyogo.

Mitsu is located lower in the Ibo River and has a beautiful coast line which belongs to the Inland Sea National Park
The shoaling Shin-Maiko beach is suitable to shellfish picking and bathing.
The town's closeness to the major cities makes farming and fishing active.

11.Feb.2003

Plum Tree in the Tsunashiki Tenmagu Shrine

I went to the Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine

Many flowers of a Plum were bloomed and it were illuminated.

9.Feb.2003  -1

Plum Tree

Many flowers of a Plum bloomed and it was very beautiful in Minabe Wakayama.

Minabe is welknown for not only plum as a food but blossom of plum trees.
Wakayama is the top growing area for plums (ume) in Japan in terms of volume and quality. 

9.Feb.2003  -2

Rinku Town

I went to the Rinku Premium Outlets in Osaka.

Rinku Town is the new urban center situated across the shores from Japan's first 24-hour airport, Kansai International Airport (KIX). The meaning of this place called Rinku Town is of a town with aspirations for the sky. It represents a vision of town that will ascend to the status of the pre-eminent center for business and exchange through its close affiliation with KIX. 

8.Feb.2003

Narcissus in Awaji Island

Many flowers of a narcissus bloomed and it was very beautiful in Awaji Island .

Awaji island is famous as the island of flowers. 

Especially Kuroiwa Narcissus Park is wonderful. 

At this park on steep slopes of Mt. Yuzuruha are five million "choko-suisen" narcissus, their fragrance wafting far and wide. Narcissus are at their best in winter. 

Narcissus field stretches out across a mountainside at beach.

2.Feb.2003

Chinese New Year Festival

Happy Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Festival was held in Kobe Motomachi.

Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year every year for their major traditional event. 
Nankinmachi Shun-Setsu-Sai has been started from 1987 to vitalize the town, and to promote friendship between Japan and China, This festival is being held for three days between the end of January and February every year. 

29.Jan.2003

The beach covered by snow

Today is a very cold day.

Snow had lain on the seashore whole surface.

25.Jan.2003

The Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine 

The Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine were illuminated in Suma Kobe.

This shrine is Described in the old book "Nihon ni-ju-gosha no hitotsu" (one of the 25 shrines of Japan) under the name 'Settsu no Kuni Tsunashiki Tenjin' and has Sugawara Michizane as its principal deity.

18.Jan.2003  -1

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

I went to the Engyoji Temple in Himeji-city Hyogo.

This Buddhist temple is located on the top of Shosha mountain.
Engyoji Temple was built in 1336 by Shoukuu Shounin.

18.Jan.2003  -2

Saho Shrine

I went to the Saho Shrine in Yashiro Hyogo.

This shrine is situated in the good place of a location.

18.Jan.2003  -3

Akashi-kaikyo-bridge

Akashi-kaikyo-bridge who changes to various colors is very beautiful.

12.Jan.2003  -1

TODAI-JI Temple

I went to the TODAI-JI Temple in Nara.

Todaiji Temple was built in Nara period (710-794AD) at the behest of Emperor Shomu (r.724-749).
The temple was officially positioned as one of many state-established provincial temples.
It still ranks as the largest wooden structure in the world.

12.Jan.2003  -2

Wakakusayama Yamayaki 

(mountain turf burning)

I went to the Wakakusayama in Nara.

On January each year, burning of the turf which covers the hills begins at the signal of the shooting of fireworks (Yamayaki). 

11.Jan.2003

Yanagihara-Ebisu

I went to the YANAGIHARA-EBISU shrine in Kobe.

I hope that business becomes good this year.

1.Jan.2003　

Sunrise

Sunrise on New Year's Day/1.Jan.2003

1.Jan.2003

Sumadera Temple

I went to the Sumadera temple today.

First visit in the year.

Built in 886, it had 12 priest lodges of which only three remain today. The principal image of the temple is a wooden sculpture of "kannon" with eleven heads. With reservation you can enjoy the performance of "Suma Koto," a traditional one-string harp.

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