Japanese Traditional Ryokan
A “ryokan” is a traditional Japanese inn. The owners take great pride in preserving the building’s traditional atmosphere and history. Indeed, the preservation of the ryokan in its original form is more important than catering to the comfort of the guests. Staying in a traditional ryokan would be like staying in a European castle – wonderful atmosphere but at the expense of hotel-style comfort.The building is made entirely of wood and there is usually a beautiful, traditional Japanese garden.
Fabric Dyeing Festival
“Some no Komichi” or Fabric Dyeing Festival is a festival highlighting the art of dying and screen printing in the Nakai/Ochiai area of Shinjuku ward. Traditionally, dye producers were located along the banks of the Myoshoji River which runs through the area. On clear days, colourful kimono fabrics were hung out to dry outside the factories. During the festival, 50 to 60 long pieces of kimono cloth will be draped on wires above the river as a “River Gallery”. The shopping area will also be decorated with “noren” the dyed curtain.
Joren waterfall, Shizuoka
Joren waterfall is one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. It has about 25m in height and is located on the middle of Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Many waterfalls including Joren waterfall in Izu were made by Lava from Volcano. You could see those rocks made by lava. The water of the fall is very cold even in summer. So, it’s very nice place to visit in the summer.
National Art Center, Tokyo
Winged Victory of Samothrace is spotted in Tokyo now. Nippon TV and the Louvre Museum have agreed to hold a large-scale exhibit of European paintings in Japan. The event will be titled (Exhibition Louvre Museum: Genre Paintings – Scenes From Daily Life) and is scheduled to be held from Saturday, February 21, 2015 to Monday, June 1, 2015 at the National Art Center in Tokyo.
Zao the snow monster, Yamagata Pref.
Zao in Yamagata Pref. is one of Tohoku’s largest ski resorts. Its trees are glazed with ice, becoming “snow monsters”, during winter. These are a rare sight and appear only when several weather and vegetation conditions come together at just the right time. These beautiful shots were taken in the mid-Febuary.