Nighttime walking…
While there are plenty of things to be seen and done in Matsue throughout the day around town, sometimes the humidity and heat can just wear you out. So what better way to have a look around AND keep...
View ArticlePlaces of Interest Near Matsue:Toda Hachimangu
There are a number of temples and Shrines in the Yasugi area, a short trip from Matsue. The pictures here are from Toda Hachimangu, located in Hirose-cho. The highlight of this shrine for me was the...
View ArticleThings to do in Matsue: Hydrangea of June
With the peak season of the rose and peony flower having just passed, and the high-probability of rain due to it being the rainy season at the moment, you might not be so inclined to go flower viewing...
View ArticleLake Shinji & Matsue: Sunsets of June
We’re now into July, but lets take a little look back over the sunsets that we had here in Matsue during the month of June. In the early part of June, we were yet to enter the rainy season, meaning...
View ArticleYesterday’s sunset, stepping out of my comfort-zone in shooting a familiar scene
A quick post today, to share the unexpected yet beautiful sunset over Lake Shinji yesterday. As yesterday was overcast and cloudy, I wasn’t expecting to be able to see much sun or colours for the...
View ArticleVisiting Rainbow Waterfall!
Niji-ga-daki(虹が滝), or rainbow waterfall as it would be rendered in English, is another escape from the summer heat not far from Matsue city (approx. 25km). It is located near Ichibata Yakushi, within...
View ArticleShimauma Cafe
The name, Shimauma, meaning zebra in Japanese, was chosen because of the owner’s fondness for the attractive African equids, and thankfully not due to the use or consumption of them at this...
View ArticleGot that summer feeling~
One of the very summer-ish things to do here in Japan, is to ‘play’ with ‘fireworks’. By play I mean light and wave around, and by fireworks, I mean sparklers and other small varieties of ‘fireworks’....
View ArticleLet the noodles flow!
And flowing they were at the summer restaurant beside Kumai Waterfall in Matsue, where they set up shop during the hot summer months to serve chilled somen, a thin wheat noodle, continually flowing in...
View ArticleGetting into the festival (matsuri) spirit!
Japan‘s summer festival are known for their lively and energetic processions, usually with a long tradition. There are many aspects of the Japanese festival that makes them attractive, one of such,...
View ArticleEating at a Japanese matsuri
Festivals, or matsuri as they are known in Japanese, are the perfect opportunity for those adventurous eaters seeking something new and exciting. Most matsuri will have rows upon rows of stalls (yatai)...
View ArticleUse travel guides?…I’ve got a question for YOU!
So you’ve seen them at train station, airports, bookshops and even convenience stores. Piles upon piles of colourful and attractive glossy pages, boasting from their front covers the plethora of fresh...
View ArticleFolk Songs at Karakoro Art Studio(Aug.18th)
The mention of summertime in Japan to those who have lived or visited, will more than likely bring back memories of lively and colourful festival matched with the endless array of foods served up by...
View ArticleShimanekko Goods
“Yuru chara” is the nickname of the Yurui mascot characters that are adorable and loved by everyone. They resemble a Disney like character and get the attention, dedication and loyalty of the people...
View ArticleFireworks festival build-up…
Summer is in full swing, and has brought with it an array of festivals and lively events. The first weekend of August was set aside for one of Matsue’s most highly anticipated. By noon there were...
View ArticleThirty minutes of sparkling skies
“Originally used to ward off evil spirits, fireworks (花火, Hanabi) have a long history in Japan and are an integral part of Japanese summers. Hundreds of firework shows are held every year across the...
View ArticleFireworks over a watery stage
Sunday (day two of Suigo-sai) fireworks kicked off with an extended succession of shots, filling the previously dark sky, creating a loud thunder and a rain of light. After thunderous start winding...
View ArticleSpot the Ninja!
It might be hot out, but if you visit the castle, the old building offers a naturally cool refuge. Whats more, while you might find the heat outside unbearable, you wont be the only one. A reenactment...
View ArticleForest therapy in Iinan
Iinan is a small town located in Shimane Prefecture near the Hiroshima border, approx 1hr30min drive from Matsue City, or 1hr40min drive from Hiroshima. Hii and Kando Rivers begin near the town of...
View ArticleSeeking shade in summer
Japanese shrines and temples can offer a number of attractions. From hints to a different belief system, culture, architecture etc, but also on a practical level, the grounds of temples usually offer...
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