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Vintage used furniture in Matsue
Matsue is mostly known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere, including the preservation of the tea culture, and being the home to one of only twelve remaining original Japanese castles. Which made a...
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Dan dan Summer Dance: Japanese tradition & local pride
If you visit Japan between July and August, you are bound to come across at least one bon odori (盆踊り). This is a traditional Japanese dancing festival, organised throughout the country by individual...
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Grape picking in Izumo
The first grape culture in Japan dates back to the 12th century, when a wild grapevine bearing good fruit bunches was found in Yamanashi. The vine was apparently not native to the land, suggesting...
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Sunset at Hinomisaki
I’ve written about Hinomisaki here before, and because it’s quite a stretch from Matsue, I don’t get to visit this lovely spot as often as I’d like to … The beautiful view and historical lighthouse...
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Izumo Taisha revisited
Izumo Taisha (also known as Izumo grand shrine), is ranked at the moment as the most popular domestic travel destination for Japanese persons. This is undoubtedly because of the recent Sengu (renewal)...
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Western seashore, natural beauty & ancient mythology
Not only is the rugged shoreline to the Sea of Japan breathtaking, it is also home to Japan’s ancient mythology. Not far from Tottori city, about a two to three hour drive from Matsue, there is a small...
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Shrine to the Hare of Inaba (Hakuto Shrine白兎神社)
Japan is a source of interest for many different people, for many different reasons. Maybe you’re interested in the fantastical world of anime, the high-paced world of technology, the eloquent world of...
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Cloudless sunset & a quote
Recently, I haven’t been down by the lake for the sunset as often as I like to be. But it’s always refreshing to visit Lake Shinji at this time of evening, especially now that the light breeze brings...
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Ichibata Railways
For many travelling in Japan, the JR train lines will be the most heavily trodden rail service you’ll use, but when travelling through more provincial areas, you’ll also have the opportunity (or no...
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Annual drumming parade, a tradition of joy
So I’ve posted in previous years about the do-gyorestu, a traditional drumming parade which occurs annually here in Matsue. The large dou drums were originally used as part of celebrations to welcome a...
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An autumn’s morning down by the lake
There definitely has been a drop in temperatures lately, but that just means that it’s perfect weather for taking a walk while wrapped up in warm clothing! And what better place to take a walk (and...
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Tera-Marché (寺マルシェ) at Junko-ji Temple
I was taking a walk around Matsue one day last month, snapping some pictures, and came across this interesting event! I picked up a pamphlet on my way in, and learned that it is a community development...
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Christmas Light-up in Vogel Park (2014)
Vogel Park keeps its gates opened later than usual every Christmas period, with a winter illumination to help us all get in the festive mood. This years light-up will be […]
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The Adachi Museum of Art chosen for the 11th year running
For any visitor to the Adachi Museum of Art’s Japanese landscape garden, it is no secret that this garden is one of impeccable upkeep and fine beauty. The garden shows […]
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Winter Food Festa in Matsue 2014
Matsue holds an annual food festival in the depths of winter, to warm everyone with delicious food, and to get people out and active and having fun at a time […]
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Omotsan (おもっつぁん) -Traditional Ceremony/Event
Can you guess what it is you’re looking at? These are the large pounded rice cakes, omochi (大餅) at the centre of an annual tradition dating back to the beginning […]
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Matsue Castle Musket Troop
The Matsue Castle Musket Troop are a group of history enthusiasts, dedicated to bringing a part of Matsue’s history back to life, for their monthly audience at the history museum. […]
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Shijimi Clams for your phone!
Karakoro Art studios located in central Matsue (close to the castle!) offers a range of workshops, of which the most popular is carving your own magatama stone, and turning it […]
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An early spring visit to Shirakata Tenmangu
The plum blossoms of ‘Tenjin-san’ are on flower, and the weather is mild, but still on the cool side. Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine, also known locally as “Tenjin-san”, is dedicated to […]
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Matsue Vogel Park
Matsue Vogel Park is an aviary and flower park on the north shore of Lake Shinji, a short drive or train ride from central Matsue. The name Vogel Park derives […]
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