Heian shrine, Kyoto - Setsubun 2011

This was a scene during setsubun (~Lunar new year). In this tradition, the "oni" (demons) that have entered this shrine is being chased out by throwing beans. Later, the leftover beans were actually given to visitors to eat - it was alright. By the way, this pic was my attempt with Holga toy camera, hehe. For those who r interested in more info, there's an awesome video posted by someone by the name of RoninDave here

My bicycle taken away..Kyoto

While rushing to a specific location, I intentionally parked my bicycle in the no parking zone. Since Kyoto is a cycling city, they have strict rules and unfortunately my bicycle was taken away. Later, I found out that the authorities actually post the date.. when the rush will take place (I was not aware of this). According to a blogger, because of this a person must be either drunk, idiot or a foreigner (something like that) for their bicycle to be taken away... Well I guess I'm all three of it. So, the next day with I headed to the southern part of Kyoto to reclaim my bicycle. I paid the ¥2,300 fine and on my journay home, I took some pics. At least I could enjoy the beautiful view of Kyoto..

Maiko_chan Mission I

Couple of months back, I set-up a course to boldly go where everyone in Kyoto has gone before... to get a glimpse of maiko_chan. After wandering for a while, I finally managed to find a perfect spot together with what I think as a beautiful surrounding also. This maiko_chan was kind enough to pose for me.. thank you, thank you, ありがとうございます. It's like a dream come through!

Kyoto Winter, 2011

I personally had the thought of completely retiring from blogging.. but I don't know, I managed to find the motivation to push myself. Anyway, this year in Kyoto we witnessed the heaviest snow as far as I can recall during my stay here. A foreign friend told me that the last time it happened was 7 years ago, Wow!. The scenery was breathtaking, i'll give credit to that, but it was freaking cooooooooold!

Akarenga Sōko, Yokohama

Actually, sorry-sorry for not posting for few weeks. Today I'm going back to my story about Yokohama. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (or 'Yokohama Akarenga Sōko') is another unique structure in this city. My first impression of this structure was.. it's an old but beautiful building which is now used as a shopping mall. Further investigation from the net showed that, it's actually a historic structure which was used as customs building (Wikipedia, 2009). Over the years, this building has gone through many restructuring/renovation caused by the Great Kantō earthquake, World War II and also because of its age

Nagoya Basho

Anyone who visits Japan definitely have a top ten list of things they would like to do or places they would like to visit in this country. Mine was; at least once I must watch the Grand Tournament of Sumo. I consider myself lucky cause 3 weeks ago I received an invitation from a friend (with an extra ticket hehe) to witness the 'Nagoya Basho'. I thought the experience was very interesting and whole visit was a memorable one. In this pic, (I think on the 9th day of tournament) Bulgarian 'ōzeki' Kotoōshū faced Estonian Baruto. I thought this was the toughest match..

Mitarashi Festival

A day after visiting Gion matsuri, I received a phone call from Zuru-chan asking me to go to 'leg washing festival' (Mitarashi festival). For a minute I was wandering, what in the world is 'leg washing festival'? Anyway, I gave it a go. It was held in Shimogamo Jinja, Kyoto. According to the shrine's website, it's a ritual to have a good health. I found this festival very unique and enjoyed every bit of it even though my pants were wet!!