Sunday, May 3, 2026

Miikedaira Tumulus

My friends visited this place recently and told me about it. I was interested, too, after visiting the Mozu Kofun in December. It was a 90 minute walk from my apartment, but it was a good walk. After arriving at the location, there is still an uphill walk to get to the actual keyhole tomb, but it is worth it.














Saturday, May 2, 2026

Soga-dera Temple, Fuji City


The Revenge of the Soga brothers (1193) is known as one of Japan’s three great vendettas. The other two are Igagoe Vendetta (1634) and Ako Vendetta (1703).

Brothers, Soga Sukenari and Soga Tokimune killed Kudo Suktsune to avenge their father’s murder. The elder brother, Juro, was killed by Nitta Shiro immediately after the vendetta, and the younger brother, Goro, was captured and killed the next day. Shogun Minato no Yoritomo ordered the temple built to console the spirits of the brothers.






The Soga brothers 















I’ve heard two heads are better than one.  I guess three are even better!


On another day, by chance, we found the hiding rocks used by the brothers and the grave site of Kudo Suktsune. (I am surrounded by Japanese history).












Friday, May 1, 2026

Friday Finish - Eleven Coasters

I stitched hexagon flowers together, back to back to make these coasters.



Thursday, April 30, 2026

Nakayoshidatsushima Shrine and Seiichikokushido Temple

Nakayoshidatsushima is a small shrine across the train tracks from Fusai-ji. Even though it is only the corner of the block, it is beautifully kept and very inviting.






Seiichikokushido Temple is interesting all of the time because of the two stone Hina Dolls behind the main hall, but I love its look during the cherry blossom season. This small temple is located next to the Shizutetsu Driving School.