This is a nice little park in Ito. There is a small parking lot with a toilet, then the path which goes up to the right or down to the left. I chose to go up first to a viewing platform.
There are some beautiful views that can be seen from the steep uphill climb.
At the top is a platform.
After walking back down to the parking lot level, the steep trail continues down to sea level and the rocky shore.
After watching the water on the rocks, I walked back up the steep path.
This is a small park, but well worth visiting.
My friend’s friend and wife invited my friend and me to visit Fujinomiya, his home town, with them.
First we visited Sengen Taisha Shrine, a place I’ve visited before. This time I heard personal stories.
We ate lunch at a local Japanese place. I had Fujinomiya yakisoba.
The other three ordered Okonomiyaki.
After lunch, we went to Taisekiji Temple. Taisekiji was founded in 1290 by Nikko Shonin (disciple of Nichiren Daishonin), and is the head temple of the Nichiren Shoshu sect. It is a major pilgrimage destination, and houses significant treasures, including a five-story pagoda. It is a famous sightseeing spot with over 5000 cherry trees.
The Japanese style garden was gorgeous, even though it was a cool drizzly day.
I am always thankful for the friendly generosity of people in Japan. I totally enjoyed the day!
I hand stitched this zipper pouch last night with a piece of thick felt, blue lining fabric, beads, a 20 cm zipper, and a pre-made tassel.
Beginning in 2021, Japan Post started replacing some of the normal red mailboxes with gold colored ones to honor local athletes who have taken gold medals at the Olympic or Paralympic games.
The mailbox above, near JR Gotanda Station in Tokyo, recognizes Naohisa Makato, winner of the gold medal in the men’s 60 kilogram judo event in 2021.
The mailbox below, at Shimizu Station in Shizuoka, honors gold medalist Suguru Iwazaki, 2020 baseball team member.
I really like this project!
The Tale of Genji progress
I went to the Pop Circus in Fuji City with two friends last week. The Pop Circus is a Japanese touring circus troupe which was founded in Osaka in 1996. It specializes in high-energy, family friendly acrobatics, and features performers from over ten countries. I attended once before at a different location and posted about it here.
This photo opportunity was available before the performance started. (My friends)
Photos were not allowed during the performances, but at the end/final bows, pictures taking was okay. There were many empty seats at the morning performance we attended.
After the show, we went out to lunch, and I had shrimp and pasta in a creamy tomato sauce.
