Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s blossoming cherries are simply the most famous of its trees. Its Japanese maples, which are far more numerous than the cherry trees, are beautiful in the spring, vibrant green with red ‘helicopters.’ By summer the bamboo reigns supreme.
Sagano Bamboo Forest
Highlights
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Kyoto’s Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto, whose downtown is modern steel and glass but
remarkably drab, puts out silk cherry blossoms like Xmas decorations in case
you don’t get beyond the downtown. But
they don’t compare to the real thing ... 
Ni (2) Americans in Kyoto
“We’re not in
Kansas anymore, Toto.” (Actually,
“Toto” is the main manufacturer of toilets here.) Here’s more stuff not from Kansas.
Archery On Horseback
The Japanese love tradition and nowhere more so than in
Kyoto. One tradition dating from the
8th Century is their Festival of Aoi.
Aoi is a hollyhock and its leaves protect against lightening and
earthquakes. The festival, originally
intended to appease the gods that had battered Kyoto with lightening, rain and
floods, today reproduces Japan of 1000 years ago. In the archery contest 100 people and six horses participate all
in Heian Period costume. Riders at a
full gallop shoot arrows at targets …
Nara, Home of the Great Buddha
These two guys guard the Great Buddha, which explains why
he’s been safe for 1250 years
Nagano
The Winter Olympics were held in Nagano in 1998. We were a
little late. Our luge broke down. Not only were the Olympics over, but the
snow was gone.
Watch This Space
Awesome stuff here
Watch This Space
Really Cold Stuff Here
Cherry blossoms visible from our flat, 24 March 2002
Maple seeds at Shin-nyo do Temple