Marunouchi, Tokyo, where the gorgeous Christmas mood becomes lively !

Koinobori and cherry blossoms

The photo has been originally uploaded, as walking under Koinobori, by Yuichi Momma's photostream in flickr.

In Japan, there is a traditional culture that Koinobori, meaning "carp streamer" in Japanese, will be hoisted like windsocks at the house front to celebrate Children's Day.


Titled as "A little boy was standing while looking up at the Koinobori"

the tree of resurrection

The image above have been originally uploaded and shared by flickr photostream

There is an old tree of Kobushi Magnolia in my neighbourhood. It is said that the  tree was struck by lightning long time ago and damaged in half of a trunk of the tree.  People thought the tree died at that time. However,  the tree began to grow new branches in spring of the following year. The tree was thought to be dead but it was revived. Since people came to believe that the God dwells in this tree, therefore, the tree has been worshipped as a sacred tree, and it Is referred to as the tree of resurrection.　The tree blooms a lot of beautiful flowers every year as shown in this photo.

Flower arrangement with hanging scroll in Tokonoma

Flower arrangement with hanging scroll in Tokonoma, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

This is an image of typical Japanese taste.
A flower arrangement and Kakejiku (hanging scroll) are displayed in the alcove, which is called Tokonoma in Japanese, in a room of my home.
The scene like this is widely common in Japanese homes.
A picture of horses is drawn on the hanging scroll that is called ink wash painting or brush painting. Technique of ink wash painting was developed in China in the 7th century. I bought that hanging scroll at a souvenir shop in Gui-Lin (桂林） or Xia Men 厦門 more than a decade ago.

Trees of White Birch and Snow-huts

Trees of White Birch and Snow-huts, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

I enjoyed hot spring bathing in one Ryokan at Yumoto Onsen after two miles of snowshoe trekking in Senjyo-ga-hara.
The Yumoto onsen is located at the far end of Oku-Nikko area, and the place is famous in hot spring resort. People visit there to enjoy both ski or snowboard and hot spring bathing. The photos here show Kamakura Matsuri, that means Snow-hut Festival, held at Yumoto onsen in order to promote tourism. Many foreign visitors from Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and other countries also visit there to enjoy wonderful nature of Oku-Nikko.
As for the access information for Nikko, try to check here.

Silhouette of trees on the snow

Silhouette of trees on the snow, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

The photo was taken at the snowshoe trekking in Senjyo-ga-hara, Nikko, Japan.
Senjyo-ga-hara is very beautiful and nature-rich place where is an altitude of 4600 feet above sea level.

snowstorm

snowstorm, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

Heavy snowstorm struck Japan on Saturday. All domestic flights departing from Tokyo were cancelled due to heavy snow. Other all public transportations were also delayed or cancelled.
According to the TV news, more than 400 people were injured by accidents which related by snow. Fortunately, I was safe even I took a walk in snow to take photos of snowy scene.
The image above was taken at a Shinto shrine in my neighbourhood.

The valley where the wintersweet blooms

The valley where the wintersweet blooms, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

Wintersweet is typical flower of winter.
It gives off sweet smell.
People visit the valley to find some signs of spring.
But, they can find only wintersweet in bloom.
Their shadows are still long on the ground.
Because, it is still midwinter.
I am really longing for spring.

in a sunny room

in a sunny room, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

I learned from newspapers and TV news that a severe cold wave strikes northern part of the US and Canada. I hope all of my friends in the US and Canad are to be safe.

Daffodils bloomed under winter sunshine

Daffodils bloomed under winter sunshine, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

I found some daffodils bloomed on a slop of the hill facing south when I took a stroll to the hill near by my house yesterday. It was severe cold day with strong north wind, but I felt spring in my heart when I took this photo.

A springlike atmosphere

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Gerbera, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

The image above was taken at a florist in my neighbourhood.
The shopfront of a florist was filled with a springlike atmosphere.

Silver grass in the evening

Silver grass in the evening, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

Some ears of silver grass were shone in the setting sun that was impressive view.

Christmas Greeting to all my friends

Christmas Greeting to all flickr friends, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

Merry Christmasy and Happy Holiday to you!!
Christmas present for you!
Listen to the Best Christmas Song ever!
Click here.

Sunset

Sunset, originally uploaded by photoholic image.

Tomorrow will also be fine, I'm sure!

Morning mist

A morning mist  covered low over the river in one severe cold morning. The sunlight comes through a mist and shine softly on the ground.