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An autumn’s morning down by the lake
There definitely has been a drop in temperatures lately, but that just means that it’s perfect weather for taking a walk while wrapped up in warm clothing! And what better place to take a walk (and...
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Catholic church in the centre of a small rural town
Tsuwano is a small town, with an estimated population of less than 10,000, located on the very western edge of Shimane prefecture. Taking approximately 4 hours by train from Matsue, and being closer to...
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A sad story of persecution and apparitions of the Virgin Mary, Tsuwano
This is a continuation of the preceding post about the catholic church in Tsuwano, a small village in western Shimane. There is a chapel on the outskirts of Tsuwano, called the Otome Tōge Maria Chapel...
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Winter crab season
One of the seasonal delicacies harvested from the Sea of Japan, is the Matsuba crab. Crabs that are caught in the Sea of Japan are called Zuwai crabs, and the male Zuwai crabs are called Matsuba crabs....
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Tera-Marché (寺マルシェ) at Junko-ji Temple
I was taking a walk around Matsue one day last month, snapping some pictures, and came across this interesting event! I picked up a pamphlet on my way in, and learned that it is a community development...
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Snowfall in Shiomi-nawate (Edo period st.)
Along the northern moat of Matsue Castle, you will find the 500m long street of Shiomi-nawate (塩見縄手). You can enjoy the old castle town atmosphere here where Nagaya-style gates and […]
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The white owl of Karakoro
Karakoro Art Studios is a complex of both workshops and shops selling local crafts located in central Matsue. The building itself was original constructed and used by the Bank of […]
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Yamanaka Shikanosuke
There are many legends and heroic tales of well known samurai in Japan. Among them, Yamanaka Yukimori (山中 幸盛 September 20, 1545 – August 20, 1578), also known as Yamanaka Shikanosuke (山中 鹿の介)was a...
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Hoichi the Earless
Have you heard of ‘Hoichi the Earless’? Perhaps you’ve read about him in Lafcadio Hearn’s Kwaidan? Or seen him in the movie? Or maybe you’re more familiar with him by […]
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Winter Food Festa in Matsue 2014
Matsue holds an annual food festival in the depths of winter, to warm everyone with delicious food, and to get people out and active and having fun at a time […]
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Omotsan (おもっつぁん) -Traditional Ceremony/Event
Can you guess what it is you’re looking at? These are the large pounded rice cakes, omochi (大餅) at the centre of an annual tradition dating back to the beginning […]
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Matsue Castle Musket Troop
The Matsue Castle Musket Troop are a group of history enthusiasts, dedicated to bringing a part of Matsue’s history back to life, for their monthly audience at the history museum. […]
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Sunset photography by Lake Shinji
Evening in Matsue, is a pretty time colourwise. Although I guess that can be said about almost anywhere. There’s not much of a story to go along with this post. […]
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Shijimi Clams for your phone!
Karakoro Art studios located in central Matsue (close to the castle!) offers a range of workshops, of which the most popular is carving your own magatama stone, and turning it […]
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Camellia japonica
This seasonal flower is blooming at the moment, and a small shop in one of Matsue’s small shopping streets has a bunch out front for sale. While they do grow […]
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An early spring visit to Shirakata Tenmangu
The plum blossoms of ‘Tenjin-san’ are on flower, and the weather is mild, but still on the cool side. Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine, also known locally as “Tenjin-san”, is dedicated to […]
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Matsue Vogel Park
Matsue Vogel Park is an aviary and flower park on the north shore of Lake Shinji, a short drive or train ride from central Matsue. The name Vogel Park derives […]
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