Daley-sensei's Adventures in Himeji, Japan.

Since the ginkgo trees are starting to come into their colors, I thought it'd be a perfect day to relax at Nagoyama! Alas, my camera decided it was out of energy midway through, but it just gives me an excuse to go back again soon. I made friends with a bunch of the cemetery cats today. They started following me around, and before long I had five of them vying for my attention. I explained that I didn't have any food to give them, but it seemed they were mostly just after affection. These are either some really really tame strays, or they're abandoned house-pets. It was great to relax and be surrounded by purring cats, though! A view of some of the cemetery below, and the city beyond. Look at those cherry trees! Not all of the trees are turning yet, but it's always beautiful at the main temple area. The red trees are cherries, and the yellow ones are ginkgoes.  There were still flowers around, since the temperatures haven't...

It's that time of year again! The beauty of the leaves helps to offset the inevitably chilly weather. Winter will be here soon enough, but until it truly starts I'll be doing my best to enjoy the autumn colors! So, two weeks ago I went to the Koko-en, just as the leaves are beginning to show their changes. I'll probably visit again as the season picks up, but I'm glad I went that day. I got to see the Koi fish eating their lunch, and it was  really cool! There were also some very neat art displays inside the main building; they looked like paintings, but when you get closer you realize that they're landscapes created from meticulously pressed plants, flowers, and feathers. I've seen a few other pieces like these through my time in Japan, but it was the first time I've seen so many. (Alas, no photography was allowed!) I am not sure what kind of technique it is, but the effect is amazing, and I'd love to learn how to make them too! Look at...

I've been to a lot of festivals in the last month! So, please enjoy the photos and videos from them! Takasago Light Up Festival This festival was actually in September, but I haven't had the time/internet to share about it. It took place at night in the Takasago  area, which is near Himeji. The streets were lined with small candles, and many parts of this town had gorgeous light displays. The sunset was lovely, and I really enjoyed watching all of the bats come out as the night wore on. It wasn't an overly crowded night, and there were performances set up along the different routes. Some of the singers were quite good!  Alas, my camera is a bit finicky when it comes to taking night photos, but I did my best. One of the main temple complexes; this one featured a live jazz band from the local high school.  One of the main temples lit up during the festival.  A lot of the lanterns were made out of cut-up slices of bamboo, and they loo...