Noh performance in Miyajima

This was a lucky day: a noh performance at Itsukushima Jinja Shinto shrine.

Water contributes to fantastic resonance when actors stomp on the stage floor. 

Noh Stage in the water

Reconstructed OKAYAMA Castle

The castle is a splendid backdrop of the garden called OKAYAMA KORAKUEN, one of the reputed gardens built by feudal lords in the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The stones are original, which is often the case for remaining or reconstructed castles. 

UWAJIMA Castle adorned by wisteria

The island of SHIKOKU has four original castle towers from Japan's feudal times. Nationwide, twelve castle towers of the same nature remain. Four in SHIKOKU is quite a high proportion. They are not as grand as Himeji Castle, one of the first two world cultural heritage sites in Japan, but is historical and their stone foundation walls and stone stairs look antique. Here is one of the four, UWAJIMA Castle. Most of the original structures are gone but the tower has survived fortunately. UWAJIMA is off the beaten path. You might not go there unless you try visiting the 88 temples in SHIKOKU like a pilgrim. This is your chance to see a glimpse of UWAJIMA. 

Two types of cherry blossoms in Miyajima

This type of bright pink blossoms is seen only at one location of Miyajima. Try finding where the tree stands. Another photo shows pinkish petals, those of the most prevalent SOMEI YOSHINO cherry. 

And of course, cherry blossoms in Miyajima

This is one of the locations yet undiscovered by foreign tourists to see the full bloom. You might recognize some international guests but they were shown the place by me. Try finding this point when you are in Miyajima, hopefully in spring. And just look at the variety of MOMIJI MANJU maple leaf-shaped cake below!

Cherry blossoms in Kure

This one is from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Kure District headquarters. Cherry blossoms and its brick building from 1907.

A skillfully trained and trimmed pine tree in front of the old brick building amazes Bonsai lovers and gardeners.

Another facade of the same building. This building has two facades; the apparent backside is still a facade facing the sea. Personnel often entered the building from the sea side once.

The colorful tags on the uniform show what the personnel has been engaged. A young SDF staffer said these were only THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK tokens.

Cherry blossoms and cycad tree wrapped with straw mat

This was also taken in Shukkeien garden. Cherry blossoms at its peak but cycad trees still wear the straw jacket! Can't be helped 'cause they originally thrive in warmer places, not in Japan. 

Peach blossoms, pink and white

Taken on the premises of Shukkeien Japanese gardening in the city of Hiroshima at the end of March, 2014. The garden is an oasis for your mind whatever garden it may be. It makes you sense a cycle of life. An extraordinarily pretty peach tree in bloom and Jack from the US.