Category Archives: art

Miho pine grove, the scenic spot that was depicted by Hiroshige

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Yuki

Miho pine grove is regarded as one of the 3 new most beautiful scenic locations in Japan.  Miho means Miho peninsula located in Shizuoka prefecture.  This is very famous for the great harmony of the view of Mt. Fuji, a beach and a pine grove. You walk through this … Continue reading →

Posted in art, nature and garden, Shizuoka, tourist sites | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Artistic manhole covers of Japan

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Yuki

I found artistic manhole covers walking around JR Shizuoka station.  In Japan most local municipalities have their own manhole covers featuring the local specialties and attractions.  In the case of Shizuoka it is Mt. Fuji. Mt.Fuji and Tokugawa Ieyasu in the suits of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, ★★★　a must in Japan, My manhole cover gallery | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

What is a big ball hung from the entrance ceiling of a Japanese sake winery?

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Yuki

This picture is a ‘sake‘, rice wine winery in Shiga prefecture.  Most Japanese sake wineries have a ball-shaped object at their entrances like this. Its name is ‘saka-bayashi‘ which literally means sake forest.  It is also called ‘sugi-dama’, cedar leaf ball. This ball is a sign to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, food, Japanese life | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Kuniyoshi: An Ukiyoe artist who makes people smile

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Yuki

Kuniyoshi was active at almost the same time as Hokusai.  But compared to other famous Ukiyoe artists like Hokusai, Utamaro and Sharaku, he is not so well-known even in Japan.  It is so sad! I went to the special exhibit of … Continue reading →

Posted in art | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mysterious artist ‘Sharaku’

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Yuki

I went to a special exhibit at Tokyo National Museum titled ‘Sharaku’. Although it was a rainy day, the exhibit was crowded with people. Personally, I was impressed especially with his earlier works.  They were strong and vivrant. However his works … Continue reading →

Posted in art | Tagged , | Leave a comment