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Late Spring In Japan

This year we had cold winter and spring came late to us.
On April 2, I visited a temple in Nara, which has plenty of spiraea in its precincts. A spirea is called yukiyanagi in Japanese. Yuki mens snow and yanagi means willow. Yukiyanagi usually blooms in March just before cherry blossoms, but this year we had very cold March, so it seemed a little too early to enjoy yukiyanagi even on the second of April. If I had visited the temple several days later, all the branches would have been as white as snow.

Where I live
I was born and now live in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan. The shape of Japan is like a long strip in which 4 main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu (the biggest), Shikoku and Kyushu are located from north to south. Osaka is almost in the middle of the strip. There is Osaka Bay to the west. We can go to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe within 1 hour. All these cities are popular sightseeing spots for foreign tourists. I recommend you to stay in Osaka and visit those cities in one-day trips, as you will find cheaper hotels and dellicious food in Osaka.
Since Japan is a long and narrow country, each district has its own characteristics: we have very different climate, trdition, history, dialect and food. Our way of life and way of thinking differ from district to district. If you come to Osaka after visiting Tokyo, you will be surprised at how people in Osaka are different from Tokyoites. I am sure you will like Osaka and Osaka people.

What Is New in my homepage:(Please click the colored lines)
New York Pages
Sakura at Himuro Shrine, Nara
Beijing Pages
MINOSUKE's album, 'Katsuragi Kodo'

I will be in Taipei in March, 2012.

Spring in Nara

Early Cherry Blossoms in Hokkeji Temple, Nara

Hanging cherry blossoms in the garden of Hokkeji Temple in Nara

Tosamizuki in the garden of Hokkeji Temple, Nara

Tisamizuki

I feel spring begins with various kinds of yellow flowers, except for plum blossoms blooming in white or in pink.
This is called Tosamizuki. I like the lemon yellow very much.

A Japanese White-eye Having Lunch

Daffodils, Hokkeji Temple

My Recent Trip Overseas (Taiwan)

Taroko Valley, Taiwan

My Recent Trip Overseas (Taiwan)

East Asian Sea seen from Jiu Fen

I Love Cats

MINOSUKE

My VT name MINOSUKE is one of the nicknames of a cat who had lived with me for 16 years and loved me with all her heart. I thank her for dedicating her whole life to me. I love you, Miichan.

Enjoy pictures of lovely animals. Oji Zoo in Kobe

Intro Updated Apr 13, 2012
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Personal Pages (6)

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Comments (29)

Mr.Sparkle Apr 8, 2012 at 3:40 AM Report Abuse

yeah, couchsurfing is pretty great. i find it is easier to meet people there. at the moment i'm not hosting, just going to meet-ups with other members. Yes, its cold this year in Japan. happy to see the sakura finally though ;)
GracesTrips Apr 6, 2012 at 10:29 AM Report Abuse

Oh, I missed your birthday, Yoko! Hope you enjoyed a BIG celebration! Hope all is well!
sdq Apr 5, 2012 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

You are always welcome !
Usctwin Apr 3, 2012 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

Hi Yoko, hope you have a great birthday!
connectingrod Apr 2, 2012 at 11:20 PM Report Abuse

A BIRTHDAY is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
TrendsetterME Apr 2, 2012 at 9:34 PM Report Abuse

Hey Yoko, "Happy Birthday", with all my best wishes ... :)
Eiji Jan 7, 2012 at 2:12 PM Report Abuse

Impressive photo and article of Nunobiki fall!
adeeltahir Oct 7, 2011 at 11:28 AM Report Abuse

thanks for B'day wishes. I celebrated it at Disneyland Los Angeles. ADEEL
taigaa001 Sep 6, 2011 at 5:55 AM Report Abuse

Hi, I am glad to find someone from my own country. I went to Osaka a couple of times but I don't think I visited enough. I live in Shizuoka but I may be able to visit Kansai area someday. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.
AyurinHiro Aug 24, 2011 at 7:57 AM Report Abuse

Hi! Thank you very much for your comment on our baby :-) How was your trip to Taipei? Hope to see you again!