Things to do in Matsue: Hydrangea of June
With the peak season of the rose and peony flower having just passed, and the high-probability of rain due to it being the rainy season at the moment, you might not be so inclined to go flower viewing...
View ArticleMatsue, over a century later
It was over 120 years ago when author and traveller Lafcadio Hearn arrived in Japan. During his time here in Matsue, many of his first and lasting impressions of Japan were formed, which he later...
View ArticleFoods to beat the summer heat!
While ice-cream and cool beverages may be ideal for cooling down when the temperatures soar, they don’t quite amount to a proper meal. That’s when chilled buckwheat noodles save the day ^-^ You can...
View ArticlePlaces for taking a break: Cafe Cozy
Every now and then, you find a cosy little gem ^-^ This isn’t a new place, but it was my first time to stumble upon this small cafe that is set-up in a renovated Japanese home. The cafe itself is a...
View ArticleEating out in Matsue: Mr. Barg , American Steaks and Hamburgers
If you happen to be visiting Japan, maybe you’ve had your fill of delicate servings of carefully prepared traditional dishes, and are looking for something tasty, something recognisable, and something...
View ArticleLake Shinji & Matsue: Sunsets of June
We’re now into July, but lets take a little look back over the sunsets that we had here in Matsue during the month of June. In the early part of June, we were yet to enter the rainy season, meaning...
View ArticleFeeling hot?
If you were thinking that it feels hot today, there’s a good reason for that. Temperatures will continue to reach 34 degrees Celsius. The westerly winds help in keeping things cool, but the 60%+...
View ArticlePlaces to eat: Ramen-cho san!
If you’re a fan of ramen (noodles), or have yet to give them a try, you can’t go wrong with ‘Ramen-cho san’ (ラーメン長さん lit. Ramen Master Chef). This is a relatively small (but delicious!) ramen...
View ArticleEating out: Hibi no Kate (Macrobiotic-vegan Cafe Restaurant)
In Japan, where vegetarianism and other ways of eating such as in the western world still remain a little in the dark, it’s not uncommon for vegetarians (let alone vegans or people with other dietary...
View ArticleYesterday’s sunset, stepping out of my comfort-zone in shooting a familiar scene
A quick post today, to share the unexpected yet beautiful sunset over Lake Shinji yesterday. As yesterday was overcast and cloudy, I wasn’t expecting to be able to see much sun or colours for the...
View ArticleVisiting Rainbow Waterfall!
Niji-ga-daki(虹が滝), or rainbow waterfall as it would be rendered in English, is another escape from the summer heat not far from Matsue city (approx. 25km). It is located near Ichibata Yakushi, within...
View ArticleGot that summer feeling~
One of the very summer-ish things to do here in Japan, is to ‘play’ with ‘fireworks’. By play I mean light and wave around, and by fireworks, I mean sparklers and other small varieties of ‘fireworks’....
View ArticleGetting into the festival (matsuri) spirit!
Japan‘s summer festival are known for their lively and energetic processions, usually with a long tradition. There are many aspects of the Japanese festival that makes them attractive, one of such,...
View ArticleSPICE for lunch (Indian Restaurant)
Located in northern Matsue (MAP), this Indian restaurant really is a delightful experience, not just food-wise, but as you can see from the photos below, it is clear that a considerable amount of...
View ArticleEating at a Japanese matsuri
Festivals, or matsuri as they are known in Japanese, are the perfect opportunity for those adventurous eaters seeking something new and exciting. Most matsuri will have rows upon rows of stalls (yatai)...
View ArticleA recap over July’s sunsets
Time brings all things to pass -Aeschylus (Aiskhulos 524 BC – 455 BC) …July has come to an end. Here is a brief look back over the sunsets that have come to pass this month… …and wonder what will come...
View ArticleUse travel guides?…I’ve got a question for YOU!
So you’ve seen them at train station, airports, bookshops and even convenience stores. Piles upon piles of colourful and attractive glossy pages, boasting from their front covers the plethora of fresh...
View ArticleFolk Songs at Karakoro Art Studio(Aug.18th)
The mention of summertime in Japan to those who have lived or visited, will more than likely bring back memories of lively and colourful festival matched with the endless array of foods served up by...
View ArticleCafe Lunch: May in the Countryside 五月の鄙(go-gatsu-no-hina)
A bakery with adjoining cafe, a natural and relaxed atmosphere, vegetarian with macrobiotic influences, if this sounds good to you, then you might want to try out Go-gatsu no hina五月の鄙 (roughly...
View ArticleShimanekko Goods
“Yuru chara” is the nickname of the Yurui mascot characters that are adorable and loved by everyone. They resemble a Disney like character and get the attention, dedication and loyalty of the people...
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