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  • Zenkoji is a Buddhist temple in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-temple-08.jpg
  • Soba is a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. It is served either chilled with a dipping sauce or in hot broth as a noodle soup.  Nagano prefecture is known to be one of the best soba producing regions in Japan and even has its own name: shinshu soba - named after the old name of Nagano Prefecture.
    soba-2.jpg
  • Making Soba, Buckwheat Noodles -  a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. It is served either chilled with a dipping sauce or in hot broth as a noodle soup.  Nagano prefecture is known to be one of the best soba producing regions in Japan and even has its own name: shinshu soba - named after the old name of Nagano Prefecture.
    making-soba-noodles-01.jpg
  • Ema or votive tablets bearing illustrations of horses or other scenes offered at shrines, temples as emblems of wishes or vows, or as expression of thanks. Types of ema range from large, framed pictures produced by professional painters, to smaller pictures painted by unknown artists or even by the devotees themselves.
    ema-3.jpg
  • Ema or votive tablets bearing illustrations of horses or other scenes offered at shrines, temples as emblems of wishes or vows, or as expression of thanks. Types of ema range from large, framed pictures produced by professional painters, to smaller pictures painted by unknown artists or even by the devotees themselves.
    ema-4.jpg
  • The history of Zenkoji temple dates from 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda enshrined a Buddhist Image at the present site.  The image was created in India and introduced into Japan with Buddhism via Korean in 552. It is called "The Image of Sangoku Denrai".  The image is believed to lead all the people to the Buddhist Pure Land regardless of their status, gender or creed. It has been earnestly worshipped by many from those in power to the common people. The main image was completely hidden from the people in 654, and since then no one has ever been allowed to see it.  On a more practical level, Zenkoji is THE main attraction in Nagano City, with its massive gate, and surrounding lotus ponds and gardens. Zenkoji has been revered for over 1400 years as Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith
    zenkoji-04.jpg
  • The history of Zenkoji temple dates from 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda enshrined a Buddhist Image at the present site.  The image was created in India and introduced into Japan with Buddhism via Korean in 552. It is called "The Image of Sangoku Denrai".  The image is believed to lead all the people to the Buddhist Pure Land regardless of their status, gender or creed. It has been earnestly worshipped by many from those in power to the common people. The main image was completely hidden from the people in 654, and since then no one has ever been allowed to see it.  On a more practical level, Zenkoji is THE main attraction in Nagano City, with its massive gate, and surrounding lotus ponds and gardens. Zenkoji has been revered for over 1400 years as Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith
    zenkoji-03.jpg
  • The history of Zenkoji temple dates from 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda enshrined a Buddhist Image at the present site.  The image was created in India and introduced into Japan with Buddhism via Korean in 552. It is called "The Image of Sangoku Denrai".  The image is believed to lead all the people to the Buddhist Pure Land regardless of their status, gender or creed. It has been earnestly worshipped by many from those in power to the common people. The main image was completely hidden from the people in 654, and since then no one has ever been allowed to see it.  On a more practical level, Zenkoji is THE main attraction in Nagano City, with its massive gate, and surrounding lotus ponds and gardens. Zenkoji has been revered for over 1400 years as Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith
    zenkoji-01.jpg
  • The history of Zenkoji temple dates from 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda enshrined a Buddhist Image at the present site.  The image was created in India and introduced into Japan with Buddhism via Korean in 552. It is called "The Image of Sangoku Denrai".  The image is believed to lead all the people to the Buddhist Pure Land regardless of their status, gender or creed. It has been earnestly worshipped by many from those in power to the common people. The main image was completely hidden from the people in 654, and since then no one has ever been allowed to see it.  On a more practical level, Zenkoji is THE main attraction in Nagano City, with its massive gate, and surrounding lotus ponds and gardens. Zenkoji has been revered for over 1400 years as Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith
    zenkoji-02.jpg
  • Zenkoji is a Buddhist temple in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-7.jpg
  • Zenkoji is a Buddhist temple in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-9.jpg
  • Zenkoji is a Buddhist temple in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-2.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-13.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-17.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-12.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-11.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-2.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-9.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-16.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-14.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-10.jpg
  • Japan Alps at Komagane - Komagane  Is Located At the foot Of the magnificent Southern And Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture, which contain mountains as high As 3000 meters.  The Senjojiki Curl is a  bowl-shaped topography scraped with ice from the ice age 20,000 years ago in the Central Alps, spreading below the rock surface of the alpine zone at above 2,500 meters above sea level.  When it is not in use during the ski season, it is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and trekking.
    sano-family-trip-8.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-1.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-5.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-2.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-4.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-3.jpg
  • Temple bell at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-10.jpg
  • Zenkoji Temple Incense Burner in Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-4.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-15.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-09.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-23.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-08.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-17.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-30.jpg
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River that flows from Shiga Kogen ski area of the northern part of Nagano Prefecture.  Japanese monkeys, Macaque Fuscata, are the species that live in the northern part of the world. They live in forests, mainly in Honshu.  Jigokudani is famous for its large population of wild Japanese Macaques more commonly referred to as Snow Monkeys, that stay in the valley during the winter, and like to bathe in the local hot springs. .
    jigokudani-monkey-park-20.jpg
  • Japanese wall with a braced tree growing through it at Zenkoji Temple, Nagano
    japanese-wall-tree.jpg
  • Vending machine for Buddhist charms and prayer beads at Zenkoji Temple, Nagano.  Vending machines are extremely popular in Japan where you can buy things not normally seen in other countries including beer, underwear, towels, milk and charms such as these.
    wish-vending-machines-01.jpg
  • Sanmon Gate at Zenkoji Temple is considered an Important Cultural Asset in Japan. It contains five wooden Buddhist statues  as well as a plaque which contains five hidden doves in the lettering. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-8.jpg
  • Sanmon Gate at Zenkoji Temple is considered an Important Cultural Asset in Japan. It contains five wooden Buddhist statues  as well as a plaque which contains five hidden doves in the lettering. The temple was built in the 7th century and the city of Nagano was built around the temple. The temple was founded before Buddhism iwas split into several different sects in Japan so it is co-managed by  priests from different schools of Japanese Buddhism.
    zenkoji-6.jpg
  • Yudanaka Station Waiting Room
    yudanaka-station-1.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-3.jpg
  • Jizo Bosatsu at Zenkoji Temple - each jizo is a protector of the next six realms:  hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asura, humans and heavenly beings.
    jizo-16.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-6.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-1.jpg
  • Self Heal Prunella vulgaris is a member of the Mint family and the leaves are edible but with a slightly bitter taste. Its name comes from the fact that it was once prized by herbalists to cure almost anything including open wounds.  It is known to have anti allergenic properties and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
    selfheal.jpg
  • Scabiosa is a genus in the Caprifoliaceae or honeysuckle family. Scabiosa flowers earned the nickname pincushion flower because of their prominent stamens that emerge from the compact blooms that look like pins in a pincushion. Butterflies and bees are attracted to them.  Scabious have a wide range of varieties and colors that make them popular.
    scabiosa-comosa-2.jpg
  • Fireweed Onagraceae is a native plant that’s found in the northern hemisphere that got its name because this plant is the first colonizer in the soil after forest fires have died down. The plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family. Young shoots are collected in the spring by Native American Indians the stems are peeled and eaten raw.  In Russia, the leaves were boiled as a kind of tea.
    fireweed-02.jpg
  • Fireweed Onagraceae is a native plant that’s found in the northern hemisphere that got its name because this plant is the first colonizer in the soil after forest fires have died down. The plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family. Young shoots are collected in the spring by Native American Indians the stems are peeled and eaten raw.  In Russia, the leaves were boiled as a kind of tea.
    fireweed-01.jpg
  • Eupatorium lindleyanum is in flower summer through October and its seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite with both male and female organs and is pollinated by Insects.  It has many medicinal uses that are currently being explored and developed. The plant is anthelmintic, antidote, antitussive, diuretic and restorative and can be used internally in the treatment of bronchitis and dysentery. Externally, it is applied to swellings and wounds. Eupatorium lindleyanum  is commonly found in mountainouse areas of Japan.
    eupatoriun-lindleyanum-01.jpg
  • Canterbury bells Campanula medium is a popular garden plant that can be easily grown and cared for much like their bellflower Campanulaceae counterparts.  Blooming in summer these flowers are extremely long lasting and attractive because of their bell-shaped flowers .
    canterbury-bells-flower-01.jpg
  • Sakura or cherry blossom arrangement in front of a kura or safe-house which were used for storage but nowadays often renovated into boutiques and cafes.
    sakura-door-01.jpg
  • Japanese stone lantern, covered with moss and snow.  Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted  and placed in the gardens of teahouses.
    stone-lantern-snow-01.jpg
  • In the past, people were brought straw sandals or waraji as offerings to temples, hoping to have healthy feet or to receive travel protection from the temple. Even though people don't wear waraji sandals anymore,  with the exception of a few monks, the custom still exists..
    japanese-sandals-2.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-9.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-4.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-5.jpg
  • Scabiosa is a genus in the Caprifoliaceae or honeysuckle family. Scabiosa flowers earned the nickname pincushion flower because of their prominent stamens that emerge from the compact blooms that look like pins in a pincushion. Butterflies and bees are attracted to them.  Scabious have a wide range of varieties and colors that make them popular.
    scaiosa-comosa-3.jpg
  • Queen of the Prairie  Venusta  Filipendula Rubra is an herbaceous plant with sprays of pink flowers on leafy stems that bloom in summer.  The graceful blossoms mature over time and are fragrant.  The flowers are tough and long lasting, valued for their flowers.
    queen-of-the-prairie-02.jpg
  • Queen of the Prairie  Venusta  Filipendula Rubra is an herbaceous plant with sprays of pink flowers on leafy stems that bloom in summer.  The graceful blossoms mature over time and are fragrant.  The flowers are tough and long lasting, valued for their flowers.
    queen-of-the-prairie-01.jpg
  • Musk Thistle or Carduus nutans, Nodding Thistle, Formosa Thistle is known for its purple flowers although it grows wild.  The large flower heads droop from the stem when mature, which has given it an alternative name Nodding thistle. Each plant may produce thousands of seeds adorned with bristles that grow wildly and considered an invasive species or weed.
    formosa-thistle-2.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-04.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-03.jpg
  • Columbine Meadow Rue  Ranunculaceae  Thalictrum Aquilegifolium is known for its fine-textured, lacy foliage that resembles maidenhair ferns. The purple male flowers are particularly attractive. The columbine meadow rue is a delicate plant with a very fine texture. With bluish-green leaves has a certin ethereal quality.  Its flowers consist of colorful, small and abundant stamens
    coumbine-meadow-rue-01.jpg
  • Canterbury bells Campanula medium is a popular garden plant that can be easily grown and cared for much like their bellflower Campanulaceae counterparts.  Blooming in summer these flowers are extremely long lasting and attractive because of their bell-shaped flowers .
    canterbury-bells-flower-02.jpg
  • Soba is type of thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. It is served either chilled with a dipping sauce or in hot broth as a noodle soup.  Soba shops are popular spots for lunch or snacks.
    making-soba-noodles.jpg
  • Toys, teddy bears and childrens mementos left at the Jizo Bosatsu shrine at Zenkoji Temple.  Jizo in Japan are bosatsu for children, expectant mothers and travellers.  In this case, they are a sad testiment to children who died during childbirth or at an early age.
    jizo-children-offerings-02.jpg
  • Japanese Decorative Cabbage - one of the few countries in the world to breed different types of cabbage for the sake of decorations, usually yellow or blue, these cabbage are often used as New Year decorations in Japan.
    decorative-cabbage-01.jpg
  • Tempura Soba - Soba is a type of thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. It is served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup.  In Japan, soba noodles are served in a variety of situations. They are a popular inexpensive fast food at train stations throughout Japan and are served by exclusive and expensive specialty restaurants. Markets sell dried noodles and men-tsuyu, or instant noodle broth, to make home preparation easy.
    soba-1.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-8.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-2.jpg
  • Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea is a member of the sunflower and daisy family Asteraceae or Compositae  and an herbaceous perennial wildflower with clusters of white flowers and long green leaves. The flowers have a slightly musky smell.  Native American Indians use such odoriferous plants for medicinal purposes. This wildflower is a popular in dried flower arrangements because its long lasting flowers and delicate appearance make it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
    pearly-everlasting-01.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-02.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-01.jpg
  • Good luck charms vending machine.  Vending machines are extremely popular in Japan where you can buy things not normally seen in other countries including beer, underwear, towels, milk and charms such as these.
    wish-vending-machines-02.jpg
  • Nishi No-Mon sake brewery is all housed in traditional buildings. The brewery has free tours of its state-of-the-art brewing equipment and sake tasting as well. Also in the complex is a cluster of sake bars, restaurants and shops, all housed in traditional kura buildings that add to the authenticity of the experience.
    nishi-no-mon-sake-02.jpg
  • Tokoji Temple Garden - Entering Tokoji Temple is through an impressively tall gate is manned by two statues of fierce and imposing guardian demons, as well as wooden dragons poised to swoop down from under the roof.  Hidden behind the main hall is a lovely Japanese landscape garden, composed of stones with carefully tended topiary and a small pond spanned by a low stone bridge.  Then under the eaves of the main hall there's a striking, finely detailed diorama, showing a monk in a garden, in earnest conversation with a dragon.
    tokoji-temple-garden-8.jpg
  • Shinzan Garden at Mizuno Museum  - The Mizuno Museum is an art museum of modern Japanese-style paintings established on the long-time collection gathered by Masayuki Mizuno and opened in 2002. The museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese artworks. Another feature of the Mizuno Museum is its beautiful landscape garden. It’s founder was fascinated by Japanese paintings, ukiyoe and kimono designs and decided to share this with as many people as possible as he considered that artworks are an indispensable asset for humanity, and only meaningful if they are shared. In designing the museum, a Japanese garden was added both to enhance and better appreciate the paintings within the museum itself. Also, Japanese Gardens are to be considered an art form in and of themselves.  He named the garden Shinzan with a famous and planted a magnificent Shinshu tree within the garden.
    mizuno-museum-garden-7.jpg
  • Ligularia is a plant that thrives in the shade is large leaves are often kidney shaped.  Ligularia has interesting blooms. There are generally two types of blossoms, either tall stalks of numerous small blooms that look like a bottlebrush, or stalks of blooms. The petals are always a bright golden or yellow color that is striking against the dark foliage.  Ligularia sibirica is a Eurasian species but it is classified as threatened  or vulnerable.  The main threats to the species are abandonment of pastoral systems, abrupt changes to its water system and pollution.
    ligularia-sabirica-01.jpg
  • Musk Thistle or Carduus nutans, Nodding Thistle, Formosa Thistle is known for its purple flowers although it grows wild.  The large flower heads droop from the stem when mature, which has given it an alternative name Nodding thistle. Each plant may produce thousands of seeds adorned with bristles that grow wildly and considered an invasive species or weed.
    formosa-thistle.jpg
  • Jizo Bosatsu at Zenkoji Temple - each jizo is a protector of the next six realms:  hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asura, humans and heavenly beings.
    jizo-3.jpg
  • Obuse Nagano Mascot -   Japanese celebrate the silly, eccentric and adorable like no other country.  Its obsession with the yuru-kyara mascots is a perfect example of this.  These mascots represent products, teams, museums, schools, prisons, branches of the military, organizations  and even the national tax office.   Most towns, counties, and companies have their own yuru-kyara mascot, following this craze. Creepy or cute, they lurk around street fairs, community events, train stations and tourist destinations.  There are large Mascot Summits such as the one in Hanyu, Saitama held every year where mascots campaign and are voted on.  Mascots normally represent local culture or products. They may be created by local government or other organizations to stimulate tourism and economic development, or created by a company to build on their corporate identity. They may appear as costumed lovable characters at promotional events and festivals meant to convey affection for one’s hometown or region.
    yuru-kyara-16.jpg
  • Obuse Nagano Mascot -  Japanese celebrate the silly, eccentric and adorable like no other country.  Its obsession with the yuru-kyara mascots is a perfect example of this.  These mascots represent products, teams, museums, schools, prisons, branches of the military, organizations  and even the national tax office.   Most towns, counties, and companies have their own yuru-kyara mascot, following this craze. Creepy or cute, they lurk around street fairs, community events, train stations and tourist destinations.  There are large Mascot Summits such as the one in Hanyu, Saitama held every year where mascots campaign and are voted on.  Mascots normally represent local culture or products. They may be created by local government or other organizations to stimulate tourism and economic development, or created by a company to build on their corporate identity. They may appear as costumed lovable characters at promotional events and festivals meant to convey affection for one’s hometown or region.
    japanese-mascots-47.jpg
  • Obuse Nagano Mascot - Japanese celebrate the silly, eccentric and adorable like no other country.  Its obsession with the yuru-kyara mascots is a perfect example of this.  These mascots represent products, teams, museums, schools, prisons, branches of the military, organizations  and even the national tax office.   Most towns, counties, and companies have their own yuru-kyara mascot, following this craze. Creepy or cute, they lurk around street fairs, community events, train stations and tourist destinations.  There are large Mascot Summits such as the one in Hanyu, Saitama held every year where mascots campaign and are voted on.  Mascots normally represent local culture or products. They may be created by local government or other organizations to stimulate tourism and economic development, or created by a company to build on their corporate identity. They may appear as costumed lovable characters at promotional events and festivals meant to convey affection for one’s hometown or region.
    japanese-mascots-48.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-06.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-02.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-03.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-01.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-04.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-05.jpg
  • Yudanaka Station, nagano dentetsu, railway station, japanese railway station
    yudanaka-station-3.jpg
  • Sake brewery in Obuse, Nagano.  The ball is made of cedar twigs and hangs over the door of sake breweries which lets customers know the season's sake is ready for purchase and drinking.
    sake-cedar-ball-02.jpg
  • Hokkeji Temple Garden is next door to Kaminomiya at Suwa Taisha Shrine with an impressive pond garden. There are satsuki azaleas planted on the slope that accentuates the small pond garden.  Although the founding of the temple is unknown, it opened as a Tendai sect temple during the Kamakura Period, then later became a Rinzai sect temple.  After that, Suwa Taisha was burned by the Oda clan during the Warring States period when Nobunaga made Hokke-ji his temple.  At the time there were many other temples in the area but only Hokkeji remains. 
    hokkeiji-nagano-1.jpg
  • Hokkeji Temple Garden is next door to Kaminomiya at Suwa Taisha Shrine with an impressive pond garden. There are satsuki azaleas planted on the slope that accentuates the small pond garden.  Although the founding of the temple is unknown, it opened as a Tendai sect temple during the Kamakura Period, then later became a Rinzai sect temple.  After that, Suwa Taisha was burned by the Oda clan during the Warring States period when Nobunaga made Hokke-ji his temple.  At the time there were many other temples in the area but only Hokkeji remains. 
    hokkeiji-nagano-2.jpg
  • Tokoji Temple Garden - Entering Tokoji Temple is through an impressively tall gate is manned by two statues of fierce and imposing guardian demons, as well as wooden dragons poised to swoop down from under the roof.  Hidden behind the main hall is a lovely Japanese landscape garden, composed of stones with carefully tended topiary and a small pond spanned by a low stone bridge.  Then under the eaves of the main hall there's a striking, finely detailed diorama, showing a monk in a garden, in earnest conversation with a dragon.
    tokoji-temple-garden-5.jpg
  • Tokoji Temple Garden - Entering Tokoji Temple is through an impressively tall gate is manned by two statues of fierce and imposing guardian demons, as well as wooden dragons poised to swoop down from under the roof.  Hidden behind the main hall is a lovely Japanese landscape garden, composed of stones with carefully tended topiary and a small pond spanned by a low stone bridge.  Then under the eaves of the main hall there's a striking, finely detailed diorama, showing a monk in a garden, in earnest conversation with a dragon.
    tokoji-temple-garden-3.jpg
  • Tokoji temple is a playful and unusual Buddhist temple. It is a wonderful example of the blend of an historic local temple with a unique and contemporary twist.  There is an installation of giant orange geta sandals outside the main gate which can be played on or posed with as a prop for pictures. The temple itself is not much to write home about, but the gate, the geta and the traditional Japanese garden out back make it a worthwhile stop.
    tokoji-temple-1.jpg
  • Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and one of the oldest castles remaining in Japan. This elegant black and white structure with its three turrets was built in 1592.  Because of the exquisite black walls, Matsumoto-jo is sometimes called Crow Castle. Inside the castle visitors find displays of armor and weapons from the Warring States Period when the castle was built. The narrow wooden windows once used by archers and gunmen now give off amazing views of the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto City and the carp and swans circling in the moat below.
    matsumoto-castle-3.jpg
  • Japanese kura storehouses were once used to store precious items. In the old days, the Japanese government taxed the country in rice and kura were frequently used to store it. After the introduction of Buddhism to Japan kura were often used to store precious and religious items such as sutra. Traditional Japanese homes have limited storage space though many people needed safe storage for certain items for Japan's cultural festivals and these needed to be stored somewhere safe when not in use.  In the past most Japanese houses were built of wood and prone to fires so a more durable solution was required to store precious items. Consequently most kura are made of clay with thick walls to keep things cool, dry and safe. Wwell designed kura became a status symbol - the more kura a family possesed showed the greater wealth of the owner.
    kura-1.jpg
  • Agata-no-Mori Garden is situated within Agata-no-mori Park in Matsumoto and very much a peoples park.  Although it was designated as a city park, it is in fact a Japanese garden replete with ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, bridges, shrubs and trees. A row of Himalayan cedars were planted in 1919, a nod to the Japan Alps of which Matsumoto is very much a part.
    agata-no-mori-garden-11.jpg
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