Something Weird I Saw Today

Photography Blog/Diary of living in Japan

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The historic Osaka castle. Over the centuries the moat has filled with shrubs and ivy.

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Whale shark ice cream, whale shark latte, and a garden eel hot dog at the Osaka Aquarium.

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Halloween display at the mall next to Osaka Aquarium

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Cat cafes in Japan sometimes sell catnip lollipops.

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Frogs at Fushimi Inari shrine.

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Fox shaped ema (wooden prayer tablets) at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

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Fireworks at the Kamo River Delta

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Finally got to visit Kinkakuji this time.

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A summer tradition in Kyoto is to place platforms over rivers and have meals on these cool platforms.

I got to have a wonderful 12 course kaiseki dinner with my friend at one of these places in Kibune, Kyoto.

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Staircase to Kibune Shrine

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Maybe the most exciting part of my trip to Kyoto was the incredible surprise of coming across a Japanese giant salamander.

While jumping across the stepping stones near the Kamo River Delta I noticed a strange shape under one of the stones. My friends didn’t believe me when I claimed there was a giant salamander hiding under the rock, but as I was getting my camera out it clambered out from under the rock and began to head upstream.

These amazing creatures are very rare and usually difficult to find. Seeing this one in the city is incredibly unusual.

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The grounds of Anrakuji Temple.

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This rock and moss garden near Anrakuji Temple in Kyoto deviates from tradition by including pillars and slabs of quartz into the landscape.

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The Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto. The famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro would walk this path and meditate as he headed to work. The locals have preserved the area to keep its authentic historical aesthetic. 

While walking along this path I came across a local man constructing small boats out of leaves, grasses, and flowers. He gave one to me and said that if I could drop it into the river without it sinking I would feel a weight lifted off my spirit.

The boat didn’t sink, so that’s a relief.

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This aqueduct was built in Kyoto in the late 1800′s to carry water from Lake Biwa to the city.

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This decommissioned railway known as The Keage Incline is a popular spot to see cherry blossoms. 

However even when it’s not sakura season it’s still a lovely place to stroll. I peaceful place where nature and history combine to make something beautiful.