Jan 28th 2007: Noborito Historical Residence park --- Kawasaki

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I went to Noborito Japan Historical Residence Park as a member of hiking circle. We plan this tour as our New Years meeting.
The park is so wide that we couldn’t see it all. And I even couldn’t have enough time to read information board so I concentrated taking photos. So let me introduce only impressive one.






Hara Residence (Built 1911 / Kawasaki)
This was representing resent built house.
It was quite nice one that I wish someone could still use it. The pine tree in front of it had a great branch with length of 5-6 m.





 Suzuki Residence
 (Early 19th century / Fukushima)
This fireplace on the floor tells us it’s a typical northern style. Looks warm.






Ioka Residence (17-18th century / Nara)
A typical merchant house plan.






Misawa Residence (19th century / Ina)
They said it has nice smell if we use cherry tree for firewood.






Water mill (19th century / Nagano)
This is a water mill grained rice and flower in old days.





Emukai Residence
(17-18th century / Toyama)
Right Photo is a hut for firewood that they used as fuel in old days.

　　　
Yamada Residence (17th century / Toyama)

Photo center : weaving machine. In Taisho era, they used to weave cotton.
Photo right : Living room. In my home town in Chugoku region we called living room “Dei” and I found they used same pronunciation in Toyama region. It’s was nice to know.!

  Nohara Residence (18th century)





Yamashita Residence
(19th century / shirakawa, Gifu)
Photo right : This is world heritage, Shirakawago residence. They said we can observe when they change grass roof.

A map of Japan Historical Residence Park (Japanese)

Jan 24th 2007 : Toshogu in Shiba Park --- Minato-ku

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Yesterday, I took a photo of blue flag in Toshogu, but to say the truth, I didn’t know what is this flag’s meaning and also what will be held on Apr. 17th, the anniversary of Ieyasu general’s death.
I went to Toshogu in Shiba Park to find out the answer.


This flag is saying “Anniversary of 400th year since Ieyasu General started Edo era”
They said they hold big spring festival of Shiba Toshogu on the day Apr. 17th the day Ieyasu died.
They also hold a monthly festival on 1st and 17th every month.

The god statue they keep inside is important cultural asset of Tokyo city.
The big gingko tree which believed that Ieyasu planted is now natural treasure of Tokyo city.

I didn’t know about this because it’s small and not so obvious but I was surprised that Minato-ku has a shrine which has ancient and honorable origin... (This Toshogu was re-builted in 1969 after they burnt in 1945.)

I walk around the garden and found plum tree blooming.
I took a photo but maybe not a good timing yet.

Isn’t it relaxing to have scenery like this remind us new season coming?

Jan 23rd 2007 : Walking around Maruyama ancient tomb --- Minato-ku

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When you walk from Zoujouji-Temple to Tokyo Prince Hotel Park Tower, you will see old Daitokuin-Reibyou-Soumon Gate and there are 2 statue of guardians looks so powerful.
This gate was restored and now it looks so new.

As you enter this gate and climb long stone steps, there is a remains of a waterway.
The board was saying that “This remains waterway was built in 1633, right after the second Tokugawa general Hidetada’s death.”

There is a wide space behind the Soumon (gate) and was under developing by a bulldozer. It seems that they are also trying to make the pavement wider. I could see a clomp of trees near the Maruyama ancient tomb.
I saw a “Toushougu” which built in 1641 and has huge ginkgo tree planted by 3rd Tokugawa general, Iemitsu. It’s a tree of Tokyo city.
The left photo is an entrance of Toushougu.
The blue flag says about April 17th and it is obit of Ieyasu general and it seems that they will hold some events.

I took a photo of Tokyo Tower and Park Tower Hotel from approach to the hotel behind the old Daitokuin-Reibyou-Soumon(gate).

Jan 22nd 2007: Today’s view of Tokyo Tower --- Minato-ku

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I walked around Momiji (Japanese maple tree) park inside Shiba Park near our office.
Yesterday’s rain brought us a clear sky today.
Maple leaf changed color had been all dropped on the ground…


<- Can see a small board written “Momiji Fall” in right bottom of the photo


Clouds were floating between trees and the Tower was seen so sharp among them.



On the way back I walked in front of the entrance of the Tokyo Tower.
Luckily I met a shooting of TV program.
One of the group of young boys of four was saying “Let’s enter the tower now!”.
I took a photo right away!
I actually couldn’t tell what kind of program they were taking but a lunch break was almost finishing so I give up and went back.
But actually I am so curious so couldn’t stop thinking who they are!