Travelog for: Jiaojiao

We came to Engakuji in Kamakura.
Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the No. 2 of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in 1282.
Temple is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783.
There was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.

The temple entrance, which is surrounded by many maple trees, is a particularly popular photo object.
Although it is getting warm little bit here in Kamakura, there is still some snow left on places.
We found white plum flowers and pink plum flowers. I think spring is approaching.

This temple has some national treasure, but can only be seen from a distance during most of the year.
Another national treasure found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (called Ogane).

See you soon.

We went to Mikasa Park in the afternoon, weather is good too!
This place is located 20 minutes from my host home by bicycle.
There was a monument called "arch of peace", it is height 18m .
Many people admire the sea here, relaxed and lying down on the grass.

March 3rd is celebrated as the Dolls Festival(or the Girl's Festival) in Japan.
It's called "Hina- Matsuri"or "Momo no Sekku(Peach festival)".
It's the day to pray for healthy growth and happiness for young girls.
Most families with girls display dolls called "Hina-ningyo".
People began displaying dolls in the Edo period(about 18 century).
The dolls depict the imperial court of old.
They are dressed in beautiful ancient court costumes(the Heian period 794-1185).
People display graceful dolls in ancient court costumes on a tier of 5 or 7 shelves covered with scarlet cloth.
These dolls represent the Emperor and Empress, the court ladies, the ministers and the court musicians.
I think dolls of ancient costumes is very interesting, isn't it ?

This weekend is rainy, We can not go out.
We are playing Japanese card game "Hanafuda"(Nintendo version)!
This Japanese playing cards was called "Hanafuda"or also "Hana　Karuta".
"Hana" mean "flower" in Japanese.
The origin of "Karuta" is Portuguese "Carta".
Hanafuda is Japanese playing cards, which has 12 different flowers of 12 months.
January has Pine, February has Plum, March has cherry blossom, April has Wisteria, May has Iris, June has Peony.
July has Hagi, August has Susuki, September has chrysanthemum, October has maple, November has willow, December has Tung.
My host's toys teach me some rules of Hanafuda.
I have a wonderful time.

Konnichiwa!(Hello!)
It is sunny. I found a pay phone in Japan.
Unfortunately, I can not to call mom.
This pay phone is use for Japanese domestic, can not be international calls.
The pay phone also allows we to call the police.
I will push the "110" at that time.
Push on the "119" when you call an ambulance or fire.
You do not need the money at the time of SOS.

We came to the "Minato-no-mieru-oka" park.
The park was opened in 1962.
It is very warm today(+10c).
I found little cute flowers called "north pole"(swamp chrysanthemum)in Japan.

We came to a place called "Yamate" in Yokohama.
There are Western architecture, many Japanese tourists visit here.
We visited 6 Western-style buildings .
We decided take some pictures with each my friends Toy Voyagers at each place.
Yamate 234 bankan(Bluff No.234)with Aura,
Diplomat's house with Jiaojiao,
British House Yokohama with Cassiopeia,
Ehrisman Residence with Chrissi,
Yamate 111 bankan(Bluff No.111) with Betty Bear.

I went to "Diplomat's house".
As residence of Mr. Uchida, He was Meiji government diplomat, and Turkey Plenipotentiary Ambassador and New York Consul General. It was built in 1910.
Designers is JM Gardiner who an architect from USA.
Here also "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated.
I found beautiful Japanese lantern.

We went to Bluff No.18.
Look at the beautiful Italian garden, Here also "Hina-Ningyo"(Hina dolls)was being decorated.
It about time the end of the search of fun, We went red brick warehouse.
Wow, there were many "Doraemon".
Mom,  Do you know "Doraemon" ?
He is a famous character in Japan.
They had come to the events of the movie.

Hi, mom.
I went to the Kanou shrine. It is said to have been founded in 1181.
The main shrine was rebuilt in 1842. It is amazing wooden sculpture.
Many people have visited this shrine. Because this shrine name "Kanou" is very lucky sounds, and this shrine's Chinese character name.
It is meaning "dreams come true".
Then We ate sushi for lunch at conveyer-belt sushi restaurant.
Tastes really GREAT!

Chrissi set out for USA on full of hope.
We said "Have a good trip, Chrissi. I wish you the best of luck in your new journey." with big hugs.

Cassiopeia has taken her way to Italy.
We said "So you're really off now. Have a good trip and Take care yourself, Cassiopea. I wish you the best of luck in your new journey." with group hug and hug, hug, hug!

Hi, Mom!
It's sunny sunday(+12c am 10:00).
We went to "Yokosuka museum of art".
Yokosuka museum of art was founded in 2007.
It is you can see the sea in front, mountain park in back, And lawn garden.
Wow, Mom, I found cherry blossoms in garden, It is called "Kawazu Cherry blossoms".
Kawazu cherry blossoms is an early cherry blossoms and little more deep pink.
It was beautiful this pink Kawazu cherry blossoms and new green leaf.
I believe the Spring has come at last.
"Japanese style painting at seaside museum" was being held as a special exhibition at this museum.
Unfortunately, We could not take a picture in the museum.
You can see the posters of other museums.
Oh! It's not Marilyn Monroe of Andy Warhol?
And, We were looking at the sea from the roof.
Lastly, I will show you the ticket of the museum.
Today was a wonderful day!
Take care and a lot of love, bye for now...

Hello, mom!
Today, March 16th is my mom and my birthday!
And March 17th is my Toy Voyagers friend Aura's birthday. Yeaaaaaah!!!
We made cup cake at my host's home.
We sang the birthday song.
Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to me!?
Happy Birthday dear Aura, Jiaojiao, Monachu!
Happy Birthday to you!
It was a really fun time. Of course, cup cake was delicious!

Hello Mom, thank you for finding a nice host to me.
I have to say goodbye.
Everyone gave me a lot of big hugs.
My host gave me a postcard and called "hato sable(biscuits shaped like a pigeon, small gift in Kamakura)".
Of course, I still remember! It is my notebook.
My host gave me ticket of Yokosuka museum of art.
I'll attach that ticket with Washi tape. She wrote something.
I am little sad, but I am looking forward to go to Takamatsu!
See you soon.
Your little bear Jiaojiao

The night view of Sakura cherry blossoms at Ritsurin Garden
It's the another world