Picture of the Week Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan

Nijo Castle is one of the famous sights of Kyoto. The Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

The castle area has several gardens and groves of cherry and ume trees.

This picture is of the Ninomaru garden which has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Kinkakuji, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is one of the must see cities in Japan. It offers the full traditional Japanese cultural experience. Kyoto is renowned for its abundance of delicious Japanese food & cuisine and historical importance.

The highlights of Kyoto include Kiyomizu-dera, a magnificent wooden temple, Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, Heian Jingu, Nijo-jo, castle of the first Tokugawa shogun, and Gion, famous entertainment and geisha district.

This picture is of Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) it is one of Japan`s best known sights.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

This is my submission to the July 2011 J-Festa Places In Japan

Picture of the Week Children`s Peace Monument, Hiroshima, Japan

The Children`s Peace Monument is a statue dedicated to the memory of the children who died as a result of the atomic bomb. The statue is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from radiation from the bomb. She believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes she would be cured. Still to this day, children from around the world fold cranes and send them to Hiroshima where they are placed near the statue.

This picture is of the area near the statue where the folden cranes are collected and is dedicated to peace.

How to become an English Conversation Teacher

Picture of the Week Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園 ) is a memorial park in the center of Hiroshima, Japan. The park is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack and to the memories of the bomb`s victims.

This picture is of the Memorial Cenotaph, which is near the center of the park. It is a concrete, saddle shaped monument that covers a cenotaph holding the names of all the people killed by the bomb. The arch shape represents a shelter for the souls of the victims. If you look carefully through the monument you can see the Atomic Bomb Dome in the background.

Hiroshima Castle

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Hiroshima Castle, Japan

Hiroshima Castle (広島城 Hiroshima-jō), also sometimes called Carp Castle is a castle in Hiroshima, Japan and was home to the daimyo (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima han. The castle was originally constructed in the 1589, but was destroyed in the atomic bombing of 1945. The present castle is a replica of the original and was rebuilt in 1958.

Entry costs ￥300 and it is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm October to March and until 5:30 pm April to September.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima (広島市) is a beautiful city in Japan that reminds me of my home town of Melbourne in Australia with its green parks and trams. Hiroshima City was destroyed by a nuclear bomb when it was bombed in 1945. Hiroshima City was completely rebuilt after the war and now tourists from all over the world flock to this city. The highlights include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome), Hiroshima-jo castle and Miyajima.

This picture is of the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, which is just across the river from the Peace Memorial Park. The building which was a hall is where the bomb directly exploded.

How to become an English Conversation Teacher

Picture of the Week Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo and is located by the sea close to Tokyo. Yokohama has a lot to offer including the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 harbourtown, Yokohama Marine Town and Chinatown. Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

This picture is of one of the main entrances to Yokohama Chinatown

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Tokyo Disneyland Japan

Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, Japan near Tokyo. The park was constructed in the same style as Disneyland in California. There are seven themed areas in the park. Made up of the World Bazaar, the four classic Disney lands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and two mini lands, Critter Country and Mickey`s Toontown.

This picture is of the main icon of Tokyo Disneyland, Cinderella Castle.

Learn how to make your own Green Tea At Home and save $$$$

Picture of the Week Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossom or sakura is the unofficial national flower of Japan. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan with most blooming for just a few days in Spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April.

This picture is of a tree in Kagamigahara Shiminkoen in Gifu, Japan.

Step-By-Step Guide to Identifying, Finding, Cultivating, Protecting & Maintaining Beautiful Bonsai Trees!

Picture of the Week Todai-ji, Nara, Japan

Todai-ji (東大寺) or Great Eastern Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nara, Japan. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world. It houses the world`s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu (大仏).

This picture is of the main temple complex.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan

Matsumoto Castle (松本城 Matsumoto-jō), also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, is one of Japan`s premier historic castles. The castle is located in the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. The castle is 15 minutes on foot from the train station and costs ￥500 for admission.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Hida Beef Sushi in Takayama, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is famous for its miso, ramen, mountain vegetables and Hida beef. Walking through the city is a taste sensation. A speciality is Hida beef sushi.

This is a picture of the raw beef sushi that costs 500 yen in Takayama.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. It is a great place to spend a few days or to use as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsen hot springs.

This picture is of the Hida Takayama folk village, which is near Takayama.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently