Amazing on day three

Our third day in Matsue was by far the best for me because we got to see autumn awesomeness. I love autumn colours so much.

But first we checked out an former samurai residence called Buke Yashiki that was built in 1730 and inhabited by a military family of a middle ranking.

This was the kitchen area


An entrance hall


This was a bedroom - some artifacts displayed


This, believe it or not, is a sleeping headrest

Then we walked around the grounds of Matsue castle. An impressive castle, but Himeji's castle is still the grandest of them all.

Matsue castle

And now onto autumn scenery. We visited a garden called Yuushien which was simply stunning. I'll let the photos explain...

Traffic light trees


Sweet view


Through yellow leaves


Orange among the yellow


A perfect balance of colours


Me and Bev on the bridge


In the indoor peony garden


Peony close up


Red in the sky


More yellow


Red momiji is my favourite


Gotta have the red bridge shot


Me on the bridge (in purple, can you see?)


Amongst the waterfall


Woo!


Me and autumn

After our fantastic time in the garden, we headed home along the coast and couldn't resist stopping at the beach. Yes, an actual beach with sand. Take a look.

Pretty decent, hey!


Me and Mount Daisen - can you see it?

Phew. A three day sightseeing extravaganza around Shimane prefecture. Glad I could show you some of it.

Until next time,
Monica xo

Shizutani School

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to be taken to Okayama to enjoy more autumn beauty. We went to Shizutani school - now a National Treasure - but originally a public educational institution for children of both commoners and the samurai class in the Edo period.

Shizutani means 'quiet valley'


The lecture hall still in pristine condition


The museum on site helps explain the history of the place


The roof tiles were handmade from bizenyaki
by local potters


The view of the famous autumn trees


Bus tours flock here to admire autumn beauty


One kai tree turns yellow ...


Hey, it's me!


...and the other an orange-vermilion


Autumn is all around


Fall


Afterwards, we strolled around the canals of Kurashiki


It has a great historic atmosphere

Autumn is definitely the best season in Japan - despite the chill factor. I love it.

Until more autumn leaves photos,
Monica xx

Autumn in Kyoto (part one)

Last Sunday, I travelled to Kyoto to see the beautiful autumn leaves in their colour transition. Just like sakura in Spring, the leaves are a truly beautiful sight where ever you look.

The leaves need warm, sunny days and chilly nights to start the colour change process.

This was overlooking the gardens at Tofuku-ji in Kyoto


Brilliant red Japanese maples


I'm fascinated with the colours - stunning!


Red amongst the greenery


Red against the sky


In the raked garden grounds


The shaded trees are still yet to change

I found some autumn sakura!


I tried dorayaki - Doraemon's fave food

Then we journeyed to Fushimi Inari (fox) Shrine, which is the shrine for success in business. It's characterised by 10,000 red torii gates that form a pathway around the hill behind the shrine.

We didn't walk the whole way

The entrance


In the tunnel of torii


From the outside


Torii galore


Wishes of hope, luck and happiness written
on wooden fox shapes


Children dressed for the 7-5-3 festival


A ceremony in the shrine grounds

There are just too many photos of Autumn to share in one post, so I'll upload the rest of this day next time.

Until then,
Monica