Sign of Spring

Ueno, Tokyo
Japan

It's still chilly in the morning, but we can find a sign of spring here
in Ueno Park, Tokyo.
The plam trees are already showing signs of blooming.


It won't be long until the park is crowded with many people who enjoy blossoms.
　

Miscellaneous Photos #2

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

The rest of the photos at the cafe in Apgujeong.




I spent several hours on the day admiring the interior decoration.
　　　

Miscellaneous Photos #1

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

Miscellaneous photos I took at my favorite cafe.
I upload some of them here.




Chill-out atmosphere.
　　
To be continued later.　
　　

Royal Guards

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
South Korea

Today's photos are Royal Grards at Gyeongbokgung
on a clear day after the melting of snow.


Naturally, their uniforms have changed into warm ones for winter use.


The beautiful bow and arrows make me imagine the world of the Middle Ages.




Standing very still in the cutting cold wind.
　　

Refurbished "Hanok"

Samcheong-dong, Seoul
South Korea

At Samcheong-dong area, there are many cafes and restaurants
constructed by refurbishing "Hanok", Korean traditional houses.


It was very cold today, so I went through the gate of one of such "Hanok" cafes
in my wandering and ordered a glass of hot wine.


Shortly three American teenage travelers also came to the cafe.
While overhearing their joyful and loud talking,
I found it was already getting dark outside.
　　

Hanbok

The National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul
South Korea

"Hanbok" is the traditional Korean clothing which is worn as formal wear
on a festival and celebration day.
The "Hanbok" we can see today is said to be the descendant of
the late Joseon dynasty's design (the late nineteenth century).


A special exhibition "Forever Fabulous" at the National Folk Museum of Korea
show you a new understanding of "Hanbok", or "Reinvented Hanbok Works".


The traditional clothing is in harmony with Fancy paint,
embroidery and beaten gold.


This exhibition is untill February 15 at the National Folk Museum of Korea
in the photo.
　　

On a Cold Winter Day

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

A hot green tea latte on a cold winter day.
It warms me up on a day like this.


This is a cafe in Apgujeong area,
where is a fashion and shopping district located to the south of Han River (Hangang).


A relaxing time for a brief moment.
　　

Snow-covered Palace

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
South Korea

2 hour flight from Tokyo,Japan to Seoul,South Korea.
It took me to the completely different winter scenery.

In Tokyo, the lowest temperature during winter is rarely below zero degrees C.
On the other hand, here in Seoul, even the highest temperature is usually
below zero degrees C.

I was puzzled by heavy snow.
This year, it seems there has been more snow than usual.

　　
　　

The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Craft Gallery
Takebashi,Tokyo
Japan

The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art is comprised of some buildings.
One of them is this Craft Gallery displaying textiles, ceramics and
other Japanese crafts.

Originally, this Craft Gallery was built in 1910 as the headquarters of the Imperial Guards.
This Western-style building which had gone through the war
was preserved and restored after the war,
and then it was opened as an annex to the main building in 1977.



The red brick building under the early evening sky in winter.
The most beautiful time of the day.


　　

"Hatsumoude"

Fukagawa, Tokyo
Japan

New year's visit to a shrine is called "Hatsumoude" in Japanese.
Most Japanese visit a shrine early in the new year to pray for
their happiness and health.
　　

Some people wear kimonos for "Hatsumoude".
　　

"Omikuji" is a sacred lot to tell fortunes of the year.
After drawing "Omikuji", people tie them to branches of trees or ropes in the shrine.
　　

Sacred sake cups for a new year.
　　

People buy "Omamori", good luck charms or "Hamaya", sacred arrows like in the photo.
　　

　　

Happy New Year 2010

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo
Japan

Best wishes for a happy new year from Tokyo Tower !
May the new year bring many good things to you.
　　

New Year's Eve

Shichirigahama, Kanagawa
Japan


This is one of my favorite surf points, Shichirigahama Beach.
Unfortunately, the wind was on-shore today,　so I coundn't enjoy year-end surfing.

Thanks, 2009.

I wish you a peaceful new year.