The day of extremely cold weather of winter.

Dear Friends and Readers.

In Japan, it is in middle of winter season !!
Hot pot foods, fireplace, wearing lots of cloths... and get in hot springs.
I am honor to experiences beautiful scenic of Japan.
Today, I photographed winter scenic of our hot spots (cold spots...).

One of most famous destination called MITARAI Gorge.  

Snow covered Aiden Bashi Bridge. 

Only few moments, we can enjoy reflection of the sun on the water of Tenkawa. Stunning. 

Purity of vibration. I can not stop looking water and lights.. 

Icicle on the walls everywhere. you can see it is very sharp, large and clear. 

In Tenkawa, We have cozy but well maintained snow park you can enjoy ski, snowboard and sled. 

It is very cold here in snow park, snow look like a white sugar powder. very light and can not make snow ball. 

New beginning 2014. TENKAWA BENZAITENSHA.

Dear Friends and Readers.

Today @ Tenkawa Shrine has event called GYU OU HOU IN SHINPU SAI.

For year of 2014, Many people came all over Japan for receive sacred stamp from Tenkawa Shrine.

Little bit snowing here in Tenkawa, very cooool 

So many visitors came for this event. 

Touch of elegance. Always very prepared. 

Mantra singing with beautiful improvised flute and drum. 

It's like sage, smoke makes people pure and strong. 

On the top of stairs where sacred place, visitors can receive signature from God. 

To be honest, I can not read what this said, We place this in the front of house to protect bad energy and spirits. 

I am so honor to be there today.

Thank you for reading.

Sound health and longevity

Dear Friends and Readers.

Tenkawa is getting cold almost below 0 every morning,
Some morning was -8 degrees. It will be more cold in this month.

15th of Jan in Tenkawa, We have ceremony called " Tondo Sai".
It's a bonfire with all of memory and spiritual materials used at homes.

The day before Tondo sai, we prepared bonfire in the part of shrine.
Cut these structure's wood, build the box...

Very cold weather in the morning of Tenkawa. We smile and enjoy to build this Tondo Bonfire. 

These from residences and shrine's relatives. 

We pray for our health and protect from disaster to heart of bonfire.  

This is MOCHI. sticky race, we are cooking with this bonfire.

This is 6am, very strong to feel crisp cold early morning Bonfire. 

Big smile happy morning for all of us.

Thank you for reading.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Dear Friends and Rearders !

In Japan, We say AKEMASHITE OMEDETO GOZAIMASU.

Today is one of 5 SEKKU in the year.

1/7 (Jan 7th)  Nanakusa no SEKKU
3/3 (March 3rd) Momo no SEKKU (Day of celebrate girls)
5/5 (May 5th) Tango no SEKKU (Day of celebrate boys)
7/7 (July 7th) Tanabata no SEKKU
9/9 (Sep 9th) Choyo no SEKKU

SEKKU means also a moment between different seasons.

Today is Nanakusa no SEKKU. This SEKKU as old custom,
We eat Japanese porridge with Nanakusa (7 different herbs ) for long heath, longevity with protecting by Gods will.

Nanakusa seems different area owns different herbs and vegetables.

Very beautifully made porridge with daikon pickles, black beans and konyaku. 

I did re-arranged bit with hemp seed nust and oil for better amino and EFA profile. 

I wish you have healthy life of year 2014 !!

In winter, Healthy to jump into hot water in Tenkawa.

Dear Friends and Readers.

Mizuha no yu. This is spa center westend of Tenkawa.
This venue is located by the river of heaven, and has stunning views from bath and recreation area.

Winter has come ! 

Nice entrance. Word said "YU" it means "Hot Water". This area has lots of nice beam of trees. 

Tatami recreation room got TV and photograph of Tenkawa by professional photographer. and of cause Nice view ! 

Check this out, 200 Yen, you can use this vibration machine for even relax your body. 

Please do not forget put your important things in safety boxes. This located hear entrance.

Vending machine is everywhere in Japan. Yes, even hot spa owns beer and soft drink machine. 

Look this views from bathtub. of cause people who can walk along the river can see you smile while you are naked : )

Sauna is small space. but this feeling of compact sauna.  

Main bath tubs inside. nice hot bath !!

Look this hot water. many people enjoy water of Tenkawa.

After these relax hot baths. you can own your massage chair and view of Tenkawa river !!

This experiences, you can enjoy for only 600Yen per person. You got to come and leave your karma, enjoy water while in Tenkawa.

Name: Mizu ha no YU
Location: westend of Tenkawa
Open: Friday to Wednesday. Thursday is NOT open.
Price: 600Yen per person.

Please bring towels (200yen you can also purchase small towel).
Amenity (shampoo, Rinse and body soap are available inhouse.)
You don't have to wear swim suit here. just like bath.

Thank you for reading.

Bus to Tenkawa. Nara Kotsu bus from Shimoichi station to Kawai Tenkawa.

Dear Friends and Readers.

As many people asked me about how to get to Tenkawa from Shimoichi station.
I would love to share with you information of how to get to Tenkawa by Nara Kotsu Bus.

WINTER SCHEDULE of Nara Kostu Bus.
Dec 1st - March 31st 2014

Price: 1,220 Yen
Shimoichi Station 8:47AM >> Kawai Tenkawa 9:41AM >> Tenkawa Shrine 9:50AM
Shimoichi Station 13:17PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 14:11PM  >> Tenkawa Shrine >> 14:20PM
Shimoichi Station 17:17PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 18:11PM  >> Tenkawa Shrine >> 18:20PM

Price 1,280 Yen
Shimoichi Station 9:20AM >> Kawai Tenkawa 10:14AM  >> Dorogawa >> 10:38AM
Shimoichi Station 14:17PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 15:11PM  >> Dorogawa >> 15:35PM
Shimoichi Station 17:47PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 18:41PM  >> Dorogawa >> 19:05PM

Price 1,280 Yen
Dorogawa 7:25AM >> Kawai Tenkawa 7:39AM >> Shimoichi Station 8:35PM
Dorogawa 11:25AM >> Kawai Tenkawa 11:39AM >> Shimoichi Station 12:35PM
Dorogawa 15:55PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 16:09PM >> Shimoichi Station 17:05PM

Price 1,220 Yen
Tenkawa Shrine 15:26PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 15:35PM >> Shimoichi Station 16:38PM
Tenkawa Shrine 16:23PM >> Kawai Tenkawa 16:32PM >> Shimoichi Station 17:35PM

This is the bus. Jumping Deer's Logo !!!  very friendly driver welcome you for bus ride to Tenkawa.

This is Shimoichi station, if you want to take taxi, it will be around 8,000yen per trip. if 4 of you, it costs 2,000yen pp.

When you enter this bus, you pick ticket by the front door,  It's said Nara Kotsu, numbered ticket. 

You can see Yoshino river on the way to Tenkawa.

Bus go up hill to the top of ridge, From Shimoichi, bus drives scenic road where you can see nice view sometime.

There are TWO long tunnels on the way to Tenkawa, when you see these tunnels, you are almost there. 

English caption is also available. so, even Japanese announcement, you will not miss Tenkawa, Kawai !!

Winter has come.

Icicle is another beauties of water. so spiky and everywhere. 

Sun came out while snowing. 

Hat for mountain God. 

Snow breeze side way.

Snow wired bridge.

　Crystal water surrounded by snow. So pure. 

This stream and area may has mineral of irons. Rocks looks bit rusty effect.