Glimpses of Japan Local - in JEnglish

  Back in April, I had a blast cycling around Shikanoshima with my granddaughter. Now that the mountains are starting to put on their autumn colors, I figured I’d better get back out there while the weather’s still prime! I call it "cycling," but I’m not one of those hardcore roadies you see zooming past. My style? A super chill "yuru-pota" (leisurely pedal). I just wander through the three fishing ports, check out the ancient Manyoshu poetry stones tucked away in the villages, and cruise along the coast at my own pace. Total relaxation. First Stop: Shikanoshima District I noticed a new workspace making concrete artificial reefs. It wasn't there before! I couldn't help but wonder... when they sink these things, do they run some kind of "New Home Campaign" for the fish? "Safe! Ideal for families! Premium ocean-view life! Apply within 30 minutes and get a special bonus...!"   🐟 One of the best things here is just stumbling upon ancient poe...

  By October, it suddenly started to feel like autumn. My son invited me on a drive to Mt.  Aso , so off we went. We had a hearty lunch at a restaurant near  Aso  Shrine, then made our way to the shrine itself, now finally restored after the devastation of the big earthquake. Standing there, it was hard to imagine the scale of damage the shrine once suffered.  The towering sacred trees that used to dominate the caldera plain must have been magnificent.  The rebuilt  rōmon  (tower gate) looks as imposing as ever, showing no trace of the destruction. Visitors from overseas were quietly circling the shrine buildings, following the custom of making three rounds. It was a solemn sight.   Panels along the approach explained the ongoing restoration of the shrine’s main sanctuaries, designated as Important Cultural Properties. The craftsmanship of the carpenters—especially the shrine builders—is truly impressive.  Wherever possible, original mat...