Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Tsuruga Castle: A Symbol of Samurai Resilience in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

Tsuruga Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, stands as a proud symbol of samurai heritage in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Originally constructed in 1384 by Ashina Naomori, the castle has withstood centuries of conflict, reconstruction, and renewal. Nestled in the city of Aizuwakamatsu, it is famed for its unique, red-tiled roofs—a striking departure from the traditional black tiles seen on most Japanese castles.

The castle has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with the most famous version completed in the early 17th century under Gamo Ujisato, who redesigned it with the elegant seven-story keep. Today’s reconstruction, completed in 1965 and renovated in 2011, closely replicates the historic structure and serves as a museum showcasing samurai artifacts, the Boshin War, and the legacy of the Aizu clan.

Surrounded by cherry trees, Tsuruga Castle is a popular destination in spring, when sakura blossoms transform the grounds into a stunning scene. Its resilience and beauty continue to make it a cherished site of cultural and historical importance.

I have journeyed to Japan on more than thirty occasions throughout my life. My entire family holds a deep affection for the country, cherishing all aspects of its culture, history, and daily life. Were it not for Japan’s stringent immigration policies, we would have gladly made it our permanent home.

During several of these visits, I set aside photography altogether. As a devoted enthusiast of film cameras, I long regarded digital equipment as insubstantial—mere trifles lacking the soul and discipline demanded by analog photography. My admiration lay in the rich textures of film grain and the intricate craft of developing negatives and positives. Consequently, I seldom used digital cameras during those times, viewing them as little more than fleeting novelties, unworthy of the art...

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Adachi Museum, Japan for Sunday Best

 

In the tranquil prefecture of Shimane, Japan, the Adachi Museum of Art stands as a breathtaking fusion of nature and culture. With every curve of its meticulously sculpted gardens and every brushstroke of its extensive Nihonga collection, the museum has not only captured the hearts of art lovers but has also earned international acclaim—winning top honors in global garden rankings for years. A visual tour through the accompanying photo gallery brings this achievement to vivid life, allowing us to understand why the Adachi Museum continues to captivate visitors and critics alike.

Founded in 1970 by entrepreneur and art enthusiast Adachi Zenko, the museum was envisioned as a place where the appreciation of Japanese art could be deepened through harmony with nature. This ideal is realized most profoundly in its gardens, which have consistently been awarded the title of Best Japanese Garden by the Journal of Japanese Gardening for over two decades. Each garden, whether it's the Dry Landscape Garden, the White Gravel and Pine Garden, or the Moss Garden, is a masterpiece of composition, evoking both serenity and awe. The photos—rich with seasonal color and poetic light—capture the soul of this landscape artistry, where every element seems to breathe in rhythm with traditional aesthetics.

Yet, Adachi’s genius was not only horticultural. The museum’s gallery of modern Japanese paintings, especially its works by Yokoyama Taikan, offers a luminous counterpart to the gardens. The large windows framing the gardens act as living canvases, drawing a subtle but deliberate connection between brushwork and landscape design. The photo gallery illustrates this seamless integration, showing how natural views are curated with the same sensitivity as the paintings hung on the museum’s walls. The result is an immersive experience, where one feels not as a mere spectator but as a participant in a continuous dialogue between art and environment.

This winning synergy—of nature, architecture, and curation—is no accident. It reflects a distinctly Japanese worldview: that beauty is not an isolated entity, but an atmosphere cultivated through attention, patience, and care. The Adachi Museum’s numerous awards, both for its gardens and its contributions to cultural preservation, are not just acknowledgments of excellence—they are affirmations of a philosophy that seeks harmony over spectacle.

In conclusion, the Adachi Museum of Art’s winning reputation is a testament to its founder’s vision and to Japan’s enduring reverence for the intertwining of nature and culture. The gallery of photos, with their serene compositions and seasonal richness, serves as more than documentation—it is an invitation to experience the museum’s quiet, compelling triumph for oneself.

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8

Linking Sunday Best

Matsumoto Castle Signs for Sign2

 

No signs here just a facade.

The garden surrounding Matsumoto Castle is called Ninomaru Garden

The sign says "Middle bridge"

Matsumoto Castle, known as the "Crow Castle" for its striking black exterior, captivated me with its dramatic color and imposing beauty. The castle's design is truly remarkable, as it is built entirely of wood without the use of nails, a technique that highlights the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Set against the serene backdrop of the Japanese Alps, the surrounding park adds to the castle’s allure, with its peaceful ponds and vibrant seasonal blooms. The combination of the castle's dark, bold presence and the tranquil park makes it an unforgettable sight.

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Kaminarimon Sign at Asakusa, Tokyo for Sign2

 

"Small vessel township"

"Bridge" 

Asakusa is a bustling district in Taitō, Tokyo, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. One of the most iconic landmarks in Asakusa is Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple and the oldest in Tokyo, dating back to 645 AD.

The entrance to Sensō-ji is marked by the imposing Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a magnificent structure that serves as a grand portal into the temple grounds. The Kaminarimon gate features a gigantic red lantern with the kanji characters "雷門" (Kaminarimon) boldly inscribed on it, symbolizing thunder and lightning. Flanking the lantern are statues of the Shinto gods Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder), adding to the gate's awe-inspiring presence.

Fujifilm Pro2

16-50mm f2.8 

Linking Sign2

Sandanbeki Coast of Japan for Water H2O Thursday

 

In one of my many trips to Japan

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8-4

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Grilled Shishamo in Ikaho Japan for Sign2

 

The sign says a school of grill technique by salt for Shishamo, which is a silvery fish commonly found in Japan Rivers in mountains. These fish contain roes that made the taste even better. This region was reknown for this.

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8

Linking Sign2

Retro Sign in Freemantle for Tom's Sign2

 

Rooster has runner's feet. Back in 2011. Though I am not into Murdocracy products, The sign feels right to me.

Fujifilm XPro2 

16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Sign2

Freemantle Perth for Mural Monday

 

Back in the days I went to Perth for a medical exam, I struggled to calm my nerves. So I took my camera out for a spin in the posh area of Freemantle. 

It was in 2011 I think. The year I passed exam too. So I love this city very much lol. A plate of pasta at the time cost me 48 AUD. It was still quite expensive by today's standard!

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8 

Linking Mural Monday

Somewhere in Southern France for Sign2

 

I cannot remember where this location was. It was somewhere in South France. I recalled I had very good mussels and local steamed snapper. 

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8

 

Linking Sign2

Mont-Saint-Michel tourist shop sign for Sign2

 

I remembered I bought a lot of cheese from here. 

These cow installations were quite artistic looking.

Fujfilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8 

I am also starting to do a regular event for thursday called Water H2O Thursday. Anything to do with water will do. I am hosting on my own photo blog hops at H2O Thursday Welcome to place your links there

Linking Sign2

Kang Rice Wine - famous in Qing Dynasty

 

Just like the modern days, Kang is the powerful family that controls sale of salt, wine and sugar. It plays a major role in SilkRoad trade too. His family home is bigger than the size of forbidden city. The whole city like mansion is preserved till this day.

The sign says "Kang Hudred Million Wine" 

The words on sides of the door reads "There are all sorts of wine in the world" "Nothing beats the wine from Kang"

Linking Tom's Sign2

Old Chinese painting passed on in the family

 

I have a large family. Over 200 cousins that I could not count them all. It has been 3 years since I return to Taiwan. There were many wonderful items passed down the family tree. This was one of them. 

I am not sure if this was a real painting or a fake one. The dress code was from Manchurian period with a pig tail. Quite a scenic background too. There is a lot of western painting influence for this one.

Linking Tom's Treasure Tuesday

Pyrenees Biarritz France by Fujifilm X Pro2

 

As I browsed through my old photos, I particularly enjoyed this one

Linking Little Thursday

Sky gate ornament for Tom's Sign2 Event

 

The sign says, "Southeast Number 1". It refers to the sky gate tourist attraction that is very hard to climb up to in a mountain where a lot of daredevils come here for wind surfing along the cliffs of the mountains. 

Fujifilm Pro2

Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8

Linking Tom's Sign2

Throwback Sunday - Paris France

 I was so buggered in the quest to get to pinnacles testing out my new camera. I smashed ND filter, tripod and busted my feet and sustained multiple lacerations. Barely possible to stand up this morning. 

So unfit now. 

So a late post and decide a throwback pic

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8

Linking Sunday Best

Macarons cart sign for Tom's Sign2 event

 

A cute sign when I was last in Normandy France. Looks quite colourful

Fujifilm Pro2

16-55mm f2.8

This is linking Tom's Sign2

Taichi Sign - Sign2 event

 

Years ago, I visited the original site for Taichi Martial Arts. Chan family is one of the four fathers of this "hard" stream of Taichi. 

Fujifilm X Pro2 

16-55mm f2.8 

This is linking Tom's Sign2 Wednesday

Signposts in Shinjuku, Tokyo

 

The night street in Tokyo reveals these interesting looking signposts. I can't wait to travel to Japan again. 

Fujifilm Pro 2

16-55mm f2.8 

This is in participation with Tom's Signpost Wednesday Signpost Wednesday and Face Off Friday

Waratah Lake, Grampians National Park

 

The standard look from Boroka Look Out

Fujifilm XPro2

Fujifilm 16-55mm f2.8 

Old post on Grampians National Park 

Grampians National Park

Church interior France

Sereal