My beautiful garden

Recently I moved to a new apartment. It's only about a ten minute walk from my old one, but it's technically in a different part of town named 美園 (Misono), literally 'beautiful garden'. In part because of that, but mostly because a little fenced-in yard, I've decided to plant a little garden to grow some vegetables. Here's my 'backyard':


Since then I've pulled some weeds out and put in some potted plants. here's a picture of what it looked like after that:


In all liklihood all my plants will be dead within the month. Maybe I'll be able to eat some of it one day.

Sakura festival

The beginning of April was the cherry blossom festival. There were events all over Kyoto and people out for flower-viewing parties. A lot of people were wearing kimonos, like this mother and daughter:


Some more people:


There was a camera crew out videotaping and they briefly interviewed me:


A geisha or maiko (or someone dressed like one) was out having her picture taken nearby:


And some people taking pictures of her:

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is rather prominently displayed with a bright orange gate along a major street in Kyoto. For some reason I haven't been here before this week, though I am frequently in the same area. I didn't really know where it was until I wander upon it one day and was able to read the Japanese sign. The orange theme is repeated throughout.


The entrance is often full of people taking pictures. It makes it hard to get in without ruining a photo.


Sakura around a gate inside the shrine.


Throughout the shrine were booths selling all kinds of food and other things. It was a weekday when I went and a little chilly, so many of the tents were empty. You can see some of them around this post.


Some lanterns around the shrine. Many places have lamp viewing at night, but you typically have to pay. Even if you go during the day you have to get a 'night' ticket too.