Many Chinese cities feature a pond around which there are walkways and parkland where people can relax and connect with nature in spite of being in the city. Such publicly accessible ponds are not common in Japanese cities, where instead the historic strolling gardens usually had carefully sculpted water features. Senzoku-ike, just 9 minutes on … Continue reading Senzoku-ike: a suburban escape
Japan doesn't have a lot of mineral resources, but has done its best to exploit what there is. The copper mine at Ashio, in the Watarase valley of western Tochigi Prefecture, is a great example of that. Although the mine was closed in 1973 after three centuries in operation, it is now open to visitors … Continue reading The Ashio Copper Mine: digging through history
Who doesn't love a performing clock, with various figurines that dance or move at appointed times throughout the day? In Tokyo there are a number of such clocks, including the Marionette Clock at Ebisu Garden Place and the Mullion Musical Clock outside the Hankyu Men's Store in Yurakucho. But perhaps the busiest and most intricate … Continue reading Nittele Big Clock: a Ghibli-inspired clock like no other
These days we hear a lot about recycling to reduce waste and ease pressure on the environment. Nishi-Rokugo Park, also known as Tire Park, is a great example of turning waste items into something both useful and fun. In this suburban playground/park, more than 3,000 tires are repurposed into whimsical shapes and playground equipment to … Continue reading Never get tired of recycling at Nishi-Rokugo Park
Jigsaw Japan 