|
|
|
Symbolic torii gate marking the entrance into
sacred space at a shrine on the lower
slopes of Mt. Hakodate. Below is Hakodate city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sakura or cherry trees crowned with pink
flower buds at Goryokaku Park in Hakodate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Almost ready for ‘hanami’ or ‘flower viewing’
festival at the forest of sakura trees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Mounds’ of yew trees at ‘Angels’ Garden’
at Trappistine Convent, Hakodate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Hearts of pansies’ at Noboribetsu Bear Park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Menacing Red Demon and Blue Demon guard
Nenbutsu Kizou shrine inherited from the Edo
Period (1603-1867) at the entrance into Jigoku-dani
or ‘Valley of Hell’.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Hello, an apple please!’ gestures brown bear
at Noboribetsu Bear Park. Brown bears are
sacred animals to Ainus, the indigenous people
of Hokkaido.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dried salmon for sale? They dangle from
the ceiling of a ‘house’ in the traditional
Ainu Village (museum) at Lake Poroto.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A crab on high alert – camera flashes are
always annoying. Soon it will land on
the dinning table in an Otaru restaurant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Crabby affair’ at a stall in Hakodate
Morning Market.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ninjas carry out covet operations for feudal
lords - often in the dark. But, they
do not necessarily dress in black.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Battle of the samurais’ at Noboribetsu Date
Historical Village.
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Flower of the night’ or oiran - a
courtesan of the Edo Period. Only those
of samurai and rich class can afford her
charm.
|
|
|
