Category Archives: Izumi

daily life

ONSEN HOT SPRINGS IN NORTHERN SATSUMA

Always nice to read a new & knowledgeable voice on Izumi and Northern Satsuma. http://goldiegibbs.com/2014/10/06/onsen-series-one/

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Depapering shoji

In the shadow, leaning 45* with the paper down, spray water in the quadrants. Let soak. Be patient. Wear gloves (splinters), rub with wet towel.

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Kannoji Temple, Rinzai sect of Buddhism

Kannoji temple is a Zen temple and belongs to the Rinzai sect. It was founded by the Shimazu feudal lord Tadahisa in 1194 and this makes it the oldest temple of the Rinzai sect in Japan. In 1868, when the … Continue reading

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Passing by

Mr & Mme Chastet from France pass by Izumi today on their tour of Kyushu. Unfortunately we are not at home to welcome them. And the cranes aren’t either. Maybe a mutsugoro mudfish cake at Okasan’s shop will comfort them. … Continue reading

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Oldtimers

Oldtimers are a rare sight in Japan, with people generally obsessed by novelty and especially by shiny new cars. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this humble collection of rust.

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Enough plums

Processed the last couple kgs into ume miso & ume soy sauce. Watching fermentation is great pastime for rainy days.

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Ume picking

Took advantage of a lull in the rain to scavenge our centenarian neighbour’s plum trees: 15kg of utterly sour Japanese ume plums. Made 2kg plum jam; tomorrow boil down 2l jelly & make 16l umeshu plum alcohol (‘opleggen’).

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Newborn Japan Biker

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Windows to Japan

During Golden Week, Avi & Wendy from Windows to Japan visited Izumi, kids & mother-in-law in tow. WtJ is a Kyoto based high end travel agency. The Lugasi’s enjoyed a wonderful farm stay at Utoku’s. Once Sheizaf, Yehonathan & Michiko … Continue reading

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Hanami riding under Cherry Blossom snow

Sunday 27 March we head out with the local cycling club for some hanami riding around Lake Kogawa. Fully enjoying the early spring sun and the beauty of the winding lake shore road lined with sakura trees. We spread our … Continue reading

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