Kin Kannon Temple on New Year's Day 2013 (Photos)

Kin Kannon Temple in Okinawa, Japan is just one of the eight major shrines.

It would be nice to get photos from all of them on New Year's Day.

The year of the snake (2013) started already, by the Gregorian calendar.

But, the Lunar New Year (Chinese) isn't until February 10, 2013.

So, I may be able to catch a few of the other sites in the next couple of weeks.

This Buddhist Temple is within walking distance of my home.

There weren't too many people waiting to get in when I arrived.

That made it easy for me to move around and snap photos to show you.

There are all kinds of trinkets you can buy for good luck.

Some folks hang the gadgets on the rear view mirror of their car.

 

Other people tie the stuff to trees at the temple, along with their paper fortunes.

Here's a photo I shot, of a girl tying her fortune before I got permission.

The second photo, I took, after getting her mom's consent.

Neither of the photos will be sold but, I like the unauthorized (candid) shot better.

Model releases are required in this business, especially for minors.

When the lines leading into the temple started growing, it was time for me to leave.

Years ago, I learned, you aren't supposed to pass gas in church.

And, I figured this place was like a church, to some folks.

So, I hurried on out of there.

The Sakura (桜) Chase Is On in Okinawa Japan !

Cherry Blossom or, Sakura (桜) Season progresses from north to south in Okinawa.

Along with all the travelers clicking cameras, come the Mejiro.

That's another name for the bird known as Japanese White Eye.

There aren't enough hours in the day or, days in the week for me to catch all the festivals.

Did you know, Cherry Blossom Viewing is a national pastime throughout Japan ?

Some nature lovers chase the sakura from the Ryukyu Islands, all the way through Hokkaido !


RELATED POST: Breaking News Cherry Blossoms (桜) Blooming !

Travel Photo: The Moon Over Kanucha Resort

 

Sometimes, the simple photo is the hardest one to capture.

This picture was taken from across the highway at the entrance to Kanucha Resort in Okinawa, Japan.

Camera used:  Pentax KD10

Lens: Sigma 10-20 at 10mm

f/11  8sec  ISO 100

The camera was set up on a tripod and a 12 second timer used to take the shot.

The resort is very busy during the months of January and February.

It seemed like, every 10 seconds, a car would go in or, come out the gate.

The trick to capturing a photo like this must be patience and lots of choice words.

It worked for me.

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Sakura (桜) Matsuri Grand Opening at Nakijin (Photos)

UNESCO Nakijin Castle January 2013

 

The Cherry Blossom Season started today at Nakijin Castle in Okinawa, Japan.

Here are photos taken at the Grand Opening Ceremonies.

 The action all took place outside the castle walls.

Shortly before sunset this PR lady welcomed everyone and strummed her sanshin.

As daylight faded away, the castle walls were lighted.

These young ladies danced on the stage, waving cherry blossom branches.

Out came the royalty.  I'm guessing they were the king and queen.

Sneaking over to shoot the sakura bearing girls I captured this photo.

It's a lot easier to get the girls to hold still when someone else has them posed for you.

A big attraction was this woman painting Kanji characters with a brush and can of paint.

Everybody crowded around to watch and take pictures.

This isn't something you see every day, around here.

Moving around as quick as I could, I got back to the king and queen.

Then, backed away from the scene, to do some castle wall shots.

Nakijin Castle looks like somebody painted the rocks when those lights shine on it at night.

 Everything they did, outside the castle walls was free.

To go inside the place, you have to buy a ticket.

As soon as the sakura are in full bloom, I'll go inside and take some photos for you.

More about Unesco Nakijin-jo

Sakura (桜) Report: Mt. Yaedake in Photos

Have a Look at the Cherry Blossoms

 

Up on Mt. Yaedake in Okinawa, Japan the sakura are popping-out all over the place.

We drove up to the top of the mountain and worked our way back down.

Consider this a photographic report from a guy who knows, where the flip-flops meet the road.

Everywhere I walked, was flip-flop friendly.  Socks are recommended. It's cold up there.

Traffic, on the road going up the mountain wasn't bad at all.

Sometimes, I could stand in the middle of the street and compose a photo.

There were blue skies when this shot was taken from above.

It was sunny but, a bit chilly with the mountain breeze.  

Walking down the hill I met a few other travelers with cameras.

And, rain started coming down.

Don't let that dampen your spirits.  The weather can change, every five minutes.

In some spots, the cherry blossoms are sparse.

When you go around the next bend, you might find a scene like this.

It's almost impossible to get lost because they have signs in English and Japanese.

When too many cars and motorcycles come up the mountain, I just point the camera higher.

 This weekend is probably a good time to start cherry blossom chasing.

But, I'm guessing it will be another week or, two before everything is in full bloom.

 If you plan on going up Mt. Yaedake to take photos don't forget lens tissues.

A few drops of rain on your camera lens can ruin a great picture.

Every once in awhile, I'll give some more sakura (桜) reports from other locations.

Just don't expect to see me doing cherry blossom photos in northern Japan.

Hot weather suits me better. Way down here in Okinawa, I'm freezing !

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