Half Day Around USA

19th May 2012

After I moved to Oita, my friend SK brought me around the town to help me familiarize with the place and to tour some of the local attractions. Initially, we wanted to go to a place to see wisteria lane, however, we didn't know that the flowers were all gone, just left the green leaves on the vines, we missed the blooming time and we were only one week late. Haiz! 

wisteria lane minus the flower

Red Leaves in Nakatsu, Oita (中津市、大分県) Part 2

18th November 2012

After leaving Aonodomon, we went to Rakanji 羅漢寺, a temple. For me, the only thing that differentiate this temple from other temples is the sky lift. However, according to the explanation from wikipedia, this Rakanji is actually very special. This Rakanji is actually built embeded into the Mt. Rakan 羅漢山. Mt. Rakan has many caves, and in the caves, there are more than 3700 carved stone Buddha.Very magnificent indeed!

the tunnel leading to Rakanji (very autumn feel!)

Red Leaves in Nakatsu, Oita (中津市、大分県) Part 1

18th November 2012

November is the month for red leaves viewing in Japan. Here's the link for the red leaves calendar in Japan.

I had bad lucks when come to red leaves viewing. I went to Kyoto too early on 2011, the leaves still green. So, after moving to Oita, I told myself, I must view the red leaves in their prime in Oita. However, I was one week late, the leaves almost half gone! (-_-!!)

Anyway, here is my collection of photos on the red leaves in Nakatsu, Oita. Well, plus some photos on the attractions in Nakatsu.

On that fine morning, me and my friend went to Aonodomon 青の洞門. In front of the cave entrance, there is a big ginkgo tree (i think it is ginkgo due to the yellow leaves!). When autumn comes, the leaves will turn yellow and form a unique matching view with the cave entrance. Too bad, by the time I reached there, the tree already almost bare. Still, coupled with the fallen leaves on the road, not too bad!

Aonodomon 青の洞門

Ajimu Wine Festival in USA 安心院フェア「葡萄酒祭り２０１２」

8th September 2012

My friend told me about a Wine Festival in USA 宇佐, I don't drink alcohol, so I was not so interested to go. However, after he told me about a visit to grape farm, I decided to go because I have never seen a grape vine before.

We drove to Ajimu 安心院 (in Usa 宇佐, Oita Prefecture), the venue for the festival. Since no parking spaces were allocated near the venue (Ajimu Family Village), shuttle bus services were provided from  designated parking areas. Once we reached, we quickly went to a booth to apply seats for the bus to a grape farm for grape plucking activity. We wanted the 11.30am slot, however, it was full. So, we asked for the 12.30pm slot.

Ajimu Wine Festival 安心院フェアワインまつり２０１２