a little shrine and a green roof

no matter how many I've seen, I still love it whenever I find plants growing on a roof! this is a little shrine in kibune, outside of kyoto. yesterday I went on a hike, the last part which was between kibune and kurama, ending at the rotenburo (outdoor onsen) in kurama. it's one of my favorite onsens because of the outdoor bath and the wonderful natural setting. and a loooong soak made every step up and down the mountain worth it! (although my legs are a little tired today...)

first hike of 2010

today i went for a hike on mount konpira, near ohara, north of kyoto. another one of my goals for 2010 is to go hiking, and i thought it would be perfect to spend the 3rd day of the new year (japanese new year's includes jan. 1, 2nd, and 3rd), outside in a peaceful natural place.
ohara is one of my favorite places, near kyoto, but with beautiful fields and farmhouses. it has a few lovely temples, and some natural dye workshops. and pickles and shiso, which i love!
the approach to the summit.
along the ridge.
on the top of kompira mountain, there is a small very old mountain shrine, this is the shrine gate,
and the shrine itself.
one of the stone lanterns

and another small shrine in the rock on the way down. i definitely think i will be able to keep hiking in 2010!

happy 2010

new year's is one of the most important holidays in japan, with many associated customs, including sending new year's cards, or nankajo. the one above is my design that i've been working on, while enjoying a few cozy days at home.
2010 is the year of the tiger, and this amazing tiger stamp is the work of sachi on etsy.
another new year's tradition is the 1st shine visit of the new year. this is the imamiya shrine in kyoto, which has a unique display of a gigantic version of arrows on either side of the door. these arrows, or hamaya, are a traditional amulet bought at temples at new years to ward off bad luck.
they also had a huge ema, which is usually a much smaller wooded plaque where you can write your prayer and hang it at the shrine. in this case, it has a new years tiger too.

i love the idea of starting off a new year with a clean slate, and taking the time to reflect on goals and plans for the upcoming year. i have high hopes for 2010, and many of my resolutions are simply things i want to try or experience. one of these goals is to visit more temples, shrines or historical architecture here in kyoto, like this shrine.