The Ninja Baker's Japan, Part 1

With the start of the New Year, I'm adding a new feature entitled the Ninja Baker's Japan. I'll be bringing you photos, videos and poetry from my Japan journal.  Hope you enjoy! 

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The knell of the bells at the Gion temple
Echoes the impermanence of all things.
The colour of the flowers on its double-trunked tree
Reveals the truth that to flourish is to fall.
He who is proud is not so for long,
Like a passing dream on a night in spring.
He who is brave is finally destroyed,
To be no more than dust before the wind.

Legends of the Heike War
Japanese author(s) unknown
Translated by P.G. O'Neill

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Jizo: Protectors of Children and Travelers 

 



Cherry Blossom Sakura Sushi

 



Buds flash red, a stone lantern stands serene; both coexist in a Japanese garden.

 



Togoshi (Tokyo, Japan) Tea Shop Owner 
(She's been in business for over 60 years.)

 



Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

 



Precious angels waiting for their train.

 



Daruma, Good Luck Dolls:
Typically one eye is drawn in while making a wish.
When it comes true, the other eye is drawn in.
When my brother gave his girlfriend a daruma doll, she made a wish...
Today, she's his wife! Guess what her wish was?

 



Ladies in lovely silk kimonos (and obi belts)
chat between tea ceremony demonstrations.

 



Handcrafted Emperor and Empress dolls by my friend Nozomi Fujii.

Her exquisite dolls are on display at Kurari in Kamakura.

 



Daibutsu: The Great Buddha


Thank you to my Australian friend, Joanne of What's on the List for the invitation to share The Ninja Baker's Best of Japan at the No Rules Party!




 

Wishing you travels which touch your heart.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

 

 

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