Fuji Flower 藤

There are so many different kinds of flowers blooming in spring.

Among them , wisteria (known as `fuji` in Japanese) is one of my favorites.

In Matsumoto, fujis usually bloom in mid May.


The flowers can last for a few weeks depending on the weather.

The tree branches are hung with a sea of foamy lilac-coloured or white blooms and the smell is incredible when you walk right under the dangling flowers.

The fragrance is quite similar to lilies, sweet but lighter.

Even the bees can`t resist the Fuji flowers.

We saw many big black bees humming around the flowers.



They were not the usual kind of honey bees and we were shocked by their size.

They were obviously uninterested in the other flowers around them and concentrated fully on the Fujis.

Before I took the last picture, we watched a bee flying in and out of every flower on the vine.

We named it the Fuji Bee.

Dandelions たんぽぽ

In spring, dandelions (Tanpopo) bloom all around town, growing wildly along roadsides, pastures and meadows.

I somehow got interested in this weed.



I was totally ignorant about the dandelion till my husband told me that the dainty white puffs are dandelions too.

The yellow flower blooms first and produces seeds that forms into the dainty white puffs .

When the wind blows, the seeds float through the air and travel like tiny parachutes.

Love it or hate it. The seeds fly all over and gather into a dust ball outside my door everyday.

Rape Blossom 菜の花

In spring, gorgeous rape blossom (Nanohana) of a brilliant yellow begin to bloom in the fields.

Besides the cherry blossoms, the rape blossom is one of the celebrated flowers in spring time.

At Horigane village in Azumino, its seasonal flower park looks like a yellow carpet from far.


Against the backdrop of Japan Alps, hundreds of yellow flowers sway in the breeze.

The plant can stay in full bloom for around three weeks and after the season ends, the flowers are processed for canola oil.


Along the way, spotted this sign that says this spot commemorates the birth of Princess Aiko.

Princess Aiko is 4 years old currently and amid debates to be the next successor to the Chrysanthemum throne.

However, there are still many discussions on this issue due to traditionalists` protests.

Well anyway, hope the princess enjoyed this year`s rape blossoms like me.

Scattered Petals

The sakura season in Nagano prefecture has ended.

Scattered petals are everywhere - in the parks, along the streets, floating on the streams.

When the wind blows, the pink petals fall from the tree like confetti.


Thousands of sakura trees all over town had shed their petals and transformed into green trees.

Nature is really amazing.

Last Sakuras

Its the first week of May and we are into the last viewing season for sakuras.

We visited Nagami mountain, about 930 meters above sea level.

The peak is accessible by car and its one of the the best places to get a good view of the Japan Alps.

The park was slightly crowded as many people like us wanted to catch a last glimpse of the pink flowers.

A few sakura trees had already grown new leaves.

Some people gathered with their friends under the trees. Some chose to read a book alone enjoying the serenity.

One adventurous man, put on his parachute and para glide into the blue sky.

Everyone looked in awe and applauded to his journey.





Drove towards Azumino village and spotted this interesting pink line on the hill.

The line is actually formed by sakura trees. Interesting isn`t it.


Our last spot for sakura viewing was at Shoko shrine in Tateshina.

Set on 1200m altitude, the temperature was around 15 degrees and it was one of the last places in Nagano to see full blooms.

We strolled around the peaceful shrine and bid farewell to the last sakuras.

Our sakura journey has ended this year.

We are thankful for the countless beautiful sakuras that we have seen this spring.

Sayonara Sakura...

Weekend in Ginza

We arrived in Ginza, a posh shopping district on Saturday noon.

Many big brands are here and the streets are filled with the weekend crowd.

Frankly speaking, I haven`t seen so many people in a while since we moved to Nagano.

The main road in Ginza was closed for traffic that day and people walked on the streets freely.

We were hungry so headed for lunch first. Found a cheap thai lunch buffet at 1000yen per person.



Though its a buffet, there were only 10 dishes..but enough to satisfy my cravings for spicy food. Had five of those chicken wings you see in the photo.



After we filled our stomachs, we headed for Diana shoes main store in Ginza.

On the way, passed by a tulip festival. Tulip petals were used to complete this street art.


Next, spotted this delicious looking ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi). It looks tempting but I guess its probably too sweet for me.

Finally reached Diana shoes after walking for 15mins.

I wear size 22 (size 3) and can`t find shoes that fit me in Matsumoto.


It was a shoe heaven in Diana because there was a floor especially for small sizes.

Ended my Ginza shopping happily with a pair of brown shoes.

Water Narcissus 水仙

On our way to Tokyo last week, we passed by Suwa town in Nagano.

We came across a field full of yellow water narcissus (Chinese suisen) in full bloom.


Sakuras were also blooming and the scenery was amazing. There weren`t any people around because it was 630am in the morning.

We woke up at 5am on that day in order to reach Tokyo before 10am.

It was a sleepy day but we were blessed with such a wonderful sight.

Spring in Wasabi Farm

Spring has arrived. Some can`t wait to capture the beautiful scenery in their painting.




Plum trees, sakuras and many other flowers were in full bloom.

Spotted a spring dandelion.

My favourite picture for that day was the plum tree garden inside the wasabi farm.

I wished I could put in down in painting too. Alas, I do not excel in arts.


I love to visit this place because of its tranquil beauty.

Even when the place is crowded with tourists, it is really peaceful and quiet.