I Come Back from My Hometown

The Steep Bridge Leads to the Airport

My brother took me from their home to the airport as usual.

On our way to the airport, we caught a sight of a bird spreading his wings.

We pulled over the car and watch it for a while.

It reminded me of a bird called Anhinga which lived in Florida Everglades National Park in 2009.

It seemed to say, 'See you again Ray.'

Then, I whispered, 'Sure will I.'

View From the Second Floor of My Mother' House on the Last Day of My Staying This Time

My Mother's 89th Birthday Party at Ohashikan

We celebrated my mother’s 89th birthday at Ohashikan which was a famous riverside hotel in Matsue city.

My elder brother planed the party rather small so as to be able to make parties easily and frequently for years to come.

Though my younger brother Koji lives in Kanagawa prefecture, just three hours from my home, it was the first time we met since five or six years before.

It was a fun to talk with him about trivial matters.

First class Japanese food were not only delicious but looked beautiful without exceptions.

I always feel guilty to eat them before taking their pictures

I Go to Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture

Lake Shinji is not only one of the famous tourist spots in Matsue city but also it has a beloved gathering lakefront for citizens.

Some were enjoying walking, some were dancing and the others were taking photos at the lakeside park when I went.

Some were water-skiing on the lake, even in the chilly autumn season.
Lake Shinji is highly recommended place, in other words, a must-viewing area in my hometown.

I Go to Yaegaki Shrine in Shimane

I went to Yaegaki Shrine in the suburb of Matsue city.

There is a sacred pod in the forest near the shrine which was called Mirror Pond.

Visitors, usually unwed women, place a fortune paper on the surface of water and a coin on it.

It is said that the amount of time the coin stays afloat on the paper is supposed to indicate the fate of their marriage.

The longer it stays afloat, the longer it takes before their marriage.

Matsue Castle and Its Moat Secenery

I never fail to visit Matsue Castle whenever I go back to my hometown.

Matsue Castle and its moat area are one of top sightseeing spots.

It is said that the castle was built spending five years and was completed in 1611.

In 1875, all of the buildings were destroyed except the castle tower because of the government policy at that time.

The castle underwent a complete reconstruction between 1950 and 1955.