Blog#5: Saitama(Kohei)

Hi, I'm Kohei. I'd like to talk about my city, Saitama. I live in Saitama in Saitama. さいたま is cyty name and 埼玉 is prefecture name. Both of them are "Saitama". Now, I will introduce Saitama city.

Saitama is famous for Saitama Super Arena. A lot of events are held in this building. For example, basketball games, music festivals, variety shows and so on. Also, coming-of-age-ceremony is held in Saitama Super Arena. Actually, I will go to this ceremony next year. Saitama Super Arena holds events frequently so you can go to there and can enjoy event.

Next, I want you to visit The Railway Museum near Omiya station. You can see many kinds of trains what were actually running in Japan in the past. I'm not familiar with the train but I was excited to see old trains, steam locomotives and the Shinkansen. If you are interested in trains, of course who are not, too, I strongly recommend The Railway Museum. You can enter for free and also can buy various goods.

Near The Railway Museum, there is Hikawa shrine (氷川神社）. There are some Hikawa shrine in Kanto region but this one is the head shrine of the sect. So its area is larger. It is good for taking a walk, I think.

Saitama will give you a warm welcome!

blog#6: Returning to My Hometown

 Hi. I'm Miyuki. I went to Sakata city in Yamagata for three days because I and my father returned to hometown. Although I was born and raised in Saitama, I love Sakata city. So I call this city not "my father's hometown" but "my hometown".
 In the first day, I went to a harbor. There is an esplanade. Defense ship of Japan Coast Guard and fish boats were at anchor.

Defense ship

In the socond day, I went to the waterfall,called "waterfall of bamboo blind(玉簾の滝)". This has legend that Japanese ancient Buddhist priest,Kukai（空海） discovered and named it. This is illuminated in summer.

waterfall of bamboo blind



 I go to Sakata almost every year, I've never lost interest in this city. I want to go there in next year,too!



blog#5: Wako(Miyuki)

 Hi, I'm Miyuki. I'll talk about my city Wako.
 Wako city is in Saitama and there are two institutions worthy of mention, the post of Japan Ground Self-Difense Force(JGSDF) and RIKEN(理化学研究所):the research institute of physics and chemistry.
 First, this post is at the city limits of Wako and next city Asaka, so it's named the Asaka post(朝霞駐屯地). The Asaka post contains pulletin facility:りっくんランド. In the facility, we can experience JGSDF's works. For example, simulation of helicopter's flight.

the Asaka post

 Secound, RIKEN is at south area of Wako and research field of physics and chemistry. Especially, this institute is known for discovery of new element(Uut:113).

RIKEN's building

Blog#6: Art Aquarium (Kyoka)

Hi, I'm Kyoka. Today, I talk about Art Aquarium. I visited the art aquarium on August 16 with my friend. It was held in Nihonbashi. The goldfish was exhibited in the art aquarium. A special tank and lighting are given there.

Although I don't so like a goldfish, I was fully able to enjoy. Since my friend likes the goldfish, she made it very pleasant. Although it tended to be considered in gorgeous exhibition, some were simple .

Although it was hot on that day, it was able to be cooled by seeing a goldfish. Since it is the peculiar world, I think that you are surprised, but if you get interested, please investigate!

Blog#6: My trip to a hot spring (Yuka)

Hi, I'm Yuka. Today, I talk about my trip to a hot spring this summer vacation. Although Kita Hot Spring is flourished from long time ago, there is only one hot spring lodge.This is Kita Hot Spring Hotel. Now it is flourished as a place for hot spring therapy. This hot spring hotel is a location site of the movie, Therumae Romae（テルマエ・ロマエ） which was a big hit recently. This movie is certainly concerned about hot spring, but I haven't seen yet. If I have a chance, I would like to see it.

Kita Hot Spring Hotel is a location site of the movie.

I need to walk to Kita Hot Spring. I walked about 10 minutes mountain path and reached Kita Hot Spring Hotel. A big hot spring pool in front of the hotel is impressive.

A big hot spring pool

The hotel has traditional atmosphere and I feel a nostalgic good old memory. There came foreigners. 

The interior of Kita Hot Spring Hotel

One of my favorite point of this hot spring hotel is that there two cats! They are at the front of desk and make customers relaxed.

Pretty two cats of this hotel

Secondly, certainly hot springs! The hot springs in refreshing and plain but plenty of hot springs and I forgot my fatigue completely. Especially, most popular hot spring is called "tengu no yu" where a big and red tengu-mask is decorated.

"tengu no yu"

As there remains a tradithional hot spring hotel style, I can be very relaxed. This is the one of the most wonderful hot spring hotel. At night, I can see beautiful stars. I want to go there every year, I think. Why don't you go there if you have a chance?