I Stopped At...

2010/08/06 This gorge is at the head of the Natori river in Akiu.It a world of rocks and water running through cracks and faults in the rocks. The rocky Gorge is so creepy that its unbelievably silent. This is a free walking course and even more beautiful spots can be found down the river. We were in the hurry to catch the bus for Akiu waterfall so had to give up at this point. It is really creepy and would never recommend for a night walking even the track is safe (but no lights). All Rights Reserved.

2010/08/06 This temple is situated in the edge of the Yamagata prefecture and was accidently chosen to be on the list. It was a beautiful ride in the train through wooded areas and gorges,rivers with no human being living. The railway runs over the gorges with supported by only some tall strong beams with no rails. It helps one to enjoy the scenic beauty of the forest in the either side and sometimes shivers run through the spine. But it was extremely fun and interesting. The yamadera is very close to the yamadera station and the temple group can be seen from the station. The name itself came from the location of the temples in the mountain. The whole temple premises covered in the greenery Yamadera platform when zoomed from the Yamadera station The entrance to the Yamadera Rocks everywhere Creepy pine trees and exhausting journey to the top On the way to top This marks the halfway to the top Beautiful scenery from the 2 ...

05/08/2010 The Shiroishi Castle Shiroishi castle was of a serving family to Date Masamune the ruler of Sendai in the edo period. it is not a big castle but worth to see the old architecture. The entrance gate to the castle Three storied watch  tower Inside the watch tower where armors were kept View of Sendai town from the top and the castle grounds The castle grounds The entrance was 300yen. well, the cool air at teh top floor was worth the money. as this is situated somewhat away from the shiroishi station we burrowed free bicycles  at the station and rode all the way. The scorching sun was never kind to us so the cold water springs at the shrines and temples in the area helped a lot through out the journey. All Rights Reserved.

This temple is just across the Matsushima Ferry Ride Terminal. This temple had been used by Buddhist monks of the ancient era. The caves relates the ancient, holy stories unsaid. The caves had been used to meditate and according to the status of the monk, the caves had been different. The monks with higher ranks, meditated in the upper caves. The entrance to the Suiganji temple The Sando - the main road to the temple from the entrance The ancient caves used bu monks to meditate cave for meditating and Buddha Houses The road along the caves  Moss covered caves These caves are two storied where the monks with higher ranks used the upper level caves. Too  bad that I did not capture the stony steps and the upstairs caves. Very sorry for the inconvenience. Moss covered ground and the hundred years old pine trees The gate of the Suiganji As on 05th of August,2010 the temple was closed for repair, only...

Oshima is an island you can reach by just crossing a red old bridge. This island had been used as a meditating spot by old priests. The view of the pacific ocean and the sound of the wild makes it the best spot to bring your mind to one point and relax. This is the pathway to the island - All you hear is birds and cicadas The you walk through large rock wall towards the connecting bridge This bridge connects the main island and Oshima Walking around the island through this tree root covered path  Old granite rock slabs with letters carved on them Buddha houses carved in the rocks Buddha houses carved in the rocks The rock carved to make a tunnel -  Short cut to the other side of the island Matsushima Island group and the calm sea - view from the Oshima island All Rights Reserved.

Matsushima is one of the most beautiful seas I have ever seen. The calm waters, no waves, less wind. Matsushima is a group of pine islands which is the origin of it s name matsu for pine and shima for island. Hundreds of tiny islands can be seen as  far as your eyes reach, covered in the summer mist.  Here I share some of the beautiful spots of Matsushima islands which I managed to capture. All Rights Reserved.