Blog
Posted: January 8
Snowday in Kyotango
Last year Kyotango got almost no snow at all, and what did fall melted within a few hours. This year we’ve had a few snowdays. The good packing kind you need to make snowmen.
However in the last 24 hours we’ve had an incredible amount of snow come down. After about 4 hours of snow I set out to Kumihama to get some pictures. I managed to get some nice shots of the snow falling while the roads were still clear.
When setting out in the heavy snow make sure it’s safe and try to limit it to essential journeys only.
The entrance for Kibune Shrine, probably best to stay off the steps for now
Nyoiji Temple
Nyoiji Temple is one of the Kansai 25 Flower Temples (Japanese Language). It’s famous for it’s displays of mitsuba tsutsuji (three leaved azaleas) in the spring. Of course they have beautiful flowers all year around, but right now the snow is keeping it all under wraps.
The “daimonji”, big character,on Kabutoyama is lit by fire for events The temple’s bell is housed under the small awning The main gate
There is usually a laddle to wash your hands with before entering, it’s been replaced by these bamboo spouts New Years fortunes tied to string and branches so they come true. The small pond at the back
This hexagonal building houses plaques which people write their wishes on The temple to Fudosan stands out in the snow
The Inaba Family Merchant House
The Inaba House (Japanese Language) is in the middle of the annual Kumihama Doll Festival on the run up to Doll’s Day or Girl’s day on March 3rd. But this historic property also has a gorgeous garden, which at the moment is covered in snow.
The front entrance of the Inaba House Statue of Inaba Ichiroeon, who contributed to the founding of the railway The first garden is accessible from the main building The poles supporting the trees are called yukitsuri
The second garden, usually viewable from the restaurant Inner courtyard covered with snow
The paper doll sets can be bought for your home A traditional Doll’s Festival display An Edo street scene
Trains
Kumihama train station was built on the site of an old prefectural building. So the architects chose to build it in a traditional style, and it looks great in the snow too. This snowday wasn’t enough to stop the “Tango no Umi”, the direct train from Kyoto. However, when traveling in the winter it’s always best to check for train cancellations before you get to the station.
Kumihama Station The direct train from Kyoto “Tango no Umi”
The Next Day
After a night of snowfall and a slow drive to work the sun came out. It was still cold so the snowday continued on. It’s exciting to see how high the snow is pilled up on the trees and bushes.
The view just outside the Tourist Information Office The clouds look like they may have a bit more snow left to fall The hills are laden with snow
