I really like Japanese postal service’s New Year’s card stamp designs. The motifs for this year are Hagoita (on the left) and Shishimai.
Check out the designs from last year: New Year’s Day in Japan, 2012
Yakushima
Happy New Year: 2013
Happy to be able to start another new year with my family in peaceful & beautiful Yakushima Island.
… and thanks to WordPress scheduled post feature 😉
Camellia Petals
Watched sunrise with my mom near Yakushima airport then she dropped me off for my morning run.
Running away from home is a great way to enjoy a different scenery.
Pink Hibiscus in Yakushima
Visiting Yakushima to spend some time with my family. This morning, I ran 10km around the river, port, and bridges. I remember one year ago my legs could hardly handle the big hill going back to my parents’ house — 5km felt quite long. I can’t believe that was only 12 months ago!
Red Camellia
January in Yakushima – you can find camellia, hibiscus, and silver grass all at the same time.
Hibiscus in December
Cleaned house, went running (5k), and hot stone spa (岩盤浴) with Mom.
I took this photo near the Anbo Bridge during my run.
Viewing Sunset from Hot Spring
One of my favorite places in Yakushima is JR Hotel where you can drop in for a dip into their hot spring.
I took this photo from outside but this is pretty much what you can see from the bath.
Rainbow at Anbo Port
It’s warm and calm in Yakushima. The sun came out after rain, along with rainbow.
Morning Cloud
I’m leaving Yakushima this morning.
Rain, then Rainbow
Typhoon has past the island but strong wind blew something and we lost power for a couple hours in the afternoon.
You are at the mercy of nature here. That’s some wild thought you forget when you’re in a city for too long.