Held during late April to early May, the Koinobori festival of carp streamers is this town's claim to fame. About 800 colorful carp streamers swim in the sky above a river.

60 files, last one added on Apr 14, 2006
Album viewed 485 times

Near the entrance to the Stone Steps, Ikaho has the summer home of Robert Walker Irwin, American businessman from Philadelphia, PA and the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century. He oversaw the Japanese immigration to Hawaii during 1885-1894. Part of his summer villa has been preserved here. Next to the house is the Guidance Museum with exhibits related to the Irwin family and Japanese emigration to Hawaii. Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Free admission. Map here 渋川市伊香保町伊香保32 Tel: 0279-20-3033

119 files, last one added on Jul 17, 2016
Album viewed 5749 times

Ikaho Onsen's major sights including the Stone Steps, Ikaho Shrine, and Mt. Uenoyama. (Updated in 2016.)

92 files, last one added on Jul 16, 2016
Album viewed 280 times

Ikaho Onsen Spa held the 12th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival during Aug. 3-6, 2008. During the day, numerous Japanese hula groups performed on stage. Hawaiian seminars were also taught by kumu hula Aloha Dalire. In the evenings, Hula Halau 'O Kamuela from Oahu performed as the festival's main event. Ikaho's connection to Hawaii lies with the summer residence of Robert Walker Irwin, the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century.

59 files, last one added on Aug 12, 2008
Album viewed 956 times

The overall winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival held in Hilo, Hawai'i in April is invited to perform at Ikaho's annual Hawaiian Festival in Aug. During the evenings of Aug. 3-6, 2008, Hula Halau 'O Kamuela gave a spellbinding, one-hour performance with numerous costume changes and surprise solo performances by kumu hula Aloha Dalire and Kunewa Mook on different nights.

136 files, last one added on Aug 12, 2008
Album viewed 1153 times

During Aug. 5-7, 2003, Ikaho hosted the 7th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival featuring hula performances by numerous Japanese hula groups. In the evenings, Hawaii's top hula halau (overall winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii) performed as the festival's main event. Ikaho's connection to Hawaii lies with the summer residence of Robert Walker Irwin, the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century.

28 files, last one added on Oct 18, 2007
Album viewed 444 times

Takasaki is one of Japan's leading producers of daruma dolls. This temple symbolizes Takasaki with numerous darumas offered at the temple. The Daruma Museum next to the temple is also interesting.

20 files, last one added on Apr 16, 2006
Album viewed 338 times

Byakui Dai-Kannon means Giant Kannon in white wardrobe. Buiilt in 1936, this giant Kannon statue is almost like a temple itself with 20 Buddha figures inside. You can climb up the stairs inside and see Takasaki from above.

14 files, last one added on Apr 16, 2006
Album viewed 298 times

Pictures of Takasaki Station and other street shots.

6 files, last one added on Apr 23, 2011
Album viewed 216 times

Insanely spectacular azaleas in full bloom at Tsutsujigaoka Park and Tsutsuji-en Garden. Also see koinobori carp streamers along the river to Lake Jonuma.

163 files, last one added on May 23, 2014
Album viewed 427 times

Soto-Zen temple famous for the Bunpuku Chagama (分福茶釜) folk tale about a tanuki raccoon dog that transformed into a steel pot used by the temple priest over the fire. When it got too hot, the tanuki reverted back to itself and ran away. Tatebayashi is a Tanuki Town because you see it everywhere. Souvenir shops also sell the beckoning tanuki which are made in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. Near Morinji-mae Station on the Tobu Line. Temple address: 群馬県館林市堀工町1570 Thanks to my friend Bessie (also from Hawaii) for taking me around the city.

104 files, last one added on Jun 01, 2012
Album viewed 3959 times

Flower garden with roses, moss pink, and more near Morinji temple. Formerly named Yachonomori Garden. Roses were in bloom when I went in late May. Operated by Tobu.

61 files, last one added on Jun 01, 2012
Album viewed 353 times

Tatebayashi Castle remains, Rekishi-no-Mori history park, and Tataranuma Park (多々良沼公園). Tataranuma Park is a prefectural park with a small, marshy lake with enough reed fields to attract swans migrating from Siberia every winter. A shrine on a small island is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. The pleasant lakeside park also has lots of picnic space and wisteria.

80 files, last one added on Jun 01, 2012
Album viewed 206 times