Rambling Record

Leaving WordPress, Starting Over

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Last year, one of my projects was to refresh the interface of a website. There were few, if any, changes to the page structure, user flows, or content. The technical stack remained largely untouched as well, although I did remove a few dependencies and improve loading times. Most of my work focused on layout adjustments, typography, information hierarchy, and simplifying the stylesheets. Even though the redesign was fairly limited in scope, it once again confirmed my interest in UI design. And with this blog, I’d like to take things a little further.

The Seto inland sea as a backdrop

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

We arrive in Marugame after an easy trip. We visit the small MIMOCA museum, which features a few lovely paintings and a temporary exhibition about the mural Freedom that decorates Ueno Station in Tokyo. The whole restoration process of the mural is detailed here. We have a late lunch, then pick up a rental car. We head west toward Chichibugahama Beach. On the way, we spot the Tsushima Shrine below the road and decide to stop. The shrine is closed, but the setting is charming—and pleasantly quiet.

Blooming Miyama

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Like last year (in Ohara), we head north of Kyoto to enjoy the cherry blossoms away from the crowds. We first drive toward Takao, then through the countryside to the Miyama Fureai Hiroba rest area. We have lunch there and try some ice cream made with local milk.

We then visit Kayabuki no Sato, a village known for its thatched roofs. After that, we head to the park by Ono Dam, which is hosting a small festival this weekend. The lake is at its lowest level at this time of year, but the park is filled with cherry trees! We head back to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Eleven views of mount Fuji

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We spend the weekend in Fujikawaguchiko, giving us the chance to see Mount Fuji from several different angles around Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, and Lake Motosu.

It wasn’t a given, since the statistics say clouds are often part of the picture. We realise that as soon as we arrive in Mishima. In the end, luck is on our side: the sky clears that very evening and stays bright over the following days.

Hiroshima getaway

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

We take the shinkansen from Kyoto Station around 8:30, and I finish my night’s sleep during the ride. I get mixed up with the timetable and we miss our stop… We get off at Shin Yamaguchi Station and catch another train back in the opposite direction. We finally arrive in Hiroshima around noon instead of 10:30 a.m. The day’s schedule is fairly light, so no worries.

Back to West Lake

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It has only been 3 months since my last visit to Hangzhou, but I’m happy to be back.

As soon as I arrive, I meet again the cluttered sidewalks with cars parked everywhere, loud conversations drifting through the streets, and the smells of simmering dishes. Because it’s Chinese New Year season (this year falling on 17 February), red and gold decorations are up all over the city.

I recognize the neighborhoods around the botanical garden and West Lake. The hills and ponds come back to me easily, as do the buildings and shops. Getting around by public transport is smooth, using Alipay—the Swiss-army-knife app that does almost everything.

Ninose – Ohara

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

+700 m / -650 m / 13 km

I reach Ninose by train around 9:30 a.m. I get ready and head north after crossing the river. On the right, a small opening in a rockfall fence marks the start of the trail. The first 500 meters are not very inviting: the route is hard to make out, fallen trees block the way, and the ground is slippery on the steeper sections.

A snowy Sunday

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I glance out the window this morning and, just as the forecast said, big snowflakes are falling. I decide to get up and go take a few photos. I would like to head to Kuramadera (seen in autumn), which is easy to reach by train. I also plan to make a small detour on the way via Kinkakuji, which I have never seen in the snow. This is the perfect chance.

Universal Studios Japan

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For once, we find ourselves in one of Japan’s most popular spots: Universal Studios Japan (or simply “USJ”).

Source: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

I was honestly quite reluctant to visit this theme park. What I had heard about it was mostly stories of multi-hour queues and outrageously expensive express passes. In some videos, we could even see groups of visitors running towards their favorite ride as soon as the gates opened. I didn’t really understand the hype and was quite happy not to feed the tourist machine. But over time and with some targeted lobbying, I eventually started considering a visit.

Ogoto Onsen

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This hot spring is in Otsu, on the shores of Lake Biwa. It’s almost a 1-hour ride from Kyoto and we decide to spend the weekend there.

We get off the train at the small station of the same name, and a shuttle takes us to the hotel in the middle of the afternoon. We settle in quickly and head straight to enjoy the various hot baths at the neighboring hotel (accessible for an extra fee). We have dinner there and then go back for another soak. There’s also a sauna and a steam room to finish unwinding.

Hangzhou

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Arrived on the previous evening, we headed straight to our hotel in the Qing Zhi Wu district. This area had long been neglected by residents, but the city helped owners renovate the buildings and convert them into hotels. As a result, there’s now a good concentration of accommodation and restaurants in this neighborhood next to the botanical garden, which we visit the very next day.

Day 1 – Botanical Garden and a walk around the university

The street leading to the botanical garden’s north entrance is lively. Cars and scooters are parked everywhere—along the roadside or on half the sidewalks—much like the rest of the city.

Hiking Along the Water, Again

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

+50 m / -100 m / 8 km

Today we’re back on the same route as two months ago, between Takao and the Hozu Gorge. We catch the bus around 9:50 at Marutamachi Onmaedori. We don’t stop at Jingoji and head straight for the riverside trail.

This time, the sun is out. Leaves in every shade imaginable reflect on the water—an exceptional sight! We feel lucky at every turn…

While waiting for the 1:20 p.m. train at JR Hozukyo Station, we spot the Sagano sight-seeing train arriving down below. Several photographers are there to capture the moment. We leave a few minutes later, but they stay put to catch the next passes!

Kohechi

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kohechi is one of the three Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. It’s the most mountainous of the three and links Koyasan to Hongu Taisha. See:https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/kohechi/

I spent the night at the Nosegawa Hotel, tucked away in the Kii Mountains. The staff were welcoming, and the place had everything a hiker might need: hot baths of course, a shuttle service from Koyasan, drop-off at the trailhead, a picnic option, etc.—very convenient. The baths clearly weren’t off-limits to people with tattoos, because almost everyone had one! One guy had a tattoo covering his entire back. Judging by the style, I think he was a Yakuza… I didn’t ask for confirmation.

Koyasan

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After leaving at 6:30, we take a bus to Saiin, then the train to Awaji. We change at Tengachaya, then again at Gokurakubashi. This third train only has four cars but large windows—perfect for enjoying the scenery comfortably seated. We finish the journey with a funicular to Koyasan Station, then a bus that drops us off at the Daimon Gate around 10 a.m. Phew!

We walk around the gate, then stroll along the main road. We pass Kongobu-ji and its iconic pagoda. The weather is beautiful and the autumn colors are vibrant.

Mount Haku

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

+1350 m / -1350 m / 14 km

We’re off work this Friday. We leave Nijo Station at 6:59 and transfer at Kyoto Station to the Thunderbird, a limited express train that runs all the way to Tsuruga, at the northern tip of Lake Biwa. From there we take a local train to Fukui. Once there, we pick up a rental car and drive to Bettodeai, the starting point of our hike. We arrive around noon.

Hiking along the water

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

+230 m / -290 m / 9 km

The forecast says cloudy all day. I don’t feel like climbing a summit just to find the view blocked, so I pick a valley-floor hike instead. The trail follows a river between Takao and Hozukyo for 9 km, with a 5 km option leading to Arashiyama.

I buy a picnic at Fresco and catch the 8:21 bus at Marutamachi Onmaedori. I reach Takao just before 9. First I have to descend to the river. After a pretty red bridge, there’s a hotel (with baths, maybe?) and the tables of a restaurant set just above the water, under the maples. It must be packed in autumn!

Of azure and ochre

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

The hardest part is renting the car. I had booked a compact, but there isn’t one available. After a 30-minute wait, an employee shows us a black Jeep. We walk around the vehicle together, and I spot a nasty gash in one of the tires. Goodbye Jeep. Another 30 minutes go by while they clean a different car. This time it’s a gray DS7. It’s big, but at least it looks roadworthy.

Paris as a tourist

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A trip to France usually means passing through Paris. It’s the perfect chance to visit a few places in the capital.

We start at Place de la Bastille, then move on to Place des Vosges and Saint-Paul. Crossing the Seine, we reach Île Saint-Louis and soon find ourselves on the forecourt of Notre-Dame. We were hoping to visit the cathedral after its renovation, but the line stretches all the way to Petit Pont. I hadn’t realized that August 15 is a religious holiday—another time, then! We take a break at a café in Saint-Michel, then head to Saint-Sulpice. Walking back, we stop at Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. I had never been inside before—what a great surprise! It too has benefited from a recent restoration, and the paintings are dazzling.

Ayabe

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It’s fireworks season. Each city holds its own display on a different date, so it’s possible to see fireworks every weekend throughout July and August. This year we choose Ayabe. We wander around the town in the sweltering heat, then, as the day fades, we climb up to a park on higher ground to watch the show. The structure is rather classic: a succession of “chapters” where the pace builds until a mini “grand finale.” In one of the chapters, a few shells explode into the shape of a smiley face (a circle, two eyes, a smile)… meh, I’m not convinced. The finale, on the other hand, is spectacular!

Experiences in Tokyo

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A visa application forces us to go to the French Embassy in Tokyo. We take the opportunity to spend two days there.

The first experience, at the embassy, is rather unpleasant. Only those applying for a visa are allowed inside the building. For companions like me, waiting outside is the only option. I thought there would be an air-conditioned space open to everyone, or at least access to drinking water—but no such luck! The fact that I’m French makes no difference. I sit on a patch of sidewalk in the shade in front of the embassy and wait. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Ohara in bloom

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ohara is a rural area about 40 minutes north of Kyoto by bus. It’s not very far, but it’s usually cooler up there. The cherry blossoms bloom a few days later than in the city center.

We do a bit of shopping upon arrival, then follow the Takano River south. It’s hot! I’ve got a beanie in my bag, but it’s clearly not the right kind of headwear.

The riverbanks are covered in white blossoms. There’s hardly anyone around—it’s very peaceful. Eventually, we reach a small shop that makes condiments and sweets using red shiso. Just below, a field of rapeseed glows with vibrant colors.

Hanami in Higashiyama

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After yesterday’s walk, we head to Higashiyama and the Philosopher’s Path. There are more people under the trees, but it’s still a pleasant stroll.

Around Tofukuji

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After the plum trees, the cherry trees bloom in turn. We start from Tofukuji Station and head east to visit a few temples. Then we walk along the Kamo River and through Kiyamachi to reach the city center.

Loose pictures: Winter 2025

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 13th – At the Warajiya restaurant in Kyoto

January 13th – Visit of the Kyoto National Museum

January 13th – Shichijo

February 18th – Mont Hiei with some snow

February 24th – Around Bukkyo University

PUNKSPRING 2025

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aptly named PUNKSPRING festival is held every spring and features punk rock bands.

This year, the event was initially scheduled to take place at the Osaka Intex (mentioned here), but it was ultimately moved to the Dojima River Forum. Located right in the middle of the city, it’s surrounded by shops and offers several transportation options. The festival team apologized for the inconvenience, but honestly, we lucked out!

The 2025 lineup – Source:

The plum trees of Jounangu

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Spring is here! The cherry blossoms aren’t out yet, but the plum trees are ahead of them. I head to the modest Jounangu Shrine to explore its garden. There are quite a few people strolling through the narrow paths, but plenty of blossoms for everyone.

Loose pictures: Fall 2024

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

September 23rd – Visiting Chionin temple

October 6th – Marutamachi

October 22nd – Nîmes viewed from the Magne tower (2/2)

October 22nd – Jardins de la Fontaine (1/2)

October 22nd – Jardins de la Fontaine (2/2)

Ishigaki

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

It’s nighttime when we step out of the airport. A car is waiting for us and takes us a few hundred meters to a rental agency parking lot. We pick up our own vehicle and drive to the city center under a light drizzle.

Day 2

The sky is gray, but it’s not cold. We visit the nearest temple and encounter the shisa for the first time—these cheerful half-dog, half-lion creatures seem to replace the tanuki statues found in the rest of the country. They ward off evil spirits. A team is preparing the temple for the New Year celebrations.

Momiji in Nara

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Last post in the autumn leaves collection, after Kameoka and Kyoto, in Nara this time.

Momiji in Kyoto

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

After Kameoka, stroll in Higashiyama around Nanzenji.

Sound Retrospective: 2024

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

26 605 min total listening duration that’s 440 hours, or 18 days

2549 different tracks of which 1765 discovered

1191 different artists

Top 5 tracks

#5 – Backseat Serenade // All Time Low

#4 – Dear Maria, Count Me In // All Time Low

#3 – Weightless // All Time Low

Momiji in Kameoka

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The momiji season has arrived later than usual. First outing in the countryside of Kameoka, west of Kyoto.

Loose pictures: Summer 2024

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 14th – Aquarium Kaiyukan (1/2)

July 14th – Aquarium Kaiyukan (2/2)

July 14th – Osaka viewed from the Tempozan ferris wheel

July 28th – Tsukubusuma shrine on Chikubu island (1/2)

July 28th – Tsukubusuma shrine on Chikubu island (2/2)

Sunrise on mount Fuji

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

+1400 m / -1400 m / 11 km

Departure by shinkansen a little after 6:30 a.m. from Kyoto Station, arriving at Mishima at 9:20. Then we take a bus to Mizugatsuka Park. There’s a large parking lot, already fairly full, a souvenir shop that also serves as a cafeteria, and, most importantly, the station for the shuttle buses that go up to 2400 m. We wait a few minutes and board. At the top, there’s another parking lot and a cluster of temporary buildings housing various services: gear rental, a café, lockers, and so on.

Road-trip in Hokkaido

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

We pick up a rental car at Kushiro Airport in the late afternoon and head towards Lake Akan. We follow straight roads through fields and forests, spotting local deers. It’s drizzling. It’s dark by the time we reach the hotel in Akancho.

Day 2

We drive 30 minutes east to the Yamanoyado Nonaka onsen. From there, we begin our ascent of mount Meakan. First through a lovely undergrowth, then over more open terrain. We catch sight of Lake Onneto nearby and continue climbing. We take a break 45 minutes from the summit on a plateau. It’s already late, the sun is blazing, and we’re almost out of water. We decide to head back down after enjoying the view. It’s the start of the trip, better to play it safe.

Gion Matsuri

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This festival is one of the most popular in Japan. Every year around mid-July, people come from all over the country to attend the festivities, which are centered around two parades held one week apart.

Twenty-three wooden floats are assembled a few days before the first procession. The construction sites are scattered across the city center streets, which are partially or completely closed to traffic. Traditional music groups perform, street vendors set up, outdoor seating appears in front of shops and restaurants, and crowds stroll around in kimonos, grab a bite to eat, and admire the floats.

Loose pictures: May / June 2024

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

May 18th – Sanjo bridge

May 26th – Visit of the MIHO museum (1/2)

May 26th – Visit of the MIHO museum (2/2)

June 2nd – Saishō-in temple

June 2nd – Okunoin temple

June 2nd – Clouds coming from the north

The Sun at the summit

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

+1250 m / -1250 m / 17 km

It’s mid-June and it’s hot. I’ve prepared a few things for a Mount Fuji climb at the end of August. Stories about watching the sunrise from the summit gave me an idea: to climb Mount Bunagatake at night (after discovering it this winter), in the cool, catch the sunrise, and head back down before the heat sets in.

By taking a Friday off, I can leave on a Thursday evening, finish the climb the next day, and rest for the following two days. The perfect plan.

All Time Low at the Gorilla Hall

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Gorilla Hall is a fairly new concert venue. It’s not huge, but it’s well designed: there are two bars, lockers, and a second floor with a balcony overlooking the stage.

The band starts at the scheduled time – 7 p.m. There is no opening act, and I’m glad not to fall into the same trap as last time. They move quickly through their set without lengthy speeches. The sound is pretty good, although I found the drums a bit too noticeable. The show ends at 8:30 p.m., giving plenty of time to eat in the neighborhood before heading back to Kyoto.

Loose pictures: April 2024

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

April 6th – Kiyomizudera

April 7th – Heianjingu shrine

April 7th – Ginkakuji (1/2)

April 7th – Ginkakuji (2/2)

April 15th – At the top of Mount Horai (1/2)

April 15th – At the top of Mount Horai (2/2)

Trip to the sea of Japan

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We reserved the last two seats on the bus from Kyoto to Amanohashidate at the beginning of the week. To travel on the first weekend of Golden Week, you either need to plan well in advance or be a bit lucky. Departing from the station around 9 a.m., we arrive at Amanohashidate Station 2 h later. We have lunch nearby and then visit Chionji Temple. We rent bikes in front of the Kaisen Bridge and pedal to cross the lagoon. The path along the sandbar is very pleasant: shaded and bordered by water on both sides.

Kumano Sanzan

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The three temples dedicated to the three sacred mountains of Kumano, in three days!

Day 1

Departure from Kyoto this Friday around 6:30 a.m. then change at Osaka to catch the Kuroshio. We board the train just in time after asking for directions twice: the platform for this train is quite far from those of other lines and is not very well indicated. After Wakayama, the train runs between sea and mountain until Katsuura.

In Fushimi Inari Taisha at night…

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

… there’s almost no one! Despite the shrine being open all the time, and the torii paths being all lit up. There are a few walkers and two or three cats left. The ghosts are also out and about, showing themselves to anyone willing to see them. The darkness and silence create a very different atmosphere from what I’ve experienced before. A nice discovery!

Loose pictures: March 2024

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

March 16th – On the philosopher’s path (1/2)

March 16th – On the philosopher’s path (2/2)

March 24th – Visiting the botanical garden by night (1/2)

March 24th – Visiting the botanical garden by night (2/2)

Sum41 at the Osaka Intex

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Sum41 will soon cease to exist and their final tour is underway. The band is coming to Osaka for their last date in Japan.

I arrive at the Osaka Intex around 3:30 p.m. after a 2-hour journey. It is a complex of halls that isn’t very cheerful: large and clean but quite cold. The hall 5 used for the concert resembles more of a warehouse than anything else. Barriers laid out on the floor separate the audience into about ten groups. 2-meter-wide aisles are kept empty between each group. For security reasons, I suppose, but it’s weird.

Back on the Kyoto Trail

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

+500 m / -580 m / 13 km

I’m not working this Friday, and unlike the previous days, it’s not raining. I’m heading out for a rather “short” hike to enjoy the outdoors without burning myself. I initially wanted to walk south of Kyoto and pass by Yokokuji temple, but I prefer to avoid the crowds and opt for a less touristy route.

I set off from Ninose around 10:45 a.m. on the Kyoto Trail, the path that circles Kyoto, heading southwest. I first climb Mount Mukai. It’s not very high (424 m says the sign at the summit), but I still come across some patches of snow here and there.

Uji

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Uji is a small town south of Kyoto. It is home to a quite famous temple, as it is depicted on the 10-yen coins: the Byodoin. One of the phoenixes adorning the roof of the structure is also visible on the 10,000-yen bills.

Matcha is a local specialty, and the shops in the area sell everything ‘matcha-flavored’, which I quite enjoy. We first visit the Ujikami Shrine, then climb Mount Daikichiyama. There’s an observation deck at the top that allows for sunbathing.

Loose pictures: January / February 2024

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

January 4th – Place d’Italie

February 4th – Kiyomizudera

February 4th – Yasaka pagoda

February 29th – On Sanjodori street

Frozen

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1

It all starts with going to Osaka airport by train. Taking a flight to Sapporo, hopping on a bus to downtown, then changing buses to reach the 1st resort: Bankei (or “ban.K” for the insiders). Renting equipment in the small main building and off to the chairlift!

I left home before 6 a.m. this morning, but it’s almost 4 p.m. already. It’s not really a problem, as the resort offers night skiing. As soon as daylight fades, the floodlights illuminate the four slopes of the small resort. Skiing at night is quite fun, and I can see fairly well. However, the cold is becoming more and more present.

Ski Jam

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Leaving Kyoto around 6:30 a.m. for this weekend organized by my company’s Ski Club. I sleep a bit more on the bus chartered for the occasion. We stop twice at highway rest areas that strangely resemble each other. The final stop is in front of a rental shop a few kilometers from our destination. We leave only 10 minutes later with the equipment, as the rental shop had everything prepared in advance.

Halfway Setsubun

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This year is no exception,Setsubunfalls on February 3rd. I head to Rozanji temple to attend the festivities. The schedule includes demon dance at 3 p.m., bean throwing at 4, followed by a ritual fire at 5.

Upon arrival, the dense crowd overflows from the temple grounds onto the sidewalk. The same scene repeats at the second gate. I circle the block in search of a more discreet entrance, but to no avail. I return to the first gate, but the situation remains unchanged. After waiting for 5 minutes, noticing no movement, I decide to venture further towards Yoshida temple.

Hikone, Omi-Hachiman

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I arrive in Hikone late in the morning to visit the castle, one of the 12 with a donjon still intact. It is also one of the 5 castles listed as National Treasures of Japan (the others being: Himeji, Matsue, Inuyama, and Matsumoto). It is located on Mount Konki and overlooks the city.

Everyone walks inside wearing socks; fortunately, it’s not very cold. However, thestairsladders are a bit slippery!

Bunagatake

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

+1250 m / -1250 m / 16 km

The sun is still behind the hills as I arrive at Hira Station to climb Mount Bunagatake. It has been on my list for a while, and the weather forecast finally convinced me, even though it snowed last night. I got snow crampons yesterday, hoping not to need more (gaiters or snowshoes).

I first walk on a road that crosses rice fields and come across a group of people gathered around a fairly large bonfire. I will later learn that it’s adondoyaki: wooden decorations used to celebrate the New Year are stacked and burned, for the purpose of purification.

Loose pictures: December 2023

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

December 9th – Hike at Mt Take (1/2)

December 9th – Hike at Mt Take (2/2)

December 16th – In Kyoto

December 23rd – The Simone de Beauvoir footbridge and the National Library of France

The Rochers de Trenze

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Heading to Lozère and the Cévennes for a hike around the Rochers de Trenze.

Starting from Vialas, the ascent is gentle and steady, leading to the hamlet of Gourdouze. The path then follows the eponymous stream and runs along the Rochers de Trenze that overlook Vialas. The descent is a bit technical but very enjoyable, first among the broom bushes and then on a paved path under the chestnut trees.

A walk by the sea

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I’m spending the end-of-year holidays with my family in Alès. We take the car towards the coast to enjoy the sea and walk between La Grande Motte and Port-Camargue.

Mount Atago

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

+1050 m / -1100 m / 19 km

I leave at night to take a bus 15 minutes from my place. I’m going east of Kyoto. I change buses and find myself at daybreak in Kiyotaki. I follow a small road that goes into a valley, then I turn left to get down to business.

I hesitate for a moment at an unmarked crossover: I can’t decipher all the handwritten kanji… Finally, the two paths meet 50 meters further on. I think there was the “new” path and the old, but if that’s the case I don’t see the point of indicating the old. Anyway, I continue and arrive at the Tsukinowa temple. There are two or three makeshift dwellings right next to the temple, and “do not enter” signs are placed everywhere. A deer quietly passes by on the path during my break. When leaving, I hear an alarm or a bell, and since I’m not sure if I’m in the right place, I don’t linger any longer.

Daigoji

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I’m not working today. I’m off to Daigoji temple to take some pictures. Momiji season is almost over, and since it’s Monday, there’s hardly anyone around! It must also be said that this temple does not attract as much as the classics.

Once there, the weather becomes cloudy quite quickly. I’ll deal with it!

Back to the Live House Gattaca

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I met Take-san at a meetup once month ago. He is one of the guitarist from Ninefall, a rock band based in Kyoto. And they are playing tonight at the Live House Gattaca!

Source: http://kyoto-gattaca.jp/info/index.html

I get there just a few minutes before the show. I meet with Take-san and we have a drink. The first of the six bands planned for the night starts playing.

Source: http://kyoto-gattaca.jp/schedule/2023/12.html

The venue has not gotten bigger since the last time, but the conditions are still top notch: not too crowded, very good sound, and artists are really close. Ninefall is up next. I already know “Zanka”, and I discover their other titles which are just as efficient.

Mount Horai

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

+1180 m / -1180 m / 13 km

Get up at dawn to climb Mount Horai. This mountain overlooks Lake Biwa, and a gondola lift has been built close to the summit. A few ski slopes and a panoramic restaurant are to be found there.

I join with a friend at 7 a.m. at Kyoto Station and we leave for Horai station in Otsu.

The road rises as soon as we leave the station and we quickly have a beautiful view of Lake Biwa. The road turns into a large path, then a trail. The ascent is easy and steady. Towards the summits, we find ourselves in a cloud of snow. It’s very windy, sometimes we struggle to keep our balance on the ridge path.

Sound Retrospective: 2023

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

57 512 min total listening duration that’s 960 hours, or 40 days

2875 different tracks of which 2317 discovered

1333 different artists

Top 5 tracks

#5 – Coffee At Midnight // Stand Atlantic , played 347 times

#4 – All I Want // A Day To Remember , played 408 times

#3 – Late Nights In My Car // Real Friends , played 409 times

Loose pictures: November 2023

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

November 11th – Around Osaka Umeda station

November 18th – Concert at the Kyoto RHOM Theatre

November 19th – The minimal Honpo-ji Tahoto pagoda

November 21st – A good ramen restaurant, at the end of a alley

A day with WHO

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I meet at 10:45 a.m. at Mikumo Station in Shiga Prefecture, to walk with the WHO (Wonderful Hiking Organization) Meetup group. We wait a few minutes and then set off. There are 24 of us!

We take a quick break in a kombini and leave quietly. We pass by the ruins of a castle and continue into the forest. We take advantage of the following viewpoint to have lunch. The afternoon route alternates between forest and residential areas. But that’s not the most important thing, the discussions are going well and time is flying.

Kurama – Kibune

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I take advantage of waking up early to go to Kurama. It has been a month since I want to return there, and I haven’t seen the momiji around Kyoto yet. There are some in the city of course, but they are a bit dull. From what I heard, it has been too hot here for their foliage to really turn red.

Going north then, with a subway and a train. It’s not crowded this morning, I can easily sit down. Around the end of the trip, the train goes through tunnels of red and yellow leaves.

Loose pictures: October 2023

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

October 8th – Festival at Gokounomiya temple

October 14th – Fushimi Momoyama castle

October 15th – Behind the railroad crossing: the Kyoto Laundry Café organizes international meetups

October 18th

October 22nd – Passing by, open air live music (Asage)

October 26th – On the way to work

Kamikochi

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Intro

Leaving at 10:50 p.m. from Kyoto Station by a night bus. The night is short since it takes about 6h30 to get to the Kamikochi bus terminal: arriving at 5:20 a.m. in a freezing cold. With the darkness and the fog, nothing exists beyond 50 m. At 6 a.m. I have breakfast in the cafeteria that has just opened, then I leave some of my belongings at the luggage room. It’s time to get moving.

The countryside within reach of Kyoto

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

+1070 m / -940 m / 19 km

The hike of the day is a stage of the Kyoto Trail, at the northeast of Kyoto (in blue on the map). It is feasible from station to station by slightly adapting the route.

I take the subway at Sanjo towards the north until Demachiyanagi, and I change for a single-car train which brings me to Yase Hieizanguchi. It’s a bit steep-sided. I must cross the river but the bridge shown on the map is nowhere to be seen, only pillars remain… I reach the next one 200 m farther. I climb Mount Hiei via the Eastern slope that I don’t know yet. It is a path that gets lost from time to time. I come across some sort of sanctuary where statues are disposed in lines. I meet the Kyoto Trail again a bit before reaching the summit, as well as the markings seen the last time. By the way, there are about 200 m shared with that previous hike but instead of going down to the main lodges of Enryakuji, I take to the left on a crest trail going down gently.

TOTALFAT live

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ahh… TOTALFAT. The only Japanese band that I have been listening to on a regular basis for several years now. I found them because one of their title served as one of the endings of an anime I was watching (Place to Try, in Naruto Shippuden). This band offers the sweet balance between the punchy beats from NOFX and catchy melodies from calmer bands.

Anyway… The improvised concert from last Sunday (see this post) left made me want for more. So, early this week, I have a look at the next events in Kyoto, and I casually check the website of TOTALFAT, just in case. The stars align and I see that they are to come to Osaka this Sunday! I try to book a ticket but it looks a bit complex… this will be a task for the next day.

Loose pictures: september 2023

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

September 5th – Kyoto Station

September 8th – At the office, the cafeteria

September 11th – In front of my door

September 14th – The Kamo banks

September 24th – My new roommate

September 28th – The Kamo, and Mount Hiei on the right

Going with the flow

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This Sunday I go to a meetup at the Kyoto Laundry Cafe. It’s a bit crowded, there are one or two Frenchmen and a few French-speaking Japanese who seem happy to practice. Other expats as well. People of all ages.

I talk to a Japanese guy who I met yesterday in another meetup… Yesterday again, two locals told me about foreigners working at my company, who I had met the week before… I have the feeling that the expat community and its supporters is a small world. Maybe there’s more people in Osaka ?

Mount Hiei

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

+730 m / -760 m / 14 km

I meet two colleagues on the Kamo around 8 a.m. and we go to the hike starting point by bike, around 6 km northeast. We drop the bikes on what looks like the parking lot of the nearby hostpital (Japan Baptist Hospital), not knowing whether we are allowed to do so, and we start climbing.

No painted marks to find your way. Instead, there is a sign at each crossing, coming with its little statue. It shows a plan of the crossing, with all the junctions and the main destinations. Sadly, there is no mention of the distances, durations or heights. I don’t know whether this system is only local or used throughout the country.

Around Gion

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A bit of rest this Sunday afternoon, for the first time since I got here. I just need to get some stuff from Yodobashi and from Nitori, the Japanese Ikea. Both stores are near the Kyoto Station. The weather is rather nice, this must be a good time to go there following the Kamo, the river which crosses the city from north to south. I leave on foot towards the east, through Pontocho until I meet with the river.

Loose pictures: August 2023

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

August 13th – Roads going through the Bois de Boulogne are closed to traffic on sundays

August 17th – Gare de Lyon

August 18th – Vézénobres, near Alès

August 19th – Guinguette de la Lecque, a bit above Bessèges

Loose pictures: July 2023

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 25th – Boulevard du Montparnasse

Seeing Saint-Malo again

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Leaving with a TGV at 8 a.m. from the Montparnasse station to Rennes. Break in a coffee shop waiting for the connection for Saint-Malo by TER. Little walk within the city and we come out on the battlements and on the Grand Bé.

We have lunch in a “crêperie” and we take a shuttle boat to get to Dinard. We follow the GR 34 for a while and we get back in the city center. In the meantime, the light drizzle turned into a shower and we start getting wet feet. We go back to Saint-Malo by the same means. Another tour of the city and its battlements before having dinner at the Ancrage. A few clouds remain, they mask the setting sun and add to the scenery.

Trekking in the Écrins

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Intro

Leaving on Saturday at 7 a.m. from Gare de Lyon, towards Grenoble. A bus then drops me at the UCPA Serre-Chevalier around 2 p.m. My friends traveled with the night train and are already there. We spend the rest of the day between the swimming pool, the bar and the terrace. We chat with the staff and other participants.

The UCPA centre, its terrace and swimming pool

Loose pictures: June 2023

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

June 16th – Alès, Martyrs de la Résistance sq.

June 16th – Alès, train station

June 17th – The Bambouseraie 1/2

June 17th – The Bambouseraie 2/2

June 21st – St Eustache on Music Day

We Love Green

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

It’s music festivals season. This year starts with We Love Green at Bois de Vincennes. My friends and I choose to go there on sunday, mainly to check on Bon Iver.

Source: https://www.welovegreen.fr/?lang=en

The place is welcoming but a bit more of shadow would not hurt. Multiple stages are set around the central field. There are stands for food, drinks, water fountains. Looks good to me.

Where is Waldo ?

Loose pictures: May 2023

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

May 10th – Rain over La Défense

May 13th – Entry of the Cité Universitaire

May 13th – On the Petite Ceinture, right under the bar Le Poinçon

May 15th – The Palais Royal before it gets crowded

Gallery

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Search

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000