Outdoor and Fitness
About 15 years ago, I decided it was time for me to become a divemaster and scuba instructor. I loved the ocean and had grown up watching Jacques-Yves Cousteau roaming the oceans aboard the Calypso. After coming back from Nepal I was diagnosed with asthma. I went to see a doctor specialized in diving who […]
I always hesitate about buying new toys or equipment, but I am increasingly under the charm of Ibaraki’s many waterways and lakes. I took a lesson with the owner of Paddle Quest kayak and SUP school and store in Sumida-ku, Shinju Horikawa, a great teacher, and we went to the foot of Skytree! I felt […]
Disaster Mitigation in Japan-Weather Information
The Japan Meteorological Agency is the best source in various languages for local weather and for real-time risks evaluation. In addition to weather forecasts, its English Home Page offers weather warnings/advisories, real-time risk maps for landslides, inundations and floods, tropical cyclones information, tsunami warnings and advisory, earthquake information and volcanic warning/forecasts. As you can see […]
Disaster Mitigation in Japan- Evacuation Information and Resources (Apps…)
With the rainy season, or “tsuyu”, the risk of landslides, inundations and floods is growing. I am posting here some information in English. Other languages are available on the websites mentioned. • For general information about Disaster Management in Japan, the Cabinet Office offers valuable resources. You can download the latest Evacuation Information in 14 […]
Two of the cats I have so far met in Toride. This one is living in a box near the river and prefers, it seems, the company of dogs. I met the second one several times on my way to the river. Always perched on a wall and very friendly.
This plant is native to North America but is said to have arrived in Japan during Meiji period. I took those pictures today at sunset. The flowers can be found everywhere on the river banks.
Tonegawa river banks in Toride
Toride offers a quality of life that cannot be found in Tokyo. I would make an exception for those who enjoy most museums and theaters, but for nature lovers, nothing beats a peaceful evening walking close to the river.
Anoplophora malasiaca (White-spotted Longicorn Beetle) Cerambycidae
This species can be disastrous for trees.
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