Konohana Local Tour

Yesterday we went on a tour of our local area. The tour was run by Henguchi-san who also runs a local art space called Kuromegarou and took in places of interest and art installations set up in buildings in the area. The tour started at Otonari, a cafe and meeting spot next to the river near Nishikujo station.

After the tour there was also a party where we met many interesting people in the area.

The tour begins!

Inside Kuromegarou

An angry looking Tanuki!

A note pinned to the wall of an installation in another local building.

An outdoor installation, I declined the offer to have a bath!

In another of the buildings in the area was this sound installation.

Around the corner, more installations. This one plays with light effects.

A local cafe

Not really part of the tour but I like it.

A final speech!

A 'tache onigiri!

At the after party.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Today I headed off on another bike journey. On this occasion I headed off in an easterly direction, a route that followed Yodo river and ended up at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park. I didn't know much about the park before going there, it just seemed like a good destination when looking at the map. When I got there I was surprised how big the park was and that it was the site for the 1990 International Garden and greenery exposition, apparently the first of its kind in Asia.

Ah! I wonder how they have captured the essence of my home country in garden form? Let's have a look.............

 

Oh.....I see. Pretty accurate actually.

I really didn't like the way that heron was looking at me.

Some budding senior artists.

That guy on the left was so orange you could barely see him amongst the autumn leaves.

Some more senior citizens. I think they were playing open air bingo. Or something involving a grid of numbers anyway.

Antler Town Cotton Bags

Here is a preview of the 'Antler Town' cotton bags I have had made for the Atelier Loghouse craft fair. Details of the fair can be found HERE

Atelier Loghouse Craft Fair

On Sunday 11th of November I will be selling some of my work alongside many other artists at the Atelier Loghouse near Minou. I will mainly be selling bags and postcards so if you are interested in popping around and saying hi details can be seen on their website HERE.

Takarazuka Bicycle Trip

Today I cycled up to Takarazuka, famous for its all female theater group. I initially cycled to the west, through Amagasaki, and then followed the Muko river up to Takarazuka. Cycling along the river was very enjoyable, made easier by a wide cycle path (although I only discovered this on the way back) and only took about half an hour at a leisurely pace.

I didn't spend too much time in Takarazuka but want to visit again to explore some more. The area is surrounded by forest covered mountains which look ripe for exploration. While there I was reminded of my childhood, exploring the woods where I grew up, and thought that it would have been a dream for me to have grown up in this area. I walked along a road that leads through the mountains for a while, away from the main town, and it seemed so peaceful (despite being quite a busy road) and the air appeared fresher compared with Osaka.

I had visited Takarazuka once before, about eight years ago, mainly to check out the Osamu Tezuka museum, but had traveled by train and missed out on the greener areas. Having visited this time I feel it is an area that I want to return to again and explore some more.

A skull museum, noted to visit next time!

Muko river.

Muko river

Muko river

Muko river.

An animal welfare center.

Takarazuka manhole cover.

Approaching Takarazuka.

Osamu Tezuka Museum

An odd sculpture.

Muko river