Precision Parking

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Rainy Season

We are now in rainy season … something like 6 weeks of rain in June & July. This is referred to as Tsuyu which translates to plum rain since it coincides with the ripening of plums. But at least it is warm rain!

To know whether or not I need an umbrella, a quick look onto the streets beyond the canal tells me –

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St Mary’s Cathedral

We came across this incredible building whilst out walking one day. The original cathedral, a wooden gothic affair, was destroyed in 1945; this replacement was completed in 1964. I have ‘borrowed’ this view from above

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The cathedral is known for its modernist structure made of concrete and covered with stainless steel. The imposing interior has seating for 600 and standing room for 2,000. It also contains Japan’s largest pipe organ. My photos don’t do it justice!

Ohmiya-Hachimangu Shrine

A Japanese friend kindly took me to this Shinto shrine. Below, on the right, you will see an elaborate structure offering protection against Covid … I duly followed instructions and walked around it in one and a half figures of 8. But just in case this isn’t enough, I was lucky enough to have my first Covid jab on Sunday!

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More bird sculptures

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Unicorn Gundam Statue

This is, apparently, life sized … and transforms from unicorn to destroy mode every 30 minutes. It is supposed to be a great show at night so we will put it on the list of things to do!