Osaka Morning Run - despite the virus scare...

Yesterday morning, I could manage to go for a run in Osaka.  It was pretty chilly.
Significantly fewer tourists are visiting due to the Covid-19 situation is continue to get worsen.

Utsubo Park.

A new construction site. 

The castle wall and the moat.

A couple of views of the Hanmaru Building.

Osaka Business Park seen from the castle.

A little Shinto Torii and Buddhist Jizo.

Sun ray coming through clouds.

The plum grove.

A sign by the castle.

The castle and modern buildings seen together.

Hina Matsuri (Momo no Sekku) dolls displayed at a store.

Tango no Sekku dolls.

A coffee shop close from my hotel displays Totoro figures.

My running was as usual despite the scare of the virus spread.  I am very worried about the downturn of the economic activities - not just in our country, but of the whole world.  Many events are being cancelled.

The government asked schools to close.  So, students will be staying home now for at least for the entirety of March, most likely.

Tsukubasan (Mt. Tsukuba) Hiking

On the Emperor's Birthday, my wife and I went to Tsukubasan and spent the whole day hiking with our friends.

This is where we parked.  Can see the two peaks of the mountain.

Tsukubasan Jinja, the entrance of the hiking traiils.

Hiking trails were surrounded by Japanese cedar (Sugi) trees.

The view from the area where we stopped for snacks.

Rock formations were interesting.

The last stretch for our first peak.

The top of Nyotaisan at 877 meters altitude is the highest point.

The view of the other peak (Nantaisan) from Nyotaisan.

The shrine of Nyotaisan.

A field map shows the peaks - Nyotaisan 877 m and Nantaisan 871.

Gamaishi (Toad Rock).

A view from a rest area.

Views from at the top of Nantaisan.

The shrine of Nantaisan.

Amazing roots - these are holding the mountain from eroding.

Walking down the hiking trail.

Pretty plum blossoms.

Back to where we started approx. 6 hours later.

Komainu, Protectors of the shrine.

Kawazuzakura and Other Beautiful Blossoms

The spring flowers are very early this year.  I had a very nice run today and enjoyed them.

Found a beautiful tree with Kawazuzakura blossom in Zenpukuji Park.

Roubai (Wax plum).

Tokyo is getting ready for the Olympics.

Children at play at Igusanomori Park, Suginnami.

Nanohana.

Children playing soccer.

These flowers looks like Someiyoshino - but a bit too early?

Plum blossoms.

Train crossing at by Kami-Igusa Station.

Another Kawazuzakura by Sengawa River

Tulips are coming out of dirt.

Another Beautiful Run

Today was a public holiday in Japan.  I could go for an another beautiful run in my neighborhood.

My first encounter with cherry blossom this season.

Camelia.

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Still Plum blossom is in full force now.

Christmas ornaments were left on a gate of a house.

A playground.

Daffodil.

Unknown white flower.

The playground in Inokashira Park.

Runners at Nishi-En ground.

More plum blossoms and the Benzaiten Shrine in the back.

The well that produces virtually all of the water of the pond.

People enjoying the beautiful day.

Boats on the pond.