Japanese Beauty at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge

Japanese Garden

Discover the tranquility of a Japanese-style garden that blends design elements of classic tea, strolling and zen gardens.

Cross an arched bridge and stroll on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the Full Moon Tea House, designed by Whitney Smith and built in 1966. The blue tile roofing, imported from Japan, is especially striking in the spring when nearby pink cherry and plum trees are in bloom. The tea house is open limited hours during the summer as the Camellia Lounge and for special occasions during the year.

Nearby, the minka (traditional farmhouse) was designed and donated by Robert H. Kawashima in 1969. The plant collection features Japanese maples, azaleas, bamboo, and other Asian plants.

http://www.descansogardens.org/explore/gardens/

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011

Trees bloom early at the Huntington Library and Gardens Feb. 2014.

Nanka Nikkei at the Huntington Library and Gardens Feb. 2014.

Photo by Rick Beal

Trees in Bloom.

A little early but still beautiful.

Aikido for a U.S. Diplomat

I read in the Los Angeles Times today an article by Paul Richter. A U.S. diplomat, Daniel Russell, uses the principles he learned in aikido in his relationships with world leaders.

Rising Stars miniature golf Tournament 2014

Japanese Language School in SoCal

http://www.kyodosystem.org/

The Kyodo System runs a set of Japanese Language Schools. All campuses have classes for kids, and some have classes for adults too.

My daughter went to Rafu Chuo Gakuen from 3 years old to 18 years old almost every Saturday. From Preschool through High School.


http://pjci.org/
The PJCI, where we have our kyudo classes on Saturday Night also hosts the Pasadena Gakuen. Another Kyodo System School.
http://www.kyodosystem.org/school-locations/pasadena-gakuen/


www.nankakyudokai.org

School Locations

For any other questions, contact Kyodo System Administrative Office during weekdays and Saturday at at (213) 383-4706.

	VALLEY GAKUEN (Elementary, Jr. & Sr. High School) 8850 Lankershim Blvd.,Sun Valley, CA 91352 Phone: (818) 504-0959 (Saturday)
	PASADENA GAKUEN (Elementary/ Jr. High School) 595 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 Phone: (626) 405-2321 (Saturday)
	RAFU CHUO GAKUEN (Preschool, Elementary, Jr. & Sr. High School) 202 N. Saratoga Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 Phone: (323) 268-4955 (Saturday)
	Kyodo System Headquarters (Elementary, Jr. & Sr. High, Cultural Classes) 1218 Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006 Phone: (213) 383-4706
	DAIICHI GAKUEN IRVINE (Elementary, Jr. & Sr. High School) 23802 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (St. Goerge’s Church) Phone: (213) 383-4706

Full moon 2-16-2014

A very bright full moon greeted me this morning as I opened the front door.

Sushi in Padadena

Had Sushi at 0-2 Sushi in Pasadena.
Eastside of Old Town Pasadena across the street from the mall.
$3.00 weekend parking behind the restaurant. Cash Only though for Parking

No Combos or specials on weekends ):
The ability to roll, and the rice itself, were just ok;
But the quality of the fish and ingredients were superb.
Price was mid to high range, but the quality of the ingredients makes it worthwhile.
I'll go back.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/o2-sushi-pasadena?start=40

Japanese Garden at the Huntington

Though not exactly the most authentic Japanese Garden, the one at the Huntington Library/Garden remains one of my favorites.

http://www.huntington.org/

Zazen - Seated Meditation in Mount Washington California

Zazen (seated meditation) and Dokkyo (Chanting) at Kanzeonji 961 Terrace 49, Mount Washington, CA 90042. Saturdays 6:30am to 8:30am

www.zenyoga.org

Flower Arrangement in Pasadena

PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.


www.pjci.org

The PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cutural Institute is where I spend my Saturday nights doing Kyudo - Japanese Zen Achery.

In addition to Kyudo, The PJCI has a whole variety of traditional Japanese arts. They even have Japanese Language Classes for kids and adults.