Steve's Genealogy Blog

Rare Birds at Ryugado Cave in Kōchi, Japan

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Steve

At the exit to Ryugado Cave in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan stands the Rare Bird Center. I don’t know the breeds to which these chickens belong, but they are interesting to see.

Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster - 1 — **Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster – 1**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster - 2 — **Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster – 2**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Long-Tailed Rooster – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ryugado Cave Rare Birds - 1 — **Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 1**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ryugado Cave Rare Birds - 2 — **Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 2**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ryugado Cave Rare Birds - 3 — **Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 3**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Rare Birds – 3 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Special Features in Ryugado Cave in Kōchi, Japan

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Steve

Like many other caves, Ryugado Cave holds many special features, including waterfalls and named limestone formations.

**Ryugado Cave Beaded Screen Waterfall**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Beaded Screen Waterfall (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ryugado Cave Back View Waterfall**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Back View Waterfall (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ryugado Cave Dragon's Mouth — **Ryugado Cave Dragon’s Mouth**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Dragon’s Mouth (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ryugado Cave Memorial Waterfall**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Memorial Waterfall (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ryugado Cave House of the Seven Lucky Gods**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave House of the Seven Lucky Gods (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ryugado Cave Vase of the Gods (Kami-no-Tubo)**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Vase of the Gods (Kami-no-Tubu) (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ryugado Cave Dwelling Room**
SOURCE: Ryugado Cave Dwelling Room (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Inside Ryugado Cave in Kōchi, Japan

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Steve

Ryugado Cave in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan, like other limestone caves, includes interesting rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites.

Inside Ryugado Cave - 1 — **Inside Ryugado Cave – 1**
SOURCE: Inside Ryugado Cave – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Inside Ryugado Cave - 2 — **Inside Ryugado Cave – 2**
SOURCE: Inside Ryugado Cave – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Inside Ryugado Cave - 3 — **Inside Ryugado Cave – 3**
SOURCE: Inside Ryugado Cave – 3 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Inside Ryugado Cave - 4 — **Inside Ryugado Cave – 4**
SOURCE: Inside Ryugado Cave – 4 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Inside Ryugado Cave - 5 — **Inside Ryugado Cave – 5**
SOURCE: Inside Ryugado Cave – 5 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Ryugado Cave in Kōchi, Japan

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Steve

Ryugado Cave is located on Mount Sampo in Kōchi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan. The facility is open to the public and includes a sightseeing route (a relatively easy course, which I took) and an adventure route (with a guide through rougher areas of the caves).

In addition to the cave itself, the facility also houses a rare bird center, a museum, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

**Entrance to Ryugado Cave**
SOURCE: Entrance to Ryugado Cave (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Woods Around Ryugado Cave**
SOURCE: Woods Around Ryugado Cave (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Statue Outside Ryugado Cave**
SOURCE: Statue Outside Ryugado Cave (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Shrine Inside Ryugado Cave**
SOURCE: Shrine Inside Ryugado Cave (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Monument Inside Ryugado Cave**
SOURCE: Monument Inside Ryugado Cave (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Kōchi Castle – Dioramas

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Steve

Throughout the main building, there are dioramas depicting feudal life at Kōchi Castle. The last photo in this group is an exterior view from the top of the tower at the castle. It isn’t one of the dioramas, but it looks like it could be!

Kōchi Castle Diorama - 1 — **Kōchi Castle Diorama – 1**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Diorama – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Kōchi Castle Diorama - 2 — **Kōchi Castle Diorama – 2**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Diorama – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Kōchi Castle Diorama - 3 — **Kōchi Castle Diorama – 3**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Diorama – 3 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Kōchi Castle Diorama - 4 — **Kōchi Castle Diorama – 4**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Diorama – 4 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Kōchi Castle Diorama - 5 — **Kōchi Castle Diorama – 5**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Diorama – 5 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**View from the Tower of Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: View from the Tower of Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Kōchi Castle – Interiors

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Steve

The Kaitokukan (reception area and living quarters) of Kōchi Castle was constructed on top of Otakassa Hill with a five-story tower that provides a remarkable view. The Kaitokukan and tower were constructed in the Shoin style of the Edo period.

The structure, which is open to visitors, houses artifacts related to Kōchi Castle.

Sun-no-Maro Transom - Ducks with Arrowhead — **Sun-no-Maro Transom – Ducks with Arrowhead**
SOURCE: Sun-no-Maro Transom – Ducks with Arrowhead (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Sun-no-Maro Transom - Lotus Roots in Water — **Sun-no-Maro Transom – Lotus Roots in Water**
SOURCE: Sun-no-Maro Transom – Lotus Roots in Water (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Palanquin at Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Palanquin at Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Design of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle (Shoin-Zukuri)**
SOURCE: Design of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle (Shoin-Zukuri) (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle - 1 — **Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle – 1**
SOURCE: Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle - 2 — **Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle – 2**
SOURCE: Interior of Kaitokukan at Kōchi Castle – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Room for Making Tea at Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Room for Making Tea at Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Costume for Chiyo in the Film "Komyogatsuji" — **Costume for Chiyo in the Film “Komyogatsuji”**
SOURCE: Costume for Chiyo in the Film “Komyogatsuji” (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Poster for the Film "Komyogatsuji" — **Poster for the Film “Komyogatsuji”**
SOURCE: Poster for the Film “Komyogatsuji” (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Kōchi Castle – Exteriors

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Steve

The original fortress of Kōchi Castle was reconstructed between 1729 and 1753 in the original style after a fire in 1727. Major restorations to the castle were completed between 1948 and 1959. Kōchi Castle is one of only twelve intact castles in Japan. All the original structures in the honmaru (core of the castle) still exist.

Kōchi Castle Exterior - 1 — **Kōchi Castle Exterior – 1**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Exterior – 1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Kōchi Castle Exterior - 2 — **Kōchi Castle Exterior – 2**
SOURCE: Kōchi Castle Exterior – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Bell House at Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Bell House at Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Black Iron Gate at Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Black Iron Gate at Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Barracks at Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Barracks at Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Azalea in the Garden of Kōchi Castle**
SOURCE: Azalea in the Garden of Kōchi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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Kōchi Castle – Ōte-mon, Bronze Statues, and Monuments

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Steve

Kōchi Castle was built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. The castle was completed in 1611.

The bronze statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo on his horse stands outside the ōte-mon (main gate), while a bronze statue of Itagaki Taisuke overlooks the interior of the ōte-mon. A statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo’s wife Chiyo with the horse she bought for her husband stands further inside the walls. Other monuments, including one for a doctor and another for someone’s wife are scattered throughout the grounds.

**Canal Near Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle**
SOURCE: Canal Near Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle – 1**
SOURCE: Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle -1 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle - 2 — **Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle – 2**
SOURCE: Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle – 2 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle - 3 — **Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle – 3**
SOURCE: Ōte-mon of Kochi Castle – 3 (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Bronze Statue of Itagaki Taisuke Overlooking Kochi Castle Ōte-mon**
SOURCE: Bronze Statue of Itagaki Taisuke Overlooking Kochi Castle Ōte-mon (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

Bronze Statue of Chiyo, Wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo (with her Husband's Horse) — **Bronze Statue of Chiyo, Wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo (with her Husband’s Horse)**
SOURCE: Bronze Statue of Chiyo, Wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo (with her Husband’s Horse) (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Monument to a Doctor**
SOURCE: Monument to a Doctor (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

**Monument to a Departed Wife**
SOURCE: Monument to a Departed Wife (Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 April 2019.

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The Master-of-Nets Garden: Exteriors

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Steve

The Master-of-Nets Garden in Suzhou, People’s Republic of China is really a series of gardens within a garden. All rooms in the structure exit to a garden.

**Bonsai**
SOURCE: Bonsai (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Bonsai with Rocks**
SOURCE: Bonsai with Rocks (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Bonsai Terrace**
SOURCE: Bonsai Terrace (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Crane Mosaic Paving**
SOURCE: Crane Mosaic Paving (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

Beauty Within Reach Tower - Exterior — **Beauty Within Reach Tower – Exterior**
SOURCE: Beauty Within Reach Tower – Exterior (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Garden Passage**
SOURCE: Garden Passage (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Master-of-Nets Garden**
SOURCE: Master-of-Nets Garden (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

Rock Grotto - 1 — **Rock Grotto – 1**
SOURCE: Rock Grotto – 1 (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

Rock Grotto - 2 — **Rock Grotto – 2**
SOURCE: Rock Grotto – 2 (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Rocky Terrace**
SOURCE: Rocky Terrace (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

**Stone Obelisk**
SOURCE: Stone Obelisk (Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 April 2019.

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The Master-of-Nets-Garden: Interiors

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Steve

The pavilions and halls of the Master-of-Nets Garden in Suzhou, People’s Republic of China are elegant, peaceful places for reflection, study, meditation, and entertaining.guests.