Jardins Secrets de Vaulx
The Jardins Secrets (Secret Gardens) are a private garden and residence in Vaulx, near Annecy in Haute-Savoie. It was built over 30 years by one man and his family. It can be visited from April to October.
Pays de l'Albanais
The Pays de l’Albanais is the region of Haute-Savoie between Lac d’Annecy and Lac du Bourget. Among the interesting things to do in the area are visiting the Jardins Secrets in Vaulx, the Gorges of the river Fier and the castle of Montrottier.
Hike to Taillefer & Montagne d'Entrevernes
The Taillefer (in the foreground on the photo above, taken from the Ermitage de Saint-Germain) and the Montagne d’Entrevernes (background) are mountains in the Bauges Massif, on the western shore of Lac d’Annecy. This page details an itinerary similar to the one that I followed (except that, at Col de la Cochette, I stayed on the ridge instead of going down on the other side).
Hike to Mont Veyrier & Mont Baron
Mont Veyrier dominates the north-east side of Lake Annecy. This article describes the itinerary that I followed.
Hike to Pointe de la Rochette & Rocher du Roux
After returning from Japan, I spent the summer in Annecy, in the mountainous Haute-Savoie area of France. For my first hike, I went to Pointe de la Rochette and Rocher du Roux (actually, just a viewpoint nearby), near La Tournette (the highest mountain bordering Lake Annecy) in the Bornes Massif.
Last post about Japan: Tokyo people
I had to leave Japan at the end of my 1 year Working Holiday Visa, which made me sad… Anyway, I mostly posted pictures of buildings or landscapes until now, so for my last post about my stay in Japan, here are a few pictures of the people of Tokyo.
Narita Airport
Narita Airport is the primary international airport for the region of Tokyo. It is located in Chiba prefecture. It has a nice observation deck to watch planes landing and taking off from up close.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
On my last full day in Japan, I checked out early from my apartment in Tokyo and headed to a hotel next to the airport in Narita (Chiba prefecture). I then spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around Narita. The main highlight of the city is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: It is a large buddhist temple dedicated to Fudo Myo. Besides the temple buildings, Naritasan is famous for its Gion festival, held every summer, its massive Great Pagoda of Peace and a large garden.
Sunset at Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal
Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル) is the Tokyo terminal for international cruise ships. It is located in Tokyo Bay at the southern tip of Harumi Island. It has one of the best views on Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge in the city. There is a viewing platform on the 6th floor but it was closed when I was there.
Hydrangea & cats at Hakusan Shrine
Hakusan Jinja (白山神社) is a shinto shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo. It is especially popular in early June when it holds its annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (文京あじさいまつり). I was too early for the best viewing but there were still a few flowers (and a lot of cats) when I visited.