February 12 | 13 | 14 a > b >c | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

February 14th
We're staying at a traditional Japanese Hotel with hot springs baths. They serve a traditional Japanese breakfast.

It has been snowing, nearly continuously since we got here. Last night, there was 10 inches, with another 6 accumulating during the day. Never get a white rental car in Niigata in winter - too hard to find under the snow!

This picture was taken out the front windshield as we drove to Jinbei Koi Farm. The funny looking structures you see in the upper right are guards to keep the snow on the hill from falling down and closing the road.

Next, we visit Miyatora Koi Farm, where Carl, Masaharu and Katsunori Miya are discussing a 80cm tancho kohaku from the main display pond.

So many excellent fish to choose from! Masaharu and Katsunori outside the Koi greenhouse.

First it was manhole covers - now it's garage doors! Everything is KOI! This is the garage door at Izumiya Koi Farm.

Inside the garage is the stable with a bull - no kidding! Very large, very black, and very impressive! Karasu Bull - new variety? (continues>>)