Last additions - Chiyoda-ku 千代田区 |
Former post used in the old Kyobashi Bridge during the Meiji Period.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Crane Fountain.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Crane water fountain at Kumogata Pond in Hibiya Park. This is Japan's third oldest water fountain sculpture.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Kumogata PondNov 28, 2010
|
|
Kumogata Pond (Cloud-shaped Pond) at Hibiya Park in autumn. 雲形池Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Wisteria vines shade a few benches fronting Kumogata Pond. Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Another area of Hibiya Park is here at Kumogata Pond. Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Bonsai chrysanthemum.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The original chrysanthemums.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Golden chrysanthemums.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Golden chrysanthemums were impressive.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park, Tokyo.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
This looks more like something you would find in a tropical ocean.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Spikey flower.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Bonsai chrysanthemum modeled after Hakone.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Bonsai chrysanthemum.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Very beautiful and subtle color tones.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Two-tone flowers are also quite common and very beautiful. Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
This is the original species of chrysanthemum. The Imperial family crest is also based on this species of chrysanthemum which was introduced to Japan from China.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Bonsai chrysanthemums.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
More racks of chrysanthemums.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Tokyo Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The shapes, sizes, and colors are so incredibly varied.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The breeders/growers belong to chrysanthemum clubs or associations which participate in competitions like this one.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
I was told that most breeders are older folk, in their 60s and 70s. Young people are not taking it up.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The results can be quite spectacular or subtle. Chrysanthemums are called "kiku" in Japanese. The ordinary chrysanthemums sold by your neighborhood flower shop are mainly used for funerals or memorial services.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
There are numerous varieties of the chrysanthemum and breeders create new species each year. It's like orchid breeders.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The Tokyo Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park was a competition among world-class growers and breeders. The best flowers receive various award ribbons.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The Chrysanthemum Show was held in this grassy area next to the tennis courts. There were a good number of shacks housing the flowers.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
During most of Nov., the annual Tokyo-to Kanko Kikka Taikai or Chrysanthemum Show is held. An incredible variety of this revered flower is on display. One of Tokyo's best chrysanthemum shows in autumn.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Roses in Hibiya Park, Tokyo.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
In Nov., a variety of roses bloom in Hibiya Park.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
View of the garden from a bench.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nice place to have lunch for nearby office workers.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
There is a flower bed at each of the four corners of the German-style sunken garden.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Keep off the grass. This is actually a German-style sunken garden.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Pelican Fountain.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
But you have to keep off the grass.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
The first grassy lawn you'll see in Hibiya Park, called Flower Garden No. 1.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Shinji Pond as seen from atop the castle stone wall.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
On top of the stone wall are benches overlooking Shinji Pond.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Stone wall and Shinji-ike Pond.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Shinji Pond. 心字池Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Stone wall of castle gate.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Stone wall of a former gate of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace). There are steps to go to the top of this wall.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
About Hibiya Park in English. Hibiya Park opened in 1903 as Japan's first Western-style (mainly German) park. During the Edo Period, it used to be the Tokyo residence of important daimyos.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
Map of Hibiya Park. It's a medium-size park with different areas with ponds, grassy lawns, benches, outdoor stage and concert amphitheater, and tennis courtsNov 28, 2010
|
|
Entrance to Hibiya Park near the Imperial Palace and Ginze. One of Tokyo's most centrally-located parks. Free admission.Nov 28, 2010
|
|
There was also singer providing music in the background.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Floating lanterns in Chidorigafuchi moat.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Pretty at night with all the lanterns in the Chidorigafuchi moat.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Finally, it got dark enough to start releasing the candlelit floating lanterns into the moat.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Yukata girls in a rowboat.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
People on rowboats in the moat await darkness.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
In Japanese, the festival is called Chiyoda-ku Noryo no Yuube. 千代田区納涼の夕べMar 27, 2010
|
|
On July 13, 2009, I went to see the floating lantern festival held on the Chidorigafuchi moat.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Rowing a boat while dressed in yukata.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
By Sept. 2009, over half of the old Daimaru building was well removed.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
By March 2009, the old Daimaru building was being demolished while totally hidden from view. We could still walk below the structure to enter the station.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
I shall miss the old Daimaru Dept. Store.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
In fall 2008, they started to build scaffolding around the old Daimaru Dept Store building on the Yaesu side. By this time, the building was empty.Mar 27, 2010
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Heavyweight judo Olympic gold medalist Satoshi Ishii (石井 慧) was also at Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, 2009. He was very kind and signed autographs, shook hands, and took photos with a lot of people.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Praying at Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Worshippers at Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Worshippers at Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Worshippers at Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
They march up to the end of the line of worshippers lined up to pray at the shrine. Then they turn around and head back.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
On Aug. 15 at Yasukuni Shrine, you can see former soldiers and nationalists dressed in military uniform marching in the shrine.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
On Aug. 15 at Yasukuni Shrine, you can see former soldiers and nationalists dressed in military uniform marching in the shrine.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
On Aug. 15 at Yasukuni Shrine, you can see former soldiers and nationalists dressed in military uniform marching in the shrine.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Rising Sun flagAug 15, 2009
|
|
Police bus.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
On Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender and the end of World War II, Yasukuni Shrine is a busy with worshippers and police. These are police buses.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
From Kudanshita Station to the first torii, the path is jammed with political activists not even related to the war or shrine.Aug 15, 2009
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Pikachu, Astro Boy, DoraemonDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Anybody who knows the names of these characters are welcome to enlighten me...Dec 11, 2007
|
|
SakuraDec 11, 2007
|
|
Merry ChristmasDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Redhead in school uniformDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Goldilocks?Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Space teen?Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
School uniformDec 11, 2007
|
|
Big expressive eyes.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Blue ponytailsDec 11, 2007
|
|
Straight black hair is pretty too.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Silver hairDec 11, 2007
|
|
Tokyo Anime CenterDec 11, 2007
|
|
Many life-size costumed characters on display.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Tokyo Anime Center, AkihabaraDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Welcome!Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Maids, the costume rage in Japan for several years already.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Maids to greet youDec 11, 2007
|
|
Anime filmDec 11, 2007
|
|
Anpan ManDec 11, 2007
|
|
Display case of dolls and cellsDec 11, 2007
|
|
Near JR Akihabara Station is a new building called Akihabara UDX (Crossfield). On the 4th floor is this Tokyo Anime Center which has anime displays, a theater, and voice acting recording studio. Free admission.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Yodobashi-Akiba at nightDec 11, 2007
|
|
Street performer near Yodobashi-Akiba, the largest store in Akihabara.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Yodobashi-Akiba, the largest store in Akihabara. Major camera, computer, and electronics store.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
These girls usually have a lookout man who watches out for the cops. As soon as he sees one coming, he runs up to her and gives the "Outta here" signal. They're gone before the police can even see them. It's a constant cat and mouse gameDec 11, 2007
|
|
A miniskirted pairDec 11, 2007
|
|
Street performerDec 11, 2007
|
|
Crosswalk to YodobashiDec 11, 2007
|
|
She says that it was her first "Street live performance" (rojo raibu).Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Her setup is simple. A portable and battery-powered amplifier connected to a microphone. The amp is on a luggage cart. When the police comes, she can pack up and leave within 5 sec.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
JR Akihabara Station's new Central entrance (Yodobashi on the left)Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Sign says "No street performances allowed."Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Street singer in front of JR Akihabara Station's new Central entranceDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Yodobashi-Akiba, the largest store in Akihabara. Major camera, computer, and electronics store. A favorite store for photographers in Japan.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
The problem is that the police patrol the main drag to expel these street performers. It is not allowed. It would be the Japanese police to try and kill Japan's street culture.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Inside JR Akihabara Station's new Central entrance. Very nice, very spacious.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Street singer in front of JR Akihabara Station's new Central entrance. A cute face and miniskirt really help to gather a crowd.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
JR Akihabara Station's new Central entrance faces Yodobashi camera shop.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Cosplayer teenager posing on the road.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Bus stop near JR Akihabara Station's new Central entranceDec 11, 2007
|
|
They sing on the street to advertise something, usually a night club where they appear.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Developed area next to Akihabara Station. Once upon a time, this used to be a wholesale area for fruit. Then an outdoor basketball/skateboard court.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
The ever-popular maid outfit.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
On Sundays, the main drag is closed off to vehicular traffic, allowing us pedestrians to walk on the road.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Another one is happy to sing while a horde of amateur photographers click away.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Maids attract much attention so they are used as living billboards for stores and whatever needs to be advertised in Akihabara.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
More fall leaves in AkihabaraDec 11, 2007
|
|
It's also when some street performers start to sing.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Inside Don Quixote, Akihabara storeDec 11, 2007
|
|
Here's a cutie trying to gather attention.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Former site of Mitsubishi Bank to be transformed soon. This is also the intersection where Tomohiro Kato ran a truck through to hit and kill three pedestrians and went on a street rampage with a knife killing four others on June 8, 2008.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Akiba Square in the new Akihabara UDX (Crossfield) building next to Akihabara Station.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Don Quixote in the huge building which used to be Minami Denki.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Robotics exhibit in Akiba SquareDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Akihabara is also undergoing a major physical transformation with the new Tsukuba Express train line, a revamped Akihabara Station, Yodobashi, and several skyscrapers.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Akihabara has undergone a few transformations over the decades. From general electronics, to computers, and now anime and video games.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Other side of Akihabara StationDec 11, 2007
|
|
In autumn, we see fall leaves, a most appropriate sight in Akihabara because "Akihabara" means "Autumn leaves field."Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Going down the main drag (Chuo-dori) of Akihabara.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Large and small electronics shops line the main drag on both sides.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Train bridge to Akihabara StationDec 11, 2007
|
|
One stall in Radio Center.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Under the train bridge is "Radio Center," a cluster of many little stalls selling electronic parts.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Inside Radio Center, where many teens (and future electronics engineers) bought their parts to build their first radio or motor or whatever.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Train bridgeDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Main drag of AkihabaraDec 11, 2007
|
|
Train bridgeDec 11, 2007
|
|
Coming out of Akihabara StationDec 11, 2007
|
|
Dec 11, 2007
|
|
Santa suit appears in Dec.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
The maid costume is all the rage in Japan, for several years now.Dec 11, 2007
|
|
They are happy to pose...Dec 11, 2007
|
|
1556 files on 7 page(s) |
|
|
4 | |
|
|