Pictures of women in kimono taken from various albums.

5 files, last one added on Nov 24, 2006, 87 linked files, 92 files total
Album viewed 112 times

Pictures of geisha from various albums. Random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 67 linked files, 68 files total
Album viewed 134 times

Women at various festivals. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 83 linked files, 84 files total
Album viewed 54 times

Pictures of samurai, people dressed as samurai, and other related images from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 66 linked files, 67 files total
Album viewed 37 times

Fashion models, trade show attendants, etc.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 34 linked files, 35 files total
Album viewed 40 times

Pictures of sexy women from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP.

5 files, last one added on Mar 26, 2007, 58 linked files, 63 files total
Album viewed 835 times

Costume players dressed as manga, anime, or video game characters.

24 files, last one added on Jul 15, 2009, 32 linked files, 56 files total
Album viewed 28 times

Pictures of junior high and high school students taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 18 linked files, 19 files total
Album viewed 44 times

Cute children and children in kimono from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 116 linked files, 117 files total
Album viewed 19 times

Pictures of famous people in Japan from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 38 linked files, 39 files total
Album viewed 22 times

Top sumo wrestlers from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 72 linked files, 73 files total
Album viewed 35 times

Sports athletes including martial artists (except sumo).

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 25 linked files, 26 files total
Album viewed 20 times

Pictures of shrine and temple priests from various albums.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 34 linked files, 35 files total
Album viewed 13 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in January. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 14 linked files, 15 files total
Album viewed 15 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Feb. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 39 linked files, 40 files total
Album viewed 16 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Mar. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 31 linked files, 32 files total
Album viewed 14 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Apr. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 59 linked files, 60 files total
Album viewed 77 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in May. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 83 linked files, 84 files total
Album viewed 19 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in June. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 17 linked files, 18 files total
Album viewed 22 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in July. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 38 linked files, 39 files total
Album viewed 33 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Aug. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 68 linked files, 69 files total
Album viewed 31 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Sept. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 30 linked files, 31 files total
Album viewed 25 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Oct. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 22 linked files, 23 files total
Album viewed 18 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Nov. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 19 linked files, 20 files total
Album viewed 23 times

Pictures of Japanese festivals held in Dec. The images are taken from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP and are in random order.

1 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2006, 15 linked files, 16 files total
Album viewed 13 times

Pictures of Japanese castles from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP. Click on a thumbnail to see more photos of that castle.

1 files, last one added on Mar 16, 2006, 107 linked files, 108 files total
Album viewed 74 times

Random pictures of Shinto shrines and torii from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 82 linked files, 83 files total
Album viewed 26 times

Random pictures of Buddhist temples from various albums at PHOTOGUIDE.JP.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 117 linked files, 118 files total
Album viewed 28 times

Pictures of homes, palaces, and villas from various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 67 linked files, 68 files total
Album viewed 18 times

Pictures of other buildings in Japan.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 34 linked files, 35 files total
Album viewed 15 times

Photos of mountains in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 17 linked files, 18 files total
Album viewed 16 times

Photos of lakes and ponds in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 18 linked files, 19 files total
Album viewed 6 times

Photos of the ocean, coasts, and beaches in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 13 linked files, 14 files total
Album viewed 12 times

Photos of rivers nad waterfalls in Japan. In random order taken from various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 18 linked files, 19 files total
Album viewed 9 times

Photos of gardens and trees in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 26 linked files, 27 files total
Album viewed 9 times

Photos of flowers in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

13 files, last one added on Jan 02, 2007, 90 linked files, 103 files total
Album viewed 19 times

Photos of Japan's National Parks taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 20 linked files, 21 files total
Album viewed 7 times

Photos of wildlife in Japan taken from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 30 linked files, 31 files total
Album viewed 9 times

Photos of spring in Japan. From various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 41 linked files, 42 files total
Album viewed 12 times

Photos of summer in Japan. From various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 10 linked files, 11 files total
Album viewed 12 times

Photos of autumn in Japan. From various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 24 linked files, 25 files total
Album viewed 11 times

Photos of winter in Japan. From various albums.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 23 linked files, 24 files total
Album viewed 14 times

Photos of sculpture from various albums. In random order.

2 files, last one added on Sep 11, 2009, 115 linked files, 117 files total
Album viewed 30 times

Photos of paintings from various albums. In random order.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 21 linked files, 22 files total
Album viewed 10 times

The 2nd World Baseball Classic's Asia Round was held in March 2009. This game was between Korea and China on March 8, 2009 at Tokyo Dome.

34 files, last one added on Mar 22, 2009
Album viewed 1 times

The first WBC game in the Asia Round kicked off on March 3, 2006 at Tokyo Dome. In the second game that day, Japan played and defeated its first opponent, China. The main attraction was Ichiro.

21 files, last one added on Mar 10, 2006
Album viewed 6 times

Pictures of fans attending the 2002 World Cup soccer games in Osaka, Kobe, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (Brazil vs. England on on June 21, 2002), and the final match at International Stadium in Yokohama on June 30, 2002 (Brazil vs. Germany). Photos taken by Kjeld Duits, Mariko Hinaga, and Philbert Ono.

47 files, last one added on Sep 16, 2008
Album viewed 11 times

Photos of competitive college rowers at major rowing races, especially at Lake Biwa.

1 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2008, 49 linked files, 50 files total
Album viewed 9 times

Built in 1985, the Ryogoku Kokugikan is a modern, spacious, and well-designed sumo arena where three of the six Grand Sumo tournaments are held. In January, May, and September, Tokyoites can see sumo live and enjoy numerous things inside the facility.

59 files, last one added on Apr 17, 2006
Album viewed 8 times

Photos of a Grand Sumo Tournament. These pictures aim to give you an idea of what you see at a real sumo tournament at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. The colorful ring-entering ceremony by the top two divisions (Makunouchi and Juryo) as well as by the yokozuna. See a few sumo matches fought by foreign wrestlers as well.

136 files, last one added on Feb 22, 2009
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On Oct. 17, 2008, the Ozumo Maibara Basho exhibition sumo tournament was held at Green Park Santo in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture. Most of the famous sumo stars came and showed their stuff including Yokozuna Hakuho; Ozeki Chiyotaikai, Kotomitsuki, Kotooshu, and Kaio; Takamisakari, Baruto, Kisenosato, and Homasho. It has been nine years since they came to Shiga for an exhibition tournament.

134 files, last one added on Nov 08, 2008
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Yokozuna Musashimaru, the last of the Hawaiian sumo greats, held his retirement ceremony on Oct. 2, 2004 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. His departure marks the end of the Hawaii's Golden Age of Sumo. For the first time since 1968, sumo in Japan is without a wrestler from Hawaii. Also see the video at YouTube.

97 files, last one added on Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo practice at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Ryogoku, Tokyo. The practice, held before the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, was open to the public on April 29, 2005. Surprisingly, about 8,000 people attended, taking advantage of free admission. Also see the video at YouTube.

33 files, last one added on May 03, 2005
Album viewed 14 times

Pictures of Japanese food.

34 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2009, 24 linked files, 58 files total
Album viewed 20 times

Japanese sweets, desserts, and confections.

4 files, last one added on Jan 01, 2007, 1 linked files, 5 files total
Album viewed 10 times

One of the enduring symbols of Japan, the geisha and maiko were very popular subjects for tourist postcards at the turn of the 20th century. Here are some postcards showing geisha (called geiko in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha). Includes postcards of my favorite girl, the Laughing Geisha.

72 files, last one added on Sep 19, 2008
Album viewed 123 times

You've heard it before: "The most important bilateral relationship in the world." (According to the late US Ambassador to Japan, Mike Mansfield.) Well, for me it's very important because of my dual Japanese and American heritage. With these postcards, I've traced some of the history of Japan-U.S. relations starting with Commodore Mathew Perry's landing in 1853.

22 files, last one added on Sep 19, 2008
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Other vintage postcards in my collection include Japanese children and scenic views. Children were another facet of Japan that fascinated early foreign tourists in Japan. Children dressed in kimono and those babysitting their younger siblings were the most popular. Most of the scenic cards are oil-painted. (If I could paint, I would rather be a painter than a photographer.)

22 files, last one added on Sep 19, 2008
Album viewed 50 times

A quick, illustrated introduction to Japanese postcards. It centers on how to date vintage postcards by checking postmarks and other characteristics.

12 files, last one added on Sep 19, 2008
Album viewed 42 times

Gamagori's main attraction is this small island accessible by bridge.

5 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
Album viewed 21 times

Hazu-cho is a coastal town next to Gamagori. There are two small islands which used to be accessible by boat. One was nicknamed Rabbit (Usagi) island and the other was Monkey (Saru) island.

11 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
Album viewed 7 times

Konomiya Shrine holds the Hadaka (Naked or Nude) Festival in early March, or Jan. 13 of the lunar calendar. Men in loincloths parade around the streets until they reach the shrine. A Sacred Man (Shin-otoko) also appears in the shrine and the men try to touch him before he slips into the shrine's window. The festival's real name is Naoi-shinji 儺追神事 which is a rite to dispel bad luck.

68 files, last one added on Mar 08, 2007
Album viewed 52 times

Perched on a mountain on the bank of Kiso River, Inuyama Castle is one of four castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure. First built in 1537, it is Japan's oldest surviving castle. It is also the only privately owned castle in Japan.

47 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
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Shrine famous for worshipping a rock shaped like the female sexual organ. It also holds the Honen Matsuri for a good harvest and fertility on the Sunday before March 15. It is the female counterpart to Tagata Shrine which worships the phallus in neighboring Komaki. The shrine is also noted for weeping plum blossoms.

60 files, last one added on Mar 14, 2007
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Other sights in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture.

18 files, last one added on Jan 21, 2006
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Between Nagoya and Gifu, this castle reconstructed in 1989 can be seen from the train on the Tokaido Line. It was one of Oda Nobunaga's strategic castles to unify Japan.

74 files, last one added on Feb 15, 2009
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The Honen-sai or Honen (Hounen) Matsuri is held by Tagata Jinja on March 15 to pray for an abundant harvest. "Honen" literally means "Year of abudant harvest." Since a giant penis is used as an offering, it is popularly called the "penis festival." Also see the video at YouTube.

120 files, last one added on Mar 17, 2007
Album viewed 66 times

Shrine famous for numerous phallic objects used as offerings to the gods. The 1500-year-old shrine worships a deity called Tamahime-no-Mikoto who was a daughter of a powerful local lord from the 5th century. The shrine is near Tagata Jinja-mae Station on the Meitetsu Railways' Komaki Line. From Shin-Nagoya Station or Shin-Gifu Station, go to Inuyama Station and transfer to the Komaki Line.

36 files, last one added on Mar 20, 2007
Album viewed 19 times

The Aichi Expo 2005 was held from March 25 to September 25, 2005 at three locations in Aichi Prefecture. The main site was at Nagakute where these photos were taken. The theme of the Expo was "Nature's Wisdom," with Japanese and international pavilions showing nature, ecology, and Earth-related exhibits. Over 22 million people visited the expo which was quite crowded at times.

101 files, last one added on Feb 16, 2009
Album viewed 3 times

Originally built in 1612 by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu and suffering major destruction during World War II, Nagoya Castle was reconstructed in 1959.

58 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2006
Album viewed 15 times

Atsuta Jingu is one of Japan's most important shrines dedicated to Atsuta-no-Ookami or Amaterasu-Oomikami, represented by the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi which is one of the three sacred treasures of the Imperial family. It ranks second behind Grand Shrines of Ise in Mie Prefecture. On Jan. 1, 2008, I visited this shrine along with huge crowds.

61 files, last one added on Feb 17, 2009
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Osu is a famous area in Nagoya, centering on Osu Kannon Temple amid numerous shopping arcades.

27 files, last one added on Feb 16, 2009
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Originally built in 1455, Okazaki Castle was dismantled during the Meiji Period and the area was made into a castle park. The castle tower was later rebuilt in 1959.

6 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
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Originally built by lord Ujichika Imagawa in 1505 as Imahashi Castle, it was renamed Yoshida Castle. It is now within Toyohashi Park. Only a turret was rebuilt in 1954.

1 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
Album viewed 3 times

One of the Big Three Festivals in Tohoku, this matsuri has men in happi coats balancing tall paper lantern-bedecked bamboo poles, called kanto, on their foreheads, shoulders, hand palms, or hips.

16 files, last one added on Jul 16, 2006
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Kubota Castle was what started Akita city. It is right near Akita Station.

2 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2006
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Other sights in Akita city.

2 files, last one added on Jul 17, 2006
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Held during Aug. 2-7, this matsuri features Nebuta floats which are giant, wire-frame, paper lanterns shaped in various legendary and macho characters such as samurai warriors, demons, and gods. They are dramatically illuminated from the inside and paraded on the streets at night.

18 files, last one added on Jul 16, 2006
Album viewed 9 times

Held during Aug. 1-7, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri is without the rowdiness of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. Instead of the haneto, there are many children pulling the floats with ropes.

20 files, last one added on Jul 16, 2006
Album viewed 10 times

Originally built in 1611 by Lord Tsugaru Nobuhira, Hirosaki Castle's current donjon was rebuilt in 1810. Although the structure is small, it is a well-known architectural work. In 1895, the castle was made public and the castle park has become one of Japan's famous sites for cherry blossoms.

4 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
Album viewed 7 times

Chiba Castle is within Inohana Park 亥鼻公園 which is noted for cherry blossoms in spring. The reconstructed castle tower is a Folk Museum tracing the history of the Chiba clan who ruled Chiba during the 15th and 16th centuries.

44 files, last one added on Apr 14, 2006
Album viewed 22 times

Great place to see a lot of weeping cherry blossoms showering the small pond. Over 600 cherry trees. About a 10-min. walk from Chba Station or one stop via monorail to Chiba Koen Station.

55 files, last one added on Apr 14, 2006
Album viewed 18 times

Other sights include Chiba Station, the monorail, and prefectural capital.

19 files, last one added on Apr 15, 2006
Album viewed 12 times

Also called the Hadaka (Nude) Matsuri, this annual festival is held by Tamasaki Shrine near Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station (JR Sotobo Line). On Sept. 13, 2009 (Sun.), the main festival day, portable shrines from twelve shrines (junisha) in the same area are paraded and rushed to the beach with hundreds of people surrounding each one. They run with the portable shrine. At the beach in ankle-deep water, they jostle and toss the mikoshi in the air. In the evening, they return to town near the train station and parade the shrines again. Also see my video at YouTube.

103 files, last one added on Jun 06, 2010
Album viewed 59 times

This annual festival is held in Ohara on Sept. 23-24, climaxing with many people carrying portable shrines into the ocean. Portable shrines from 18 shrines in the area join in the festival. "Hadaka" means nude, but no one is nude. They go into the ocean only on the 23rd. These photos were taken on Sept. 23, 2004. Also see the video at YouTube.

38 files, last one added on Sep 08, 2006
Album viewed 10 times

The small coastal town of Katsuura holds one of Japan's most impressive hina matsuri doll festival during late Feb. to early March. A whopping 25,000 hina ningyo dolls are displayed all over town.

110 files, last one added on Mar 04, 2010
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A scenic coastal park with dramatic views of the ocean, rocky shore, torii island, and Katsuura lighthouse.

36 files, last one added on Mar 04, 2010
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After her first Space Shuttle flight in April 2010, astronaut Naoko Yamazaki returned to Japan briefly and included a visit to her hometown of Matsudo, Chiba where she had a homecoming parade on May 22, 2010. NASA photos of her training and STS-131 shuttle mission are also included. Also see my video at YouTube.

146 files, last one added on Jun 05, 2010
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Near JR Matsudo Station is Matsudo Shrine and Edogawa River.

15 files, last one added on May 25, 2010
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The biggest taiko drum festival in the Kanto region is held annually in April. Various taiko drum troupes perform for two full days on various outdoor stages in Narita, including the main stage in front of the Narita-san temple. Most of these pictures were taken on April 9, 2005.

44 files, last one added on May 02, 2005
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Held in July, this is a festival of ornate floats pulled on the streets of Narita and to Narita-san temple. These pictures were taken in 2002.

31 files, last one added on May 02, 2005
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Setsubun bean-throwing festival at Narita-san temple. Celebrities included Yokozuna Musashimaru and actresses Riho Makise. Taken on Feb. 3, 2001.

14 files, last one added on May 02, 2005
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Narita-san Shinshoji Temple is Chiba Prefecture's most famous temple, location of most of Narita's major festivals. It also has a large Japanese garden, including cherry blossoms.

21 files, last one added on May 02, 2005
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Other pictures of Narita city including the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences near Narita International Airport.

12 files, last one added on May 02, 2005
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Onjuku is a well-known beach town famous for its beach and ama women divers (no longer topless).

39 files, last one added on Feb 21, 2009
Album viewed 64 times

This hadaka (nude) festival held on Feb. 25 has a unique is being a mud festival. Men wearing loincloths wrestle in the mud in a rice paddy. They also make it fashionable to have mud on your face.

36 files, last one added on Feb 27, 2005
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Originally built in 1604 by Lord Takatora Todo, Imabari Castle today is still a very good castle complex with great views of the city and Inland Sea. The castle tower was reconstructed in 1980. Unfortunately, my camera lens had a fogging problem.

15 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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Other sights in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture.

18 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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Proudly overlooking the city, Matsuyama Castle took 26 years to complete in 1602. It gives great views of the Inland Sea.

6 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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This is a small, but very scenic island 400 meters off the coast of Matsuyama.

9 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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Originally completed in 1601 by master castle builder Lord Todo Takatora. The castle tower is small, but designated as an Important Cultural Asset. It gives great views of the city and bay. Unfortunately, my camera lens had a fogging problem.

11 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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Other sights in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture. Uwajima was the home of the Ehime Maru boat which was sunk by the USS Greeneville submarine in Hawaii in Feb. 2001. I visited Uwajima before the accident.

5 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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Fukui Castle has been largely taken over by the prefectural government and police department with huge buildings which totally ruin the castle's historical significance and scenery. What remains, the moat and stone walls and foundations, are impressive.

38 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Photos of Fukui Station area, Fukui Shrine, etc.

11 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Japan has a number of places named "Obama," and the city of Obama in Fukui Prefecture has played up its coincidence of its name with new US President Barack Obama. A citizens' group called "Obama wo Katte ni Oen Suru Kai" (Obama Informal Booster Association) has been active in promoting the city on the presidential candidate's and later president-elect's coattails. They even formed the Obama Girls and Obama Boys hula troupe. These pictures were taken on Jan. 20, 2009 when they celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama. Also see my video at YouTube.

71 files, last one added on Jan 21, 2009
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Obama has some notable sights like Obama Castle ruins, Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf, lookout deck at Obama Park, Saba Kaido, and more.

72 files, last one added on Jan 21, 2009
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Featuring Japan's oldest surviving castle tower although it collapsed during the Fukui Earthquake in 1948. Rebuilt in 1955 with most of the original materials. Originally built in 1576 by Shibata Katsutoyo and also called Kasumiga-jo (Misty Castle).

58 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Spectacular, natural rock columns and walls on the coast. Hiking trails and boat rides give you a closer look at this rare natural monument. Tojimbo is accessible by bus from JR Awara Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Line.

5 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Held during the Bon season in Aug., toro nagashi is candle-lit paper lanterns floated on the ocean as a Buddhist offering to the spirits of the deceased. Tsuruga holds its mass toro nagashi (6,000 lanterns) on its famous Kehi no Matsubara beach at 6:30 pm, and then shoots off a grand fireworks display. Photos taken on Aug. 16, 2006. Also see the video at YouTube.

31 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Tsuruga has a number of attractions.

3 files, last one added on Sep 02, 2006
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Although a few turrets and stone walls remain, much of the castle grounds is now occupied by sports facilities and schools.

23 files, last one added on Jan 22, 2006
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Other sights of Fukuoka city such as Hakata dolls, sumo, etc.

14 files, last one added on Jan 22, 2006
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Built in 1602 by Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki. the castle tower was reconstructed in 1959. Near JR Kokura Station.

5 files, last one added on Apr 05, 2010
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Other sights in Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.

3 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2006
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In Aizu-Wakamatsu, it is called Tsuruga-jo Castle. Outside the city, many call it Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle. The official name is Wakamatsu Castle. Lord Gamo Ujisato (from Shiga Prefecture) in 1593 built most of the castle and renamed it Tsurugajo. The castle tower was reconstructed in 1965 and serves as a castle history museum. In 2001, the Hoshii Yagura turret and the Minami Hashiri Nagaya corridor were also reconstructed.

117 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
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In 1868, a unit of teenage warriors called Byakkotai (White Tiger Battalion) fought against the Emperor-backed Imperial forces encroaching their domain of Aizu. The Byakkotai were outnumbered and forced to retreat. Twenty of them escaped to Iimoriyama Hill where they saw what looked liked a burning Tsurugajo Castle which actually had not fallen yet. In despair, the boys decided to kill themselves rather than die in the hands of the enemy. Their tombstones are on this hill near where they killed themselves. Their story has become legend.

62 files, last one added on Dec 06, 2007
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Native of Hino, Shiga Prefecture, Lord Gamo (Gamoh) Ujisato (1556-1595) is best known for building Aizu-Wakamatsu (Tsurugajo) Castle and founding Aizu-Wakamatsu. He suddenly died at age 40. One theory says that he was poisoned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

16 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
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Other sights in Aizu-Wakamatsu.

21 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
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Held on the first Fri. and Sat. of Aug., the Fukushima Waraji Matsuri is mainly an evening parade of dancers. During Aug. 7-8, 2009, the 40th Fukushima Waraji Festival was held. I saw it on the second day. Waraji are straw sandals. Also see my YouTube video here.

37 files, last one added on Jun 06, 2010
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Fukushima Station, Tanabata Matsuri Star Festival along Paseo Road and Bunka-dori in early Aug., and bird's eye views of the city.

36 files, last one added on Sep 09, 2009
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A series of small ponds with very deep and rich colors, like emerald green/blue. Pleasant hiking trails lead to a variety of ponds. Part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park.

17 files, last one added on Dec 06, 2006
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From May 11 to Oct. 15, the famous Nagara River Ukai cormorant fishing is performed by fishing masters. In the evenings, you can ride on a boat on Nagaragawa River to watch them fish ayu sweetfish with a bright torch and the birds diving and catching the fish in their throats. Also see my YouTube video here.

68 files, last one added on Aug 23, 2008
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Gifu Castle is a mountaintop castle on Mt. Kinkazan in central Gifu city. It was once the residence of Lord Dosan Saito and later Nobunaga Oda. The present castle was reconstructed as a ferro-concrete building in 1956. The castle commands spectacular views of Gifu. Accessible by ropeway. Also see the video at YouTube.

23 files, last one added on Jul 24, 2005
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Ogaki Castle is said to have been built in 1535 by Lord Miyagawa Yasusada. It served as the base for the Ishida Mitsunari's western forces during the Sekigahara War in 1600. The original castle was a National Treasure until it was destroyed during the war in 1945. The castle tower was reconstructed in 1959. Very pretty during cherry blossom season. Near JR Ogaki Station.

71 files, last one added on Apr 27, 2009
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This promenade is a 2.2 km walking path from Ogaki Station to Matsuo Basho's final point in his Oku-no-Hosomichi journey. It follows along the Suimon River and is especially pretty during cherry blossom season when rides on wooden tub boats (tarai-bune) are offered.

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Ogaki's biggest festival held on May 9-10 features eleven ornate floats called "yama." They are paraded along the streets in central Ogaki. Highlights include karakuri mechanical doll performances atop the floats and the floats lit up at night with paper lanterns. Held by Hachiman Jinja Shrine. Also see my YouTube video of karakuri puppets here and of children's dances here.

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According to legend, Sunomata Castle was built overnight by Toyotomi Hideyoshi while he was still an lowly samurai. Sunomata Ichiya Castle was reconstructed in April 1991. Now a local history museum. Accessible by Gifu Bus (W65 on Obusa Sunomata Route) from JR Gifu Station and Ogaki Station. Get off at Sunomata bus stop.

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Other sights in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture. Includes Ogaki Keirinjo or Ogaki Cycling Stadium where bicycle races are held.

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One of Japan's most pivotal battles took place here on Oct. 21, 1600 (Sept. 15 of Keicho 5) between Tokugawa Ieyasu's Eastern Forces and Toyotomi Hideyoshi loyalist Ishida Mitsunari's Western Forces. Ieyasu's victory in the Battle of Sekigahara sealed Japan's historical fate for the next 250 years. The former battlefield is dotted with monuments indicating the positions of various warlords during the battle.

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On Oct. 19, 2008, the town of Sekigahara held a special two-day festival to commemorate the Battle of Sekigahara. These photos were taken on the second day when a procession and mock battle were staged. Matchlock gun battalions added to the colorful drama. Also see my YouTube video here.

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This is an outdoor park with larger-than-life, painted concrete sculptures depicting the Battle of Sekigahara between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari. The battlefield is not geographically recreated. Admission charged.

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Small but pleasant and popular cavern especially in summer when it is cool inside the cavern. Various rock formations and clear spring water are highlights. Admission charged.

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Imasu-juku was the fifty-ninth of the sixty-nine stations or shukuba post towns of the Nakasendo Road. It follows Sekigahara-juku and comes before Kashiwabara-juku in Shiga Pref. Today, it has very few remnants of its Nakasendo past. It is between Sekigahara and Kashiwabara Stations on the JR Tokaido Line.

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Other sights in Sekigahara, Gifu Pref. such as Fuwa-no-seki site and museum.

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World Heritage Site for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs.

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One of the main attractions of Shirakawa-go, this privately-owned house is the largest gassho-zukuri house in Shirakawa-go. The Wada family still live in the house while much of the house is open to the public. See the huge attic where they used to produce silk.

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Large Buddhist temple with a thatched roof.

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Shirakawa-go's main source of income is tourism. Many old houses with thatched roofs have been converted into lodging called "minshuku." But looks can be deceiving as the interior is completely modern.

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Central Takayama near Takayama Station is noted for traditional buildings. Many attractions are within walking distance from the station. The Important Traditional Building Preservation Area is popular with tourists.

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Central Takayama's most important traditional building is this former Government House. Originally the palace of Lord Kanamori of Takayama Castle, it was later used by local government administrators from 1692 to 1868. It is a National Historic Site.

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The Takayama Festival is held twice a year, during April 14-15 and Oct. 9-10. The spring festival is held by Hieda Shrine and it is called Sanno Matsuri. The festival features twelve ornate "yatai" floats which are displayed and pulled along the streets. In a large plaza, katakuri puppets perform on a few of the floats. The festival is also dramatic at night with a float procession.

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Famous for its giant torii next to the shinkansen train tracks, this shrine is dedicated to Kanayama-hiko-no-Mikoto 金山彦命. It is the headquarters shrine for all Kanayama Shrines and iron-related shrines in Japan. Many of the buildings are Important Cultural Properties.

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Held on May 2-4, three ornate hikiyama floats are displayed and paraded around town. Young boys also perform in kabuki plays on the floats. May 3 is the main festival day, but May 2 is also a good day to see the matsuri. These photos were taken on May 2, 2009. Also see my YouTube video here.

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Other sights in Tarui town, Gifu, including the Sakura Matsuri with koinobori carp streamers along the river, Takenaka Hanbei's castle remains, and Tarui-juku post town on the Nakasendo.

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Yoro town's most famous attraction is Yoro Park and Yoro (Yoro-no-taki) Falls, especially during cherry blossom season in early April and during the autumn foliage. Yoro was named by Empress Gensho in the 8th century and proclaimed Yoro as the fountain of youth. She even named her era after Yoro (717-724). Even today, Yoronotaki Falls is one of Japan's 100 Famous Waterfalls and 100 Famous Water Springs.

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Held during late April to early May, the Koinobori festival of carp streamers is this town's claim to fame. About 800 colorful carp streamers swim in the sky above a river.

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Ikaho Onsen Spa held the 12th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival during Aug. 3-6, 2008. During the day, numerous Japanese hula groups performed on stage. Hawaiian seminars were also taught by kumu hula Aloha Dalire. In the evenings, Hula Halau 'O Kamuela from Oahu performed as the festival's main event. Ikaho's connection to Hawaii lies with the summer residence of Robert Walker Irwin, the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century.

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The overall winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival held in Hilo, Hawai'i in April is invited to perform at Ikaho's annual Hawaiian Festival in Aug. During the evenings of Aug. 3-6, 2008, Hula Halau 'O Kamuela gave a spellbinding, one-hour performance with numerous costume changes and surprise solo performances by kumu hula Aloha Dalire and Kunewa Mook on different nights.

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Near the entrance to the Stone Steps, Ikaho has the summer home of Robert Walker Irwin, American businessman from Philadelphia, PA and the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century. He oversaw the Japanese immigration to Hawaii during 1885-1894. Part of his summer villa has been preserved here. It is now a small history museum for the Irwin family and Japanese immigration to Hawaii. Open 8:30 to 17:00. Free admission. 渋川市伊香保町伊香保29−5 Tel: 0279-22-2111

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During Aug. 5-7, 2003, Ikaho hosted the 7th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival featuring hula performances by numerous Japanese hula groups. In the evenings, Hawaii's top hula halau (overall winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii) performed as the festival's main event. Ikaho's connection to Hawaii lies with the summer residence of Robert Walker Irwin, the Hawaiian Minister to Japan during the late 19th century.

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Other sights in Ikaho Onsen include the Stone Steps and Mt. Uenoyama.

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Takasaki is one of Japan's leading producers of daruma dolls. This temple symbolizes Takasaki with numerous darumas offered at the temple. The Daruma Museum next to the temple is also interesting.

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Byakui Dai-Kannon means Giant Kannon in white wardrobe. Buiilt in 1936, this giant Kannon statue is almost like a temple itself with 20 Buddha figures inside. You can climb up the stairs inside and see Takasaki from above.

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Pictures of Takasaki Station and other street shots.

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Built in 1622 by Lord Mizuno Katsunari. This is one castle you can see from the bullet train. The castle tower was rebuilt in 1966. A turret and a gate are Important Cultural Assets.

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Scenic Tomonoura is a part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park.

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Miyajima and Itsukaichi Shrine are counted as one of Japan's best three scenic spots.

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Solemn, but beautiful park dedicated to peace and the atomic bomb victims.

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Obviously destroyed during the war, the castle has been reconstructed.

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Only stone walls and a moat remains.

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This Onomichi Castle never existed. It was built in 1964 solely as a tourist attraction. Sadly, the company that owned the castle went bankrupt and the castle is now an abandoned building.

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Hokkaido's main gateway and Japan third busiest airport after Narita and Haneda. Built in 1991 to replace the old Chitose Airport, it still looks very new and modern with a spacious terminal building with loads of shops and restaurants.

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A large history-oriented park with museums, historical buildings, culture center, public library, pool, Japanese garden, and souvenir shops. The Geihinkan Guesthouse 迎賓館 and Kaitaku Kinenkan Museum 開拓記念館 are the main attractions. Cherry blossoms also bloom in May. Date is a city of 37,000, founded in 1870 by a samurai named Date Kunishige and his vassals and citizens who migrated from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.

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A local organization called Date Cosmos 21 collects waste vegetable oil (tempura oil, etc.) for conversion to biodiesel fuel (BDF).

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"Date" is pronounced "DAH-tay." See some photos of Date Mombetsu Station and central Date.

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A port city, Hakodate is a major tourist city featuring many sights including Mt. Hakodate-yama.

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Toyako Onsen is a pleasant hot spring town on the southern shore of Lake Toya in Toyako-cho town. It is the lake's main town and tourist base. Besides numerous lakeshore hotels with hot spring waters, the town has a nice lakeside promenade, splendid views of the Nakajima islands, outdoor sculptures, lake cruises, swan boats, and free hot spring foot and hand baths. A day trip is also viable to enjoy the healthy spa.

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The Ekimae Sanbashi Pier, almost front and center along Toyako Onsen's lake shore, has cruise boats leaving for lake cruises to the Nakajima islands every 30 min. from 8 am to 4:30 pm during April-Oct. During Nov.-April, it operates every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The cruise takes 50 min. if you don't get off to visit the Nakajima islands. Otherwise, allow 80 min. if you want to get also step foot on the Nakajima islands.

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I rented a bicycle at Toyako Onsen and rode around Lake Toya counterclockwise which is easier than going clockwise and the lake view is better on the left side of the road. From the hot spring, I rode through the eastern shore while admiring cherry blossoms (blooming in early May) and plum blossoms (which bloom at the same time as cherries). Lake Toya's east area is part of Sobetsu town.

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Continuing from Lake Toya's east shore, this album completes my counterclockwise cycling trip around the lake as we head north and then to the western shore back to Toyako Onsen. The northern shore has a nature trail, the Toya Mizunoeki tourist rest stop, Ukimido lakeside pagoda, and some beautiful cherry trees along the shore.

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Showa-Shinzan (398 meters high) is a sub-volcano and lava dome of neighboring Mt. Usu. Looking like a bald spot, it was created during 1943-45 from what used to be a flat piece of land. In the valley between Showa-Shinzan and Mt. Usuzan is a tourist village (called Kazan-mura) with souvenir shops and the Usuzan Ropeway terminal. The ropeway takes you up to Mt. Usu where you can see a great views of Showa-Shinzan and Lake Toya. A hiking trail also goes to another crater on Usuzan.

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The Nishiyama Craters are a series of craters on the west side of Mt. Usu, created during the latest eruption in March 2000. A walking trail takes you near the rim of a few craters, including wrecked roads and buildings still remaining. Very impressive with steam still being emitted. Takes 3 min. by bus from Toyako Onsen or 15 min. from Toya Station. The trail takes about 40 min. to walk one-way. Open from April 20 to Nov. 10. Free admission.

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Sobetsu Koen or Park is in Sobetsu-cho town on the eastern shore of Lake Toya. It is a hillside park with numerous ume plum trees and grand views of the lake. The plum trees bloom during early to mid-May, at the same time as cherry blossoms.

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With 24 tournament victories, Kitanoumi was one of sumo's greatest Yokozuna (grand champion) in modern times. "Kitanoumi" means "Lake of the North," and this refers to Lake Toya. Kitanoumi hails from Sobetsu town which is on the lake's eastern shore. This Yokozuna Kitanoumi museum is dedicated to him with numerous photos, memorabalia, and sculpture of Kitanoumi performing the dohyo-iri. The museum also houses the Sobetsu History Museum (壮瞥町郷土史料館).

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During July 7-9, 2008, the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit will be held in Toyako town fronting Lake Toya in Shikotsu-Toya National Park in southwestern Hokkaido. Toyako was selected as the venue for its natural beauty and environment. The Lake Toya area, which includes Toyako and Sobetsu towns, are in a Welcome mode with welcome signs everywhere. A slew of Summit merchandise is also on sale. These photos were taken in early May 2008.

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JR Toya Station is the main railway gateway to the Lake Toya area. It is on the JR Muroran Line. Express trains run from Sapporo and Chitose. The station building has been renovated with a spacious waiting/exhibition room. In 2008, it is in welcome mode for the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit with welcome signs.

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Otaru's most famous sight is this canal. Hard to say what's so special about it, but it's often used as a backdrop in movies and TV dramas. Walkable from Otaru Station.

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Otaru is a living architectural museum. There are numerous old and distinguished buildings which have been preserved. The city has a building code requiring all buildings to be designed to fit in the overall architectural scheme. If you like 19th century and early 20th century architecture, glassware, and/or music boxes, you will love Otaru. The historic buildings are concentrated along the Ironai-dori and Sakai-machi-dori road. A short walk from the Otaru Canal.

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Two historical buildings in Otaru are Important Cultural Properties, and this is one of them. Nippon Yusen, or NYK Line, was and is a major shipping company. This building was their Otaru Branch office, elegant enough to be a State Guesthouse.

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A low, craggy mountain 371 meters high, Mt. Akaiwa faces the ocean and has steep but brief sides for climbing. Almost like rock climbing. The views are beautiful. Near Shukutsu.

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Started in 1950, the Sapporo Snow Festival is Japan's grandest and most famous winter festival. I finally saw it again, the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival held during Feb. 5-11, 2010. Being from Hawaii, I was compelled to see it this year because one of the sculptures was Hawaii's Iolani Palace made of ice. Other giant sculptures included buildings in Germany and Korea.

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Hawaii's most famous building, the Iolani Palace, was built out of ice at the 2010 Sapporo Snow Festival. It was the second time for the palace to be featured at the snow festival. The first time was at the 1982 Sapporo Snow Festival. I saw it both times, and it was awesome both times. Also see my YouTube video here.

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The city's most famous and popular park. A real nice oasis in the city, especially during the warmer months with water fountains, flowers, green grass, and sunshine. Also the site of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. See how it looks in spring. Includes views from the Sapporo TV Tower.

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Symbol of Sapporo, the Clock Tower was built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College established largely by three Americans from Massachusetts: Dr. Willian S. Clark, William Wheeler, and David P. Penhallow. The clock in the tower is the original, installed in 1881. Its chime sounds the same as over a century ago. Near Odori Park.

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Built in 1888, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building is one of Hokkaido's most famous buildings. With its red brick walls, it stands out among Sapporo's more modern buildings. Several of its rooms are open to the public mainly as a museum. An Important Cultural Property. Near Sapporo Station and Ekimae-dori. Free admission.

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Nicknamed "Satsu-eki," Sapporo Station came of age in 2003 with a new mega station building boasting a built-in department store, the JR Tower with fine views from the lookout deck, shops and restaurants, and a spacious tourist info office. It is Hokkaido's busiest and grandest train station which is more like shopping complex rather than a train station.

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Ekimae-dori is the main drag from Sapporo Station heading south toward Odori Park, Susukino, and Nakajima Park. Shops, department stores, offices, shopping arcades, and night life abound along this stimulating strip.

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A tourist attraction in a Sapporo suburb, famous for the statue of Dr. William Clark saying "Boys, Be Ambitious." The place also has the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum. Accessible by bus from Fukuzumi Station (Toho subway line).

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Visible from Akashi Station, Akashi Castle was first built in 1619 by Lord Ogasawara Tadamasa (later renamed Tadazane 小笠原忠真）. Only two turrets, stone walls, and moats survive. It is within Akashi Park.

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Other places and sights in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture.

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Himeji Castle is Japan's most beautiful, famous, and photogenic building. It is Japan's best preserved feudal castle and a National Treasure and World Heritage Site.

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Pictures of other sights in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.

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Near Sannomiya Station, Kitano is a district dotted with numerous Western-style homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when foreigners were allowed to reside in Kobe. Many homes are open to tourists.

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On Jan. 17, 1995, the Kobe area was devastated by a huge earthquake, killing over 6,000 people. I visited Kobe 10 days after the quake hit. I show these photos on the 15th anniversary of the killer quake.

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One of Japan's three most famous gardens, Kairakuen is especially noted for thousands of plum blossom trees which bloom in Feb. and March. It also has the Kobuntei Villa with exquisite Japanese-style paintings on paper sliding doors.

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This shrine in Oarai is best known for its torii at sea. Pictures of the torii at sunrise is a town trademark. The ocean is rough and it is indeed a dramatic surrounding for a torii.

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Oarai is a pleasant sea resort near Mito. Besides the famous torii in the ocean, the town boasts fresh sea food and other attractions.

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One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Tsukuba is an easy day trip from Tokyo. The mountain has two wedded peaks, Nantai (male) and Nyotai (female). You can either climb up to the peak or take the convenient and low-cost cable car or ropeway up to one of the peaks.

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A big, two-day August festival in this modern city on the outskirts of Tokyo featuring diverse dance groups, bazaar, street performances, hula dancing, and food stalls. The climax is a nebuta parade in the evening. Everything is near Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Express). I went on the second day on Aug. 30, 2009.

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Occupying a huge plot of land in the center of the city, the castle has undergone extensive renovations and reconstruction. The main castle buildings are now magnificently restored.

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Walk through this huge park to tour not only the castle, but also the many different stone walls and lookout points where the turrets used to be.

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Adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenrokuen is one of Japan's three most famous gardens.

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Kanazawa has many other sights besides the castle and Kenrokuen Garden.

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Kamaishi has its own Giant Kannon statue overlooking the beautiful bay.

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Nestled in a dramatic and rocky bay, this is a pebble beach popular in summer.

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Beachfront park famous for the giant Zenigata Sunae sand sculpture of an old coin.

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A port town facing the Seto Inland Sea, Sakaide is also host to the Shikoku end of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

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Famous for olives, this is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. Kankakei Gorge is one of Japan's most famous views.

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One of Japan's most beautiful and famous parks (more like a garden).

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